UK Defence and Security: News Round-up Week 10 (2023)

A few of the top stories from last week in the UK Aerospace, Defence and Security sector.

Boeing and Airbus join forces to compete for UK helicopter contract

Boeing Co and Airbus SE, its European competitor, have formed a partnership to bid for a UK government contract that involves providing helicopters to the Royal Air Force and British Army, according to a joint statement released on Monday. The contract aims to replace the Puma HC Mk2, the twin-engine medium transport helicopter currently in use, with a newer fleet. The statement did not reveal the contract's size.

In January, Airbus Chief Executive Guillaume Faury presented the company's proposal in London, stating that if Airbus secured the bid, its Broughton facility would become the sole assembly site for its H175M choppers worldwide. If Airbus's offer to build a military version of its H175M super-medium helicopter is accepted, Boeing Defence UK will provide aircrew, ground crew, and maintenance training, according to the companies. Steve Burnell, managing director of Boeing Defence UK, stated that as a member of the H175M Task Force, they anticipate utilizing their existing expertise to ensure the readiness and availability of the UK's future helicopter fleets. Babcock International and Spirit AeroSystems, aerospace firms, are already part of the task force, which Airbus established in July of last year.

Shadow crews to benefit from UK-based training secured by DE&S

Royal Air Force crews set to operate the updated Shadow Mk2 surveillance aircraft fleet are poised to benefit from a tailored UK-based training system, according to recent news. The Shadow Mk1 fleet, which provides the Ministry of Defence (MOD) with critical intelligence gathering, is being expanded and modernized, with Shadow Mk2 scheduled to be commissioned in 2024 under a ￡110M contract awarded to Raytheon UK in 2021. The contract is set to create 150 highly skilled jobs, including specialist aerospace skills and apprenticeships at Raytheon's Broughton facility in North Wales, as well as hundreds more within the Wales and wider-UK supply chain.

Currently, Royal Air Force personnel travel abroad for simulator training, but a new ￡11.5M contract awarded by the Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) to Raytheon UK will enable crews to train on a Full Flight Simulator for Shadow Mk2 in the UK, thus removing the need for overseas travel. Ernie Housley, Shadow team head at DE&S, expressed pride in DE&S's role in providing critical training for Shadow crews in the UK, adding that "This successful contract negotiation has been made possible because of the exceptional working relationships between all stakeholders."

The King Air 350 simulator capability will also enhance the UK's intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance (ISTAR) Force and enable it to better support existing UK and overseas commitments. Richard Murray, Director Air

Support at DE&S, stated that "Not only does this capability provide essential synthetic training for our military, but it also offers financial, environmental, and social value benefits to Defence and the UK."

Raytheon UK has announced that it has passed a Critical Design Review (CDR) on its work to increase the current fleet of six reconnaissance aircraft to eight and integrate the latest UK Sovereign Defensive Aids Systems. The CDR confirms the baseline configuration for the aircraft, which defines the equipment fit that will maintain this leading capability.

Air Commodore Alex Hicks, Senior Responsible Owner for Shadow, noted that "The provision of a new synthetic training facility represents a further enhancement to the Programme of Record that will deliver an exceptionally capable ISR asset to Defence." The simulator is anticipated to be in service with Shadow crews by late 2024.

Babcock appoints former UK Royal Navy Vice-Admiral to lead AUKUS & International efforts

Babcock has named Sir Nick Hine, a retired Vice-Admiral from the UK Royal Navy, as its Managing Director for AUKUS & International to oversee the delivery of critical capabilities in support of the trilateral security treaty. Sir Nick brings extensive experience in naval strategy and submarine operations, as well as knowledge of government and industry, from his time as Second Sea Lord. His appointment comes as Babcock works to position itself to support AUKUS and further strengthen the alliance between the UK, US, and Australia.

Babcock is well-suited to this task, having a longstanding history in nuclear safety and stewardship, including more than 50 years of supporting the Royal Navy submarine enterprise. The company operates the UK's only licensed facility for refitting, refuelling, and defuelling nuclear submarines, as well as managing two of the country's three naval bases (HMNB Clyde and HMNB Devonport) that are responsible for 100% of the deep maintenance, in-service support, and through-life management of the UK's fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. With strategic naval sites in Australia, Babcock is well-positioned to deliver AUKUS capabilities, including in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomy, hypersonics, electronic warfare, and cyber systems that are essential to modern warfare.

Thanks for taking the time to read this week's news roundup. Hope everyone has a great week 11.