Rolls-Royce Wins £563M RAF Typhoon Engine Contract
Rolls-Royce has secured a £563 million contract from Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) for the maintenance and repair of EJ200 engines powering the RAF’s Typhoon fleet. The five-year Typhoon Engine Support Solution (TESS) will support 200 direct UK jobs, primarily in Bristol, while sustaining up to 2,400 roles across the UK supply chain.
The contract ensures continued air readiness for the UK’s 130 Typhoon jets, bridging capabilities toward future programs like the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the contract’s role in maintaining the UK’s air defence and supporting the national skills base.
Rolls-Royce’s Alex Zino reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the RAF’s Typhoon fleet, which has been a cornerstone of UK air defence since 2003.
TEKEVER Secures Funding, Launches £400M UK Program
TEKEVER, Europe’s leading provider of AI-driven autonomous systems, has secured new funding from existing investors, including Ventura Capital, Baillie Gifford, NATO Innovation Fund, Iberis Capital, and Crescent Cove, confirming its valuation above £1 billion.
The funding supports OVERMATCH, a £400 million, five-year UK program aimed at advancing AI-powered defence technology, creating over 1,000 high-skilled jobs, and expanding TEKEVER’s unmanned aerial systems (UAS) production in the UK. The program focuses on building innovation hubs, scaling production, expanding testing, and fostering cross-border collaboration.
CEO Ricardo Mendes emphasized agility and innovation, citing TEKEVER’s success in Ukraine, where its drones have logged over 10,000 combat flight hours. Investors praised TEKEVER’s leadership in defence technology and its commitment to transforming European security.
BAE, KONGSBERG Strengthen Defence Partnership
BAE Systems and KONGSBERG have signed a cooperation agreement to enhance their industrial collaboration, supporting defence capabilities for Norway, the UK, and allied nations. The agreement builds on their 80-year partnership and aims to explore joint programs across all military domains, including frigate support, strike missiles, and maritime surveillance.
The Norwegian Ministry of Defence is considering the UK as a partner for new frigate deliveries to replace the Royal Norwegian Navy’s Fridtjof Nansen-class ships. BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn emphasized the strengthened UK-Norway defense ties, while KONGSBERG President Eirik Lie highlighted the partnership’s potential for advanced maritime solutions.
UK Launches £50M VALOUR for Veterans
The UK government has launched the £50 million VALOUR initiative to enhance support for veterans across the country. Announced by Defence Secretary John Healey and Veterans Minister Al Carns, VALOUR aims to streamline access to services, including housing, employment, health, and welfare.
The program will establish a network of support centres, deploy Regional Field Officers, and digitize Armed Forces Veteran Cards for GOV.UK digital wallets. Additional measures include extended National Insurance relief for veteran employers and removing local connection requirements for veterans seeking social housing.
VALOUR is part of the government’s commitment to fully implement the Armed Forces Covenant and improve veterans’ quality of life.
VIVO Wins Two-Year USVF Contract Extension
VIVO has secured a two-year extension to its Facilities Management contract with the US Visiting Forces (USVF) at six air bases and five satellite sites across England. The contract, initially awarded in 2022 for three years, now extends to five years, reflecting high customer satisfaction and strong performance.
VIVO manages over 4,000 operational buildings and 1,600 military family homes for US personnel at sites including RAF Lakenheath, RAF Alconbury, and RAF Mildenhall. DIO Regional Delivery Director Moira Hassel praised the partnership’s success, while VIVO CEO Jerry Moloney credited his team’s dedication for the extension.
UK Certifies RAF’s Protector RG Mk1
The UK’s Military Aviation Authority has granted a Military Type Certificate (MTC) to the Royal Air Force’s Protector RG Mk1 (MQ-9B), confirming it meets NATO’s stringent STANAG 4671 airworthiness standards. This certification allows the unmanned aircraft to operate without geographic restrictions, including overpopulated areas.
Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, the Protector features advanced safety systems, including lightning protection, fire resistance, and anti-icing capabilities. GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue hailed the certification as a “seminal achievement,” following an 11-year, $500 million effort to ensure compliance.
The RAF has received 10 of the 16 Protector aircraft ordered, stationed at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire. The Protector joins a global fleet serving nations including Belgium, Canada, Poland, Japan, Taiwan, and the US.
Airframe Designs Unveils 3D-Printed Torpedo Mock-Up
Airframe Designs has produced a full-scale, 3D-printed torpedo mock-up for a global defence contractor. The model, created using polymer additive manufacturing, offers a precise visual and functional representation for loading evaluations on a new platform.
Built with a mix of Builder Pro and Stratasys Fortus 450mc printers, the 2.7-meter mock-up combines low-cost materials with reinforced design for strength. CEO Jerrod Hartley emphasized the company’s focus on fast, custom solutions.
Airframe Designs, known for aerospace innovation, recently earned ISO 14001 certification for environmental management.
Gama Aviation Adopts ELMS Platform
Gama Aviation has signed a long-term agreement with ELMS Aviation to implement its cloud-based competence and compliance management platform across all business divisions. Initially used by Gama’s MRO division for tracking training and compliance, the Gama platform will now support company-wide staff development and certification management.
The ELMS Solution offers real-time tracking of employee skills, qualifications, and training, optimizing workforce allocation and enhancing safety standards. Gama Aviation’s Paul Kinch highlighted the platform’s role in developing engineering talent, while ELMS General Manager John Scale emphasized its value in supporting complex aviation operations.
Smith’s Detection Secures DXB Screening Contract
Smith’s Detection has secured a contract with Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) to supply advanced checkpoint screening solutions for all terminals at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The deployment will include the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model-S, a state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) system enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
The new technology will enhance security, speed up passenger screening, and ensure a seamless travel experience at one of the world’s busiest airports. Jerome de Chassey, President of Smiths Detection, emphasized that this technology will “significantly enhance both security and efficiency.”
The initiative aligns with DAEP’s commitment to maintaining world-class security standards while improving operational efficiency at DXB.