Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Ultra secures UK STF upgrade contract with QinetiQ

Defence

Ultra secures UK STF upgrade contract with QinetiQ

Ultra has secured a contract from QinetiQ to support them in replacing the entire Sonobuoy Test Facility (STF) system at the British Underwater Test & Evaluation Centre, MoD BUTEC.

Image courtesy Ultra

This work includes replacing the Software Defined Sonobuoy Receivers (SDSRs), the Command function transmitters as well as a suite of analysis software for the Ground Monitoring Station which provides control, monitoring, recording and analysis capabilities for the Sonobuoy on test.

Advertisement
ODU RT

New capabilities, which include user friendly graphics and the reuse of seabed hardware to replace surface test equipment, will offer a real saving to the customer. Not having to deploy equipment manually from a small boat means the new system will be safer and less time consuming to use.

QinetiQ and Ultra will collaborate to deliver the STF requirements with QinetiQ providing the COTS computer equipment including networking, data storage and installation.

For over 70 years Ultra has supplied world-leading sonobuoys, sonobuoy receivers and sonobuoy command transmitters to navies worldwide for airborne Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). Sonobuoys are deployed onto the sea surface and used for detection, classification and localisation of submarines. Test and training for UK sonobuoys is undertaken at the STF at MoD BUTEC in North West Scotland.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Ultra is also a world leader in multi-static acoustic processing techniques that increase the probability of detection of submarines and is at the forefront of developing solutions to enable unmanned air vehicles to conduct airborne ASW missions effectively.

Ultra Command & Sonar Systems Managing Director, Mike Williams said: “we are pleased to continue our relationship with QinetiQ in the UK, providing complex solutions for test and evaluation of underwater warfare systems and equipment.”

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
BAE Systems launching advanced digital fires capability at Eurosatory

Defence Events

BAE Systems launching advanced digital fires capability at Eurosatory

12 June 2026

BAE Systems is launching its latest digital innovation to the front-line at Eurosatory in Paris next week, an advanced Indirect Fire Control System designed to enhance the precision, speed and connectivity of modern artillery operations.

UK Defence Secretary resigns

Defence

UK Defence Secretary resigns

12 June 2026

UK Defence Secretary John Healey has resigned, citing funding levels outlined in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan (DIP) as unacceptable and that it would impact the readiness of Britain's armed forces.

Lightfoot International joins Nordic Climate Group in UK

Defence Security

Lightfoot International joins Nordic Climate Group in UK

11 June 2026

Nordic Climate Group has acquired Lightfoot International, a specialist provider of cooling solutions for defence and industrial applications.

Keysight wins Leonardo UK TEMS contract

Defence

Keysight wins Leonardo UK TEMS contract

11 June 2026

Keysight Technologies has been awarded a five-year contract with Leonardo UK Ltd to deliver Test Equipment Managed Services (TEMS) across multiple sites in the UK.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Babcock recruitment drive seeks mechanics

Defence

Babcock recruitment drive seeks mechanics

10 June 2026

Babcock is calling on skilled mechanics to swap family hatchbacks for battle tanks and play a vital role supporting national security operations.

IFS launches IFS Zero

Aerospace Defence

IFS launches IFS Zero

10 June 2026

IFS has launched IFS Zero, an agentic AI Emissions Operating System designed for asset-intensive industries, such as aerospace and defence, where organisations face pressure to improve emissions reporting and supply chain transparency, with Scope 3 compliance now a contractual requirement.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB