Who are MBDA?
MBDA is a leading provider of missiles and missile systems to each branch of the UK military, as well as those of many of its allies.
It’s the sovereign responsibility of our governments and armed forces to defend our nations against any threats to ensure our freedom, safety and security, and as a leading company in the defence industry we support our nations by delivering essential military capabilities, both for today and the future.
Our work helps protect our people, armies and nations - helping secure a safer tomorrow for everyone. At MBDA, we‘re doing this together: As individuals, as a team, as a directorate, as a national company and as an European group.
Where are the MBDA UK sites?
MBDA UK has three primary sites: Stevenage, Bristol and Bolton. We also have corporate offices in London, and other smaller sites around the UK such as Henlow (Hertfordshire).
To be the European missile systems champion and a global player.
To operate as a trusted part of the defence community in our home nations and with their allies; providing decisive military capability to protect national security and enable strategic independence.
Below are just some of our awards we are proud to have achieved as a nationally recognised UK employer.
Make sure to explore our Stories page for our latest news and achievements.
We’re developing cutting-edge solutions that respond to the threats of today and tomorrow by pushing the limits of science, engineering and technology. Together we are helping to protect the people who protect our nations.
We’re driven by excellence to meet the needs of our customers – both today and in the future – which brings challenges and opportunities for every single one of us in a truly unique environment. And together, we take great pride in the role we play, because what we do matters.
As an acronym MBDA stands for Matra BAe Dynamics Aerospatiale.
MBDA was formed as a merger and consolidation of the missile divisions of the below companies:
We may be biased, but we believe so! We work hard every day to ensure we are not only deliver excellence to our customers, but also to our people.
We are proud of the inclusive, and increasingly diverse workforce we have grown since 2001, and we are constantly evolving policies, practices and support to meet the needs of our people across each of our UK sites.
In additional to regular internal employee surveys, we benchmark ourselves against other employers both in and out of the defence sector. We are very proud to have achieved numerous employer awards, including as a 'very big organisation' in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026, and as a Great British Employer of Veterans 2026 (top 15).
You can find more of our employer awards, accolades and partnerships in the awards section above, or on our Belonging page.
MBDA is owned by three major European aerospace and defense companies: Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo.
The exact ownership breakdown is as follows:
MBDA designs and manufactures missiles and missile systems for a variety of allied nations' militaries.
Our products have extensive life-cycles and we work closely with each branch of the Armed Forces to ensure maximum operational effectiveness.
For a more detailed understanding of the weapons we produce, please visit the product pages of our MBDA corporate website.
Due to the nature of our work, we have very stringent security protocols and restrictions.
The best way to visit one of our UK sites is to sign up for one of our careers open days. Check our events page or blogs for details of any upcoming events.
