BAE Lays Keel for Dreadnought Submarine
BAE Systems has laid the keel for HMS Dreadnought, the first of four next-generation ballistic missile submarines for the Royal Navy, at its Barrow-in-Furness shipyard. The Dreadnought Class, set to replace the Vanguard Class, will maintain the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD) and enter service in the early 2030s.
The ceremony, attended by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary John Healey, marked a major milestone in the £31 billion program, which is expected to support 30,000 jobs across the UK. The submarines, at 153.6 meters long, will be the largest and most advanced ever operated by the Royal Navy.
The Dreadnought Alliance, a partnership between BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and the Submarine Delivery Agency, oversees the project. The Barrow shipyard has undergone a £1 billion redevelopment, and BAE Systems expects to spend £7.5 billion with 1,500 UK suppliers.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of investing in the British defence industry, while First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key highlighted the Royal Navy’s anticipation for the highly advanced Dreadnought Class submarines.
MOD to Award £80M ILT-A Contract to Cubic UK
The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) is set to award an £80 million contract to Cubic Defence UK (CDUK) for the continued support and enhancement of the Instrumented Live Training – Area Weapons Effect Simulation (ILT-A) system. The contract, which will span two years with options for three additional years, covers contractor logistic support (CLS), repairs, and post-design services (PDS) for the MOD-owned ILT-A system.
ILT-A plays a crucial role in simulating the effects of area weapons such as fire missions and minefields, enhancing realistic battlefield training. The system tracks personnel, records weapon engagements, and simulates battlefield effects, helping prepare UK forces for complex combat scenarios. CDUK, as the OEM and Design Authority for ILT-A, holds exclusive rights to the system’s technical data, making them the only supplier capable of providing the required support and maintenance.
The contract could be extended for up to three additional years, bringing the total potential value to £80 million. The continued development of ILT-A will enhance collective training capabilities, integrating with live fire exercises and vehicle-mounted simulations to improve operational readiness.
Kilo Solutions Wins Royal Navy VR Contract
Kilo Solutions Ltd has won its second major defence contract with the Royal Navy, supplying 24 “VASCO in a Box” (VIAB) units. VIAB is a self-contained, portable VR training system designed for onboard individual and team training without relying on local infrastructure.
Each rugged unit includes four Meta Quest headsets, a secure LAN router, and a preconfigured laptop with VASCO Planner for mission planning and custom exercises. Setup takes less than 10 minutes.
This deal follows Kilo’s successful contract with the US Navy’s ONR, further cementing its reputation as a leading provider of VR training solutions for global defence forces.
Algeco & VIVO Build £13M Housing at DM Kineton
A groundbreaking ceremony at DM Kineton, Warwickshire, marked the start of construction on a new £13 million Single Living Accommodation block. Built by Algeco for VIVO, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) contractor, the facility will house 46 officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers.
The modular construction, using pre-built sections assembled on-site, will speed up delivery and reduce disruption. The block will feature en-suite rooms, communal spaces, and sustainability features like solar panels, air source heat pumps, and water recycling systems.
The project replaces aging accommodation and aims to enhance living standards for service personnel. Memorial garden honouring fallen bomb disposal personnel will also be created. The building is expected to be completed by next spring.
Smith’s Detection Teams with Deepnoid for AI Screening
Smith’s Detection has partnered with Deepnoid, a South Korean AI software company, to test the integration of AI technology into its security screening systems. The collaboration will focus on Deepnoid’s AI technology being tested with Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 6040-2is X-ray scanner for carry-on baggage, with future trials aimed at improving Computed Tomography (CT) screening for better detection speed, accuracy, and efficiency.
This partnership is part of Smiths Detection’s Ada Initiative, which ensures smooth integration of third-party AI solutions into their systems, reinforcing their commitment to adaptable, high-performance security solutions. By introducing AI-driven tools, the collaboration enhances threat detection while ensuring flexibility to meet future risks.
Cymoril Metivier, Global Digital Portfolio Director at Smiths Detection, emphasized the importance of advancing threat detection and integrating new technologies through their responsible open architecture. Deepnoid’s Executive Vice President, Jae-Ik Cho, highlighted the partnership’s role in positioning Deepnoid as a leader in the global security AI market.
The collaboration further supports Smiths Detection’s commitment to AI-powered security, ensuring faster and more precise threat detection while reducing operator workload and improving decision-making efficiency.
HonuWorx Acquires First Underwater Vehicle
Aberdeen-based subsea robotics firm HonuWorx has taken delivery of its first underwater vehicle, a state-of-the-art VALOR remotely operated vehicle (ROV), as it prepares for sea trials of its Loggerhead™ deployment platform. The system aims to revolutionize offshore operations by eliminating the need for crewed surface vessels, significantly reducing emissions, costs, and risks.
The VALOR ROV, known for its compact design and advanced control systems, will be integrated into Loggerhead as part of an Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) Innovation Project. HonuWorx plans to begin constructing the first commercial Loggerhead system in Aberdeen this year, with offshore trials set for 2027.
Having already demonstrated its technology in a world-first offshore trial in Canada, HonuWorx sees broad applications for Loggerhead in offshore energy and defence, including subsea infrastructure monitoring. The company is undergoing a £30 million investment phase and aims to capture 20% of the global market in the next decade.
CEO Lee Wilson emphasized the need for cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective underwater solutions, highlighting the collaboration with VALOR’s manufacturer, Rovtech Solutions Ltd. HonuWorx was recently selected for NATO’s 2025 DIANA program, reinforcing its role in advancing subsea technology.
Thanks for reading! Have a great week everyone 🙂