We have announced plans with Safran Electronics & Defense, a leader in high-tech defence solutions, to increase collaboration across multi-domain mission systems, aircraft engines, space systems, tactical and strategic communications.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed at the Paris Air Show, aims to combine both our world-class expertise to deliver advanced, competitive, and innovative solutions for the UK, France, and international defence markets.

It builds on our longstanding and trusted partnership with Safran, another key player in the defence sector. Together, our capabilities support products from submarines to satellites and will involve us jointly pursuing major defence programmes in land, naval, and air domains, and accelerating the development and integration of new technologies.

The MOU also supports the shared ambitions of the British and French governments to enhance bilateral defence ties through the Lancaster House Treaties. It reflects a common commitment to strengthening European security and building a resilient, sovereign industrial base for future defence challenges.

Cooperation under this agreement will include joint research and development opportunities, sharing best practices across engineering, manufacturing, and support, and bolstering supply chain resilience to protect sovereignty and security of supply. Together with Safran, we are dedicated to supporting government strategies that drive economic growth and create high-value jobs in both nations.

David Lockwood, Chief Executive, 911成人网, added: 鈥淥ur defence customers need the assurance that industry is working together to develop and deliver the best, and most innovative, products and services. 911成人网 and Safran will develop our relationship to increase military support, while strengthening the partnership between France and UK.鈥�

Franck Saudo, President of Safran Electronics & Defense, stated: 鈥淭his new step embodies the deep trust and enduring relationship between France and the United Kingdom. By pooling our expertise and resources, we are better positioned to address evolving defence needs and support the ambitions set by our governments to reinforce Franco-British leadership in the sector.鈥�

Through this strengthened alliance, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing Franco-British cooperation for the benefit of national security, economic prosperity, and European defence leadership.

Covering technical, logistical, training and support services, the strategic partnership, announced at the Paris Air Show, aims to combine the expertise of AURA AERO 鈥� a pioneer in the decarbonisation of aviation – with our global experience of civilian and defence service support and pilot training in modern and high pressure operating environments.

This collaboration will deliver an integrated solution based on the INTEGRAL aircraft, while also creating opportunities to support the decarbonisation of operations.

David Lockwood, Chief Executive, 911成人网, said: 鈥淎ir Forces across the globe need the next generation of pilots to carry out increasingly demanding operations. We believe working collaboratively with AURA AERO can bring new and innovative solutions to military aviation capabilities.鈥�

INTEGRAL is a highly advanced training aircraft, equipped with leading edge, onboard avionics and a unique digital platform allowing the replay of each flight and the access to all the flight data. This allows for a detailed debriefing of pilot and aircraft performance, an essential feature for training activities. INTEGRAL is also the only aircraft certified with a whole aircraft rescue parachute, placing safety right at the forefront of this platform.

The INTEGRAL family offers three models, addressing the different needs in pilot training: INTEGRAL R (training and aerobatics, tailwheel, 210 hp Lycoming engine); INTEGRAL S (training and aerobatics, nosewheel, 180 hp Lycoming engine) and INTEGRAL E (all-electric – Safran鈥檚 ENGINeUS electric motor, first-ever electric aircraft motor to be certified – 1 hr autonomy and 30 min supercharge)).

J茅r茅my Caussade, President and co-founder of AURA AERO, is very enthusiastic about this collaboration: 鈥淲e are confident that our collaboration with 911成人网 France will lead to an innovative response tailored to the needs of the armed forces. Modern, sustainable and versatile, INTEGRAL is a family of aircraft that provides a perfect fit for the selection and the training of military pilots and their daily operations. By introducing the all-electric INTEGRAL E into their fleet, the armed forces can halve the operating costs for most missions, while beginning its transition towards decarbonisation鈥�.

HMS Venturer, the first of five Type 31 frigates we鈥檙e delivering for the Royal Navy, has completed her first entry into the water.

The operation took place in Leith and marked a major milestone in the ship鈥檚 build journey. Following a carefully coordinated marine transfer, HMS Venturer has now returned to our Rosyth facility where outfitting and systems integration will continue in preparation for sea trials. This showcases the close collaboration between 911成人网 and our partners.

