UK Defence News Round-up: Week 13

SEA Wins ￡135m MoD Contract for Royal Navy Defence

Barnstaple-based defence technology firm, SEA (Systems Engineering and Assessment), a subsidiary of Cohort plc, has clinched a significant ￡135m contract from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). The contract aims to enhance the defensive capabilities of Royal Navy surface ships and will secure over 150 skilled jobs.

The contract focuses on the provision of a Trainable Decoy Launcher, leveraging SEA's Ancilla system. Ancilla, known for its modular and adaptable maritime countermeasures, has been chosen by the MoD to deliver the Electronic Warfare Countermeasures Increment 1a (EWCM 1a) for the UK Royal Navy.

Designed to offer swift and efficient protection against contemporary anti-ship threats and advanced tactical systems, Ancilla will be integrated across various Royal Navy surface vessels. The system's design draws on SEA's extensive expertise in existing Royal Navy systems.

SEA, in collaboration with Chess Dynamics, will handle the manufacturing and export of Ancilla. Production will take place at facilities located in North Devon and Sussex.

Richard Flitton, SEA's managing director, expressed his pride in the company's selection, stating, "This contract underscores the Royal Navy's confidence in SEA, built on our consistent delivery and enhancement of top-tier maritime capabilities. Our team's profound maritime expertise has fostered a strong and enduring relationship with the Royal Navy. We are thrilled to further bolster the UK's defence against contemporary naval threats."

Chess Dynamics, renowned for its precision movement systems in intricate environments, provided the trainable platform essential for Ancilla’s deployment. David Tuddenham, Chess Dynamics' managing director, commented on the collaboration, saying, "We're proud to contribute our technical prowess to this protective solution for the UK. Our history of crafting high-precision platforms aligns perfectly with innovative solutions like Ancilla. Collaborating with our Cohort partner, SEA, on this venture has been truly rewarding."

Survitec to Equip Babcocks Type-31 Frigates

Survitec, a renowned provider of survival technology, has secured a substantial contract to supply its state-of-the-art survival equipment to five Type 31 Frigates constructed by Babcock for the Royal Navy.

The agreement entails the production and delivery of four 100-person and four 25-person life rafts for each frigate. Survitec's life rafts are meticulously tested and validated to meet the most rigorous safety and performance criteria. Additionally, the contract includes the provision of six scramble nets and ladders for each vessel.

Notably, this long-term contract with Babcock extends beyond 2028, highlighting the enduring commitment to the Type 31 Frigate programme. These multi-role frigates are designed to enhance the UK's maritime defence capabilities and will operate alongside destroyers and aircraft carriers. The maiden frigate is set to launch this year, marking a significant advancement in the UK's naval modernisation initiatives.

Dom Cartwright, Executive Managing Director - Aerospace and Defence at Survitec, commented on the contract, stating, "This partnership underscores the UK Government's dedication to fortifying the nation's defence sector and improving the safety and operational efficiency of its naval forces. Survitec's involvement in the Type 31 Frigate programme reflects our 160-year legacy of technical expertise and manufacturing excellence, demonstrating our commitment to innovation in protecting naval operations and personnel."

Survitec will also offer comprehensive after-sales support, including maintenance and servicing, utilizing its expansive global service network. Martin Beagan, Regional Head of UK Sales - Aerospace and Defence at Survitec, expressed pride in Babcock's decision to collaborate with Survitec. He stated, "Being selected by Babcock for this vital project underscores the trust our British partners place in the reliability and versatility of Survitec's Survival Technology."

The Type 31 programme aims to deliver a design capable of attracting international orders, thereby bolstering the UK economy and supporting domestic employment opportunities. Beagan further emphasized Survitec's commitment to global expansion, saying, "This contract reinforces our determination to showcase the quality of our Survival Technology on the international stage."

UK Space Agency Opens New HQ and Regional Offices

The UK Space Agency is set to establish a new headquarters at the Harwell Science Campus in Oxfordshire and open regional offices across Scotland, Wales, and the Midlands. This strategic move aligns with the government's Levelling Up agenda, aiming to bolster the nation's burgeoning space sector while fostering regional employment and skills development.

The UK's space industry is on an upward trajectory, outpacing the broader UK economy with an annual value exceeding ￡17.5 billion and providing employment for nearly 49,000 individuals. Satellites alone support economic activities worth ￡360 billion annually.

The Harwell headquarters is slated to commence operations in June, while the regional offices at William Morgan House in Cardiff and Space Park Leicester are set to open this April. The Edinburgh office at Queen Elizabeth House will follow suit later in the summer.

Andrew Griffith MP, Minister for Space at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, commented on the choice of Harwell for the agency's new headquarters. He noted Harwell's existing status as a collaborative hub, housing over 100 research organizations and supporting 1,400 jobs, making it an ideal location for the UK Space Agency.

The expanded infrastructure is expected to unlock opportunities in high-growth areas such as Earth observation and satellite broadband. It will also position the UK as a pioneer in emerging sectors like in-orbit spacecraft servicing, active space debris removal, and the burgeoning lunar economy, aligning with the country's goals for a greener, smarter, and more inclusive space sector.

In response to the announcement, Scotland's space sector celebrated its ongoing growth, with nearly ￡40 million in increased income and over 100 new high-skilled jobs supported by the UK Government. Meanwhile, the new Cardiff office presents a transformative opportunity for the Welsh space industry, acting as a catalyst to amplify successes and foster partnerships with the UK Space Agency to elevate the sector to unprecedented heights.

UK MOD Seeks Counter-Drone Tech for Soldiers

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has announced a tender for Counter-Uncrewed Air Systems (C-uAS) to bolster the defensive capabilities of troops against drone threats. Spearheaded by the 'Dismounted Close Combat (DCC) Team', the initiative focuses on acquiring "Electro-Magnetic DETECT and/or DEFEAT (EMDaD) capabilities" and related equipment.

The MOD's tender, set under a Framework Agreement, spans a seven-year duration with an estimated budget of up to ￡38.75 million, excluding VAT. The contract aims to source various products from multiple suppliers, with the MOD planning to scrutinize proposed products through rigorous trials and assessments, either internally or via designated third parties.

In addition to product procurement, the MOD plans to award a separate service contract to a UK-based supplier. This contract will oversee the comprehensive trial and assessment of all acquired equipment, streamlining the evaluation process to ensure the effectiveness of the equipment.

Highlighting the project's cybersecurity stance, the MOD has categorized the cyber risk level as "Very Low." This classification underscores the security expectations and requirements for potential suppliers.

Suppliers interested in participating are encouraged to register their interest and access detailed procurement information through the MOD’s e-Tendering system. The move reaffirms the MOD's commitment to transparency and inclusivity in its procurement endeavours.

?That's a wrap! Hope you all had a great bank holiday weekend! Have a great short week.