The DUP MP said, "These contracts relate to cutting-edge technologies and it is hugely significant that Belfast is at the centre of this work. Thales have a fantastic record in terms of innovation and this announcement is testament to that.
As part of a consortium from across the United Kingdom, Thales are looking not to the immediate years ahead, but to the challenges future decades will bring. They will be playing a central role in contributing to the UK's defence capabilities, but also further cementing East Belfast's place at the heart of Northern Ireland's defence industry.
Companies such as Thales are already home to world-class talent and contracts such as this will continue that and provide fantastic opportunities for engineers and specialists working in this field."