02.09.2019

WESTMINSTER NEWS

Parliament to Prorogue until 14th October

On Wednesday the Prime Minister announced that Parliament will be suspended and a new Parliamentary session will commence on 14th October, starting with a Queen’s Speech when the government will set out its domestic agenda for the legislative term, potentially including updated plans for both investment in defence and security and the 2017 Industrial Strategy. 

Nevertheless, though procedurally routine, in the absence of any alternative to either No Deal or the four-times defeated Withdrawal Agreement, the consequential impact on Parliamentary time to debate the terms of the UK’s planned exit from the EU on 31st October make this a highly-controversial move. Though the government has denied any link, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace found himself the centre of controversy as he was caught on camera suggesting this was the real reason behind the decision to suspend Parliament.

As Make UK has repeatedly warned, no deal would be a disaster for UK manufacturing and we continue to urge Parliament to vote through an agreement with the EU as soon as possible, giving manufacturers the certainty they need and avoiding the extra costs a no deal would mean. 

DASA Competition - Advanced Vision for 2020 and Beyond (Electro-Optics /Infrared (novel Optics and Sensors))

 The MOD’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is seeking proposals to develop and demonstrate a number of novel technologies or applications in the area of Electro-Optics and Infrared (EOIR) to address the future need for highly capable and affordable sensors. EOIR sensors are a key military capability used for surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, threat warning, target detection and more. Total funding of £2.5m is expected to be available over 2 phases to fund multiple projects in each phase. At least £1.25 million is available to fund multiple proposals in this phase. Further Details / Linkedin
Key challenges: 
• Challenge 1 - Novel Optics and Materials
• Challenge 2 - Novel Sensors
• Challenge 3 - Embedded/Edge Processing applied to EOIR sensing

Key Dates: 
Competition launch event 4th Sept 2019 Register here
Competition closes 13th Dec 2019 midday 
In parallel to this competition, the Autonomy in Challenging Environments competition is seeking novel and innovative technologies to improve the capability of autonomous military systems in challenging environments for which sensor technology may be applicable.

100 employers awarded for supporting the armed forces

100 employers have been recognised by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace for their outstanding support for the armed forces community by being awarded an Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. They will be presented with their awards on 12 November.

The Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards represent the highest badge of honour available to those that employ and support those who serve, veterans, and their families. The scheme continues to grow year on year with awardees doubling in the last 12 months, taking the total to 228.

Employers have won awards for initiatives such as employing veterans, supporting individuals transitioning out of the armed forces into a new career and providing flexibility for reservists. Included are 23 local authorities, 13 NHS hospitals and trusts and 29 SMEs.
The 100 winners have been recognised for their long-term commitment to the armed forces, with companies from the public and private sector achieving the top grade. Each has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and where possible, engages with the MOD’s Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to promote the recruitment of service leavers, as well as honouring individual pledges of support.  Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

These awards recognise the outstanding support for our armed forces from employers across Britain and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one.
Regardless of size, location or sector, employing ex-forces personnel is good for business and this year we have doubled the number of awards in recognition of the fantastic support they give.

UK and Norway Reinforce North Atlantic Security

The UK and Norway reinforced their commitment to joint anti-submarine operations in the North Atlantic at RAF Lossiemouth last week.  Defence Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan hosted Norwegian State Secretary Tone Skogen to discuss NATO and the UK’s role in the North Atlantic.
The UK is investing £3 billion in nine new Boeing Poseidon P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, with Norway committing to a further five. The aircraft are sophisticated submarine-hunters designed to scout complex undersea threats.
The aircraft will work together, and with NATO allies, to combat a range of intensifying threats in the North Atlantic, including increased hostile submarine activity. Defence Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan stated:

“The UK and Norway have a long history of cooperation on maritime surveillance and operations. This close relationship will only improve now that we will operate the same type of MPA, the P-8 Poseidon. UK and Norwegian priorities are aligned in the North Atlantic, and we look forward to a close and integrated partnership in meeting common challenges within the realm of maritime security."

The entire nine-strong UK Poseidon P-8A fleet will be based at RAF Lossiemouth. The first aircraft has been built and has just completed its first test flight. It will be handed over to the RAF in the United States later this year and arrive in Scotland early in 2020.
Last year, the station broke ground on construction of a £132 million strategic facility for the new fleet, to be completed in 2020. The new facility is being constructed by Elgin-based Robertson Northern and will comprise a tactical operations centre, an operational conversion unit, squadron accommodation, training and simulation facilities and a three-bay aircraft hangar.

OTHER NEWS

MoD invites bids for Project Morpheus Systems Integrator role
Atkins joins Aeralis combat aircraft trainer development
A Ground-up Approach to Electric Aircraft
Cobham to Supply Aircraft Radios for UK Emergency Services Network
BAE 57mm Gun Systems Selected for Indonesian Navy's Fast Attack Craft
Weapons Carriage & Release System Market worth $554 M by 2025
BAE to enhance F-35 Electronic Warfare capabilities
Royal Air Force Typhoon jets to receive key sensor upgrade
A hazy future: Amid a competition to build British frigates, a UK shipyard hits hard times


Please ensure you visit the NDI stand at DSEI, 10 – 13 September at the Excel London
It’s now less than 2 weeks’ until we exhibit at DSEI, the world leading event that connects governments, national armed forces, industry thought leaders and the global defence & security supply chain on an unrivalled scale. Please remember to visit us on stand S10-100.

NDI Discount Code If you have yet to register to attend please feel free to use the NDI code which is 0EE556 and will give you access to the exhibition for £50 during August, from 1st September the cost will increase to £175. 

We look forward to seeing you there