£205m QinetiQ Deal Strengthens RAF Typhoon Fleet
The UK has awarded QinetiQ a £205m, five-year contract extension to provide technical and engineering support for the RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon fleet.
The deal secures around 250 skilled jobs across the UK and supports key upgrades, including the ECRS Mk2 radar, ensuring Typhoon remains central to UK and NATO air defence operations.
New £82m MD Lyneham Facilities Enhance RAF Training
New training and accommodation facilities have been completed at MoD Lyneham, boosting UK Armed Forces technical training capacity.
Delivered by Kier Construction for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, the £82m project provides modern classrooms, labs and workshops, plus 168 new bedspaces for trainees and staff. The facilities support the relocation of the RAF’s No. 4 School of Technical Training, with training commencing in 2026.
The site also includes a 2.5MW solar and battery system, improving energy resilience, and supported local jobs during construction.
JFD Global and ST Engineering Marine Expand Partnership
JFD Global has signed an MoU with ST Engineering Marine to expand collaboration in Singapore and internationally.
Building on more than 15 years of partnership supporting the Republic of Singapore Navy, the agreement combines JFD’s submarine rescue expertise with ST Engineering Marine’s shipbuilding and MRO capabilities to pursue new opportunities in submarine rescue, shipbuilding and critical underwater infrastructure.
£453.5m Typhoon Radar Deal Secures 1,300 UK Jobs
The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded a £453.5 million contract to BAE Systems, Leonardo UK and Parker Meggitt to deliver 40 ECRS Mk2 AESA radars for the RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon fleet.
The advanced radars will enhance electronic warfare, target tracking and survivability for Tranche 3 Typhoons, with production starting later this decade.
The programme will sustain around 1,300 skilled jobs across the UK, including roles in Edinburgh, Lancashire and Luton, and follows successful flight trials of the system.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the upgrade will keep Typhoon at the core of UK and NATO air defence while supporting British industry and high-value employment.
Babcock Secures First Indonesia Maritime Partnership Deal
Babcock International Group has signed its first agreement under Indonesia’s £4 billion Maritime Partnership Programme, securing the sale of two additional Arrowhead 140 licences.
The deal builds on two licences exported in 2021 and follows the recent launch of Indonesia’s first Merah Putih-class frigate. Further agreements are expected in the coming months, strengthening Indonesia’s naval capability while supporting shipbuilding jobs in both Indonesia and the UK.
NP Aerospace and ITEN Defence Partner on Armour Solutions
NP Aerospace has partnered with ITEN Defence to deliver locally supported armour and survivability solutions for the US defence market.
The collaboration combines NP Aerospace’s composite armour and personal protection expertise with ITEN Defence’s opaque and transparent armour manufacturing, targeting future US land, maritime and aerospace programmes.
GM Defence Establishes UK Presence
GM Defence has launched GM Defence UK, establishing a dedicated British presence operating from GM facilities in Leamington Spa and Silverstone.
The new entity will lead engagement with the UK Ministry of Defence and anchor GM Defence’s wider NATO and European activity, as the company prepares to bid for the British Army’s upcoming Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programme.
GM Defence UK will support Team LionStrike, a partnership with NP Aerospace, BAE Systems and UK industry partners, aimed at delivering a scalable, through-life supported mobility solution while strengthening the UK defence supply chain.
ISTEC and Fering Partner on Weapon Integration
ISTEC Services has signed a collaboration agreement with Fering Technologies at the IAV conference in Farnborough.
The partnership will see ISTEC provide its proven weapon mount and integration solutions for Fering’s Pioneer X hybrid all-terrain defence vehicle, showcased at the event with multiple mounted systems.
Both companies say the agreement strengthens their ability to deliver integrated, mission-ready vehicle solutions for future UK and international defence programmes.
UK to Digitise and Integrate Military Medical Records with NHS
The UK will replace paper-based Armed Forces medical records with a digital system integrated with the NHS, speeding up recruitment, deployment and service-leaver transitions.
The Ministry of Defence has awarded a £7.8m contract to The Phoenix Partnership, with full rollout planned by 2027. The move improves continuity of care, reduces bureaucracy and enhances force readiness.
The programme forms part of Programme Cortisone, modernising Defence medical systems and supporting UK digital health innovation.
Edinburgh Company Launches UK-Built HAMMER Attack Drone
Edinburgh Drone Company has unveiled HAMMER, a low-cost UK-built one-way attack drone, following successful flight and live-fire trials in East Lothian.
Developed with Aero Solutions Ltd, the fixed-wing system is manufactured in the UK using European components and is designed for rapid, scalable production. HAMMER offers a range of up to 50 km and carries payloads of at least 3.5 kg, with tests showing its 2.5 kg munition can penetrate 600 mm of armoured steel.
EDC says the platform delivers a sovereign, mission-ready capability at significantly lower cost than comparable European systems, strengthening the UK’s domestic drone manufacturing base.
UK Announces £43m Boost for Green Aviation Innovation
The UK Government has announced £43 million to accelerate green aviation technologies, supporting jobs and cutting emissions as the sector moves toward net zero by 2050.
The funding will back R&D into sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen and zero-emission aircraft, with competitions opening from February. It is expected to unlock private investment and strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in clean flight.
The investment complements wider government support, including new SAF legislation, £63 million for SAF plants and £2.3 billion for aerospace innovation over the next decade.
Farnborough Airshow 2026 Set to Be Largest Ever
The Farnborough International Airshow returns from 20–24 July 2026 with its biggest edition in 78 years, driven by record demand and the addition of a sixth exhibition hall.
Exhibitor space has sold out a year early, with more than 50 organisations on a waiting list and 26 international pavilions already confirmed. New features include a Defence SME Zone, supporting high-growth defence firms, and The Enterprise Gateway, a three-day programme helping SMEs and primes scale, export and access finance.
The week concludes with Pioneers of Tomorrow, a dedicated STEM and careers day to inspire the next generation and address industry skills shortages.
Trade visitor tickets are now on sale.