UK Defence News Round-up: Week 44

Inzpire to Train European Military Helicopters

Inzpire, a Lincoln-based defence training provider, has secured a contract to support military helicopter training for over 20 European nations at the Multinational Helicopter Training Centre (MHTC) in Sintra, Portugal, extending its services until the end of 2025.

Inzpire’s Helicopter Services Division will deliver a range of training courses, including Helicopter Tactics, Helicopter Tactics Instruction, Electromagnetic Warfare, and Composite Air Operations. These programs will cater to participants from various European rotary fleets, encompassing both novice pilots fresh from basic flying training and seasoned tactical instructors preparing for operational roles.

Craig Brown, Head of Inzpire's Helicopter Services Division, emphasized the importance of their mission: “Delivering training to our military European neighbours is at the core of what we do. Our continued presence at No1 Air Base in Sintra reflects our team's professionalism and operational expertise, enabling us to serve diverse audiences effectively.”

Colonel Jorge Inacio, Commander of the MHTC, praised Inzpire’s contributions, noting, “Inzpire’s collaboration with the MHTC is exceptional. Their operational experience provides crews with invaluable opportunities to enhance their skills. The professionalism and expertise of Inzpire’s tactical instructors, along with their excellent communication skills, create a seamless learning experience for all participants.”

Inzpire’s helicopter services team is composed of highly skilled aircrew from the British Army and Royal Air Force, including qualified tactics instructors with extensive experience in attack helicopters, support helicopters, fast jets, and command and control aircraft. This diverse expertise enables Inzpire to develop and deliver realistic training tailored to meet specific operational objectives.

SEA and Terma Join Forces on Defence

SEA has announced a strategic teaming agreement with Danish technology and engineering company Terma, aimed at developing cutting-edge defence solutions for the global market. This partnership seeks to combine the innovative strengths of both companies to deliver advanced technologies that enhance naval defence capabilities.

SEA, known for its extensive experience with the UK Royal Navy and various international navies, has made significant strides in ship and fleet protection systems. Earlier this year, the company launched Ancilia, a trainable decoy launcher system that revolutionizes traditional defence methods by eliminating the need for vessels to manoeuvre in response to incoming threats. This innovation has already garnered attention, with SEA recently awarded a £135 million contract by the UK Royal Navy to implement Ancilia on its surface ships, further enhancing their defensive capabilities.

On the other hand, Terma brings a wealth of expertise in advanced technology across various domains, including land, sea, air, and space. Its C-Guard countermeasures system, designed to protect against missile and torpedo threats, is currently operational on over 150 naval platforms worldwide, showcasing its effectiveness through sophisticated threat evaluation and engagement algorithms.

Richard Flitton, Managing Director of SEA, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “This is an exciting relationship. Through our collaboration, we look forward to offering navies fully integrated solutions based on our leading capabilities. Our combined technologies will enable navies to access next-generation solutions, ensuring enhanced protection against emerging naval threats.”

This partnership marks a significant step forward in both companies' commitment to innovation and excellence in defence technology, positioning them to meet the evolving challenges faced by modern naval forces. As they work together to create robust, integrated defence systems, SEA and Terma are set to redefine the landscape of global naval defence capabilities.

MOD Awards £3.7M Falklands Wi-Fi Contract

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded a contract worth nearly £3.7 million to Sure South Atlantic, a telecommunications provider based in Stanley, to implement a welfare Wi-Fi service for MOD personnel stationed in the Falkland Islands.

the “Falkland Islands Welfare Wi-Fi” initiative aims to provide secure and reliable internet connectivity for personal use across the Mount Pleasant Complex and other satellite sites on the islands. This service will enable personnel to maintain vital connections with family and friends while stationed in remote locations.

The contract, categorized under CPV code 72411000 for internet service provision, not only addresses the immediate connectivity needs of MOD staff but also includes two optional one-year extensions, which may involve price adjustments at the time of renewal.

This provision is part of a broader welfare initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of life for deployed personnel, particularly in isolated areas. The MOD’s focus on improving online accessibility underscores its commitment to supporting the well-being of its staff in challenging environments.

Adaptix and Sempre Partner for NDT3D Imaging

Adaptix has announced a strategic partnership with Sempre, appointing them as the official distributor for its NDT3D Imaging products in the UK and Ireland. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in non-destructive testing (NDT) technology, enabling faster and more efficient X-ray imaging compared to traditional methods.

The Adaptix NDT3D system allows for rapid testing, delivering results in minutes rather than hours. Its versatility makes it suitable for a range of applications, including traditionally manufactured, composite, and additive-manufactured aerospace components, batteries, and electronics.

Martin Holden, Development Engineering Manager for NDT at Adaptix, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Sempre to extend our technology’s reach in the UK. As the industry shifts towards lightweight components, new inspection methods are crucial for ensuring quality and performance.”

Sarah Small, CEO of Adaptix, noted, “Our technology can inspect aerospace components with the precision the industry demands. Partnering with Sempre is timely as we aim to bring this innovative solution to market.”

Jim Mangan, Managing Director at Sempre, added, “We are proud to be chosen by Adaptix to introduce their groundbreaking NDT3D technology in the UK and Ireland. This tool will enable customers to quickly identify potential failure points, enhancing their operations and supporting their sustainability goals.”

Adaptix’s NDT3D technology has received backing from the Aerospace Technology Institute, the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme, and the National Composites Centre. Its mobile capabilities provide comparable results to conventional CT, X-ray, and ultrasonic testing while minimizing disruption in busy aerospace environments.

That's it for this week folks, Hope you have a great week.