UK, Norway Deepen Defence Ties to Enhance Security
The UK has launched negotiations on a major defence agreement with Norway, aimed at bolstering European security and countering Russian aggression. Defence Secretary John Healey announced the plans during a visit to the Norwegian border with Russia, emphasizing the importance of deepening ties with one of the UK’s closest allies. The agreement will focus on strengthening armed forces, enhancing industrial cooperation, and protecting critical undersea infrastructure.
The proposed partnership builds on the longstanding defence relationship between the UK and Norway, particularly in the strategically vital High North and Arctic regions. With Russia increasingly militarizing these areas, the agreement aims to bolster NATO’s northern flank and enhance collective security. Healey highlighted the UK’s commitment to playing a leading role in European security, stating, “This new era of partnership will bring us closer than ever as we tackle increasing threats and strengthen NATO.”
During the visit, Healey and Norwegian Defence Minister Tore Sandvik toured a border post near Kirkenes and discussed shared security concerns, including the need to counter Russian threats and support Ukraine. Sandvik emphasized the importance of the partnership, noting, “The UK is Norway’s closest ally in Europe. Strengthening our ties will enhance our security and make NATO stronger.”
The ministers also visited the UK’s ship RFA Proteus in Bodø, which is preparing for exercises in the Baltic Sea. Proteus serves as a mothership for drones and remotely operated vehicles, playing a key role in monitoring and protecting undersea infrastructure. Both nations are actively involved in NATO’s Operation Baltic Sentry, contributing maritime surveillance aircraft to enhance regional security.
The UK and Norway continue to lead efforts to support Ukraine, co-chairing the Maritime Capability Coalition and training over 51,000 Ukrainian recruits. Additionally, Norway will join the UK’s Carrier Strike Group deployment to the Indo-Pacific, further solidifying their defence partnership. This agreement marks a significant step in strengthening European security and demonstrating unity against shared threats.
Irish Defence Force Picks Spectra Group for COMET
Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, a leading provider of secure communication solutions, has announced a significant contract to supply the Irish Defence Force with Comtech’s Troposcatter Compact Over-the-Horizon Mobile Expeditionary Terminals (COMET). This marks another milestone in Spectra Group’s global distribution agreement with Comtech, secured in February 2024, which excludes the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The deal underscores Spectra Group’s growing influence in the international defence communications market.
The Irish Defence Force has acquired multiple COMET systems, with plans for additional units, training, and support packages. The contract also includes aspirations to deploy the advanced Troposcatter on the Move (TOTM) enhancement, further boosting the force’s strategic and tactical communication capabilities. Spectra Group is showcasing its communication solutions, including the COMET system, at EnForce Tac and JK Defence booths, highlighting its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
Tropospheric scatter technology, the backbone of the COMET system, leverages the Earth’s troposphere to deliver high-bandwidth, low-latency communications without relying on satellites or GPS. This makes it ideal for peer-to-peer conflicts and multi-domain operations. Historically, Troposcatter systems were bulky and power-intensive, but Comtech’s innovations have revolutionized the technology, making it lightweight, efficient, and suitable for modern expeditionary warfare.
The COMET system is designed for rapid deployment and mobile operations, offering high bandwidth (5-60Mbps) and long-range connectivity (70km+) while consuming just 10 Watts of power. Its dual frequency/polarisation diversity ensures reliable performance in challenging conditions, with latency as low as 9-20 milliseconds. Packed into two portable cases weighing 25kg each, the system can be set up and operational within 15 minutes, making it a game-changer for tactical and strategic communications.
Michael Davies, Business Development Manager at Spectra Group, emphasized the system’s reliability and interoperability, stating, “COMET is the perfect solution for the Irish Defence Force’s strategic needs, offering deployability and capacity that align with their national defence commitments.” With NATO countries already adopting Troposcatter systems, this contract positions Spectra Group as a key player in the global defence communications landscape.
Magtec Secures DTEP Funding for Submarine Innovation
Magtec, a UK leader in electric driveline technology, has been awarded funding through the Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) to develop groundbreaking Permanent Magnet Motors (PMM) for nuclear submarines. In collaboration with MacTaggart Scott, Magtec will deliver 26 advanced propulsion systems, significantly enhancing stealth, power efficiency, and operational capability for the Royal Navy. This project marks a major leap forward in naval defence technology.
The new PMM technology will drastically reduce engine noise, heat emissions, and size, making UK submarines nearly undetectable in hostile waters. By minimizing acoustic and thermal signatures, the Royal Navy will gain a critical tactical advantage in surveillance, deterrence, and combat operations. This innovation underscores Magtec’s role in advancing the future of undersea warfare.
Marcus Jenkins, Magtec’s Chief Technical Officer, highlighted the transformative impact of the project: “This isn’t just an improvement—it’s a complete shift in submarine operations. Our PMM technology delivers unmatched power and efficiency while reducing weight, noise, and maintenance needs.” Andy Gilligan, Managing Director, added, “This project proves Magtec’s ability to deliver world-class defence solutions, ensuring the Royal Navy remains at the forefront of military innovation.”
The initiative strengthens the UK’s sovereign defence capabilities, showcasing the ability of British SMEs to drive global technological advancements. By partnering with higher-tier suppliers, Magtec is boosting the UK defence supply chain, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing operational readiness. This development ensures the UK retains a strategic edge in advanced defence technology.
Magtec’s achievement represents a defining moment in naval warfare, ushering in an era of silent, undetectable submarines. As the company continues to push the boundaries of innovation, it reinforces the UK’s position as a leader in military technology, securing long-term advantages for national defence.
Base Materials and Triton Submarines Team Up for Deep-Sea Tech
Base Materials has announced a long-term technical partnership with Triton Submarines LLC, a leader in cutting-edge submersible technology. The collaboration supports the upgrade of the Triton 7500/3, the world’s deepest-diving three-person acrylic submersible, certified by DNV to reach depths of 2,286 meters (7,500 feet). The vessel’s transparent acrylic hull provides unparalleled access to the ocean’s bathypelagic zone, enabling explorers, scientists, and filmmakers to study depths between 1,000 and 4,000 meters.
As part of the upgrade, Base Materials supplied six DNV-certified buoyancy modules made from its Subtec 3,000 material, a high-performance syntactic foam qualified for depths up to 3,000 meters. These modules provide the necessary uplift for the submersible to operate over 1.4 miles below the ocean’s surface. Stephen Sloan, Head of Commercial at Base Materials, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “Triton Submarines pushes the boundaries of innovation, and we’re proud to support their mission to advance ocean exploration and advocacy.”
Sophie Bentham-Wood, Executive Director of Global Marketing and Sales Strategies at Triton Submarines, highlighted the importance of the collaboration: “We sought a materials specialist with a strong UK presence and the expertise to meet our stringent performance and DNV certification requirements. Base Materials exceeded our expectations, providing both technical excellence and reliable support.”
Base Materials ensured the buoyancy modules were precision CNC-machined and rigorously tested, with DNV personnel overseeing calibration and compliance checks at its UK facility. The Subtec range, known for its ultra-high strength-to-weight ratio and water ingress resistance, is ideal for demanding subsea applications. The material’s density and depth ratings make it a versatile solution for crewed and uncrewed underwater vehicles.
This partnership underscores Base Materials’ commitment to advancing deep-sea exploration technology. By combining Triton’s innovative submersible designs with Base Materials’ advanced buoyancy solutions, the collaboration promises to unlock new possibilities for ocean research and discovery.
Sentinel Photonics Teams with StarC4SYS and TBM for Europe Growth
Sentinel Photonics, a UK-based leader in advanced laser detection and protection systems, has announced strategic partnerships with StarC4SYS in Romania and TBM Netherlands in the Benelux region. These collaborations mark a significant step in the company’s European expansion, strengthening its presence in key defence and security markets.
In Romania, StarC4SYS will serve as Sentinel Photonics’ official sales partner, leveraging its expertise in C4ISR and electronic warfare to deliver cutting-edge LASERD® detection systems and FROST retro-reflection protection solutions. Cristian Ghimfus, CEO of StarC4SYS, highlighted the partnership’s value, stating, “This collaboration allows us to address the emerging laser threats our customers face with Sentinel’s advanced technologies.”
In the Benelux region, TBM Netherlands will act as an authorised reseller, providing local defence and security organisations with access to Sentinel’s innovative solutions. Bjorn Beke, Sales Director at TBM, emphasised the growing importance of laser technology, saying, “We are thrilled to partner with Sentinel Photonics to bring their detection and protection systems to our customers.”
Jackson White, Head of Commercial at Sentinel Photonics, described the partnerships as crucial milestones in the company’s international growth strategy. “Romania’s defence modernisation and the Benelux region’s advanced security markets present strong opportunities for our technologies. Partnering with trusted organisations ensures we can deliver solutions where they are needed most,” he said.
Sentinel Photonics, a UK MoD spin-out, specialises in laser detection and protection systems for defence and security sectors. With ISO9001-certified manufacturing processes and operations in Farnborough and Porton Science Park, the company continues to expand its global footprint, providing cutting-edge solutions to address evolving threats.
SSDL to Deliver Memory Health Monitoring for NATO
Solid State Disks Limited (SSDL) has been selected to supply the NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force (NAEW&CF) with health monitoring software for its new solid-state removable media assemblies (RMAs). These RMAs, which replace outdated hard disk drives (HDDs), are used on NATO’s Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) aircraft and rely on NAND-based CFast cards for data storage.
The software, developed by SSDL, monitors the health of CFast cards by tracking Program-Erase (PE) cycles and spare block availability. It provides a clear health percentage, with 100% indicating optimal condition. A colour-coded GUI further simplifies monitoring: green signifies healthy, amber suggests wear without immediate action, red warns of impending failure, and black indicates card failure or imminent failure.
Brian McSloy, SSDL’s Chief Technology Officer, explained the importance of the software: “While solid-state memory is more reliable than HDDs, it will eventually wear out. Our software ensures users can retire cards before failure, avoiding critical disruptions.” The CFast cards use single-level cell NAND Flash technology, offering up to 60,000 PE cycles, though SSDL advises proactive replacement to ensure reliability.
The software builds on SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology), originally developed for HDDs and adapted for solid-state memory. McSloy highlighted its versatility: “This software can be customized for other high-security applications relying on solid-state memory, providing operators with unprecedented visibility into memory health.”
This contract underscores SSDL’s role in supporting critical defence systems with advanced technology. By replacing aging HDDs with modern solid-state solutions and providing robust monitoring tools, SSDL is helping NATO enhance the reliability and longevity of its AWACS aircraft systems.
£810,000 Funding Boost to Inspire Next Generation of Aviators
The UK government has announced £810,000 in funding for the latest round of its Reach for the Sky programme, aimed at encouraging young people to pursue careers in aviation. Sixteen organisations across the UK, from Cornwall to Newcastle, will receive grants to deliver initiatives such as workshops, taster days, and mentorship schemes. This investment supports the government’s Plan for Change, breaking down barriers to opportunity and fostering long-term economic growth in the aviation sector.
Now in its third round, reach for the Sky has awarded a total of £2.3 million to 37 organisations, reaching over 100,000 young people nationwide. The programme focuses on inspiring careers in aviation, including roles as pilots, navigators, and air traffic controllers, while particularly targeting disadvantaged backgrounds. By expanding access to aviation careers, the initiative aims to address workforce shortages and ensure the sector’s future sustainability.
Aviation Minister Mike Kane highlighted the programme’s impact, stating, “Reach for the Sky turns ambition into reality, helping young people explore the benefits of a career in the skies.” The funding aligns with broader efforts to boost the UK’s aviation capacity, from increasing travel options to creating more homegrown jobs, contributing to the sector’s £20 billion annual economic contribution.
The programme also addresses disparities in opportunity, with Office for National Statistics data showing that young people from disadvantaged households often feel they have fewer chances to succeed. By providing hands-on experiences and mentorship, reach for the Sky aims to level the playing field and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.
This latest funding round underscores the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth in aviation. By investing in young talent, the UK aims to secure its position as a global leader in the aviation industry while creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce for the future.
ZeroAvia’s First Standalone EPS Sale to Jetcruzer
ZeroAvia has announced its first sale of a standalone 600kW electric propulsion system (EPS) to Jetcruzer International, marking a significant milestone in the development of sustainable aviation. The EPS will power flight testing for Jetcruzer’s six-seat hydrogen-electric aircraft, the Jetcruzer 500E, with delivery expected this spring. This collaboration highlights the growing demand for innovative electric propulsion solutions in the aviation industry.
The 600kW EPS, recently granted an FAA G-1 issue paper for certification, features ZeroAvia’s proprietary inverter and motor technology. It delivers high efficiency, fault tolerance, and specific power, making it ideal for next-generation electric aircraft. The system includes four 200kW bidirectional inverters and a direct-drive motor capable of 2,200 rpm, showcasing ZeroAvia’s deep vertical integration in powertrain development.
Jetcruzer International aims to bring the Jetcruzer 500E to market by 2028, followed by the 1250E in 2030. The 500E, a redesigned version of the 1990s Jetcruzer 500, will serve as a testbed for ZeroAvia’s EPS. Victor Tao, CEO of Jetcruzer International, emphasized the partnership’s role in advancing sustainable aviation, stating, “Partnering with ZeroAvia reinforces our commitment to pioneering clean aviation solutions.”
ZeroAvia’s Propulsion Center of Excellence in Everett, WA, will produce the EPS systems, supporting both its hydrogen-electric powertrains and external customers like Jetcruzer. Sergey Kiselev, ZeroAvia’s Chief Business Officer, noted the significance of the sale, highlighting the company’s growing portfolio of electric propulsion components.
This partnership underscores the aviation industry’s shift toward greener technologies. With ZeroAvia’s proven expertise in hydrogen-electric propulsion and Jetcruzer’s innovative aircraft designs, the collaboration paves the way for a more sustainable future in aviation.
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