UK Invests £20M in Orbex to Boost Space Sector
The UK government has committed £20 million to spaceflight company Orbex as part of its Series D fundraising, bringing the total raised to £23 million. The investment supports Britain’s goal of becoming a leading hub for satellite launches using domestically built rockets, driving growth in the space sector and attracting global investment.
Orbex, the only UK-owned launch services provider, is developing its Prime rocket, a 19-meter, two-stage vehicle designed to deploy small satellites into low Earth orbit. Initial launches are planned from SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland, with the first mission expected by late 2025. The funding will accelerate ongoing testing and development efforts.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle highlighted the UK’s scientific expertise, infrastructure, and geography as key advantages in leading Europe’s space revolution. He emphasized the investment would create skilled jobs, inspire future space professionals, and enable British rockets to launch British satellites from UK soil.
Phillip Chambers, CEO of Orbex, called the government’s backing a “first-of-its-kind” vote of confidence in the sector. He noted the funds would help deliver sustainable launch services and develop a larger rocket for the European Launcher Challenge, securing Orbex’s competitive edge.
The investment positions the UK to capitalize on the growing small satellite market while fostering innovation and sustainability. With Orbex at the forefront, the government aims to cement the nation’s role as a key player in the global space industry.
Draken Secures £173 Million MoD Deal at Teesside Airport
Aviation services firm Draken has secured its future at Teesside Airport with a new £173 million contract from the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The four-year agreement ensures Draken will continue providing adversary air training to the Royal Air Force (RAF), reinforcing its critical role in UK defence.
Draken operates a fleet of Alca L-159E “Honey Badger” aircraft, simulating combat scenarios for RAF Lightning and Typhoon pilots over the North Sea. The company has been based at Teesside Airport for over 25 years and strengthened its presence with a new hangar in 2022. This latest deal builds on a long-term partnership established in 2020.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen hailed the agreement as a boost for both the airport and national security, highlighting its economic benefits, including job creation and regional investment. Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside Airport, praised the collaboration, expressing confidence in Draken’s continued contribution to the site’s success.
Beyond defence operations, Draken plans to enrol at least 12 apprentices across its Teesside and Bournemouth sites, supporting local talent development. CEO Nic Anderson emphasized the company’s mission to deliver cutting-edge training, ensuring UK armed forces remain prepared for evolving global threats.
The deal marks another milestone for Teesside Airport Business Park, following recent agreements with Willis Aviation Services Limited (WASL) and Jet2 for Boeing 737 maintenance. Draken’s renewed presence underscores the airport’s growing importance in the UK’s aviation and defence sectors.
Elbit UK Wins £16M Night Vision Deal
Elbit Systems UK has reinforced its role as a leading provider of night vision technology to UK Defence through its subsidiary, Instro. Instro secured a £16 million contract uplift to supply additional XACT nv33 compact Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) to the British Armed Forces, further solidifying its position as a trusted supplier.
The phased rollout of the NVGs builds on Instro’s successful delivery of over 3,500 units to the UK military. The XACT nv33, designed for helmet-mounted use, offers extended battery life, reduced size and weight, and enhanced image quality, enabling troops to operate effectively in low or no-light conditions. This capability provides a critical operational advantage in modern combat scenarios.
The contract underscores the success of Elbit Systems UK’s investment in its Electro-Optic Centre of Excellence in Kent. The facility not only supports UK Defence but also manufactures NVG systems for international markets, including European allies, showcasing the UK’s growing export capabilities in defence technology.
Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK, emphasized the importance of equipping troops with advanced night vision technology. “The XACT nv33 NVGs are a vital tool for enhancing situational awareness and threat detection, ensuring our forces remain operationally effective in challenging environments,” he said.
This contract highlights Elbit Systems UK’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to the British Armed Forces. By providing superior training and equipment, the company continues to play a key role in strengthening the UK’s defence capabilities and maintaining its strategic edge on the global stage.
Navantia UK Acquires Harland & Wolff
Navantia UK has finalized its acquisition of Harland & Wolff’s facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish, safeguarding over 1,000 jobs and bolstering the UK’s defence, maritime, and clean energy sectors. The move strengthens Britain’s industrial capabilities and ensures the continuation of key projects, including the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme.
The FSS programme, which involves building three ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary to support the UK Carrier Strike Group, will now proceed at Harland & Wolff’s Belfast and Appledore facilities, alongside Navantia’s operations in Spain. The acquisition brings Navantia’s global expertise in shipbuilding, fabrication, and complex programme management to the UK, enhancing the workforce and supply chain.
Ricardo Domínguez, Chairman of Navantia, highlighted the strategic importance of the deal, stating it combines Harland & Wolff’s heritage with Navantia’s expertise to create a platform for growth in defence, maritime, and renewable energy sectors. The acquisition underscores Navantia UK’s long-term commitment to UK industry and its development.
Navantia UK also expressed gratitude to the UK government for its support, which facilitated this strategic investment. The company plans significant upgrades to the facilities, positioning them as key hubs for future projects in defence and green energy.
The acquisition marks a pivotal step in strengthening the UK’s industrial base, ensuring the nation remains competitive in global defence and maritime markets while advancing its clean energy ambitions.
Altair, Cranfield Uni Partner on Simulation, AI
Altair, a global leader in computational science and artificial intelligence (AI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cranfield University to collaborate on advancing the use of simulation, data analytics, and AI in research and education. The partnership aims to drive innovation in engineering, manufacturing, and sustainability by leveraging cutting-edge technologies.
The collaboration will focus on integrating Altair’s advanced simulation tools and AI-driven analytics into Cranfield University’s research and academic programmes. This will enable students and researchers to tackle complex challenges in areas such as aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy, fostering the development of next-generation solutions.
Professor Leon Terry, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Cranfield University, highlighted the partnership’s potential to enhance research capabilities and prepare students for the future workforce. “This collaboration with Altair will empower our researchers and students to push the boundaries of innovation, applying simulation and AI to solve real-world problems,” he said.
James R. Scapa, Founder and CEO of Altair, emphasized the importance of academia-industry partnerships in driving technological progress. “By working with Cranfield University, we aim to accelerate the adoption of simulation and AI, equipping the next generation of engineers and scientists with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world,” he stated.
The partnership underscores the growing role of simulation, data analytics, and AI in shaping the future of industries. By combining Altair’s expertise with Cranfield University’s academic excellence, the collaboration is set to deliver impactful research, innovative solutions, and skilled professionals ready to address global challenges.
Its starting to get noticeably lighter in the evenings 🙂 spring is on her way 😀