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
Gulfstream banner
BMT partners with BAE Systems on Anzac Class Designer Support Contract

Defence

BMT partners with BAE Systems on Anzac Class Designer Support Contract

9 April 2026

BMT has announced it will be engaging with BAE Systems Australia, the prime contractor for the Design Support Contract (DSC) supporting the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac class frigates.

HENSOLDT UK secures two contracts with SRT for 50 coastal surveillance radars

Defence

HENSOLDT UK secures two contracts with SRT for 50 coastal surveillance radars

9 April 2026

Orders will deliver enhanced coastal monitoring capability using SharpEye radar technology.

Babcock awarded LAFT contract extension

Defence

Babcock awarded LAFT contract extension

8 April 2026

Babcock International Group has been awarded a four year extension to its Light Aircraft Flying Task (LAFT) contract, continuing its delivery of essential military flying training to the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Vietnam Helicopter Corporation bolsters offshore operations with Airbus

Defence

Vietnam Helicopter Corporation bolsters offshore operations with Airbus

8 April 2026

The Vietnam Helicopter Corporation (VNH)’s subsidiaries, Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH South) and Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH North), have placed an order for three Airbus H225 helicopters, to support the continued expansion of its offshore energy operations, and progressively replace ageing aircraft in its fleet.

Advertisement
ODU RT
New helicopter capability delivered to British Army in Brunei

Defence

New helicopter capability delivered to British Army in Brunei

7 April 2026

Two Airbus Helicopters UK (Airbus) H145 Jupiter HC Mk2 helicopters have been delivered to the British Army in Brunei as part of a £148 million MOD programme marking the start of their journey as modern, reliable capability for operations.

FAC reviews TEKEVER

Aerospace Defence Security Events

FAC reviews TEKEVER's progress in the UK

7 April 2026

Senior representatives from the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) recently visited AI-centric autonomous systems provider TEKEVER to see how the Portuguese company is progressing with its UK businesses.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner