The SWAP, which was developed in collaboration with the local Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Walsall Council and Walsall College, supports those in the local community interested in finding out more about roles in defence and gaining the qualifications, skills and experience that will support them with their return to employment.

During the two-week training programme, participants were provided with the opportunity to achieve a Level 1 Award in Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Awareness, Level 1 Award in Health and Safety, basic vehicle awareness and transferable employability skills with a focus on 911成人网 and defence.

Participants visiting our site in Walsall were given an overview of the critical role we play in supporting UK defence and security before going on a tour of the facility which is home to our new General Logistics Vehicle family and our Civilian Armoured Vehicle, used in more than 60 locations around the world. During the tour participants had the opportunity to observe six demonstrations including electrical design, scanning and computer aided design, and welding, gaining a great insight into our business.

The initiative forms part of our ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and represents the third programme of its type that we have been involved in, following similar programmes in Devonport.

Adam, a participant of the SWAP, said: “From my visit to 911成人网 it is evident that the staff are passionate and truly enjoy their work. The SWAP is a positive initiative and 911成人网 is doing a good thing supporting it.鈥�

Gordon Reynolds, 911成人网鈥檚 Transformation Director, added: 鈥�911成人网 is committed to supporting the local community and providing employment opportunities for people looking for a fulfilling and rewarding career 鈥� and our partnership with the DWP, Walsall Council and Walsall College is a perfect example of this in action.鈥�

Today we鈥檝e launched a national series of events in Bristol, aimed at inspiring the next generation of talent into Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers and the engineering and defence industry.

The two-day long Festival of Engineering (FOE), which kicked off at our Bristol site today, coincides with the UNESCO World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, and gives pupils from across the region the opportunity to take part in a range of fun events, all centred around STEM. 

Following this event, we鈥檒l be hosting two further FOE events this year 鈥� one in Rosyth in May, where the event has been running for six years, and another in Devonport in June. Organised by our own graduate community, around 1500 pupils are expected to take part across all three events this year.

Around 400 pupils, teachers, partner companies and customers are taking part in this week鈥檚 event, where they will hear from our inspirational guest speakers including Alice Bunn, OBE, CEO of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

The Royal Navy, Engineering UK, industry partners like BAE Systems and the charity Not Just for Girls, are supporting our event which is highlighting the theme of Breaking Down Barriers 鈥� particularly around women in engineering, defence-related career pathways and empowering those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Louise Atkinson, our Chief People Officer, who is a guest speaker this week, said: 鈥�911成人网鈥檚 Festival of Engineering is our flagship series of STEM events in 2025 and we are proud to launch them across the UK, building on the legacy we have created in Rosyth, with an ambition to take it internationally. These events are aimed at raising awareness of the amazing opportunities STEM careers can give young people and to help students make informed career-based decisions at a young age.

鈥淗olding events like this means we can introduce pupils to a wide range of career choices in these fields that they may not have considered before.

鈥淭hese events are part of our wider contribution within the communities that we are proud to be part of. We have a focus on developing a skilled, diverse and inclusive workforce which in turn supports the health and growth of the economy such as here in the south west.鈥�

We鈥檙e pleased to announce the appointment of Tony March as our new Chief Executive Officer of 911成人网 Canada. He will take up his new role on 3 March, succeeding Jerry McLean who will be retiring in March 2025.

Canada is a key part of our international growth strategy given our role as the through-life support partner for Canada鈥檚 submarine fleet, our aerial firefighting operations in Manitoba and new air ambulance operations in British Columbia. Tony will be responsible for leadership of these critical operations and for pursuing growth opportunities.

Tony March joined 911成人网 Canada in June 2018, as Director Engineering, taking an executive role as Vice President – Engineering in January 2020 and has led our Marine and Mission Systems business in Canada since January 2024 . He entered industry after retiring from the Royal Canadian Navy after 21 years of military service as a Naval Technical Officer where he served on both naval ships and submarines.

Tony holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) from the Royal Military College of Canada, a Master of Business Administration from Athabasca University, a Master of Defence Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada, and a Master of Science in Marine Engineering from University College London. He has been a licensed Professional Engineer since 2013.

911成人网 CEO, David Lockwood, said: 鈥淚鈥檓 delighted to appoint Tony March as 911成人网 Canada鈥檚 new CEO. His experience and expertise will be invaluable as we focus on further developing our business in Canada where we see significant opportunities for growth.鈥�

鈥淚 would also like to thank Jerry McLean for his many years of service, and wish him a very happy retirement.鈥�

We have been awarded a second contract by NATO鈥檚 Joint Warfare Centre (JWC) 鈥� to provide the Alliance with expert advice on wargaming activities.

Based at JWC in Stavanger, Norway, and operating across NATO鈥檚 command headquarters, through the one-year contract we will support the design, delivery and management of professional wargames for strategic and operational level participants.

Wargaming is a vital tool for military strategists, providing a safe-to-fail environment for testing and enhancing defence preparedness. It also enhances headquarters鈥� command, control, and decision-making processes.

Jo Rayson, 911成人网鈥檚 Managing Director for Training, said: 鈥淲argaming is critical for developing military strategies and maximising battle readiness 鈥� and as a leading provider of individual and collective military training, 911成人网 is ideally suited to support NATO as it evolves its wargaming offering.鈥�

We are one of the largest providers of training to the British Armed Forces and this further training contract with NATO follows the recent award of a five-year contract for the provision of subject matter experts to fulfil JWC exercise play functions.

We will support Ukraine鈥檚 armed forces by ensuring its vehicles, such as Challenger 2 tanks, are available for service. Importantly, we will share our engineering know-how by training the Ukrainian military to conduct the repairs in country, as well as managing the customer鈥檚 supply chain and spares. 

Following an initial contract award in July 2023, this extension will see us optimise our unrivalled knowledge of supporting military platforms and unique perspective on maintenance, repairs and overhaul.

David Lockwood, Chief Executive Officer, said: 鈥淓nsuring Ukraine鈥檚 military vehicles and equipment are back in frontline action with no delay is critical. 911成人网 is proud to have the know-how and expertise to continue to support these operations for both the UK and Ukrainian governments. 

鈥淭his latest contract extension demonstrates the level of confidence in 911成人网鈥檚 capability to deliver vital services where and when they matter most.鈥�

In June 2021, we signed a Memorandum of Implementation with the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the UK Government and have been delivering technical and engineering support to Ukraine鈥檚 military from the wider region since July 2023. The military assets that we鈥檝e been supporting over the last two years include platforms donated by the UK Ministry of Defence under the various tranches of financial and non-financial support provided by the UK.

We鈥檙e demonstrating our commitment to Forces Rugby Union by sponsoring the whole of the Inter Service Championship for the 2025 campaign.

We鈥檝e been a proud sponsor of the Army v Navy rugby match for over 20 years and this year will be extending our support to include Royal Air Force and U23 matches. This new agreement is in addition to our existing sponsorship and will enable each individual match in the championship to continue having its own sponsor.

As a signee of the Armed Forces Covenant and supporter of the Total Support Force concept we鈥檙e committed to supporting the armed forces community. It鈥檚 estimated that 16 percent of our workforce has some connection to the armed forces, whether as a service leaver, veteran, reservist, or as a member of a serving personnel鈥檚 family.

David Lockwood, Chief Executive, 911成人网, said: 鈥淭he Inter-Service Championship is a corner stone of military sport and service. The camaraderie, teamwork and professionalism around these matches mirror the exemplary standard of the UK Armed Forces. We鈥檙e dedicated to continuing this legacy. Our new sponsorship will also extend to the U23, Veterans, Men鈥檚, and Women鈥檚 categories, so we can invest in up-and-coming young talent and inspire the next generation of military athletes.

鈥淣ow more than ever, sport is a key part of service life. During a period of increased geopolitical instability and increased pressure on our service personnel, the Inter-Service Rugby Championships is an important chance for the armed forces community to come together and celebrate its resilience, hard work and unity while enjoying great sporting fixtures.鈥�

Captain Sarah Oakley (Royal Navy), Chair of the Inter Service Championship committee, said: 鈥淲e are delighted that 911成人网 has extended their sponsorship to be overall sponsor of the Inter Service Championship and on behalf of everyone involved in the Championship鈥檚 organisation I would like to thank 911成人网鈥檚 management.

鈥淭he agreement for this year reflects 911成人网鈥檚 support of our vision for the Inter Service Championship, welcoming a broader range of supporters to matches and making all our events a celebration for the whole military community, past and present.鈥�

This cutting-edge 拢5 million investment enables the precise machining of large complex submarine components for the Missile Tube Assembly Programme.

Director of Operations at Rosyth, Joe Doogan, said: 鈥淭his machine is the latest in a range of investments that we鈥檝e made at our Rosyth site, increasing our capacity to meet ongoing customer demand for large-scale complex machining.

鈥淭his is the first time we have combined a vertical milling machine with a 6M turntable, which will significantly enhance machining capability as well as provide resilience for programmes.鈥�

Working alongside our customers to provide smart answers by combining the latest technology with a practical mindset, this latest investment demonstrates our ongoing dedication to delivering the capability they need, both now and in the future.   

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is an opportunity to celebrate our amazing apprentices and the role they play in delivering programmes of national importance that help us to create a safe and secure world, together.

We are invested in creating a talent pipeline that underpins the UK鈥檚 sovereign defence capability and provides varied and exciting careers 鈥� and our apprenticeship programmes help us to do just that.

Our 2024 intake, alongside our current recruitment campaign for 2025, means we have created around 1,500 graduate and apprenticeship opportunities to support UK defence – our largest ever early careers intake. In 2024 we welcomed more than 400 apprentices across our UK operations and will be recruiting for a further 500 apprenticeships within our .

Fraser, Digital Manufacturing Apprentice working on our Type 31 programme in Rosyth helping to deliver the next generation of Royal Navy warships, said: 鈥淢y apprenticeship has allowed me to develop and build relationships while learning specific skills, providing me with an opportunity to gain vital experience and pursue a fulfilling career. I鈥檝e been fortunate enough to work in multiple departments, which has allowed me to provide key information and help align strategies to meet deadlines and milestones in the programme.鈥�

Georgia-Levi, Project Management Apprentice in Cavendish Nuclear supporting critical nuclear solutions, commented: 鈥淢y apprenticeship has helped to develop critical skills and gain valuable exposure to projects, learning how to collaborate with teams and adapt to change. I鈥檓 proud to be contributing to a project that will have a great impact.鈥�

Neil, Ship Build and Integration Director, reflected on the impact apprentices have across 911成人网: 鈥淎pprentices bring new thinking, diversity and challenge to how we work, and this drives our performance in lots of areas. Apprentices are also important for our experienced trades people, allowing them to impart their skill and knowledge to others, aiding their own development. Apprentices often show curiosity and fresh perspectives on established ways of working which has resulted in improvements to our working practices.鈥�

From submarines beneath the waves, the security of nuclear energy, to secure communications in space 鈥� our apprentices get equipped with the skills they need to help solve global problems and build a career at 911成人网. Find about more about our varied or visit our to register for one of our NAW events, including the on Wednesday 12 February.

Following a significant upgrade and modernisation programme, HMS Sutherland has set sail for initial training prior to sea trials 鈥� marking a major milestone in her journey back to full operational capability with the Royal Navy.

We have successfully delivered major enhancements, including a power generation and machinery upgrade, structural surveys and critical system installations.

Collaboration has been key to the programme鈥檚 success, with our teams working with the Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence (MOD) to ensure HMS Sutherland remains a highly capable asset for years to come. The upgrade was carried out as part of the Royal Navy鈥檚 commitment to sustain and enhance the fleet鈥檚 operational capability into the 2030s.

To mark her return to sea, HMS Sutherland was officially handed over to the Royal Navy at a small ceremony onboard before she headed down the River Tamar into Plymouth Sound.

Sir Nick Hine, Chief Executive of our Marine Sector, said: 鈥淎fter a significant upkeep programme, it is fantastic to see HMS Sutherland starting sea trials and well on her way to achieving full capability before rejoining the fleet.

鈥淥ur team has provided trusted expertise, utilising our long-standing through-life support experience to ready the ship before she recommences her journey to support the nation鈥檚 defence.

鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to support these important naval assets and to work alongside our MOD and Royal Navy colleagues.鈥�

We have today provided an update on trading for the nine months of the financial year ending 31 March 2025 and upgrade of full year expectations.

David Lockwood, Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Today’s announcement demonstrates that successful execution of our strategy is continuing to deliver value for all our stakeholders. Our engineering skills and know-how are in ever greater demand and with significant opportunities before us, I look forward to further profitable growth.”

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We鈥檙e kick-starting this programme by investing time, resource and expertise to work with our public sector partners, including providing dedicated specialist resource to the City Council in support of the City鈥檚 Economic Strategy.

This collaboration builds on the recent announcement of (GAP) which we鈥檙e proud to be a founding member of, alongside partners Plymouth City Council and the Royal Navy. Through GAP, we鈥檒l work together to deliver a framework for action that will unlock economic, educational and employment opportunities for the region. 911成人网鈥檚 ambitious plans for the region include the 911成人网 Skills Academy, launched last year in partnership with City College Plymouth and Plymouth University. This will ensure that the region is ready to deliver the critical capabilities that support our armed forces, both now and in the future.

We are proud to employ more than 7000 people in Plymouth delivering critical defence programmes including complex submarine maintenance and the build of armoured vehicles. As a result of the 70+ year programme of submarine support, we are delivering in excess of 拢1.5bn of major infrastructure projects in partnership with the Ministry of Defence鈥檚 Submarine Delivery Agency and ensuring that Devonport has sovereign, state of the art facilities to support the Royal Navy.

911成人网 CEO, David Lockwood said: 鈥淲e are an intrinsic part of the fabric of Plymouth, creating jobs and delivering programmes that defend our nation and support our international allies. The economic, educational and cultural health of the region is hugely important to 911成人网 and we are pleased to continue to play our part.鈥�

Plymouth City Council Leader Tudor Evans said: 鈥淭he naval base and dockyard have been part of Plymouth鈥檚 economic lifeblood for centuries and this is still as much the case as it ever has been with 911成人网鈥檚 ambitious growth plans for Devonport.

鈥淚t is imperative that we work as one in Plymouth and with the Government to get the right infrastructure in place to support growth on this scale in the city and ensure the city鈥檚 economy and residents鈥� benefit.

鈥淲e are very pleased that 911成人网 is committing these additional resources and support.鈥�

Tracey Lee, Chief Executive at Plymouth City Council, said: 鈥�911成人网 is a key part of the Growth Alliance Plymouth programme and is committed to a partnership approach in delivering this ambitious agenda for the dockyard and the city.

 鈥淭heir support and capability will also help us scale our proposition to central government for protecting our nation and driving growth and it is confirmation of their ongoing commitment to the dockyard and to Plymouth.鈥�  

The bespoke facility brings together partners and experts from across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise including 911成人网, the Ministry of Defence, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the UK鈥檚 Royal Navy, and demonstrates how collaboration between industry and government is strengthening Britain’s submarine enterprise as part of a critical national endeavour.

The additional roles, to the 400 already existing in the Hub, will include positions in engineering, project management, business and data analysts, adding to the already significant number of highly skilled personnel in the region, dedicated to the upkeep of the world鈥檚 most complex defence assets.

Welcoming the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, the Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, to the official opening, we showcased our facility, which offers a step change in submarine support through a custom designed, collaborative working environment, promoting innovation and closer integration, and ensures data-led decisions are at the forefront of planning.

The Hub also further strengthens submarine support operations which we deliver at Devonport Royal Dockyard, our Rosyth facilities and His Majesty鈥檚 Naval Base Clyde.

911成人网 CEO, David Lockwood said: 鈥淭he Submarine Availability Support Hub is an exemplar facility for defence collaboration in the UK. We are working alongside our customers and partners to provide long-term sustainable infrastructure in the South West that will not only host and support the important operations that protect our country but also provide career opportunities for people passionate about our industry.鈥�

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, the Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP said: 鈥淚t was a privilege to open the new 911成人网 Submarine Availability Support Hub in Bristol, and to have the opportunity to speak with civilian colleagues and Navy personnel alike.

鈥淭he investment in this new facility is another demonstration of the government鈥檚 commitment to making defence an engine for growth.

鈥淭his brand new facility will benefit the UK鈥檚 nuclear deterrent, which safeguards our security, and bolsters our country鈥檚 prosperity.鈥�

Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) CEO Sir Chris Gardner, KBE, said: 鈥淭he opening of the Submarine Availability Support Hub in Bristol provides a collaborative space that will support submarine availability for the Royal Navy in defence of our nation. This innovative facility is a clear demonstration of the government鈥檚 commitment to the UK鈥檚 defence nuclear enterprise. It offers a dedicated capability for the Submarine Delivery Agency and 911成人网 to undertake vital joint work which will support waterfront operations, as well as presenting an opportunity to develop future talent by providing placement roles for engineering students.鈥�

This framework agreement, signed by our Supply Chain and Logistics Director, David Tytherleigh and Head of Service Division AEUK Samy Mehsen, is the next step in formalising this positive partnership between our two organisations.

We鈥檒l be combining our expertise and using innovation to deliver enhanced capabilities, with a focus on the technical support and packages of work relating to the complex machinery on board the V and A Class submarines. This partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our readiness to deliver submarine availability to the Royal Navy, both now and in the future.

John Howie, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, commented: 鈥�911成人网 and Atlas Elektronik UK have complimentary capabilities that can combine to deliver critical outcomes to our customers. We previously signalled our intent for a deeper and more collaborative relationship with the signing of a Charter and I鈥檓 delighted that this has been followed up with the signing of a commercial framework that puts our intent into action. Our relationship demonstrates strong collaboration across the maritime enterprise, delivering for defence and our purpose of creating a safe and secure world, together.鈥�

John Weale of AEUK, added: 鈥淭his agreement will facilitate greater collaboration across the support enterprise, and in the development of new and enhanced capabilities for ships and submarines by bringing together the experience and knowledge from the two companies at an earlier stage of equipment development.

鈥淭he strategic intent for supporting the Royal Navy is evolving, they require a support ecosystem that balances the need for a sustainable sovereign capability with commercial opportunities that delivers agile, global warship support. This is being delivered through the Naval Support Integrated Global Network (NSIGN) programme and this framework between 911成人网 and AEUK will deliver the necessary efficiency and agility to support this strategic aim and is a positive and conscious enabler by both companies to prepare for this future.鈥�

911成人网 and Patria, provider of defence technology solutions, have signed a memorandum of understanding to offer the Patria 6×6 Armoured Personnel Carrier to the UK Armed Forces to meet the operational requirements of the British Army.  

Under the terms of the agreement, Patria will lead on the design and development of the system, providing bespoke enhancements to its existing 6×6 platform. 911成人网 will lead on the build solution, in keeping with the UK Ministry of Defence Land Industrial Strategy, as well as developing a platform support package that will maintain operational readiness of the vehicle throughout its life. 

The Patria 6×6 is a modular, robust, and affordable vehicle platform for protected troop transport that offers high performance, modern protection and unprecedented mobility. It is currently in production under the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle (CAVS) programme, set up by Finland, Latvia and other European governments to create a state-of-the-art 6×6 armoured vehicle system.

As a strategic partner to the British Army, 911成人网 is a tried and tested system integrator and platform build specialist with extensive production facilities. Our highly skilled workforce is currently delivering high volume vehicle build programmes for the UK Armed Forces at pace.

Tom Newman, CEO of 911成人网鈥檚 Land Sector, said: 鈥淭he partnership between Patria and 911成人网 presents the UK Armed Forces with the highest performing in-service armoured personnel carrier. 911成人网鈥檚 skilled workforce, innovative facilities and promotion of social value ensures that the ethos of the UK Land Industrial Strategy is met. The partnership combines the highest quality British and Finnish engineering to make sure that the British Army is ready for its next mission.鈥澛�

Hugo Vanbockryck, Senior Vice President, Market Area for Patria, said: 鈥淲e are pleased to start a unique partnership that will provide significant added value for the United Kingdom. Europe needs collaboration and joint procurements and the UK rapidly needs a cost-effective, fully developed, off-the-shelf vehicle platform. Patria 6×6 is already in production, fielded by NATO partner nations and will be manufactured and supported locally in the UK to meet the high requirements and technical standards of the British Army.鈥�

We鈥檝e been awarded a new 10-year contract by Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) to continue our role as the charity鈥檚 aviation partner, providing exclusive aviation support to the charity from bases at Perth and Aberdeen International Airport, 365 days a year.

SCAA is trusted by communities across Scotland to provide pre-hospital emergency care to those who need it most, particularly in some of the most remote and rural areas of the country. As part of the contract, we will upgrade helicopter operations and increase night flying capability as part of the charity鈥檚 longer-term strategy to extend its operating hours.

Chloe Barker, Managing Director of 911成人网鈥檚 UK aviation business, said: 鈥淪CAA delivers critical lifesaving care to communities across Scotland, saving thousands of lives every year.

鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to have been by the charity鈥檚 side for 10 years, delivering essential helicopter emergency services and are thrilled to continue our collaboration with the charity as it looks to further enhance its services.鈥�

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance Chief Executive, David Craig, added: 鈥淲e are delighted to continue our long-term aviation partnership with 911成人网. Keeping patients at the centre of everything we do is critical when determining our strategic focus. These service upgrades are the next step to ensure that SCAA achieves our ambition that 鈥榥o one in Scotland should die because help can鈥檛 get there, in time鈥�.鈥