UK Sends 500,000 Rounds in £150M Ukraine Aid
The UK has delivered over 500,000 rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine, marking a major milestone in its military support. The ammunition, worth more than £1 billion, is part of a new £150 million aid package announced by Defence Secretary John Healey at the 26th Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Brussels. This package also includes drones, modernised tanks, armoured vehicles, and air defence systems, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s defence against Russian aggression.
Healey emphasised the critical nature of 2025 for the conflict, stating, “Ukrainians continue to fight with huge courage – military and civilians alike. Their bravery, fused with our support, has proved a lethal combination.” He also highlighted Europe’s growing role, urging allies to “step up further and secure peace through strength.” The UK’s contribution underscores its leadership in supporting Ukraine’s military efforts.
The £150 million package includes thousands of drones, with the UK on track to deliver over 10,000 by next month, and more than 50 armoured vehicles, including modernised T-72 tanks, set to arrive by spring. Additionally, air defence equipment will support over 100 Ukrainian air defence teams, which have achieved a 90% success rate against Russian kamikaze drones. The UK and Denmark are also jointly providing 15 Gravehawk long-range precision strike systems.
To ensure Ukraine’s military equipment remains operational, the UK has launched £60 million in maintenance contracts. Babcock has secured a multi-million-pound deal to train Ukrainian personnel in maintaining Challenger 2 tanks and other vehicles, while BAE Systems, funded by Sweden, will repair Swedish-donated Archer artillery systems in collaboration with Lancashire-based AMS.
The UK’s total military aid to Ukraine now stands at £4.5 billion, its highest level yet, strengthening the 100-year partnership between the two nations. As NATO allies prepare for the Defence Ministerial meeting, Healey called for increased support to provide Ukraine with the firepower needed to defeat Russian aggression and secure lasting peace.
Airbus Secures £127M UK Satellite Contract
The UK Ministry of Defence has signed a £127 million contract with Airbus to develop the Oberon satellite system, enhancing the country’s space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The two Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, designed and built in the UK, will provide day-and-night, all-weather imagery for military operations. Expected to launch in 2027, Oberon will strengthen the UK’s ability to monitor global activities and support disaster response and climate change tracking.
The project will support around 200 skilled jobs in Stevenage and Portsmouth, boosting the UK’s space sector and contributing to the government’s growth agenda. Airbus will collaborate with UK SMEs, including Oxford Space Systems, which will supply innovative carbon fibre antennas. These antennas are designed to stow compactly during launch and deploy efficiently in orbit, showcasing cutting-edge British technology.
Oberon is part of the Ministry of Defence’s ISTARI programme, which aims to deliver a constellation of satellites and ground systems by 2031. It builds on the success of Tyche, the UK’s first satellite under the programme, which has already demonstrated its capability by capturing high-resolution images of global locations, including Heathrow Airport and California wildfires. Together, these satellites will provide critical data for military operations and government tasks.
Major General Paul Tedman, UK Space Commander, highlighted the strategic importance of the project: “Oberon, alongside Tyche and other satellites in our ISTARI constellation, will allow us to observe Earth from space at any time and through any weather. This will enhance UK and allied military operations worldwide.” The initiative underscores the UK’s commitment to maintaining a leading role in the global space sector.
Ben Bridge, Airbus Defence and Space UK Chairman, emphasised the project’s significance: “Oberon’s satellites will give the UK a much-needed sovereign capability and greatly enhance its space surveillance autonomy.” The deal not only strengthens national security but also supports economic growth, with the UK aerospace sector contributing nearly £40 billion to the economy last year. Oberon represents a key step in securing the UK’s future space capabilities.
Galliford Try, Arcadis Win £65M RAF Digby Contract
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has awarded a £65 million contract to deliver new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) at RAF Digby in Lincolnshire. The project, set to transform living conditions for junior ranks, will see the construction of four new accommodation blocks. This investment marks a significant upgrade for the historic base, which was established in 1918 and is now operated by Strategic Command.
The contract has been awarded to Galliford Try, with Arcadis providing technical support. The new accommodation will offer modern, comfortable living spaces for personnel, addressing long-standing needs for improved facilities. The project underscores the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of service members.
RAF Digby, the RAF’s oldest operational station, plays a vital role in supporting strategic operations. The upgrade reflects the base’s continued importance and ensures it remains a key asset for the UK’s defence infrastructure. The new SLA will provide a significant boost to morale and quality of life for personnel stationed there.
The project is part of a broader effort to modernise military accommodation across the UK. By prioritising the needs of junior ranks, the initiative aims to create a more supportive and sustainable environment for service members. The new facilities will also help attract and retain talent within the armed forces.
Construction is expected to begin soon, with the project set to deliver state-of-the-art living spaces tailored to the needs of modern military personnel. This investment highlights the ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure and welfare for those serving at RAF Digby and beyond.
AERALIS Launches European Subsidiary
British aerospace innovator AERALIS has established a European subsidiary, AERALIS France, marking a significant step in its mission to deliver a flexible light jet aircraft system across Europe. The move builds on the long history of UK-France aerospace collaboration, exemplified by projects like Concorde, Jaguar, and MBDA. AERALIS France will focus on advancing the company’s innovative “Aircraft-As-A-Service” model, offering cost-effective and adaptable solutions for military and civil aviation needs.
The subsidiary will enable AERALIS to collaborate directly with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), securing a European civil airworthiness certificate and opening access to export markets. This strategic expansion aligns with the Lancaster House Treaty, which fosters Anglo-French defence cooperation, and positions AERALIS as a key player in addressing Europe’s growing demand for affordable, next-generation light jet fleets.
Tristan Crawford, AERALIS founder and CEO, emphasized the economic benefits of the new subsidiary: “AERALIS France will allow aircraft service providers to operate more profitably than with traditional fixed-design jets. This strengthens the case for private investment and reduces the need for upfront government funding.” The initiative aims to replace aging fleets with scalable, interoperable systems by 2030, addressing both operational needs and budget constraints.
AERALIS’s flexible jet system is designed to meet the evolving threats and challenges faced by European nations. By offering a modular and cost-effective solution, the company aims to become a trusted partner for European defence programmes, supporting allies in maintaining affordable and modern air capabilities.
The launch of AERALIS France underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and collaboration in the aerospace sector. With its focus on affordability, flexibility, and interoperability, AERALIS is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of European aviation and defence.
ISTEC Wins Contract for Jackal 3 Weapon Integration
ISTEC, a UK-based company with over 36 years of expertise in weapon integration solutions, has won a significant contract to supply Universal Gun Mounts (UGM), traverse control mechanisms, and swing arm systems for 53 Supacat Jackal 3 Extenda variants. The vehicles are being produced in partnership with Babcock, with production set to begin in early 2025. ISTEC’s solutions will enable the integration of crew-served weapons like the L7A2 GPMG and M2 HMG, enhancing the Jackal 3’s combat capabilities.
The Jackal 3 Extenda, a variant of Supacat’s High Mobility Transporter (HMT) series, offers enhanced payload capacity and speeds of up to 120 km/h. Its modular design allows it to operate as a 4×4 or 6×6 vehicle, making it highly versatile for various mission requirements. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded Supacat the contract for 53 vehicles in September 2024, following an earlier order for 70 Jackal 3 vehicles in February 2023.
ISTEC’s UGM systems are renowned for their robustness and versatility, capable of mounting light, medium, and heavy weapons, including anti-armour systems and 20mm cannons. The UGM provides a stable, backlash-free firing platform with precise Traverse and Elevation (T&E) mechanisms, ensuring exceptional accuracy and rapid target engagement. The modular design also allows for the attachment of additional equipment, such as frontal armour and folding interfaces.
Mick Coulson, Managing Director of ISTEC, expressed pride in continuing the company’s long-standing partnership with Supacat: “This contract is a testament to the quality of our products and support services. We look forward to delivering effective solutions for the Jackal 3 Extenda and future projects.” Lizzie Jones, Operations Director at Supacat, also highlighted the strong collaboration, stating, “ISTEC’s weapons integration solutions have been integral to our projects for nearly 20 years, and we’re pleased to continue this partnership.”
The contract underscores ISTEC’s reputation as a leading provider of weapon integration solutions and reinforces the Jackal 3 Extenda’s role as a critical asset for the British Army. With its advanced mobility and firepower, the vehicle is set to support a wide range of military operations.
Thanks for taking the time to read this week’s update. Have a great start to the week!