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
PTC rectangle

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
Security & Policing 2026
Quantum Systems introduces UGV MANDRILL

Defence

Quantum Systems introduces UGV MANDRILL

6 March 2026

Quantum Systems has introduced its own unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) called MANDRILL, officially launching the ground robotics domain within the group of companies.

BMT to launch ROC-Sim at Oceanology International

Defence

BMT to launch ROC-Sim at Oceanology International

6 March 2026

BMT is launching ROC-Sim - a scalable high fidelity virtual test environment and training solution enabling development, testing and assurance of uncrewed and autonomous systems - on the first day of Oceanology International, taking place next week at ExCel London (10th-12th March).

Serco continues health support for ADF readiness

Defence Security

Serco continues health support for ADF readiness

6 March 2026

Serco has been awarded a contract extension with Bupa to deliver health services across Australian Defence Force (ADF) Health Centres for a further 12 months to 30th June 2027.

Babcock launches joint skills pact with Fife and Forth Valley colleges

Defence

Babcock launches joint skills pact with Fife and Forth Valley colleges

6 March 2026

Babcock International Group, Fife College and Forth Valley College are to accelerate the development of Scotland’s defence and advanced manufacturing workforce through a new joint skills pact outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the three organisations.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Smith Myers expands ARTEMIS capability

Aerospace Defence Security

Smith Myers expands ARTEMIS capability

5 March 2026

Smith Myers Communications Ltd. today announced the addition of passive Wi-Fi and Bluetooth detection and geolocation capability, together with ATAK Cursor-on-Target (CoT) integration, expanding the capability of its ARTEMIS system.

Metamorphic AM launches Rapid Geometry Review

Aerospace Defence

Metamorphic AM launches Rapid Geometry Review

5 March 2026

UK-based design and engineering consultancy, Metamorphic AM, which provides advanced computational Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) programmes, has launched Rapid Geometry Review, a new service aimed at making high-level DfAM expertise more commercially accessible.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner