UK MoD Allocates £40m for New VIP Helicopter Capability
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has earmarked £40 million for the procurement of a new VIP helicopter capability, as revealed in the latest Public Accounts Committee report indicating a significant funding gap in military finances.
The Rotary Wing Command Support Air Transport Helicopter Service (RWCSAT) contract, valued at up to £40 million over a five-year period, seeks to address the urgent need for point-to-point transportation for high-priority military personnel, ministers, and government officials within the UK and near Europe. The service will be provided by British military aircrew from 32 Sqn based at RAF Northolt and tasked through Air Command HQ.
The selected helicopter must be capable of operating in restricted airspace and within control zones, including areas like London’s Heathrow Airport, while also meeting the requirement of operating in UK and near European civilian airspace, with a minimum range of 250 nautical miles. Delivery of the solution is expected to commence from December 2024, with the contract ending in November 2029.
Currently, the AW109 helicopter provides rotary-wing VIP transport for senior military commanders and government ministers in the UK and Europe. However, the new funding will facilitate the acquisition of a more advanced helicopter capability to meet evolving operational requirements.
Additionally, 32 Sqn operates two Dassault 900LX business jets, known as the Envoy CC Mk1, which were acquired to replace the retired BAe146 aircraft. These jets are military-owned, tasked, and civilian-registered, operating commercially since June 2022. A transition to full military registration and operation is planned by April 2024.
The allocation of £40 million underscores the UK MoD’s commitment to enhancing VIP transportation capabilities, ensuring the efficient and secure movement of key personnel across various operational domains.
UK Government Commits £10 Million to SaxaVord Spaceport
In a significant move during the Spring Budget, the UK Government unveiled plans to invest £10 million into SaxaVord Spaceport, marking a pivotal moment for Europe’s first and only licensed vertical launch spaceport. This government injection, combined with £40 million of private investment already secured, will expedite SaxaVord’s capital works program, ensuring its readiness to support the inaugural orbital launch from UK and European soil scheduled for later this summer.
The investment not only represents a historic milestone but also aligns with the government’s broader ambition to position the UK as a leading provider of commercial small satellite launch services in Europe by 2030.
Frank Strang, CEO of SaxaVord Spaceport, expressed gratitude to key government officials and agencies for their confidence and support. He emphasized that this backing not only bolsters the emerging space economy but also positions the UK as a frontrunner in European spaceflight. With the global space industry valued at $530 billion annually, SaxaVord’s upcoming launch with Rocket Factory Augsburg signifies the UK’s emergence as a key player in one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors, promising significant job creation, investment, and economic opportunity.
The UK Government’s commitment to SaxaVord Spaceport underscores its strategic vision to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and propel the UK to the forefront of the global space race.
UK’s Destroyer Missile Upgrade Timeline
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has allocated £405 million to enhance the Sea Viper missile system, recently utilized by the Royal Navy to successfully intercept drones over the Red Sea. Scheduled for Initial Operating Capability in February 2028, the Sea Viper Evolution initiative marks the first phase of the UK’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program, focusing on upgrading the capabilities of Type 45 Destroyers.
Under this program, enhancements will be made to the Multi-Function Radar, Combat Management System (CMS), Weapon Command and Control (C2), and the ASTER 30 Block 1 missile. The aim is to bolster the Royal Navy’s capabilities to detect and neutralize anti-ship ballistic missiles, thus strengthening maritime security.
Last year, the MoD signed an initial contract worth £300 million with MBDA to implement these upgrades. This investment is expected to create over 100 highly skilled jobs across the UK, particularly in areas such as system design and software engineering in Stevenage, Cowes, Bristol, and Bolton.
The Sea Viper Evolution program aligns with the UK’s ambition to become the first European nation with a Maritime Ballistic Missile Defence capability. By adapting the ASTER 30 Block 1 missile for maritime use, the UK aims to address the growing threats posed by anti-ship ballistic missiles.
Additionally, recent contract awards have paved the way for the introduction of the Common Anti Air Modular Missile (CAMM) into Type 45 Destroyers. This initiative will significantly increase the missile outload capacity of the platform from 48 to 72 missiles, further enhancing the Royal Navy’s air defence capabilities.
The investment in upgrading the Sea Viper missile system underscores the UK’s commitment to maintaining maritime superiority and staying ahead of emerging threats. Through strategic modernization efforts, the UK aims to ensure the readiness and effectiveness of its naval forces in safeguarding national security interests.
QinetiQ Named Key Supplier on MOD’s DIPS Framework
QinetiQ, a leading provider of defence and security solutions, has been chosen as a supplier on the new Digital and IT Professional Services (DIPS) framework for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), administered by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS). Over a span of four years, this framework agreement is set to facilitate the delivery of a range of digital and IT specialist services to Defence Digital, with an estimated expenditure of £1.2 billion.
Under this framework, QinetiQ and its partners will provide services aligned with their core offerings in digital engineering (DevSecOps), cyber security, and mission systems architectures. These services will enable information sharing and deliver actionable intelligence to multiple operational users while enhancing core mission capability for the Armed Forces.
James Willis, Chief Executive, UK Intelligence at QinetiQ, expressed his satisfaction with the company’s selection as a leading provider on the DIPS framework. He highlighted QinetiQ’s successful track record in collaborating with a diverse ecosystem of contractors, both established and newer entrants to the defence sector. Willis emphasized the company’s commitment to addressing complex defence challenges promptly, leveraging their expertise across air, sea, land, and cyber domains to develop innovative solutions that deliver vital mission capability.
QinetiQ’s inclusion as a key supplier underscores its position as a trusted partner in advancing digital and IT solutions for defence and security, further solidifying its role in supporting the MOD’s strategic objectives.
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