Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace Security

NPAS base reopens at Lippitts Hill

At the request of the Metropolitan Police Service, the National Police Air Service (NPAS) has re-established a helicopter base at Lippitts Hill, Epping Forest, Essex, which will provide support for the policing of London.

Image courtesy NPAS

NPAS crews, working with four EC145 helicopters, will operate 24-hours, seven days a week, from the newly-refurbished base, to support the policing of London.

The 34-strong team includes pilots, Tactical Flight Officers and Base Managers.

For the last two years, the capital has been served primarily from the NPAS base at North Weald, Essex – although as a national service, aircraft can be deployed from anywhere across England and Wales when called upon to do so.

Advertisement
ODU RT

NPAS has retained its base at North Weald and crews from there continue to serve the  East and South East of England, alongside colleagues based in Redhill, Surrey and Benson, Oxfordshire.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

The re-instatement of the Lippitts Hill base brings NPAS’s total number of bases to 15, with a current total fleet of 19 helicopters and four aeroplanes.
 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Acron Aviation signs A320 pilot training contract with Royal Brunei Airlines

Aerospace

Acron Aviation signs A320 pilot training contract with Royal Brunei Airlines

6 February 2026

Acron Aviation have signed a new multiyear contract with Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) to provide Airbus A320 full flight simulator (FFS) training at its Bangkok Training Centre (BTC), further strengthening Acron Aviation’s position as a leading global provider of pilot training solutions.

Hexagon introduces Hyperscan

Aerospace Defence

Hexagon introduces Hyperscan

6 February 2026

Hexagon has introduced Hyperscan, a portable and robust 3D scanning solution designed to deliver outstanding performance in complex industrial environments.

Westwire opens new Swindon facility

Aerospace Defence

Westwire opens new Swindon facility

6 February 2026

Westwire Harnessing has opened its second UK manufacturing facility in Swindon.

BAE Systems launches Launchpad incubator

Aerospace Defence

BAE Systems launches Launchpad incubator

6 February 2026

BAE Systems has launched Launchpad, a new technology incubator programme designed to take dual-use technologies beyond the defence sector and help cutting-edge innovations reach their full commercial potential.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Birmingham Airport aims to secure direct connection to New York

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport aims to secure direct connection to New York

6 February 2026

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has announced a targeted, financial support package on offer to airlines that looks to attract direct connectivity between BHX and New York, reinforcing the airport’s commitment to the growth of long haul into global markets.

ITSA sees UK connector sales rise in 2025

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ITSA sees UK connector sales rise in 2025

5 February 2026

The Interconnect Technology Suppliers Association (ITSA) has revealed its members reported sales in 2025 were up by 5% over 2024 but that orders and business to business sales, were flat.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB