Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Defence

Ambush leaves for sea trials

The second Astute class submarine Ambush has set sail from BAE Systems to begin sea trials with the UK Royal Navy.

Above: Ambush from the roof of Devonshire Dock Hall.  

The 7,400 tonne attack submarine left the site in Barrow-in-Furness on Saturday 15 September for Her Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde, Faslane, which will become its operational base. This major milestone in the submarine programme is the point at which Ambush will begin to test its range of capabilities, under the control of Ambush Commanding Officer, Commander Peter Green and his crew.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Above: Ambush waves goodbye to Devonshire Dock Hall .

In the twilight hours of an autumnal morning, Ambush prepared to depart Devonshire Dock in Barrow. She moved through the dock system flanked by tug boats and waved off by hundreds of well wishers from the local community as she set sail for Her Majesty’s Naval Base in Faslane, Scotland.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Moving under her own power she left the docks at around 11:30am into open water to begin her sea trials with the Royal Navy who will be her custodian for the next 30 years.

Above: Ambush heads for sea trials under her own power.

Over the next year she will be put through her paces in a rigorous testing programme and regime of inspections, certification and assessment to prove she is ready for operational deployment. Once commissioned into the Royal Navy she will become known as HMS Ambush and fly the white ensign for the first time as a fully commissioned warship.

Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard
RIAT 2026 cancelled

Aerospace Defence Security Events

RIAT 2026 cancelled

22 May 2026

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will now not be taking place, cancelled due to issues regarding access to the event - at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East.

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

22 May 2026

ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space industries, has announced the appointment of Andy Williams as Scotland Director.

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

Aerospace Defence Security Space

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

22 May 2026

King’s College London and Cranfield University have announced that the two universities have signed an agreement as the first step towards a merger, with the aim of bringing the two institutions together from August 2027, which will support UK national capability and resilience.

QinetiQ expands testing capacity at MoD Portland Bill

Defence

QinetiQ expands testing capacity at MoD Portland Bill

22 May 2026

QinetiQ has increased the capacity of its vessel testing facility with the addition of a new water tank that will enable larger uncrewed mine hunting vessels’ magnetic fields to be measured and lowered to counter underwater threats.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Hexagon boosts large-volume inspection productivity

Defence

Hexagon boosts large-volume inspection productivity

22 May 2026

Hexagon’s Portable Metrology Division has introduced a new wireless probe that adds contact measurement to its high-speed HYPERSCAN large-volume laser scanning system, improving productivity during alignment, inspection and reporting.

BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

Defence

BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

21 May 2026

BAE Systems Bofors, which signed a purchase agreement to acquire Swedish supplier of precision mechanics and advanced component machining for aerospace and defence products, Aston Harald Mekaniska Verkstad AB in February 2026, has now completed the acquisition.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner