MBDA Inc., the wholly-owned US subsidiary of missile manufacturer MBDA, has purchased Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Viper Strike munitions business, located in Huntsville, Alabama.

The Viper Strike purchase is MBDA Inc.’s first acquisition in the US and is part of the company’s growth strategy. That strategy is based on a combination of acquisitions, organic growth, and partnerships with other US prime contractors. The move will help position MBDA as a leading precision munitions firm in the US and gives the company a stronger capability in the growing market to create and produce new weapons for unmanned aerial systems (UASs).

The Viper Strike Business Unit facilities, located in the city of Huntsville and on the US Army’s Redstone Arsenal, will allow MBDA to design, build and assemble complete precision-guided weapons in one location, as well as bring in new business to the MBDA Huntsville facilities.

Jerry Agee, CEO of MBDA Inc. said, “Acquiring the combat proven Viper Strike weapon system and facility allows us to take an important step in our strategy to research, design and produce the world’s finest weapons that meet the current and future needs of US armed forces. The Viper Strike line is a perfect addition to our portfolio and allows us entrée into the fast growing armed UAS business segment.”