UK Defence News Round-up: Week 47

UK to Save £500m by Retiring Aging Military Equipment Early Amid Rising Global Threats

The UK Ministry of Defence has announced plans to save £500 million by decommissioning older military assets ahead of schedule, despite warnings about increasing global threats. Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed in Parliament that ships, drones, and helicopters—some over 50 years old—will be retired as part of a cost-saving measure aligned with the upcoming strategic defence review.

The list of equipment slated for decommissioning includes:

• HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark: Two amphibious assault ships now retired, leaving the UK without this capability.

• HMS Northumberland: A Type 23 frigate deemed uneconomical to repair after structural damage was discovered.

• RFA Wave Knight and RFA Wave Ruler: Two Royal Fleet Auxiliary tankers.

• Watchkeeper WK450 Mk1 drones: Advanced drone systems without an immediate announced replacement.

• 14 CH-47 Chinook helicopters: The oldest models in service, to be replaced by newer H-47(ER) variants in 2027.

• 17 Puma helicopters: In service for over five decades, set to be replaced by Airbus H-145 helicopters in 2026.

Critics, including Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge, argue that these cuts weaken the UK's defence capability at a time of increasing international tensions. Cartlidge accused the government of "scrapping capabilities just as threats to our nation are growing," highlighting concerns over gaps in capabilities before new equipment is introduced.

While HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark were maintained at lower readiness levels and rarely deployed, their decommissioning eliminates the UK’s amphibious assault ship capability altogether. Similarly, delays in the introduction of new helicopters and frigates leave a transitional period where critical capabilities will be reduced.

The Ministry of Defence defended the decision, citing the high cost of maintaining outdated systems and the need to modernize equipment. It pointed to the rapid technological advancements in areas like drone warfare, noting lessons learned from conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. However, no replacement for the Watchkeeper drones has been announced yet.

The strategic defence review, which will shape future military priorities, is expected to report next year.

Cohort plc Acquires EM Solutions

Cohort plc, the independent technology group, has enhanced its naval defence capabilities through the acquisition of EM Solutions, a leading Australian provider of high-end satellite communication terminals. This acquisition strengthens Cohort's position in the global defence sector, particularly in the naval communications market, and aligns with the company’s strategic growth objectives.

EM Solutions, based in Australia, specializes in innovative microwave, on-the-move radio, and satellite communication products, providing reliable, high-speed telecommunications anywhere in the world. The company’s expertise supports the needs of global navy and defence customers, positioning it as a key player in the satellite communications industry.

Andrew Thomis, CEO of Cohort plc, commented on the strategic significance of the acquisition: "The acquisition of EM Solutions supports our growth strategy, expanding our presence in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, a key area given the increasing security challenges and the formation of the AUKUS alliance. It provides access to the rapidly growing satellite communications market, complementing our existing naval systems offering and bringing new customers across NATO Europe, Asia, and South America."

This deal marks Cohort’s largest acquisition to date, making EM Solutions its seventh standalone business. The addition of EM Solutions to Cohort’s portfolio will strengthen its Communications and Intelligence division and provide significant diversification into the expanding satellite communications sector. The leadership team of EM Solutions, led by John Logan and Georgios Makris, will remain in place, benefiting from the wider research, market insights, and client relationships within Cohort’s global network.

The acquisition comes on the back of strong financial performance for Cohort, which has reported impressive revenue growth, order intake, and net funds for the 2024 financial year. With over £120 million in contract wins since the start of FY2025, Cohort's order book stood at more than £559 million as of September 30, 2024. The integration of EM Solutions is expected to open new growth opportunities and further enhance Cohort’s position in the global defence and communications markets.

TEKEVER Secures €70M from Baillie Gifford, NIF, NSSIF

Tekever, the advanced drone technology company, has raised €70 million in a Series B funding round to enhance its dual-purpose drone platform. The round was led by Scottish investment firm Baillie Gifford & Co. and the NATO Innovation Fund, which supports startups in the defence and security sectors. Other participants in the funding round include the UK’s National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF), Crescent Cove Advisors, and existing investors Iberis Semper and Cedrus Capital.

The new funding will allow Tekever to accelerate the development of its drone technology, with a particular focus on expanding into new markets, including the United States. The company’s largest drone, the ARX, can control several smaller drones simultaneously, providing enhanced surveillance capabilities across land, sea, and battlefield environments. Tekever’s drones are already being used in critical operations, including in Ukraine and by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the UK Home Office.

The investment will support Tekever’s efforts to further refine its platform and expand its global reach, offering solutions for both defence and commercial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) needs. With the backing of key strategic investors, Tekever is well-positioned to continue its growth in the rapidly evolving drone and AI technology sectors.

Tekever’s advanced drones, powered by AI, play a crucial role in monitoring vast areas, and their versatility makes them invaluable for defence and security applications. As Tekever continues to innovate, the company is poised to meet the increasing demand for sophisticated aerial systems, both in military operations and other sectors like maritime safety and border security.

The involvement of Baillie Gifford, NIF, and NSSIF underscores the growing importance of unmanned aerial systems in global security, with Tekever’s technology now set to support even more government and commercial operations worldwide.

Base Materials Earns DNV Approval for Subtec 11500

Aerospace & defence supplier, Base Materials has become the first subsea buoyancy manufacturer to receive DNV type approval (TAC) for its Subtec 11500 syntactic foam material. The approval certifies the material for use at seawater depths down to 11,500 meters, making it suitable for full ocean-depth applications. Additionally, the company has earned DNV’s Approval of Manufacture (AoM) for its entire range of Subtec materials, further demonstrating its leadership in subsea technology.

The Subtec 11500 material was rigorously tested by DNV, the world’s leading classification society for the maritime industry, and qualified for extreme deep-sea environments. With exceptional strength-to-weight ratios and water ingress resistance, the material is designed for use in both crewed and uncrewed subsea vehicles.

Stephen Sloan, Head of Commercial at Base Materials, highlighted the significance of the certification, noting the critical importance of material performance in deep subsea operations. He expressed pride in the collaboration with DNV and reaffirmed the company's ongoing investment in research and development to push the boundaries of subsea material technology.

Base Material’s Subtec buoyancy materials come in seven grades, with densities ranging from 400 to 650 kg/m3. These materials are engineered to meet the demands of varying depths from 2,000 meters to 11,500 meters and are made using high-grade hollow glass microspheres combined with a novel thermoset polymer matrix for superior durability.

With this certification, Base Materials sets a new standard for subsea buoyancy materials, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and quality. The DNV type approval opens new opportunities for deep-sea operations and underscores the company's role in advancing subsea technology for the most demanding applications.

Wayland Additive to Supply Calibur3 to Fraunhofer IPK

Aerospace and defence supplier Wayland Additive has announced that Fraunhofer IPK, a leading research and development institute specializing in production technology, will be acquiring its advanced Calibur3 metal eBeam additive manufacturing (AM) system. This collaboration marks a significant step forward for Fraunhofer IPK, as they look to harness the unique capabilities of Wayland Additive’s patented NeuBeam technology to drive innovation in metal AM.

Fraunhofer IPK, renowned for its application-focused research, is dedicated to developing production solutions that meet the evolving needs of industrial partners. The Calibur3 system, which incorporates NeuBeam technology, will be integral to advancing new metal AM applications, particularly in the realm of electron beam melting (EBM).

NeuBeam technology is designed to overcome many of the limitations traditionally associated with metal additive manufacturing, offering smoother, more efficient processes. A key benefit identified by Fraunhofer IPK is the elimination of the post-build sinter cake, a challenge in many metal AM processes. This innovation significantly reduces post-processing time and costs, especially for complex geometries with intricate internal structures, thus streamlining production.

Tobias Neuwald, Head of the Manufacturing Technologies Department at Fraunhofer IPK, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating: “We are thrilled to be working with one of the most innovative manufacturers of cutting-edge technologies. This partnership will allow us to process new materials, open new applications, and broaden the accessibility of additive manufacturing technologies to a wider range of industries.”

Wayland Additive’s Calibur3 system, with its revolutionary NeuBeam technology, is expected to provide Fraunhofer IPK with the tools necessary to tackle the challenges faced in the rapidly evolving field of electron beam melting, positioning the institution at the forefront of metal additive manufacturing innovation.

That's a wrap folks, not long to go until Christmas fever kicks in!