This achievement highlights the strength of the Type 31 programme, an affordable, adaptable and available frigate designed for modern naval operations. Its modular build and digital design enable rapid production and customisation, supporting not only UK defence needs but growing international demand. The Type 31 export variant, Arrowhead 140, is already in build internationally, demonstrating the platform鈥檚 global appeal and ability to serve the needs of other navies around the world. 

Sir Nick Hine, Chief Executive of our Marine Sector, said: 鈥淚n a complex and uncertain world, our ability to design, build and support advanced warships in the UK is more important than ever.

鈥淗MS Venturer’s first entry into the water is a clear demonstration of UK sovereign capability in action and the depth, resilience and expertise within 911成人网’s Marine business. This latest milestone exhibits the excellent progress being made across our multi-build programme, which will see us deliver five complex warships for the Royal Navy within a decade.

鈥淭his is engineering at its best, delivered, together with our partners, with pride, purpose and precision. HMS Venturer is just the beginning.鈥�

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911成人网 and the Polish Air Force University have unveiled plans to use leading edge technology and sensory rich training to prepare military personnel for the fast-changing nature of modern warfare.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed at the Polish Air Force University鈥檚 centenary celebrations, includes joint research and development for the armed forces that will provide experiential aviation scenarios within the 911成人网 Immersive Training Experience (BITE), our state-of-the-art product for speeding up mission readiness.

The agreement leverages our expertise in training needs analysis and experience in delivering military training 鈥� ensuring vital in-country skills development to support the Polish Air Force with its missions.

Jo Rayson, Managing Director for 911成人网’s Training business, said: 鈥淭he MoU with Polish Air Force University broadens our partnerships with leading academic institutions in Poland and will facilitate the transfer of unique knowledge and experience between industry and academia in country. We look forward to joining forces to create best in class training solutions.鈥�

Brig. Gen. Pilot PhD. Eng. Krzysztof Cur, Rector – Commandant of Polish Air Force University, added: “The aim of the cooperation is to build even stronger relations between science and industry, which will allow for the full use of experience, knowledge and modern technologies in the aviation sector.”

The partnership further develops our commitment to support the modernisation of the Polish Armed Forces and follows the recent signing of a MoU with Airbus and CAE to offer a comprehensive package of military helicopters and associated training services to the Polish Air Force.

911成人网 has launched a new apprenticeship welding school in Bristol, which will fuse traditional welding training with augmented reality, providing a skills boost to the region and UK defence. 

The welding school opens as the UK faces an increased demand in these critical skills driven by growth in national defence programmes and technology advancements alongside an ageing workforce and a decline in welding apprenticeship opportunities.

As part of the wider 911成人网 Academy, a collaborative training approach across the UK in partnership with external learning providers, the new welding apprentices will progress through their course with academic partners Weston College providing specialist welding skills alongside ourselves.

The trainees will work on a variety of programmes in areas such as advanced manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul.

The facility was officially opened by Bristol South MP, Karin Smyth, and Chief Executive of our Mission Systems business, Neal Misell. Representatives from the University of West of England, Gloucester College and Weston College also attended the event.

To demonstrate the skills required for a career in welding, the apprentices set an augmented reality welding challenge for guests, using a new hi-tech welding kit to showcase how new technology has changed this career.

Neal Misell, Chief Executive of Mission Systems said: 鈥淚nvesting in skills that support the defence industry鈥檚 critical role in the security of the UK is vital. Ensuring we have a new generation of talent, delivered in dynamic collaboration with our customers and partners, will help us to meet the growing demands of the major defence programmes we support.

鈥淭his dedicated, on-site welding school will create new jobs, help us maintain these sought after skills and underlines our commitment within the wider South West region.鈥�

Karin Smyth MP said: 鈥�911成人网 has been a valued employer in the community I represent for many years, they consistently demonstrate a commitment to the region and supporting new pathways into employment. I have long championed apprenticeships in Bristol South and the wider area, and this welding school will play a key part in delivering good quality jobs critical for our nation鈥檚 defence in the years ahead.鈥�

We support 21,500 jobs in the South West and contribute 拢1.3bn per year in the regional economy.

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We have been awarded a three-year contract to prepare for the first nuclear defueling of a decommissioned Trafalgar Class submarine in over 20 years. The operations will take place at our Devonport facility in Plymouth, marking a significant milestone in the UK鈥檚 Submarine Dismantling Project.

