ISTEC Wins SDS Contract for MLRS A2
ISTEC Services Limited has been awarded a contract to supply the Smoke Discharger System (SDS) for the British Army’s new M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) A2. With over 35 years of experience in designing and manufacturing complex weapon integration systems, ISTEC’s selection highlights its proven track record in military applications.
The SDS contract was announced during the DVD exhibition in September 2024, where ISTEC also showcased the delivery of 65 GPMG gun mounts for the MLRS A2. The total contract value, sourced through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) catalogue, exceeds £1.5 million, reflecting robust support for the UK’s defence infrastructure.
The Smoke Discharger System is crucial for enhancing the survivability of the MLRS A2 by providing rapid smoke screens that obscure the vehicle from enemy observation and targeting. This capability allows for quick deployment under protection, disrupting enemy line-of-sight and guidance systems during maneuvers in combat situations.
The new MLRS A2 will utilize the ISL 66SD/4, a four-barrel vehicle-mounted SDS compatible with various 66mm munitions. ISTEC offers flexibility in design with configurations available in two, three, and four-barrel setups, ensuring compatibility with existing UK systems to minimize logistical burdens.
Adrian Webster, Operations Manager at ISTEC, expressed enthusiasm for the contract, highlighting the company’s expertise in adapting solutions to meet specific vehicle requirements. He emphasized that this project, along with the weapon mount systems, enhances the UK’s defensive capabilities and supports national security through innovative technology.
Adarga Secures £12M Contract with UK MoD
Adarga has been awarded a significant Enterprise Agreement Lite by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), valued at up to £12 million. This agreement allows the MoD to quickly access and deploy Adarga’s AI products and services, enhancing the UK’s defence capabilities.
This contract represents one of the first of its kind awarded to a small-to-medium-sized enterprise (SME) and emphasizes the strategic importance of Adarga’s advanced technology. The collaboration aims to provide the MoD with the tools necessary to navigate an increasingly complex operational landscape.
Adarga has been working closely with the MoD to deliver an information advantage, including the successful deployment of its AI capabilities to UK Strategic Command. These tools enhance intelligence outputs for analysts and decision-makers, streamlining workflows through unique search and generative AI functions.
The company’s ability to deploy AI models across various classification levels ensures that the MoD receives adaptable AI toolkits and solutions tailored to different mission requirements. Adarga’s proprietary technology, including its Knowledge Platform, enables rapid solution development and enhances insight extraction from complex data.
Victoria Cope, Commercial Director of Defence Digital, highlighted the importance of supporting promising indigenous startups like Adarga, stating that such contracts foster innovation in defence technology procurement. Charlie Maconochie, Senior VP at Adarga, echoed this sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for contributing cutting-edge capabilities to the MoD and enhancing the agility of the UK Armed Forces in a competitive global environment.
Kainos Wins £50M MoD Data Analytics Contract
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced a significant partnership with Kainos Software, appointing them as the enablement partner for the further development of its Defence Data Analytics Platform (DDAP). The three-year contract, valued at £50 million, commenced earlier this month and was awarded through the Crown Commercial Services’ Digital and IT Professional Services framework.
The DDAP serves as a unified platform that enables defence organizations to access analytics, data science, and artificial intelligence capabilities, effectively managing both core and non-core defence data. This strategic initiative aims to enhance the MoD’s operational efficiency through improved data utilization.
Since its launch as part of the MoD’s Data Strategy for Defence earlier in the decade, the DDAP has continuously evolved. It now also supports the Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre and other entities within the defence sector, highlighting its critical role in modernizing data practices.
Defence Minister, John Healy, emphasized the importance of this collaboration with Kainos, stating that it aligns with the MoD’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance decision-making and operational readiness in defence.
The partnership with Kainos underscores the MoD’s focus on adopting innovative digital solutions that integrate advanced analytics and AI, ensuring the UK Armed Forces remain agile and effective in addressing future challenges. As development progresses, the DDAP is expected to deliver impactful improvements in data analysis and capability across the defence landscape.
SMEs Among 16 Contractors Securing £317 Million Royal Navy Maintenance Contract
A consortium of 16 UK-based contractors, including a significant number of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), has been awarded a major contract worth £317 million to provide comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services to the Royal Navy’s fleet.
Among the contractors are Carwood Moto Units, Scott Aerospace, MEL Aviation, Score Marine, and Baketek Limited, each bringing specialized expertise to support the Power, Propulsion and Auxiliaries (PPA) Team within Defence Equipment Support (DES). This team plays a critical role in ensuring the operational readiness of Royal Navy vessels deployed across the globe.
The framework agreement, established under the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 (DSPCR 2011), will see these contractors collaborate to deliver a wide array of services to maintain and repair the diverse range of platforms within the Royal Navy. This includes surface ships, submarines, and any new vessels that may join the fleet during the contract’s lifespan.
This contract represents a substantial investment in the UK’s defence sector and underscores the valuable contribution of SMEs in supporting national security. By utilizing a framework agreement with a diverse supplier base, the Royal Navy can ensure flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in its maintenance operations.
UK MoD to Equip Army with GLADIUS Mine Systems from Alford Technologies
The UK Ministry of Defence will award Alford Technologies Ltd a contract to supply GLADIUS User Filled Off Route Mine systems, boosting the British Army’s combat capabilities. This addresses a critical gap in lethal barriers and enhances both defensive and offensive options.
Alford Technologies, the OEM and IP owner of the GLADIUS system, is the sole provider able to meet the MoD’s requirements. This system is already in use with UK forces and eleven other NATO nations, ensuring interoperability and shared expertise.
Valued at £1,000,000.00, the contract is expected to be finalised in early 2025 and will run for approximately three months. This procurement will:
Increase lethality: Equip troops for defensive actions, ambushes, and sabotage.
Maintain interoperability: Ensure compatibility with UK and NATO allies.
Support training: Facilitate realistic training exercises.
Citing national security and technical reasons, the MoD has bypassed the standard EU public procurement process. Alford Technologies, founded in 1985, is renowned for its expertise in explosive charge technology and provides comprehensive training in counter-IED, EOD, and related fields.
Babcock Secures First NATO Training Contract
Babcock has been awarded its inaugural NATO training contract, aimed at providing support to NATO’s Joint Warfare Centre (JWC) based in Stavanger, Norway. This five-year agreement will facilitate military exercises by supplying subject matter experts to perform various roles, including role players and script writers.
Additionally, the contract includes the deployment of exercise control staff who will assist in designing and delivering training programs for NATO’s multinational headquarters through computer-assisted command post exercises. This initiative leverages Babcock’s extensive experience in managing and delivering collective training for the British Army’s deployable headquarters.
Jo Rayson, Managing Director for Training at Babcock, emphasized the importance of high-quality training exercises, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions. “It is a privilege to collaborate with the NATO Joint Warfare Centre on their mission, which aligns with our own,” Rayson stated.
Babcock is one of the largest providers of training services to the British Armed Forces and recently played a crucial role in the successful delivery of Exercise CERBERUS 24 in Germany, involving over 3,000 personnel and 800 vehicles.
The company also operates in France, providing a modern training system for the French Air Force that combines advanced simulation environments with in-air training. This new NATO contract represents a significant milestone for Babcock as it expands its training services to the international defence community.
Smiths Detection Expands Deal with Fukuoka Airport
Smiths Detection, a leader in threat detection and security screening technologies, has announced an expansion of its partnership with Fukuoka International Airport Co., Ltd. Under this renewed agreement, Smiths Detection will provide seven HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model S X-ray scanners, along with seven automatic tray return systems known as the iLane A20. The technology will be deployed in the newly renovated international terminal at the airport.
The HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model S is a compact version of Smiths Detection’s renowned Computed Tomography (CT) passenger checkpoint scanner, designed to integrate seamlessly into airport and critical infrastructure checkpoints. The Model S is narrower and lighter than its predecessor, facilitating easier installation while still delivering high-resolution, rotatable 3D images that enhance the assessment of baggage contents.
The iLane A20 is a next-generation automated tray return system that increases screening efficiency and throughput, significantly reducing passenger bottlenecks. It includes empty tray verification to ensure that returned trays do not contain personal belongings or restricted items, streamlining the entire screening process.
The installation of Smiths Detection’s technology is expected to be completed by the end of March 2025. Currently, there are 77 units of Smiths Detection’s 3D X-ray scanners and 156 iLane tray return systems in operation across Japan. The HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX and iLane A20 can process over 300 passengers per hour, enhancing security effectiveness and minimizing wait times, thereby improving the passenger experience at Fukuoka International Airport.
Matt Clark, VP Commercial at Smiths Detection, expressed pride in the expanded partnership, stating that the company’s industry-leading technology not only enhances security but also improves passenger experience. He emphasized the company’s commitment to revolutionizing the travel experience in Japan while delivering operational efficiency and cost savings for partners through advanced screening solutions.
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