Oxford Space Systems Secures £3 Million in Funding to Drive Innovation and Expansion
Oxford Space Systems has successfully concluded a £3 million equity investment round, marking a significant milestone for the company as it experiences rapid growth. With revenues tripling and an increase in its workforce from 50 to 87 employees,
the space technology firm aims to leverage the funding to further expand its product portfolio. The company, which has achieved successful space antenna deployments, plans to explore high-growth opportunities in satellite communication markets both in space and on the ground.
Oxford Space Systems has identified specific projects, including variants of the Wrapped Rib Synthetic Aperture Radar antenna architecture, a Hinged Rib high-frequency antenna for intersatellite communications, and a terrestrial antenna for rapid deployment and high-performance connectivity. These products have applications in commercial and defence sectors, supporting capabilities in earth observation, telecoms, and security. The funding round, led by UKI2S, is expected to facilitate the development of innovative and cost-effective solutions, contributing to the UK’s technological advancement and innovation in the space industry.
Oxford Space Systems CEO Sean Sutcliffe, expressed enthusiasm about the growth round, emphasizing the company’s commitment to addressing future requirements with cutting-edge products. UKI2S, with a focus on defence and security investments, sees Oxford Space Systems as a strategic player in the space industry, crucial for economic and national security. The funding will support the company’s ongoing antenna product development and manufacturing capabilities at its facilities in Harwell and Abingdon.
BAE Systems Secures Contract for In-Service Support of Sonar 2117 Until 2029
The Ministry of Defence’s Capability Development, Underwater and Electronic Warfare (CD UEW) Project Team has announced its intention to enter a new single-source contract with BAE Systems for the in-service support of Sonar 2117 until March 2029.
The Sonar 2117, introduced in 2022 as an upgrade to its predecessor, is a crucial component deployed on various Royal Navy platforms.
BAE Systems, recognized as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the Sonar 2117 system software, is set to receive the contract without prior publication, as permitted under Regulation 16 (1)(a)(ii) of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011. The decision is based on technical reasons, asserting BAE’s unparalleled expertise, technical knowledge, and comprehensive understanding of the specific capabilities of Sonar 2117.
The Sonar 2117 serves as a computer decision aid with a primary objective of providing command guidance to minimize environmental impacts from sonar usage. Fitted on HMS Glasgow, the system plays a pivotal role in assessing the risk to marine life during operations, particularly crucial in Glasgow’s mission to detect and track hostile submarines. The contract underscores BAE Systems’ essential role in sustaining and enhancing the functionality of critical defence systems.
UK Ministry of Defence Awards £10 Million Contract for Lynx Brutal Over Snow Reconnaissance Vehicles
The Ministry of Defence has revealed plans to award a £10 million contract to Salterns Marina Limited, trading as Golden Arrow Marine Limited, for the procurement of 196 Lynx Brutal Over Snow Reconnaissance Vehicles (OSRVs). This comprehensive contract encompasses not only the vehicles but also ski-sleds, trailers, and associated support services, spanning a duration of five years.
The Soldier, Training and Special Programmes (STSP) and Specialist and Autonomous Mobility (SAM) Delivery Team within the Ministry of Defence emphasized that the decision aligns strategically with the UK’s interests in operating efficiently in extreme climates, particularly in the high north. The Lynx Brutal, manufactured by Bombardier Recreation Products Inc. (BRP), has been selected for its compatibility with platforms used by the UK’s international partners within the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).
The contract valued at £10 million, is grounded in The Defence and Security Public Contracts (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/697) and the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011. This procurement underscores the UK’s commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities in challenging environments, ensuring strategic alignment with allied forces.
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