This 拢114 million contract from the Ministry of Defence will see us working collaboratively with the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) and leading industry partners to prepare for the defuel of four decommissioned submarines, with defuel activities recommencing from 2026. Defueling is a key enabler to submarine dismantling and must be undertaken before the full dismantling process commences.

The work will take place in parallel with our large-scale infrastructure development programme in Devonport, which will provide highly capable facilities in support of the operational submarine programme.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, the Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP said: “This contract enables the first nuclear defueling of a British submarine in over 20 years, underlining this Government鈥檚 commitment to responsibly manage the legacy of our nuclear submarine fleet.

鈥淭he work at Devonport will not only ensure we meet our environmental obligations but also create more than 150 new jobs and develop crucial skills in the South West. This partnership between the Ministry of Defence and 911成人网 demonstrates how our defence industry continues to drive innovation and sustainability, while creating skilled jobs which contribute to our growth mission and our plan for change.鈥�

911成人网 Chief Executive, David Lockwood said: 鈥淲e are proud to support the UK鈥檚 submarine fleet in the defence of our nation, ensuring the vessels are safe and available for decades of Royal Navy operations, through to their secure disposal.

鈥�911成人网 is focused on attracting more people into the UK鈥檚 nuclear industry and the defueling operations at Devonport will create more than 150 new jobs, sharing knowledge and innovation across the wider submarine enterprise, while supporting more than 300 jobs in the wider supply chain.鈥�

Sir Chris Gardner KBE, Submarine Delivery Agency CEO said: 鈥淭he signing of this contract with 911成人网 is a significant step towards the safe defueling of the decommissioned submarines in Devonport, a crucial part of the UK鈥檚 commitment to fully dismantling the retired fleet in the most responsible way possible. Collaboration with our industry partners plays an essential role in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise鈥檚 ability to support the national endeavour and maintain the UK鈥檚 nuclear deterrent.鈥�

We are currently undertaking a demonstrator project at our Rosyth facility in collaboration with the DNE鈥檚 Submarine Dismantling Project, which will see the former HMS Swiftsure be the first聽UK nuclear-powered submarine to be fully dismantled. The innovative programme will enable around 90% of the submarine鈥檚 structure and components to be reused or recycled, providing a safe, environmentally responsible and cost-effective solution for the dismantling and disposal of the UK鈥檚 decommissioned nuclear fleet.

We have reached a major milestone on the demonstrator programme to fully dismantle and recycle a UK decommissioned nuclear-powered submarine, with the first major cut made on the demonstrator submarine鈥檚 exterior.

Led by the 911成人网 team at our facility in Rosyth, the fin, from the decommissioned submarine Swiftsure, was expertly removed and carefully lifted to the dock bottom, marking a poignant moment in the final stages of her lifecycle.

Working in close collaboration with the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, contractor KDC Veolia Decommissioning Services UK Ltd and Rolls Royce, Swiftsure will be the first of the UK鈥檚 decommissioned submarines to be fully dismantled by the end of 2026, adopting a world-first methodology to disposal.

An estimated 90% of Swiftsure鈥檚 total weight will be recycled, with some of the high-quality steel repurposed into components for future Royal Navy submarines. 

As part of 911成人网鈥檚 wider through-life support to the UK Royal Navy鈥檚 submarine fleet, the current work on Swiftsure lays the foundation for a proven, long-term and sustainable dismantling programme. 

Harry Holt, Chief Executive of our Nuclear Sector, said: 鈥淩eaching this significant milestone sets a strong foundation for an enduring commitment that supports both national security and environmental responsibility and is testament to the dedication and expertise of our teams, as we look to provide a safe and secure solution to the dismantling of the UK鈥檚 decommissioned nuclear submarines.鈥�

Sir Chris Gardner KBE, CEO of the Submarine Delivery Agency, said: 鈥淭o see the fin of Swiftsure removed is a significant marker of progress in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise鈥檚 Submarine Dismantling Project. Our colleagues continue to work tirelessly alongside our industry partners in Rosyth to deliver a proven dismantling method using this demonstrator vessel. My thanks go to everyone involved in this ground-breaking work.鈥�

Lorraine Russell, Senior Responsible Owner for the Submarine Disposals Programme, said: “The Project showcases our commitment to sustainable disposal practices. By recycling materials wherever possible, we’re ensuring these vessels that served the nation so well continue to provide value even after decommissioning.”

We have marked a major milestone in UK sovereign defence capability as the first of class, Type 31 frigate, HMS Venturer was unveiled at our Rosyth site. The Royal Navy鈥檚 latest advanced warship emerged from the state-of-the-art build hall, signifying the transition from the construction phase into final preparations for entry into water.

The 5,700 tonne, 139 metre long ship was carefully manoeuvred out of the Rosyth build hall using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) as our expert team prepares the ship for float off into the River Forth in the coming weeks.

This national shipbuilding programme is making rapid progress and is now well into its multi-ship build phase with three ships in production. The programme will see all five Type 31 frigates completed within 10 years from the point of initial contract award.

Based on our Arrowhead 140 design, the Type 31 Inspiration Class will form a core part of the Royal Navy鈥檚 fleet with the baseline design already exported to Indonesia and Poland, bolstering the ability for allied nations to work together in support of global security.

Sir Nick Hine, Chief Executive of 911成人网鈥檚 Marine Sector, said: 鈥淔or the first time, we鈥檙e seeing HMS Venturer, the first of her class emerge from the build hall 鈥� a powerful symbol of UK naval ambition and sovereign capability. It marks another major milestone in a standout week for British shipbuilding, at a time when global uncertainty demands even greater defence capability.

鈥淩ight here in Scotland, we are building five complex warships in a single yard, in just a decade, true world-class performance. This is an incredibly proud moment for everyone in 911成人网 and the wider programme partners. Not only does it reflect the hard work, dedication and exceptional skills of our people, but this programme and the other work that we do here in Rosyth contribute significantly to the prosperity of the local and national economy.鈥�

Minister for Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, said: 鈥淭his government is committed to making Britain secure at home and strong abroad. HMS Venturer will be at the heart of the Royal Navy fleet, deterring aggression and supporting our Armed Forces. She also represents the best of Britain鈥檚 world-class shipbuilding heritage.

鈥淭oday鈥檚 significant milestone shows this government鈥檚 commitment to grow the economy by supporting thousands of jobs in Scotland and across the UK.鈥�

Steve Ranyard, Type 31 Team Leader at DE&S, said: 鈥淪eeing HMS Venturer reach this pivotal milestone is a cause for celebration for all those working on the programme to make this day a reality.

鈥淭he roll-out of HMS Venturer paves the way for the success of the entire fleet of the Royal Navy鈥檚 Type 31 frigates. Once complete, they will be at the forefront of deterring aggression and maintaining the security and prosperity of our nation and our allies.鈥�

Cdre Steve Roberts, Type 31 Senior Responsible Owner, said: 鈥淪eeing HMS Venturer, the first of the Type 31 Inspiration Class, unveiled is a proud moment not just for the Royal Navy and her crew, but all the organisations in Defence that have contributed to this key milestone. This is the first of many exciting stages for the Type 31 programme with now three of the five ships progressing in build. I look forward with anticipation to the moment when we will see HMS Venturer enter the water in the very near future.鈥�

Cdr Chris Cozens, Senior Naval Officer of HMS Venturer, said: 鈥淭he Ship鈥檚 Company have seen HMS Venturer grow from the keel up inside the build hall. This will be the first time 911成人网 and the Royal Navy can unveil this Next Generation Frigate to the public. This moment is taking the ship another step closer to where it is needed and contributing to the UK鈥檚 security and prosperity.鈥�

After the ship has completed float-off, she will return to Rosyth to undergo extensive outfitting and systems integration in dock before her sea trials and entering operational service.

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Pupils from eight local primary schools took part in the two-day event organised by our first-year graduates, with the aim of inspiring the next generation of talent into Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers.

Festival of Engineering is now a national series of events we鈥檙e running to raise awareness of STEM careers. Following a successful launch in Bristol in March, Rosyth is the second in this year鈥檚 calendar, with another to follow in Devonport in June. Around 1,500 pupils are expected to benefit from the events, which have the overarching theme of breaking down barriers to STEM.

From building their own periscope and designing and creating windmills, to experiencing virtual reality and learning about robotics in engineering, inspiration wasn鈥檛 in short supply for the pupils at Rosyth as they eagerly made their way through five STEM activity zones.

For the first time in its six-year history at Rosyth, the festival treated schoolchildren to a journey through space in the form of a purpose-built planetarium dome 鈥� courtesy of aerospace discovery centre, Aero Space Kinross.Sir Nick Hine, Chief Executive of 911成人网鈥檚 Marine Sector, said: 鈥淲ithin the military and defence industry, engineers, scientists and researchers have a critical role in our national security. It is really important that we inspire and encourage our next generation, from primary school upwards, to consider the opportunities of a STEM-based career.

鈥淚t was great to showcase the wonders of STEM and the endless opportunities that a career in engineering can offer to so many enthusiastic pupils at our Rosyth facility. From shipbuilding to learning about sustainability, we hope our interactive Festival of Engineering provided the children with food-for-thought for their future dreams and aspirations.鈥�

The event, which involved primary 6 and 7 pupils from schools across Fife and Dollar, was supported by a range of organisations including the Royal Navy, Forth Valley College, Thales and the National Robotarium, alongside a number of other industry partners and colleagues.

Vicky McCauley, a Primary 6/7 teacher at Carnock Primary School in Dunfermline, said: 鈥�911成人网鈥檚 Festival of Engineering is an invaluable opportunity for pupils to get hands-on, practical experience of STEM in the real world.

鈥淭he kids really enjoyed the experience and are already asking if they can come back next year.鈥漃aul Sheerin, CEO of Scottish Engineering, added: 鈥�911成人网鈥檚 Festival of Engineering continues to show its long-standing commitment to STEM awareness in the community that it is a part of, and once again the event underlined that primary school learners can have immense fun while experiencing the power of engineering through hands-on STEM activities.

鈥淚t takes a lot of effort to organise an event of this size, scale and ambition, so handing the responsibility for that to first-year graduates is a great way of maximising the learning out of the festival.鈥�

The festival supports our focus on enhancing the UK鈥檚 future engineering capacity, from grassroots levels up, through innovation and collaboration with academic partners, industry partners and customers.

Check out some highlights from the festival below:

We will manage the build of two state-of-the-art training facilities at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire and RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall that prepare RAF and Navy trainees for the demands of modern worldwide operating environments.

The FIRCTS programme will also provide significant commercial, social and economic value to Cornwall, Lincolnshire and Bristol (Ascent鈥檚 headquarters) until 2033. It will increase local employment, creating approximately 68 highly skilled roles and 拢180m spent in the British supply chain.

Ascent is a joint venture between 911成人网 and Lockheed Martin, responsible for delivering the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, said: “This significant investment represents important progress in preparing our Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel for the challenges of modern warfare. 

鈥淣ot only will this state-of-the-art training ensure our Armed Forces remain at the forefront of military readiness, but it also delivers on our Plan for Change by creating high-quality jobs and strengthening local economies.鈥�

David Lockwood, Chief Executive Officer, 911成人网, said: 鈥淭he Ministry of Defence鈥檚 military flying training programme is essential to ensuring the UK Armed Forces remain capable and ready for the demands of modern operations.

鈥淲e鈥檙e pleased to be supporting the FIRCTS programme, further enhancing the UK鈥檚 military training needs and infrastructure required to deliver world-class, next generation training for aircrew, while boosting local economies.鈥�

Tim James, Managing Director, Ascent, said: 鈥淲e are so proud to once again be trusted by our UK MOD customers to deliver this innovative training solution across our operations sites in Cornwall and Lincolnshire, directly benefiting our local communities and delivering a critical capability for the UK Armed Forces.鈥� 

The partnership brings together three world-class service providers who will leverage their unique combined expertise on a proposal to provide Poland with powerful new defence capabilities as part of the ongoing modernisation of Polish helicopter aviation.

Under the terms of the MoU, we will provide training, Airbus will lead on the platform design and build, and CAE will deliver the simulation capabilities.

