DE&S Secures £150M Contract with KNDS UK for Cutting-Edge Military Bridges
The Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) has inked a significant £150 million contract with KNDS UK (previously WFEL), a joint venture of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexteer, to supply advanced general support bridges. This landmark deal is poised to enhance the battlefield mobility of the British Army while securing 300 jobs in the UK.
Renowned for manufacturing military bridge systems, KNDS UK will deploy its expertise to deliver support bridges based on its innovative Dry Support Bridge design. These bridges, extending up to 46 meters, equivalent to the length of five buses, are designed to carry the weight of the Army’s future tank, the Challenger 3, making them versatile for crossing both wet and dry gaps on the battlefield.
The primary goal of these military-grade bridges is to facilitate secure movement across varied terrains, ensuring the resupply of forward fighting elements and humanitarian aid during disaster relief operations. Moreover, these bridges will replace the BR90 ABLE system and be interoperable with bridge systems used by other NATO partners, enabling seamless resource sharing during joint exercises and deployments.
James Cartlidge, Minister for Defence Procurement, expressed enthusiasm about the contract, highlighting its alignment with the government’s commitment to the Land Industrial Strategy. Cartlidge emphasised the importance of investing in UK industry to deliver top-notch bridging capabilities to the Armed Forces and noted the job security it brings to Stockport.
The contract, part of Project TYRO executed by DE&S, is expected to significantly improve the British Army’s capability, facilitating the mobility of future Armoured Brigade Combat Teams and their equipment across challenging terrains.
Jacobs Secures £108 Million Research and Technology Contract with UK Ministry of Defence
Jacobs, a leading technical professional services firm, has been awarded a substantial $132 million (£108 million) contract by the UK Ministry of Defence. The contract, extending until 2032, is focused on providing essential through-life technical support for the reactors propelling the Royal Navy’s submarines, including the Rolls-Royce PWR2 reactors, and participating in the development of reactors for future naval vessels.
This strategic move aligns with the UK’s commitment to constructing four new Dreadnought Class ballistic missile submarines and advancing a new type of submarine, as part of the AUKUS security agreement with the U.S. and Australia.
Andy White, Vice President at Jacobs, highlighted the company’s pivotal role in supporting existing submarines and contributing to the development of future propulsion plant technology for the Ministry of Defence. With a rich history dating back to the design work on the first submarine in 1958, Jacobs has been a key partner in sustaining the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines.
Jacobs, known for its comprehensive laboratory and analytical resources, as well as expertise in materials science, engineering, physics, and chemistry, is also responsible for delivering nuclear safety and technical advice to the Royal Navy’s submarine service. A previous contract of $230 million (£185 million), spanning ten years, was awarded to Jacobs last year.
U.K. Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, emphasized the government’s commitment to sustaining the Astute and Vanguard Class submarines. He stated that the crucial technical support for submarine reactors, provided by Jacobs, will continue to be in capable hands. Additionally, this contract is expected to stimulate economic growth, supporting an additional 100 jobs in the U.K., where Jacobs already employs over 11,000 people across the country.
As Jacobs continues to tackle global challenges and contribute to advancements in technology, this contract further solidifies its role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and innovation of the UK’s naval nuclear propulsion program.
Kromek Secures £1.4 Million Order for D3M Detectors to Equip EU Stockpile
Kromek Group, a leading UK provider of radiation detection solutions, has recently clinched an order exceeding £1.4 million to deliver its state-of-the-art D3M detectors and associated networkable solutions. The detectors will play a crucial role in the rescue stockpile initiative, an undertaking by the European Commission aimed at safeguarding citizens from disasters and managing emerging risks, specifically addressing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats.
Funded entirely by the European Union through the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, the order underscores Kromek’s commitment to enhancing global preparedness against potential risks, whether accidental or deliberate.
Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek, emphasized the increasing importance of nations preparing for emerging risks amid a backdrop of heightened global tensions. He expressed satisfaction in contributing positively to global efforts and highlighted the significance of Kromek’s D3M detectors. Renowned for their versatility and sensitivity, these detectors provide real-time data on potential nuclear threats, facilitating rapid decision-making and coordinated responses.
This latest order reinforces Kromek’s position as a leader in cutting-edge technology designed to address evolving global challenges. The company’s ongoing efforts to provide advanced solutions align with the imperative to enhance global security and emergency response capabilities.
MBDA Secures £400 Million Contracts to Enhance Royal Navys Sea Viper Air Defence System
MBDA, a leading defence company, has been awarded three contracts valued at approximately £400 million to enhance and sustain the Sea Viper principal area air defence system used in the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers.
The contracts will significantly bolster the Sea Viper’s capabilities, making it the most advanced naval air defence system ever developed for the Royal Navy.
The two contracts, collectively known as Sea Viper Evolution, are designed to empower Type 45 destroyers to defend the Carrier Strike Group against anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs). The third contract focuses on providing extended and enhanced in-service support (ISS) for Sea Viper over the next five years. MBDA serves as the prime contractor and design authority for the Sea Viper weapon system, overseeing components such as the sensor (radar), command and control system, and the missile.
Valued at £405 million, these contracts will transform Sea Viper, recently successful in intercepting hostile drones in the Red Sea, into an unparalleled naval air defence system. It has played a vital role in safeguarding one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes from multiple drone attacks in recent weeks.
The contracts are expected to sustain 350 jobs in the UK, including highly skilled technology roles in Stevenage, Cowes, Bristol, and Bolton. The collaborative effort involves employees from MBDA across the UK, France, and Italy, working in conjunction with colleagues from BAE Systems.
Defence Secretary Grant Shipps, highlighted the importance of adapting to emerging threats, citing Sea Viper as the Navy’s weapon of choice in recent aerial threat interceptions. He emphasized the strong relationship with British industry, ensuring the deployment of cutting-edge technology and supporting jobs across the country.
That’s a wrap folks, Hope everyone had a good weekend and has strong January finish! Have a great week.