UK Defence News Round-up: Week 3

QinetiQ Secures ￡10M MoD Contract for Underwater Acoustic Targets at BUTEC

QinetiQ, a UK-based science and technology company specializing in defence solutions, will play a key role in enhancing naval forces' efficiency by simulating real-world scenarios for sonar operators and torpedo systems through the UMAT program.

With a history dating back to the Royal Navy's early days, QinetiQ brings innovation and experience to the forefront, ensuring naval forces are well-prepared for the challenges posed by the acoustic labyrinth of the seas.

The Spearfish Heavyweight Torpedo, a technological marvel developed by the Royal Navy, serves as the guardian beneath the waves, equipped with a pump-jet propulsion system and Hamilton Sundstrand 21TP04 gas turbine engine.

BUTEC, situated in Scotland's Inner Sound, has been a silent guardian since the 1970s, rigorously testing submarines, weapons, and sonar systems for the Royal Navy. QinetiQ's role at BUTEC involves leveraging cutting-edge technology to ensure each trial yields invaluable insights.

As naval forces navigate the ever-shifting depths, BUTEC remains a cornerstone, ensuring that the Royal Navy stays ahead in the silent war beneath the waves. The partnership between the MoD and QinetiQ is expected to further advance underwater technology and maintain the readiness of naval forces in challenging environments.

Computacenter Lands ￡150M Defence Digital Services Contract

?Over the four-year duration, the contract will revolutionize digital services for MOD personnel globally, covering tens of thousands of laptops and desktop computers from headquarters to the front line.

This strategic initiative is expected to create additional job opportunities at Computacenter's Hatfield and Nottingham sites.

The contract is designed to bring about an ￡84 million reduction in operating costs, offering Defence personnel a high-quality, secure, and sustainable service. Its implementation will empower Defence to respond more swiftly to evolving needs and market conditions. This move aligns with the MOD's broader shift from large, aggregated contracts to more manageable and measurable agreements, enhancing organizational flexibility.

The Defence Digital improvement program, a key priority for the MOD, is being fuelled by an annual investment exceeding ￡4 billion in digital transformation. Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, highlighted the critical role of digital transformation in ensuring.

high-quality, rapidly accessible global data, essential for enhancing fighting power and contributing to deterrence, resilience, and national prosperity.

MOD Chief Information Officer, Charles Forte, emphasized that the new relationship with Computacenter is a pivotal element in the ongoing progress of bringing new business into the team. It underscores the commitment to modernization and innovation, ultimately delivering greater value for

money to internal customers. ?The contract is expected to elevate performance standards and accelerate access across 220,000 devices, encompassing laptops, desktops, peripherals, and software applications.

MoD Awards ￡350K Contract for UAS Navigation in GNSS-Challenged Environments

The contract aims to address operational challenges faced by military UAS in scenarios with potential GNSS jamming, spoofing, or disruption, seeking to develop systems capable of functioning seamlessly in all possible scenarios.

The contract has been split between two suppliers, with Blue Bear Systems Research in Bedford and Sios Aerospace in Tauranga each receiving ￡172,500 for their contributions. The competitive procurement process attracted five offers in total.

The project's objective is to create a resilient navigation system capable of operating over land and sea, day and night, and in poor visibility conditions, independent of GNSS services that may be jammed, spoofed, or disrupted.

While specific details regarding the project's duration and delivery terms were not provided, the contract reflects the MoD's ongoing commitment to enhancing technological capabilities and operational resilience within its UAS fleet amid evolving threats and challenges.

Team Resolute Awards GE Contract for Hybrid Propulsion on FSS Ships

Team Resolute has awarded General Electric Company’s GE unit, GE Vernova’s UK based Power Conversion business, a contract to provide advanced hybrid propulsion technology for three Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships.

This partnership supports the U.K. Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) objective of enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of its naval operations.

Team Resolute, consisting of Navantia, BMT, and Harland & Wolff, was formed to support the ￡1.6 billion FSS project, aiming to deliver three Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships for the U.K. MOD. The ships will incorporate advanced energy-efficient technologies to minimise power consumption and reduce carbon emissions using low-carbon and sustainable energy sources.

GE Vernova’s hybrid-electric propulsion technology aligns perfectly with the U.K.'s objectives for the new ship class. This technology will enhance energy efficiency, optimize power utilization, and support the multirole missions of the ships.

Under the contract, GE Vernova will design and manufacture Sea Pulse Active Front-End power converters and Power Take-Off/Power Take-In hybrid electric induction motor generators for the FSS ships. The deal also includes commissioning, testing, sea trials, and integrated logistics support services to facilitate the integration of hybrid propulsion technology into the ships.

The delivery of the electric propulsion equipment for the first FSS ship is expected in 2025, followed by the second and third ships in 2026 and 2027.

DE&S Awards RBSL Contract for Challenger 3 Tank Armour

The armour system, designed in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), represents a significant advancement in survivability for the Main Battle Tank.

Following initial integration trials in 2023, RBSL will proceed with testing, manufacturing, and integrating the new armour onto Challenger 3 tanks.

?The modular armour is expected to enhance the tank's survivability, providing increased protection against the most dangerous threats it may encounter. Challenger 3 is slated to be a crucial component of the Army’s Future Armoured Brigade Combat Teams and the UK’s contribution to NATO deterrence.

The contract aligns with the Land Industry Strategy, contributing to British intellectual property, supporting the national supply chain, and securing skills within the UK. Up to 58 jobs in Newcastle and Telford will be supported during the initial manufacturing phase, with potential for further opportunities if export orders are secured.

The Challenger 3 programme not only signifies the delivery of a cutting-edge Main Battle Tank but also contributes to the regeneration of critical industrial capabilities in the UK. This initiative leverages British engineering and manufacturing expertise, sustaining valuable skills across the country. The enhanced armour contract is expected to establish a world-class industrial capability for the manufacture of advanced armour solutions.

A busy week this week, and a cold one! Hope everyone stays safe if there's ice, roll on the lighter evenings!

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