Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Defence

QinetiQ wins $170m US TARS contract

QinetiQ Group plc has won a five-year $170 million contract with the US Department of Homeland Security for the Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS).

Image courtesy QinetiQ

TARS is the largest new business competitive win for Avantus since our acquisition last year and builds on recent significant contract awards, reported in our Interim Results last week.

This win takes the total new contract awards this year for Avantus to $827 million, equivalent to more than over two and a half years of revenue cover. These major contract wins deliver new incremental business, building momentum to deliver strong revenue growth in the second half of this year and beyond, underpinning our confidence that Avantus will deliver double-digit revenue growth at stable margin into the medium term.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Avantus has transformed our customer access in the US, expanding our customer base and creating a disruptive mid-tier business in the US. During the first half of the year, we have also identified new business opportunities worth an additional $1.5bn over the next five years, created through the combination of capabilities across the US and our other markets to drive our future growth plan.

TARS provides detection, tracking and monitoring capabilities in diverse environments at and beyond the US borders. Under this five-year contract, QinetiQ will deliver aerostat operations, air-surface radar operations, ground control and data networking systems monitoring, and data analysis in support of border security and air sovereignty missions. The programme will be delivered through the provision of mission support, operations and maintenance, and lifecycle and programme management.

Steve Wadey, Group Chief Executive Officer of QinetiQ, said: “Winning TARS is another significant and exciting milestone in the US – a clear demonstration of Avantus delivering growth. TARS is an integral part of our customer’s mission to protect the US border and a critical capability to US national security. This win further reinforces our growth plan for Avantus and our wider business in the US.”
 

 

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Galvion introducing CORTEX EVO at SOF Week 2026

Defence Events

Galvion introducing CORTEX EVO at SOF Week 2026

14 May 2026

Galvion will showcase the continued evolution of its CORTEX architecture at SOF Week 2026 (18th-21st May), featuring the introduction of its CORTEX EVO system.

ISTEC collaborates with SiNAB on complex weapons systems

Defence

ISTEC collaborates with SiNAB on complex weapons systems

14 May 2026

Complex weapons integration specialist ISTEC Services Ltd, has signed a key collaboration agreement with Australian defence technology company SiNAB Pty Ltd.

British Army to receive 72 RCH 155s

Defence

British Army to receive 72 RCH 155s

14 May 2026

Seventy-two Remote Controlled Howitzers (RCH 155) will be procured under a nearly £1 billion contract, which includes initial training and in-service support, awarded by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) on behalf of the British Army to ARTEC GmbH, a joint venture between KNDS and Rheinmetall.

UK to contribute drones, jets and warship to Strait of Hormuz mission

Defence

UK to contribute drones, jets and warship to Strait of Hormuz mission

13 May 2026

Defence Secretary John Healey MP has outlined the UK contribution to the multinational Strait of Hormuz mission, with Britain deploying autonomous mine hunting equipment and cutting-edge counter drone systems, along with Typhoon jets and HMS Dragon, as part of a future defensive mission to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Canada awards Avon Protection respiratory solutions contract

Defence

Canada awards Avon Protection respiratory solutions contract

13 May 2026

The Government of Canada has awarded Avon Protection a five-year contract for the MITR-M1 Half Mask, MITR-PF Compact Particulate Filter and accessories.

Chevrolet Silverado HD added to Team LionStrike

Defence

Chevrolet Silverado HD added to Team LionStrike's UK defence portfolio

13 May 2026

The strategic collaboration between BAE Systems, GM Defence and NP Aerospace - Team LionStrike - formed to develop light utility and tactical vehicle options for British Armed Forces, has added the Chevrolet Silverado HD to its UK defence offerings.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner