AgustaWestland’s U.K. unit will integrate, test and install highly advanced anti-ship missiles for Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters under an approximately $90 million contract, in the first new collaborative equipment project following the Anglo-French summit in January.

The project, to employ about 300 jobs in the United Kingdom, will be integrating the precision future anti-surface guided missiles (FASGW) both heavy and light versions.

In March, MBDA was awarded an $830 million contract to develop and produce the FASGW heavy missile.

Thales won an $81 million contract in June to develop the FASGW light missile.

The missiles can target small boats, fast attack craft and land targets. Each Wildcat helicopter can carry as many as 20 missiles.

AgustaWestland will be integrating, testing and installing the FASGW missiles on new 28 Wildcat helicopters by 2020. AgustaWestland is the original equipment manufacturer of the Wildcat.

The missiles would replace the Navy’s Sea Skua missile toward the end of the decade, and also replace the French Navy AS 15TT.

At the Farnborough International Air Show July 16, Minister for Defense Equipment, Support and Technology Philip Dunne said: “FASGW state-of-the-art missiles will provide Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters with unparalleled strike capabilities. I take great pride that these missiles are being made in Britain by British experts, with more than 300 jobs sustained from Belfast to Somerset.”

Dunne added: “These missiles are also evidence of our close partnership and growing interoperability with France. This was further strengthened yesterday when the [former] Defense Secretary signed further understandings to bolster co-operation for acquisition and support of military equipment.”

AgustaWestland is part of Finmeccanica, which also holds 25 percent of MBDA. BAE Systems and Airbus Group each hold 37.5 percent of MBDA.