Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Australian Defence Minister visits Glasgow

Defence Events

Australian Defence Minister visits Glasgow

Senator the Hon. Linda Reynolds, the Australian Minister for Defence has visited BAE Systems' Govan shipyard to witness the build progress being made on Glasgow, the first in class City Class Type 26.

Above: Senator the Hon. Linda Reynolds, the Australian Minister for Defence.
Courtesy BAE Systems

During her visit, she announced the latest Type 26 supplier contract with Airspeed, an Adelaide-based company specialising in ‘design and build’ applications of composite materials for aerospace, maritime and energy-related projects.

Advertisement
Leonardo RT

Airspeed has been awarded the contract to provide the replenishment at sea stump mast (RASSM) for the first batch of three Type 26 ships which will run until 2023. The RASSM allows for the resupply of ammunition and small of amounts of stores whilst the ship is at sea.

This is the second supplier from South Australia to supply into the Type 26 programme as part of our Global Access Programme, joining: Electro Optic Systems, Liferaft Systems Australia, Thales Australia, Mackay Consolidated Rubber, Rowlands Metalworks and CBG Systems (Moonraker).

Steve Barlow, Airspeed Managing Director, said: “In recent years, we have evolved our aerospace background to roll out lightweight structural composites for the Collins class submarines and local warship programmes. This latest contract with BAE Systems to design and build a lightweight replenishment at sea stump mast (RASSM) for the Type 26 is a great opportunity to showcase the talent and technology innovation we have in our company.”

BAE Systems Australia’s new subsidiary ASC Shipbuilding has been awarded a contract by the Australian Government that provides the framework for the design and build of nine Hunter Class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy.

Work has already begun to mobilise the Hunter Class Frigate Programme and the Head Contract signed earlier this year incorporates detailed scope for the design and engineering work necessary to allow prototyping to commence in 2020 and to ensure steel is cut on the first ship at South Australia’s Osborne Naval Shipyard in 2022.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

Nadia Savage, Type 26 Programme Director, said; “This latest contract announcement demonstrates that the Type 26 Global Combat Ship is a truly global programme, pulling on the best technology and companies from around the world to ensure the Global Combat Ship remains relevant to future maritime demands and delivers an adaptable design meeting the needs of our customers.”

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC, said: “It was fantastic to be hosted by BAE Systems today at Govan shipyard where I witnessed the progress of GLASGOW, first in class Type 26.
               
“Airspeed is the latest Australian company to win an export opportunity to supply the UK’s Type 26 frigate programme, and will design and build the replenishment at sea stump mast for the UK’s newest warships. I’m delighted that another home-grown company is able to benefit from the Type 26 programme.
 
“I look forward to continuing to work closely with the UK Government and industry in both countries on further deepening our defence relationship.”

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
BAE Systems launch new returners programme

Defence

BAE Systems launch new returners programme

30 June 2025

For the past seven years, BAE Systems and STEM Returners have been working together to help engineers across the UK return to work after a career break and today the partnership has announced a new programme at BAE Maritime and Land Defence Solutions in Portsmouth and the Radar Integration Test Facility in Cowes, which will include 10 positions and see the ...

SSRO reviews single source defence contracts

Defence

SSRO reviews single source defence contracts' profit rate calculations

30 June 2025

The Single Source Regulations Office (SSRO) are consulting on updates to the way that profit rates for defence-related single source contracts are calculated.

DXC opens Farnborough office

Defence

DXC opens Farnborough office

30 June 2025

DXC Technology has opened an office in Farnborough, that is to be home to DXC's dedicated Aerospace and Defence Hub.

Syensqo and Terma strengthen partnership

Aerospace Defence Security

Syensqo and Terma strengthen partnership

30 June 2025

Advanced materials specialist Syensqo and Terma, provider of mission-critical solutions in aerospace, defence and security, have signed a strategic collaboration agreement to develop joint initiatives in composites for next-generation aerospace and defence applications.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Babcock reveals regional regeneration plans

Defence

Babcock reveals regional regeneration plans

30 June 2025

Babcock has announced transformative plans to locate more than 2,000 of its workforce from its Devonport Royal Dockyard facility, to the heart of Plymouth City Centre, as part of a trailblazing approach to support regional regeneration across the UK.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng appointed Chief of the Defence Staff

Defence

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng appointed Chief of the Defence Staff

27 June 2025

His Majesty The King has approved the appointment of Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng to take over from Admiral Sir Tony Radakin KCB ADC as the next Chief of the Defence Staff, with effect from September 2025.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025