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
DSEI 2025

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
DSEI 2025

“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
Cranfield University
Forcys deliver on Sentinel IDS Expeditionary Trailers order

Defence

Forcys deliver on Sentinel IDS Expeditionary Trailers order

19 May 2025

Hampshire based maritime defence company Forcys, has confirmed the delivery of Sentinel IDS Expeditionary Trailers to a long-standing defence customer.

Evolve Dynamics launches Foxe and Wolfe

Defence

Evolve Dynamics launches Foxe and Wolfe

16 May 2025

British designer and manufacturer of advanced Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), Evolve Dynamics, has launched two new miniaturised platforms, Foxe and Wolfe.

NP Aerospace opens defence facility in Coventry

Defence

NP Aerospace opens defence facility in Coventry

15 May 2025

NP Aerospace has formally opened its new 5.73-acre facility in Coventry, supporting UK job growth and global defence needs.

Navantia UK appoints Donato Martínez as CEO

Defence

Navantia UK appoints Donato Martínez as CEO

15 May 2025

Navantia UK has today appointed Donato Martínez as the company's new CEO, succeeding Juan Ignacio de la Cueva, who accomplished the first steps of the integration of Harland & Wolff, including unlocking key investments for the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Serco awarded Maritime Services contracts to support Royal Navy

Defence

Serco awarded Maritime Services contracts to support Royal Navy

15 May 2025

Serco has been awarded three contracts with a combined value of over £1 billion by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to provide maritime services for the Royal Navy. The contracts, which replace existing services and expand into new capabilities will commence later this year.

AUKUS supply chain strengthened

Defence

AUKUS supply chain strengthened

14 May 2025

H&B Defence – a joint venture between HII Nuclear Australia and Babcock – has secured its first contract to enhance supply chain capabilities for the global AUKUS enterprise through the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification Pilot Programme.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025