“Having delivered growth, innovation and transformation in high technology businesses, it is an honour for me to be joining MBDA, a truly world-leading European missile systems company," Beranger said.

"As a champion of European industrial integration, I am looking forward to bringing all my knowledge, experience and energy to MBDA – the benchmark of successful European integration within the defence sector.”

“Eric joins MBDA with an excellent track-record and we wish him a very warm welcome. Antoine has led MBDA through more than a decade of business growth and his personal commitment and contribution has ensured the continued development of MBDA as a global player and European champion in the field of missiles and missile systems," MBDA chairman Chris Boardman.

"On behalf of the MBDA board and the executive and management committees, I would like to thank Antoine for all his achievements and wish him every success in his new role.”

Bouvier is returning to Airbus as head of strategy after serving as CEO of MBDA since June 2007.

“This is an emotional departure for me and I want to thank all the teams in each of our domestic countries who have, through their work and commitment, enabled us to turn this group into a model of European co-operation and integration," Bouvier said.

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"I am confident that Eric, together with the MBDA board and the executive team, will continue to pursue this successful strategy.”