U.K. Opens Bidding for New Generation of Military Helicopters in Modernisation Push
The U.K. Ministry of Defence announced a major leap forward in its military modernization efforts, opening bids for the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) program. This program aims to acquire a new fleet of versatile helicopters to replace several existing models.
The contract award is anticipated in 2025, with an estimated value ranging from £900 million to £1.2 billion (US $1.1 billion to $1.5 billion). This program seeks to deliver up to 44 medium-lift helicopters capable of operating in diverse environments and fulfilling roles previously filled by five different aircraft types. This consolidation aims to streamline the U.K.’s vertical lift capabilities, enhancing both efficiency and operational flexibility.
U.K. branches of Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters, and Lockheed Martin are expected to submit bids. The evaluation process will consider factors like design, manufacturing, export potential, and alignment with the U.K.’s Defence and Security Industrial Strategy, which emphasizes securing operational independence, fostering long-term U.K. skills development, and supporting the nation’s defense industry.
The winning helicopters will replace the Army’s Puma fleet and several other aging models like the Bell 412, Bell 212, and Airbus Dauphin. Lockheed Martin, through its subsidiary Sikorsky, intends to offer the Black Hawk helicopter, potentially establishing a final assembly line in the U.K. or Europe to strengthen their bid. Airbus, collaborating with Boeing, plans to offer the H175M, a militarized version of their commercial H175 helicopter, which would be built in Wales. Finally, Leonardo, from Italy, will likely enter the competition with its AW149, highlighting its design’s enhanced survivability against small-arms fire.
This program signifies a significant step in the U.K.’s military modernization efforts, aiming to enhance operational effectiveness and versatility through a new generation of medium-lift helicopters.
£560M Refurbishment to Extend UK Submarine’s Life by 15 Years
Babcock, the renowned defence giant listed on the FTSE 250, has clinched a substantial £560 million contract from the Ministry of Defence to prolong the operational lifespan of a key UK nuclear-armed submarine. This agreement, reached after initial discussions last year, involves a significant overhaul of HMS Victorious at Babcock’s expansive dockyard in Devonport, Plymouth. The submarine arrived at the dockyard last summer, and refurbishment activities are already underway.
The refurbishment project aims to extend HMS Victorious’s operational capabilities by a minimum of 15 years, ensuring its effectiveness well into the 2030s. Vice Admiral Martin Connell, the Second Sea Lord, stressed the critical importance of this refit to enable HMS Victorious to continue fulfilling its duties until the next generation of nuclear-armed submarines, known as the Dreadnought class, is ready for service.
HMS Victorious, belonging to the Royal Navy’s Vanguard class submarines equipped with Trident ballistic missiles, plays a pivotal role in the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent strategy. Given the strategic significance and the imperative of stealth, maintaining these vessels in optimal condition is paramount.
The Vanguard class submarines have been operational for nearly four decades since HMS Vanguard was commissioned in 1993, followed by HMS Victorious in 1995, HMS Vigilant in 1996, and HMS Vengeance in 1999. HMS Vanguard has already undergone refurbishment, albeit facing significant delays due to unexpected challenges with its nuclear reactor.
Apart from essential upgrades to the submarine’s systems, the refurbishment of HMS Victorious will include improvements to crew facilities such as the galley, gym, and entertainment systems. The extensive overhaul will entail inspecting, refurbishing, or replacing 90% of the submarine’s existing equipment and systems.
UKSA Announces £10M Funding for Telecoms Innovation
The UK Space Agency (UKSA) has launched a £10 million funding competition to propel UK companies to the forefront of global telecommunications.
This initiative, part of the UK’s commitment to the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunication Systems (ARTES) programme, aims to support innovative technologies that will revolutionize telecommunications services, products, and applications.
The funding is open to a wide range of innovative products or services across the space, ground, or network segments. This includes groundbreaking technologies like laser communication in space and leveraging space tech to enhance global shipping efficiency.
The ARTES programme aims to stimulate innovation in telecommunications services to improve life on Earth and drive business growth. The new funding could support projects enhancing connectivity in remote areas, facilitating medical supply transport via drones, or managing traffic for autonomous vehicles.
Digital infrastructure is essential for unlocking growth opportunities and positioning the UK as a leader in global scientific and technological advancement. Future telecoms are identified as one of the critical technologies in the Science and Technology Framework.
The UK has committed £190 million to the ARTES programme, demonstrating its strong partnership with ESA. The funding builds on previous investments, including the establishment of the European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) at the Harwell Space Cluster.
Overall, the funding competition represents a significant opportunity for UK companies to drive innovation in telecommunications and contribute to the advancement of global connectivity.
That’s a wrap ladies and gents! Hope you’ve all had good weekends and enjoyed some lovely weather. See you next time.