Jo Rayson, Managing Director of 911成人网鈥檚 Training business, said: 鈥淥ur partnership presents the Polish Armed Forces with an exceptional platform backed by a proven training and support solution. 911成人网 is already playing a critical role on the Polish Navy’s Miecznik frigate programme and we’re pleased to be partnering with Airbus and CAE on this opportunity to deliver a crucial new defence capability.鈥�

Ludovic Boistot, Head of Sales Eastern Europe and CIS at Airbus Helicopters, said: “The H145 is the perfect four tonne class dual use helicopter, equipped to perform a wide range of military missions, including training, disaster relief, search and rescue special forces, light attack and more. It’s been used for these missions by key NATO and European allies of Poland such as the US, UK and Germany. We are confident that together with our training partners 911成人网 and CAE, who are world renowned companies in the fields of military training, we will provide the Polish military with the best multirole helicopter and the best training conditions to modernise the Air Force University of Deblin for their future Apache and other rotary-wing pilots.鈥� 

Thibaut Trancart, Vice President and General Manager, CAE Defense & Security, EMEA, from CAE, added: “With more than 75 years of experience and a global presence as the training partner of choice for defence forces worldwide, our cutting-edge helicopter training and simulation solutions empower defence forces to develop essential skills and best practices for live missions. Ensuring superior training outcomes, CAE鈥檚 advanced technology and expertise, together with Airbus and 911成人网, will support and enhance the mission and operational readiness of Poland鈥檚 defence forces 鈥� our team will be instrumental in this effort.”

The Airbus H145M is the military version of the tried-and-tested, light twin-engine H145 helicopter. The global fleet of the H145 family has accumulated more than eight million flight hours and is used by armed and law enforcement forces around the world for the most demanding missions.

H&B Defence 鈥� a joint venture between HII and 911成人网 – has secured its first contract to enhance supply chain capabilities for the global AUKUS enterprise through the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification Pilot Program.

Formalising its role as the delivery partner for HII鈥檚 initial A$9.6M contract with the Australian Government, the joint venture will lead a nationwide qualification process over the next two years to identify Australian suppliers with the requisite skills and products to support the Virginia-class submarine and aircraft carrier build programmes at Newport News Shipbuilding in the US.

H&B Defence will evaluate for competency across seven work packages in high demand to support the delivery of the first three nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS trilateral security partnership. Product categories include Castings and Forgings, Precision Machining, Air and Gas Flasks, Fabricated Parts, Composites and Glass Reinforced Plastic, Joinery and Circuit Cards.

Shortlisting of suitable small and medium enterprises will commence in May, followed by more formal technical assessments and validations.

H&B Defence will support each stage of Australia’s transition to sovereign nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS Pillar 1, including workforce skills development, nuclear infrastructure design and build, submarine defueling and decommissioning, nuclear waste and future sustainment.

H&B Defence Board Chairman and HII Australia President, Michael Lempke said: 鈥淗&B Defence brings together the only two organisations worldwide with comprehensive expertise in every aspect of nuclear-powered submarine activities, and as such, is perfectly placed to support the acceleration and development of critical sovereign capability for the once-in-a-generation AUKUS submarine programme.鈥�

911成人网 Australasia CEO and H&B Defence Non-Executive Director, Andrew Cridland said: “Securing this contract signals the beginning of a long-term commitment and willingness to deliver innovative, reliable solutions in support of Australia鈥檚 national security and that of our allies.

鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to partner with HII and the Commonwealth of Australia to strengthen supply chain capabilities, ensuring seamless operations and long-term benefits for all members of the AUKUS alliance.鈥�

Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May 2025 marks 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe. It was a momentous occasion, which saw people take to the streets to celebrate the end of the six-year conflict which had claimed the lives of millions of military personnel and civilians.

VE Day gives us the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made, to honour and pay tribute to the courage shown by so many, and to recognise those who serve today. As our friends and allies across the world come together to remember this dark period, we鈥檙e reflecting on how 911成人网 and our partners were involved in the war effort.

911成人网 International Group can trace its roots back to 1891 and the formation of 911成人网 & Wilcox (B&W) Ltd. During World War II, B&W fabricated marine boilers for steam-powered combat and merchant ships. With such a long history of supporting the armed forces, it may not come as a surprise that some present-day 911成人网 sites also have fascinating links to the allied war effort.

Our Aviation sector currently operates alongside the RAF on airbases which played a pivotal role in the battle for the skies. RAF Cosford trained 70,000 airmen during World War II, in engine, armament and airframe maintenance trades, whilst RAF Wittering was very active during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz in 1940鈥�41.

In Marine, some of our key sites have a rich heritage of wartime contribution. Rosyth Dockyard played a crucial role in defending the North Sea and was a major naval base for ship repair and refitting. Devonport Royal Dockyard also played an important role as a vital hub for maintaining and repairing Royal Navy ships throughout the war.

