Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Ultra awarded £31m follow-on Sonobuoy capability contract by MoD

Defence

Ultra awarded £31m follow-on Sonobuoy capability contract by MoD

Ultra Maritime announces that its Sonobuoy Systems business has been awarded a further, three-year contract, worth £31 million, with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Image courtesy Ultra

Ultra will continue to supply sonobuoys for the Royal Navy’s Merlin Maritime Patrol Helicopter from 2022 to 2024.

The contract between Ultra and the MoD comes at an important time, boosting both the economy and jobs in the UK.

The contract for sonobuoy engineering, manufacturing, logistics and support from Ultra, ensures the Royal Navy maintains a persistent Anti-Submarine Warfare surveillance capability against hostile submarines.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Eric Webster, President, Sonobuoy Systems commented: “I am very excited and appreciate the Royal Navy choosing Ultra for this three-year follow-on Sonobuoy Contract. We look forward to working with the Defence Equipment & Support Merlin Delivery Team to supply and support cutting edge, affordable and valuable anti-submarine (ASW) solutions. This investment by the Ministry of Defence enables the UK’s Armed Forces to deal with modern and evolving submarine threats.”

Ultra provides cutting edge Sonobuoy technology to the Royal Navy, built in its UK factory. These Sonobuoys are essential for Merlin Helicopters to provide Anti-Submarine defence of UK Homewaters, the Nuclear Deterrent, and Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers.

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Thales completes first X-Fire launcher firing tests

Defence

Thales completes first X-Fire launcher firing tests

26 May 2026

Thales has conducted live firings from the X-Fire launcher, developed in partnership with Soframe, which features a versatile architecture enabling it to engage deep-strike targets (150 km and beyond), using a wide range of munitions, whether sovereign or allied.

BAE Systems to upgrade US facilities

Defence

BAE Systems to upgrade US facilities

26 May 2026

BAE Systems is making a $135 million investment for facility enhancements in Austin, Texas and Hudson, New Hampshire, further strengthening the US defence industrial base.

BOREALIS goes live six months early

Defence Space

BOREALIS goes live six months early

26 May 2026

CGI has supported the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to achieve Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for BOREALIS, six months ahead of schedule.

RIAT 2026 cancelled

Aerospace Defence Security Events

RIAT 2026 cancelled

22 May 2026

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will now not be taking place, cancelled due to issues regarding access to the event - at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East.

Advertisement
ODU RT
ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

22 May 2026

ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space industries, has announced the appointment of Andy Williams as Scotland Director.

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

Aerospace Defence Security Space

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

22 May 2026

King’s College London and Cranfield University have announced that the two universities have signed an agreement as the first step towards a merger, with the aim of bringing the two institutions together from August 2027, which will support UK national capability and resilience.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard