Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Sellafield security improvements recognised by ONR

Defence Security

Sellafield security improvements recognised by ONR

The UK's Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has returned the Sellafield site to a routine regulatory regime for physical security after a period of enhanced oversight.

Image courtesy Sellafield

Inspectors cited a sustained period of improved performance, highlighting the close working relationship between ONR inspectors and Sellafield Ltd in achieving this outcome.

Physical security at Sellafield is delivered using a wide range of assets and capabilities and through an approach that includes defence in depth and armed response. A number of physical security assets and capabilities have been improved as part of the return to routine regulatory attention.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Regulatory attention levels are set by ONR and are assigned based on the regulator’s assessment of overall performance, considering a broad range of safety and security considerations and operational issues that a site is addressing.

Gary Wilkinson, head of security and resilience at Sellafield Ltd, said: "Following an action plan over many months, we have successfully met all the requirements set by ONR.

"This is a significant achievement and has been a big team effort from across the company – thank you to everyone involved in this important achievement."

Advertisement
ODU RT

Paul Dicks, ONR’s director of regulation for Sellafield, decommissioning fuel and waste, said: "We have worked closely with Sellafield Ltd through our enabling approach to ensure that the required improvements are delivered.

"I’m satisfied that Sellafield Ltd has demonstrated significant and sustained security improvements which has allowed us to return them to routine regulatory attention."

Sellafield Ltd currently remains in significantly enhanced attention for cyber security and collaborative work is ongoing to achieve the required improvements in this area.

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Babcock reviews future vehicle platforms with UK SMEs at Defence Battlelab

Defence Events

Babcock reviews future vehicle platforms with UK SMEs at Defence Battlelab

24 April 2026

Babcock International Group has brought together key suppliers for an engagement day at the Defence Battlelab in Dorset, to look at upcoming requirements for a new generation of modern off road vehicles.

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

24 April 2026

UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the government’s export credit agency – has announced a new partnership with Finance for Forces to help more veteran-led businesses access the finance they need to grow internationally.

Royal Navy evaluates next-gen maritime capabilities

Defence

Royal Navy evaluates next-gen maritime capabilities

24 April 2026

Earlier this year, demonstrations to the Royal Navy were successfully conducted at SubSea Craft’s UK headquarters as part of Atlantic Bastion, a programme to make Britain more secure from threats in the North Atlantic.

Government scouts private investment to advance defence innovation

Defence

Government scouts private investment to advance defence innovation

24 April 2026

This week the UK Defence Secretary John Healey and Chancellor Rachel Reeves met with leaders from UK banking, venture capital and strategic finance, to explore how private investment can be leveraged to drive innovation and accelerate defence readiness.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Thales expands Malaysian Armed Forces

Defence Events

Thales expands Malaysian Armed Forces' tactical comms

24 April 2026

In partnership with Advanced Defence Systems (ADS), Thales Malaysia is establishing a local assembly line for new-generation SYNAPS (V/UHF) Software-Defined Radios in Segamat, Johor, strengthening Thales’ local manufacturing capabilities.

UK and Indonesia launch flagship Maritime Partnership Programme

Defence

UK and Indonesia launch flagship Maritime Partnership Programme

24 April 2026

Babcock International Group, together with the British Embassy Jakarta, British Chamber of Commerce and Indonesian partners, have formally launched the Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP), a flagship agreement to deepen UK–Indonesia cooperation across maritime defence, fisheries, industrial capability and skills development.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner