The UK MoD and French DGA MCM-ITP (Materials and Components for missiles – Innovation & Technology Partnership), launched at the end of 2007, is a 5 year R&T programme focussed on the development of future missile technologies.

The programme is managed by MBDA, in partnership with key French and British companies in the sector (Thales Airborne Systems, Thales Missile Electronics, Selex-Galileo, Roxel, Microturbo SAS, QinetiQ and Nexter Munitions).

With a research budget of approximately 14M€ per year, the MCM-ITP aims to consolidate the European Guided Weapon capability by strengthening the technological base and allowing better understanding of common future needs.

The main objective of the programme is to mature a portfolio of cutting-edge technologies, which hold the promise of major advances in the complex weapons domain.

The programme is split into eight research domains:

The programme is funded equally by the governments and the industrial partners and is composed of research projects on the innovative and exploratory technologies and techniques for future missiles requiring strong participation from SMEs and academia.

After the launch of four Tasks of studies the MCM-ITP now comprises more than 60 research projects involving about a hundred French and UK participants, of which close to 30% are from SMEs and academia. Additional Tasks will be launched in 2010, 2011 and 2012. 13 new organisations have joined the programme since the last conference in Lille, June 2009.

If you have expertise in any of these areas and want to know more about getting involved in this cutting edge defence programme then attend the 2010 MCM-ITP conference.

Download the 2010 MCM ITP Handbook