Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Defence Events

Babcock opens SASH in Bristol

Defence Minister Maria Eagle today opened Babcock's Submarine Availability Support Hub (SASH) in Bristol, which adds to the 42,000 jobs and supply chain of 3,000 businesses already supporting UK efforts to maintain the country's continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent.

Image courtesy Babcock

Babcock is creating more than 100 jobs at its newly-opened Submarine Availability Support Hub (SASH) in Bristol, as the company further invests in supporting the development of nuclear skills and defence infrastructure in the South West of England.

The bespoke facility brings together partners and experts from across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, including Babcock, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) and the UK’s Royal Navy and demonstrates how collaboration between industry and government is strengthening Britain's submarine enterprise as part of a critical national endeavour.

Advertisement
ADS S&P RT

The additional roles, to the 400 already existing in the Hub, will include positions in engineering, project management, business and data analysts, adding to the already significant number of highly skilled personnel in the region, dedicated to the upkeep of the world’s most complex defence assets.

Welcoming the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, the Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, to the official opening, Babcock showcased its facility, which offers a step change in submarine support through a custom designed, collaborative working environment, promoting innovation and closer integration, and ensures data-led decisions are at the forefront of planning.

The Hub also further strengthens submarine support operations which Babcock delivers at Devonport Royal Dockyard, its Rosyth facilities and His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde.

David Lockwood, CEO, Babcock, said: “The Submarine Availability Support Hub is an exemplar facility for defence collaboration in the UK. We are working alongside our customers and partners to provide long-term sustainable infrastructure in the South West that will not only host and support the important operations that protect our country but also provide career opportunities for people passionate about our industry.”

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, the Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP said: “It was a privilege to open the new Babcock Submarine Availability Support Hub in Bristol and to have the opportunity to speak with civilian colleagues and Navy personnel alike.

Advertisement
Cranfield

“The investment in this new facility is another demonstration of the government’s commitment to making defence an engine for growth.

“This brand new facility will benefit the UK’s nuclear deterrent, which safeguards our security, and bolsters our country’s prosperity.”

Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) CEO Sir Chris Gardner, KBE, said: “The opening of the Submarine Availability Support Hub in Bristol provides a collaborative space that will support submarine availability for the Royal Navy in defence of our nation.

"This innovative facility is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to the UK’s defence nuclear enterprise. It offers a dedicated capability for the Submarine Delivery Agency and Babcock to undertake vital joint work which will support waterfront operations, as well as presenting an opportunity to develop future talent by providing placement roles for engineering students.”

Advertisement
PTC PTC
HMS Sutherland returns to sea after upgrade

Defence

HMS Sutherland returns to sea after upgrade

12 February 2025

Following a significant modernisation programme and upgrade by Babcock, HMS Sutherland has set sail for initial training prior to sea trials – marking a major milestone in her journey back to full operational capability with the Royal Navy.

Thales to support Royal Navy communications

Defence

Thales to support Royal Navy communications

12 February 2025

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) has awarded Thales UK a contract to maintain the Royal Navy’s internal and external fleet communications and provide 24/7 global support operations, for the next 10 years.

Lockheed Martin helps Marshall mark 50 years as first HSC

Defence Events

Lockheed Martin helps Marshall mark 50 years as first HSC

11 February 2025

Marshall and Lockheed Martin have come together to celebrate a major milestone in their long-standing partnership this week, with leaders from both companies gathering in Cambridge, UK, to mark the 50th anniversary of Marshall’s appointment as the world’s first C-130 Hercules Service Centre (HSC).

Prisoners help address MoD environmental challenges

Defence Security

Prisoners help address MoD environmental challenges

11 February 2025

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) has joined forces with His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to help prisoners develop their horticulture skills, as part of a wider sustainability initiative to plant 30,000 trees (20 hectares) on Ministry of Defence (MoD) land.

Advertisement
Cranfield
UK-India defence agreements secured at Aero India 2025

Defence Events

UK-India defence agreements secured at Aero India 2025

11 February 2025

The UK-India strategic partnership has taken another major step forward with the formal launch of Defence Partnership – India (DP-I) and the signing of several defence agreements at Aero India 2025.

UK Government reduces bureaucracy for apprenticeships

Aerospace Defence

UK Government reduces bureaucracy for apprenticeships

11 February 2025

Coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week, the UK Government has cut red tape to boost economic growth by giving employers more flexibility over maths and English requirements, enabling up to 10,000 more apprentices to qualify per year.

Advertisement
ADS S&P RT