UK Awards £100M Mine hunting Deal to Thales
The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded a £100 million contract to Thales UK for the supply and integration of up to eight Remote Command Centres (RCCs) as part of the Royal Navy’s Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) programme.
The RCCs will unify and control various mine hunting platforms and autonomous systems under one command hub, improving coordination and effectiveness in mine countermeasure operations. The contract includes software, training, and technical support, with options to extend for up to three additional years.
Awarded without competitive tender, the deal was justified by Thales’ exclusive technical capabilities and its pivotal role in the Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) programme, developed in collaboration with international partners. The MoD stated that only Thales possesses the necessary expertise and proprietary technology to meet the complex, safety-critical demands of the project.
UK Launches £450M Military Aid Boost for Ukraine
The UK has announced a £450 million military aid package to boost Ukraine’s defence against Russia, coinciding with the 27th Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting in Brussels, co-chaired by the UK and Germany.
Of the total, £350 million comes from the UK’s record £4.5 billion defence commitment to Ukraine this year, with additional funding from Norway via the UK-led International Fund for Ukraine. The aid includes £160 million for maintenance and repairs of UK-supplied vehicles and equipment, linking British and Ukrainian industries to speed up battlefield readiness.
A further £250 million will fund a new ‘close fight’ package including radar systems, anti-tank mines, and hundreds of thousands of drones—key tools currently responsible for up to 70% of Russian equipment losses.
Defence Secretary John Healey stressed the importance of the support in helping Ukraine maintain frontline strength and resist Russian aggression. He also co-chaired a new Coalition of the Willing meeting, aimed at building a reassurance force for long-term peace.
This move aligns with the UK’s broader four-point plan to support Ukraine with weapons, security, training, and diplomatic pressure.
MoD Awards Cadmium Plating Deal for RAF C-17 Fleet
The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded a £41,700 contract to Sifco Applied Surface Concepts (UK) to deliver cadmium plating training and spares for the Royal Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster III fleet. The contract runs from 27 March 2025 to 31 March 2027 and was issued without prior competition due to Sifco’s exclusive technical capabilities.
Sifco is the only provider approved under US Air Force C-17 Technical Orders to supply the specialised electroplating equipment, cadmium solution, and procedures needed for aircraft maintenance. The deal includes training services and essential cadmium-related parts critical for corrosion protection, especially on landing gear and structural components.
This agreement extends a previous contract and includes a three-year extension option. It falls outside the Government Procurement Agreement due to its specialised nature and relatively low value.
MoD Extends Boeing Air Training Deal
The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded Boeing Defence UK a £25 million contract extension to continue supporting the Gladiator synthetic training system under the Defence Operational Training Capability (Air) programme. Announced on 4 April 2025, the extension runs for two years and three months, with an option for an additional six months.
Gladiator provides a networked, scalable virtual environment to train fast jet and aircrew personnel using simulated complex battle scenarios. It supports air command, fast air, and joint fire operations. The system plays a key role in transitioning the RAF toward more cost-effective, virtual training methods.
Boeing, the original designer, will ensure technical continuity as the system undergoes critical integrations. The MoD cited Boeing’s unique familiarity with Gladiator’s software and interfaces as the reason for a non-competitive contract extension under Regulation 16(1)(a)(ii).
While this deal secures training development into early 2028, a competitive procurement process is planned for 2026, allowing other suppliers to bid on future synthetic training services.
BAE & WZM Partner to Maintain Polish M88A2 Vehicles
BAE Systems has signed a licensing agreement with Polish defence firm Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne S.A. (WZM) to support maintenance of the M88A2 Armoured Recovery Vehicles used by the Polish Land Forces.
Under the deal, WZM will conduct maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services using BAE Systems’ intellectual property, enhancing Poland’s capability to keep its heavy recovery fleet mission ready.
“This agreement strengthens Poland’s defence industrial base and creates a responsive regional support network,” said Dean Medland, Vice President at BAE Systems.
The M88A2, designed to recover heavy armour like the M1 Abrams, features powerful engines, upgraded armour, and advanced recovery tools crucial for frontline support.
Boeing Taps Denroy for Aircraft Parts
Northern Ireland-based Denroy Limited has signed a new deal to supply component parts for Boeing’s commercial aircraft programs, including the 737, 767, 777, and 787. Following its qualification under BAC5321, Denroy will produce 16 parts, marking its entry into Boeing’s global supply chain.
The contract strengthens Denroy’s aerospace portfolio and is expected to create skilled jobs in engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance. Known for its advanced polymer engineering, Denroy delivers lightweight, durable components that meet strict aviation standards, contributing to aircraft fuel efficiency and performance.
CEO Kevin McNamee emphasized Denroy’s readiness to support global aerospace demand through continued investment in technology and workforce development.
GKN Aerospace Lands Boeing C-17 Fan Blade Repair Deal
GKN Aerospace has secured a three-year contract with Boeing to provide fan blade repair services for the C-17 Globemaster’s PW F117-100 (PW2000) engines. The work will be carried out at GKN’s new 150,000-square-foot MRO facility in San Diego, which is equipped with advanced automation and robotics.
With over 15 years of experience in PW2000 repairs, GKN Aerospace will support Boeing with high-efficiency solutions, aiming to enhance reliability and reduce turnaround times. The San Diego site can handle up to 80,000 fan blade repairs annually and serves more than 400 global customers.
“This agreement reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class repair solutions,” said Gerald Coste, SVP of Engines MRO at GKN Aerospace.
UK Consortium Receives £6M for Satellite Antenna Development
A UK technology consortium, led by Excelerate Technology, has been awarded £6 million in funding by the UK Space Agency to develop a groundbreaking multi-orbit, multi-beam satellite antenna as part of the Connectivity in Low-Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme. The project, aimed at enhancing satellite mega-constellation capabilities, will produce the Mobility and Autonomy Market User Terminal (MAMUT). This flexible device will allow users to easily select satellite operators and orbits via an app, providing seamless, high-speed connectivity in remote locations.
The three-year project includes partners such as Satellite and Space Consulting Ltd, Heriot Watt University, Satraka Ltd, and Jet Connectivity. The MAMUT technology has significant potential to revolutionize sectors like emergency services, ensuring reliable connectivity for ambulance, police, and fire services in even the most inaccessible areas.
Excelerate’s Chief Operating Officer, Bethan Evans, highlighted the project’s role in positioning the UK at the forefront of the space connectivity industry. The C-LEO funding will contribute to the development of smarter satellites and more efficient data delivery, fostering interconnected networks globally.
Cyberspark Launches First Cyber Battle in NI
Belfast-based Cyberspark has unveiled the UK and Ireland’s first-ever Cyber Battle competition, aiming to boost Northern Ireland’s reputation as a leader in cybersecurity and digital skills development.
The initiative targets young people aged 14–24, offering a series of training bootcamps over the next 6–8 months, with a live final in the autumn. Ten finalist teams will face off in a simulated cyber-attack challenge.
Backed by Northern Ireland’s Education Minister Paul Givan, the competition aligns with the broader TransformED NI strategy to enhance digital literacy and education across the region. Cyberspark CEO Richard Coates emphasized the goal of preparing the next generation for careers in the rapidly growing cybersecurity industry.
With Northern Ireland’s cyber sector already contributing £237 million to the economy, the Cyber Battle represents a major step in fostering talent and economic growth through digital innovation.
Olsen Actuators to Open U.S. Space Office
UK-based precision component manufacturer Olsen Actuators & Drives has announced plans to open a new sales office in Cape Canaveral, Florida, by 2026. The expansion aims to strengthen the company’s presence in the rapidly growing U.S. space market and marks its first foothold in North America.
The new office will focus on sales of Olsen’s custom electromechanical actuators and ground roller screws—key components used in satellite deployment, thrust vector control, lunar vehicles, and more. The company also plans to expand the office to include assembly and manufacturing services to meet U.S. demand more efficiently.
The move follows a UK Government space trade mission earlier in 2025 and comes as the North American space sector, valued at over $262 billion, continues to grow at a 7.5% annual rate.
Chairman Piers Olsen said the U.S. expansion reflects rising global demand for high-performance motion control systems driven by NewSpace applications and increasing satellite launches.
Founded in 2004, Olsen provides commercial off-the-shelf, space-certified components to aerospace, defence, and industrial markets worldwide.
IAC Expands Widebody Facility in Amarillo
International Aerospace Coatings (IAC) has announced plans to build a new state-of-the-art widebody aircraft painting hangar at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport. The facility, expected to be operational by the second half of 2026, will create 65 new jobs and bring IAC’s total workforce in Amarillo to over 200.
The new hangar will support large aircraft including the Boeing 777-X and include advanced painting technology, office space, and workshops. This marks IAC’s sixth hangar at the airport and its third expansion project since being acquired by Tiger Infrastructure Partners in 2022.
IAC CEO Martin O’Connell said the expansion meets growing demand and strengthens the company’s global footprint. The new hangar will increase IAC’s global total to 30 paint lines across 20 hangars.
Polar Technology Wins BAE Systems Gold Award
Polar Technology has been awarded a prestigious Gold Tier Award from BAE Systems as part of its 2024 Partner 2 Win programme, recognizing top-tier suppliers for outstanding performance and reliability.
Selected from a global pool of suppliers, Polar received the honour for achieving 100% quality and delivery ratings over a 12-month period. The company was acknowledged for its contributions to the Striker II Helmet-Mounted Display, specifically supplying high-integrity composite structures and 3D-printed optics frame assemblies.
The award underscores Polar’s manufacturing expertise and its growing impact within the defence sector.
“We are delighted to receive this award from BAE Systems,” said Paul Janes, Managing Director of Polar Technology. “It reflects the dedication of our team and our commitment to excellence.”
BAE Systems’ Partner 2 Win programme aims to strengthen supply chain collaboration and performance, ensuring high-quality components for critical defence systems.
Syensqo’s Heanor Site Achieves ISCC-PLUS for ReGen Composites
Syensqo has achieved ISCC-PLUS certification at its Heanor site in the UK, validating the production of its ReGen composite materials under the mass-balance method. This certification, part of the company’s broader sustainability strategy, supports the use of renewable, recycled, and mass-balanced raw materials to replace fossil feedstocks in composite formulations.
The Heanor site joins nine other certified locations across Syensqo’s global operations, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainable practices. The launch of the ReGen portfolio roadmap in March 2025 will offer high-quality, circular composite materials without requiring changes to existing manufacturing processes, helping customers reduce their carbon footprint.
Gabriel Molina, Syensqo’s Composite Materials Sustainable Development Director, emphasized that the move aligns with their dedication to advancing circularity and providing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional composites.
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