MoD acquires semiconductor factory to sure up supply chain The MoD has made moves to bolster UK defence’s crucial supply chain with the acquisition of a semiconductor factory in County Durham. The site in Newton Aycliffe is the only secure facility in the country with the skills and capabilities to manufacture A number of military functions can’t be achieved without these specialist semiconductors, such as boosting fighter jet operations. The government’s acquisition of the factory secures up to 100 skilled jobs in the north east of England. Defence secretary John Healey said: “Semiconductors are at the forefront of the technology we rely upon today, and will be crucial in securing our military’s capabilities for tomorrow. This acquisition is a clear signal that our government will back British defence production. We’ll protect and grow our UK defence supply chain, supporting north east jobs, safeguarding crucial tech for our armed forces and boosting our national security. gallium arsenide semiconductors.
Navy tests technology and uncrewed systems A selection of drones and uncrewed vessels were tested by the Royal Navy as part of an international exercise in Portugal. The equipment, which includes an armed autonomous Pacific 24 RHIB, hand-launched mini quadcopters, uncrewed surface vessels and surveillance drones, were part of NATO’s annual wargames event. More than 200 personnel from the Royal Navy, MoD and the defence industry joined representatives from the US and southern Portugal. The event aims to help uncrewed system technology move from the test phase to integration into operations. 25 other nations for the REPMUS exercise in Troia, A representative for the Navy said: “At the heart of the UK Operations Room, Navy Develop is enabling uncrewed systems to operate as an integrated force – looking at the command, control and execution aspects of missions. It enables the sharing of data from drone operations in real time, across partners and allies to extend control over the battlespace.”
DASA launches uncrewed systems pilot DASA has announced the launch of a new Early Market Engagement (EME) pilot initiative focusing on uncrewed systems. Working with industry and academia, the aim is to determine whether a full-scale competition should be created on the topic. The first pilot will concentrate on two critical subsystems of uncrewed systems: position, navigation and timing in highly contested environments, and low-cost, fast engines. Insights collected from the pilot will be used to inform specific problem areas going forward. A government spokesperson said: “For prospective suppliers, participating in the EME workshops will provide an opportunity to understand, engage with and contribute to the MOD’s problem challenge areas. Although this does not guarantee that a competition will take place afterwards, this
advance notice enables suppliers to consider the
potential development of new or enhanced existing offerings.”
Security Cleared EXPO | Cyber Security EXPO | Police Resettlement EXPO | Veteran UK | LONDON 2024 21
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