UK MOD Initiates £1 Billion Hypersonic Capability Development Framework
The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MOD) has launched a groundbreaking £1 billion initiative, the Hypersonic Technologies & Capability Development Framework (HTCDF), inviting industry and academia to participate in advancing the nation’s hypersonic capabilities. The framework, announced earlier this year, aims to accelerate the development of a sovereign UK Hypersonic Strike Capability and enhance collaboration with AUKUS partners, Australia and the United States.
Companies interested in pioneering advanced hypersonic missile capabilities are encouraged to apply for a place on the HTCDF framework. The initiative seeks participation from established corporations, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and academia, fostering a collaborative enterprise approach to development.
Administered by Team Hypersonic (UK), the framework will offer eligible organizations the opportunity to apply for contracts across eight lots, covering a spectrum of services and supplies. The framework’s maximum value over the next seven years is set at up to £1 billion, reflecting the UK’s strategic commitment to hypersonic technology development.
Procurement categories under the framework encompass research, systems, components, technology, infrastructure, testing, airframes, flight control computer systems, guidance systems, data links systems, evaluation, platform integration, academic research, system design authority, modelling and simulation, thermal management, mission planning, and assurance.
Team Hypersonic (UK) envisions a collaborative enterprise that leverages the expertise of the UK’s diverse talent pool and innovation ecosystem across MOD, industry, and academia. The framework, managed by Defence Equipment and Support, imposes no minimum or maximum limits on the number of suppliers per lot, emphasizing an inclusive and collaborative approach.
The HTCDF initiative positions the UK at the forefront of hypersonic technology development, fostering a comprehensive ecosystem that harnesses the strength and breadth of UK capabilities. The call for industry and academia participation aligns with the UK’s commitment to advancing sovereign capabilities and contributing to the global landscape of hypersonic research and development.
Babcock Secures Contract for Innovative British Army Digital Training Platform
Babcock, a leading defence and training provider, has clinched a contract to deliver a cutting-edge e-learning package for the British Army, enhancing soldiers’ ability to recognize allied and threat battlefield vehicles and helicopters. Leveraging its extensive experience in designing threat training programs, Babcock’s training business developed a successful concept demonstrator, leading to its selection as the official provider.
The innovative package, named the Virtual Recognition Trainer (VRT), is designed to meet a critical defence requirement, enabling soldiers to identify key threat and friendly vehicles and helicopters. Hosted on the Defence Learning Environment (DLE), the platform is accessible across all desktop and mobile devices, providing flexibility for soldiers in their training.
Jo Rayson, Managing Director of Babcock’s training business, emphasized the package’s significance in enhancing the Army’s ability to recognize and understand the capabilities of various land and air platforms. The VRT offers detailed information, including photographs and data on weapon ranges, presented alongside super-realistic 3D 360⁰ models. This feature allows users to view platforms from any angle and distance, simulating the conditions soldiers might encounter on the battlefield, particularly valuable for drone-based identification.
The VRT is tailored to approximately 100,000 users across the British Army, incorporating a comprehensive self-test function that can be customized for specific user groups. The platform is designed to evolve, with additional platforms and enhancements, such as thermal views and highlighting vulnerable target areas, available as part of the contract.
Captain Jake Cox RRF, Operations Officer at the Army’s Combined Arms Manoeuvre School, commended Babcock’s innovative virtual recognition trainer, highlighting its adaptability as a crucial learning tool. The software also collects data for product improvement and provides objective insights into usage, pass rates, and individual progress, ensuring ongoing refinement and effectiveness.
Babcock’s success in securing this contract underscores its commitment to advancing modern training solutions and supporting the British Army’s preparedness for complex and dynamic operational environments.
Industry Titans Unite to Propose ARCHER Artillery System as AS90 Replacement for UK Ministry of Defence
BAE Systems, Babcock, and Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) have formed a formidable alliance to offer the cutting-edge ARCHER wheeled mobile artillery system as a compelling replacement for the legacy AS90 to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). This collaboration brings together proven expertise and advanced technology to present the ARCHER as the lowest-risk solution for the Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) program, a crucial step in modernizing the UK’s 155mm capabilities.
The ARCHER, already in service with the British Army as an interim solution, stands out as one of the most advanced and fielded artillery systems globally. The strategic partnership of BAE Systems, Babcock, and RBSL aims to leverage their well-established supply chains in the UK and collaborate with other domestic businesses as the proposal progresses.
John Borton, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Weapon Systems UK business, based in Barrow-in-Furness, expressed confidence in the ARCHER-based solution, emphasizing its potential to significantly accelerate the delivery of the MFP program. The goal is to provide the British Army with a long-term, homegrown artillery solution that not only enhances national defence but also offers opportunities for exports.
BAE Systems will play a pivotal role by providing and integrating the weapon system, including the barrel, and managing the Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) facility. Babcock International Group will bring its expertise to the table, holding responsibility for the consolidation of the superstructure and ammunition resupply system.
Chris Spicer, Managing Director of Engineering & Systems Integration at Babcock, highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting the MoD’s Land Industrial Strategy and delivering a market-leading capability to the British Army. The collaboration is expected to harness the collective engineering expertise, system integration, and innovative technology required for the assembly of the ARCHER Artillery System.
RBSL will lead in the UK for the RMMV HX 8X8 truck chassis and prepare the cabin for integration with the ARCHER artillery system. BAE Systems plans to transfer technology from its Swedish production line to establish a UK-based MFP production line, a move that would create over 350 new high-skilled jobs across the Alliance and its supply chain.
The ARCHER, known for its full automation, rapid deployment, and shoot-and-scoot capabilities, aligns with the evolving needs of modern land forces. The proposed alliance positions ARCHER as a frontrunner in meeting the UK’s artillery requirements, reflecting a commitment to technological advancement, defence capabilities, and job creation in the country.
Landmark Treaty: UK, Japan, and Italy Unite for Revolutionary Global Combat Air Programme
The United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy have united to advance the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), targeting a 2035 release for a state-of-the-art stealth fighter with supersonic capabilities. The UK will host the joint headquarters, focusing on collaborative decision-making and innovation.
Key Highlights:
1. Next-Gen Fighter by 2035: Aiming to create an advanced, interoperable fighter jet with cutting-edge technology.
2. Leadership and Decision-Making: The UK to lead with a Japanese CEO initially, ensuring efficient delivery and industrial growth.
3. Economic Impact: The program is set to generate skilled jobs, with significant involvement across UK regions.
4. Financial Investment: The UK’s Ministry of Defence and industry partners have invested significantly in the project.
5. Global Security Focus: GCAP is key to Euro Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security, reflecting the UK’s commitment to modern military capabilities.
6. International Collaboration: A new joint business structure, led initially by an Italian, will ensure the program’s success and timely delivery.
7. Industry Support: Major companies like Leonardo, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and BAE Systems have endorsed the GCAP.
Leaders from BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have praised the GCAP’s innovative approach and the collaborative treaty’s significance in promoting global security and technological advancement. The program is expected to boost R&D investment and skilled job creation in the UK.
That’s a wrap folks! Enjoy the weekend, only 1 week to go until Christmas woop!