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
PTC rectangle

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
Anti-drone tech patents surge

Aerospace Defence Security

Anti-drone tech patents surge

19 March 2026

The number of patent applications for anti-drone (counter-UAV) technologies filed globally increased by 27% to 126 last year*, up from 99 the year before, according to new research from intellectual property (IP) law firm Mathys & Squire.

Marshall Aerospace secures five SAIL Mark projects

Aerospace Defence Security

Marshall Aerospace secures five SAIL Mark projects

18 March 2026

Marshall Aerospace is advancing its expertise in the UK’s fast-growing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sector after securing five separate SAIL Mark assessment projects funded by Innovate UK and the Department for Transport.

UK engineers advance innovative way to tackle drone threats

Defence Security

UK engineers advance innovative way to tackle drone threats

18 March 2026

A team of UK based engineers is developing a new way of eliminating hostile drones.

Babcock and S.A.F.E. forge training partnership

Defence

Babcock and S.A.F.E. forge training partnership

18 March 2026

Babcock International Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Belgian defence company S.A.F.E. to explore collaboration on international training opportunities.

Advertisement
ODU RT
SEA to provide training and support to Royal Malaysian Navy

Defence

SEA to provide training and support to Royal Malaysian Navy

18 March 2026

SEA has been awarded contract with Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS) to provide in-country training and support to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), enhance its operational readiness, availability and capability.

JFD opens new Singapore facility

Defence Security

JFD opens new Singapore facility

18 March 2026

Provider of specialist marine and defence solutions, James Fisher and Sons plc (JFD Global), has expanded its Asia Pacific footprint with the official opening of a new facility in Singapore.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner