Underwater Boost: Royal Navy Acquires Advanced UUVs for £7.2 Million
In a move bolstering its underwater capabilities and strengthening its partnership with the US Navy, the Royal Navy is set to acquire eight Small Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (SUAVs) from Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) for a total of £7.2 million. This significant investment marks the latest chapter in Britain’s naval modernization efforts.
The deal comprises five 300m-capable REMUS 300 UUVs for £4.7 million and three 100m-capable REMUS 100 UUVs for £2.5 million. Notably, HII, through its subsidiary Hydroid, stands as the sole manufacturer of these specific UUVs, ensuring crucial compatibility with existing US Navy equipment and facilitating seamless joint operations.
Renowned for their modularity, flexibility, and advanced capabilities, the REMUS family caters to a diverse range of missions. From mine countermeasures and search & rescue to hydrographic surveys and intelligence gathering, these underwater workhorses promise to enhance the Royal Navy’s operational efficiency and safety.
This procurement transcends mere technological acquisition; it signifies a strategic reinforcement of the UK-US partnership. By employing compatible UUVs, the two navies pave the way for smoother interoperability and knowledge sharing, solidifying their collaborative edge.
“This investment in next-generation underwater vehicles underscores our unwavering commitment to equipping the Royal Navy with the best possible technology to safeguard our nation’s interests,” affirmed a Ministry of Defence spokesperson. “These UUVs will empower our forces with enhanced capabilities and greater flexibility across a spectrum of operations.”
The acquisition promises to usher in a new era of underwater prowess for the Royal Navy. With cutting-edge technology at their disposal and a strengthened partnership with their US counterparts, Britain’s naval forces are poised to navigate the depths with greater confidence and agility.
MoD Secures £137 Million Deal for Challenger 2 Tank Transmission Support
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a £137 million, 5-year contract with David Brown Santasalo UK Limited, ensuring continued maintenance and support for the crucial TN54E/ETS and TN15E/E+ transmissions powering Challenger 2 main battle tanks and other key armored vehicles.
Through its agent, Babcock Land Defence Limited, the MoD awarded the single-source contract due to David Brown Santasalo’s unique expertise. The company holds exclusive design rights and technical knowledge for these transmissions, deemed essential for maintaining their safety, functionality, and compatibility with armored platforms.
“Without access to this specific information,” the MoD stated, “we wouldn’t be able to guarantee the quality and safety of repairs or ensure seamless integration with our vehicles.”
David Brown Santasalo boasts a proven track record in the defense industry, renowned for its innovative and reliable power transmission systems. Their extensive experience in designing and manufacturing high-performance TN54 gearboxes for the Challenger 2, CRARRV recovery vehicle, and Trojan/Titan engineering vehicles solidifies their position as the ideal partner for this critical contract.
The TN54 transmission itself is a powerhouse, offering six forward and two reverse gears with a 1200 horsepower rating, expandable to 1500 horsepower. This ensures continued mobility and operational effectiveness for these vital armored assets.
The agreement includes a potential extension of two years based on performance and MoD requirements, signifying a long-term commitment to maintaining the operational readiness of the UK’s armored fleet.
This £137 million investment underscores the MoD’s dedication to keeping its Challenger 2 tanks and other armored vehicles at peak performance, guaranteeing the safety and mobility of British troops on the battlefield. With David Brown Santasalo’s expertise secured, the future of these crucial transmissions seems assured.
DE&S Announces Satellite Software Contracts
The Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) space delivery team has awarded contracts to Rhea Group and Lockheed Martin Space Systems UK for satellite software management. Valued at £4 million, these contracts mark a significant phase in Project Beroe under the UK’s National Space Strategy.
These firms, selected for the Spiral 2 phase after initial work in Spiral 1, will develop software to control and monitor low Earth orbit satellites. Project Beroe aims to enhance the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) ground segment architecture, crucial for future satellite control.
Commodore David Moody, head of capability at Space Command, emphasised the pivotal role of the project for UK defence and the space sector. He highlighted the importance of defining satellite control methods for safe and efficient operations, aligning with UK MoD’s satellite aspirations.
Melanie MacDonald, DE&S project manager, highlighted the software’s critical role in providing direct government control over future satellites. Besides, it will support wider government access to satellite data and bolster UK armed forces’ operational capabilities.
The MoD underscored the significance of the National Space Strategy in fostering the UK’s space economy and its aspirations as a space-faring nation.
BAE Systems Finalises Acquisition of Ball Aerospace
BAE Systems is set to complete its acquisition of Ball Aerospace from Ball Corporation after receiving regulatory approvals. The acquisition, announced on August 17, 2023, is valued at $5.5 billion (approximately £4.4 billion) and will be funded through existing cash and new external debt.
The transaction, treated as an asset purchase for federal tax purposes, is expected to yield a net present value tax benefit of approximately $750 million, resulting in an underlying economic consideration of around $4.8 billion.
Ball Aerospace, known for its spacecraft, mission payloads, and advanced optical and antenna systems, has established itself as a trusted provider to various government and aerospace entities. With over 5,200 employees based in Colorado, the company has strong customer relationships in the Intelligence Community, US Department of Defence, and civilian space agencies.
The newly acquired business will be integrated into BAE Systems and named Space & Mission Systems under the Electronic Systems reporting segment. The acquisition aligns with BAE Systems’ strategy to expand its portfolio in advanced technology areas that address customer needs.
Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive of BAE Systems, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating that it brings one of the industry’s most respected businesses into the Group. The addition of Ball Aerospace will significantly bolster BAE Systems’ presence in the critical space domain and contribute to its growth and value compounding model.
Spring Solutions Supplies Boxer Stock for British Army’s MIV
Spring Solutions, based in West Lothian, Scotland, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first supplier to provide a comprehensive stock solution for the British Army’s Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) Boxer Programme.
In February 2023, Spring Solutions signed a three-year agreement with Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) to support the Boxer Programme. Ahead of schedule, the company has delivered over 700 individual items, including standard fastenings, washers, and other fixing items, to support the project’s initial major milestone.
The achievement follows the implementation of an on-site stocking solution, including a state-of-the-art racking and Kanban system based in Telford. This Vendor Managed Solution (VMI) supports various production stations required for building Boxer vehicles.
The contract with RBSL has allowed Spring Solutions to invest in its team and UK supply chain technologies. The company has created two new roles and plans to open a dedicated warehouse facility to support RBSL’s work later this year.
Jonathan Ward, Managing Director of Spring Solutions, expressed delight in working with RBSL to implement advanced Kanban solutions. He credited the achievement to the exceptional qualities of the team and highlighted the significant growth experienced through the partnership. Looking ahead, Spring Solutions anticipates opening an RBSL warehouse at its headquarters early next year.
The Boxer Programme aims to deliver over 600 vehicles to the British Army, with production subcontracted between RBSL and KNDS, based in Stockport. Both companies are responsible for fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of the vehicles.
RBSL’s involvement in the Boxer Programme aligns with the Land Industrial Strategy and underscores its contribution to delivering critical defence capabilities for the British Army.
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