Infrastructure and in-service maintenance support for ASRAAM missiles carried by Royal Air Force fighters has been contracted from MBDA.

Missile-maker MBDA, which is owned by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Finmeccanica, said the five-year award is worth more than $63.9 million and sustains "multiple" jobs at company facilities throughout Britain.

"This contract is more positive news for MBDA and the United Kingdom's Complex Weapons sector," added Minister for Defense Equipment, Support and Technology Philip Dunne. "It will sustain a number of highly skilled jobs and is another example of the Ministry of Defense's continuing commitment to British technology.

"ASRAAM continues to provide the Royal Air Force with crucial battle-winning capability for within-visual-range combat missions. This contract will enable MBDA to maintain the skills required to ensure that the RAF continues to perform at its very best on operations."

The Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile was developed by MBDA, which continues its manufacture.

The contract awarded is the second for ASRAAM support issued to MBDA by the MOD.