UK Reveals New Combat Air Demonstrator
The UK has unveiled its first crewed supersonic combat aircraft in over 40 years, developed with BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and MBDA under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Now two-thirds built, the demonstrator is being assembled using advanced digital and robotic manufacturing at BAE’s Lancashire site.
Designed to test stealth and next-gen technologies, the aircraft supports faster, cost-effective fighter development. Over 300 hours of simulated test flights have already refined its systems. The project is key to maintaining the UK’s leadership in defence aerospace.
Spaceport Cornwall has been selected for the UK MOD’s £1 billion Hypersonic Technologies Framework, supporting the development of advanced defence systems. Chosen for its launch capabilities and location by RAF St Mawgan, it joins 90 organisations driving UK hypersonic readiness.
The seven-year programme supports the UK’s 2.5% GDP defence target and AUKUS goals, with strong SME participation. “We’re proud to support sovereign hypersonic capabilities,” said Ross Hulbert of Spaceport Cornwall.
UK Unveils Clyde 2070 Defence Investment
The UK Government has launched Clyde 2070, a multibillion-pound investment to modernise HMNB Clyde—home to the UK’s nuclear deterrent and over 6,500 personnel. Backed by an initial £250 million, the upgrade will prepare the base for future Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS submarines.
The programme aims to secure national defence, create skilled jobs, and drive economic growth in Scotland. It supports infrastructure upgrades, skills development, and regional collaboration, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to defence-led prosperity.
Part of the UK’s wider Strategic Defence Review and rising defence spending, Clyde 2070 ensures long-term operational capability while strengthening local industry and workforce.
TT Electronics Secures Defence Deal with Ultra PCS
TT Electronics has secured a multi-million-pound contract with Ultra PCS Ltd to produce advanced military-grade cable harness assemblies for engine ice protection systems used in modern combat aircraft. The assemblies will be manufactured at TT’s Nadcap-accredited Fairford facility, which specialises in cable solutions for harsh defence environments.
The contract extends a 30-year partnership between TT Electronics and Ultra PCS. Michael Leahan, EVP at TT, said the deal reflects their long-standing collaboration and commitment to engineering excellence in aerospace and defence innovation.
MOD Extends AI Deal with Adarga
Adarga has secured a multi-year contract extension and expanded deal with the UK Ministry of Defence to enhance AI-driven threat analysis for military supply chains. The agreement includes broader use of its Vantage software and applied AI services to improve decision-making, operational efficiency, and strategic planning.
Part of a £12M MOD enterprise agreement, the deal underscores Adarga’s role as a key UK defence AI partner. Its tools, including advanced Q&A capabilities and secure data analysis, support faster, more accurate insights in mission-critical environments.
Astroscale Wins £5.15M MoD Space Contract
Astroscale UK has secured a £5.15M contract from the UK Ministry of Defence’s Dstl, via BAE Systems, to lead the Orpheus mission—enhancing space weather monitoring and situational awareness. Partnering with Open Cosmos, two formation-flying mini satellites will collect ionospheric data using advanced sensing.
Set to run through 2028, the mission aims to protect UK space assets from threats like solar storms and orbital congestion. Payloads are supported by the US Naval Research Lab, University of Bath, and SSTL. The project highlights the UK’s growing role in international space security.
Cryogenx Secures £430K to Tackle Heatstroke Risk
Cryogenx has raised £430,000 from UKI2S in a £1.7M seed round to scale its CGX1 portable cooling device—designed to treat heatstroke rapidly without ice or refrigeration.
Dubbed a “defibrillator for heat,” CGX1 targets defence and industrial sectors, with expansion planned across emergency services and sports. Funding will support FDA approval, manufacturing, and global rollout as extreme heat becomes an escalating global health threat.
UK’s MGI Debuts SkyShark Tactical Drone
MGI Engineering has unveiled SkyShark, a UK-built military drone designed for ISR, strike, and decoy missions. Two variants were revealed: a gas turbine model (with Argive engines) for sovereign strike capability, and an electric version (with Greenjets propulsion) for low-signature operations.
Compact, scalable, and fast to produce, SkyShark offers high performance in contested environments—marking a major step in British defence innovation.
German Drone Maker Stark to Build UK Plant in Swindon
Stark, a German defence tech firm, will open a drone factory in Swindon—its first site outside Germany—creating over 100 skilled jobs. The plant will produce the VTOL-capable Virtus loitering munition.
The move strengthens UK-Germany defence ties and taps into the UK’s tech expertise. Local officials welcomed the investment as a boost to Swindon’s advanced manufacturing and defence legacy.
RIAT 2025 Attracts 175,000 Visitors and Global Aircraft Display
The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford drew over 175,000 attendees, featuring 224 aircraft from 27 nations and 41 visiting Air Chiefs. Highlights included the Red Arrows’ first display using Sustainable Aviation Fuel and flypasts by the RAF Wedgetail, U.S. U-2, and French Atlantique.
On the ground, the show marked 40 years at RAF Fairford, hosted STEM exhibits, and debuted Vertical Aerospace’s VX4. Organizers celebrated the success and confirmed plans are underway for RIAT 2026.
Thanks for reading! Hope you’re all enjoying slightly cooler UK weather this week.