In Nuclear, our manufacturing test and assembly facility in Leicester was once home to a factory sanctioned by the Government in October 1941 that played a key role in the development and early production of jet engines. The development in technology at the site led to the Gloster Meteor, which became the first allied jet aircraft to fly operationally in World War II.

Our Land sector currently operates on British Army sites which made vital wartime contributions. At Warminster, tank regiments from both the UK and US resided at the barracks throughout the war, whilst the Central Ordnance Depot located in Donnington played a vital role in equipping the Army with the equipment it needed to fight across the globe. Meanwhile, trade training for the Royal School of Military Engineering remained in the workshops at Chatham, ensuring a continuous supply of skilled engineers.

80 years on from VE Day, our sites and people still play a crucial role in our nation鈥檚 security and responding to domestic and international demand for defence support from the UK Armed Forces. We鈥檙e proud to be supporting celebrations across the country today marking this significant anniversary, and will continue playing our part in creating a safe and secure world, together.

We have been awarded a c.拢65 million, five-ship contract to deliver the Capability Insertion Period (CIP) for the Type 31 frigates we鈥檙e building for the UK Royal Navy at our Rosyth facility in Scotland.

The CIP adds crucial capabilities that will support the ships throughout their life and includes the insertion, testing and enhancement of a number of upgrades that will enhance the Type 31鈥檚 military capability.

Paul Watson, Arrowhead Managing Director, 911成人网, said: 鈥淭his new contract provides additional military capability for the vessels beyond the initial design and build contract.

鈥淭he detailed knowledge that we have of these ships, combined with our forward-thinking design, will enable an efficient installation and through-life support of the systems and equipment.

鈥淎s the design and build partner, 911成人网 is expertly placed to provide the know-how and technical information to deliver these important activities in the development of the ships through the CIP.

鈥淲e are proud of the role we play alongside our customer 鈥� their mission is our mission.鈥� 

Steven Perry, Type 31 Project Manager at DE&S, said: 鈥淲e are pleased to have awarded 911成人网 the CIP contract for the Type 31 fleet. This contract will deliver capability upgrades that go beyond the vessel build specification, delivering Type 31 frigates to the Royal Navy that will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of global security.鈥�

Awarded the design and build contract in November 2019, we have been supporting the Royal Navy鈥檚 mission to deter aggression and maintain the security of the UK鈥檚 interests by delivering the next generation of Royal Navy warships. The Type 31 will be at the heart of the Royal Navy鈥檚 surface fleet, working alongside the UK鈥檚 allies to deliver a UK presence across the globe.

911成人网 has been awarded a proof-of-concept contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) which will enable Ukraine鈥檚 armed forces to 3D print military equipment.

As prime contractor, we will work with UK defence technology company QinetiQ to create digital drawings and Computer Aided Design (CAD) files of military equipment which then can be used to print parts in country.

This innovative technology support comprises reverse engineering older parts to understand their function and design, enabling them to be digitally recreated on demand. Digital files will enable the manufacturing of parts during operations using a variety of methods including 3D printing, demonstrating our ability to deliver defence support capability whenever and wherever it is required.

Tom Newman, CEO of 911成人网鈥檚 Land Sector, said: 鈥淲e aim to give Ukraine the capability to recreate the military parts that they need, where and when it really matters. This innovation builds on our engineering expertise and technology capability, giving us further opportunities to optimise 3D printing.鈥�

Alan Hart, Managing Director of Science, Technology and Weapons for QinetiQ, said: 鈥淲e are delighted to be working with 911成人网 to support Ukraine, and are immensely proud that QinetiQ is able to draw on our world-leading expertise in technical assurance to assist.

鈥淭his latest contract demonstrates QinetiQ鈥檚 unequalled expertise in material capability assurance, and commitment to support to the frontline, whether our own or those of our allies.鈥�

This new contract forms part of 911成人网鈥檚 steadfast support for Ukraine. Recently, we announced an extension to our support for Ukraine鈥檚 armed forces which will ensure vehicles such as the Challenger 2 tank are repaired and restored as quickly as possible to the front line. We manage the vehicle supply chain and spares and share our engineering expertise to train the Ukrainian military to conduct the repairs themselves.