Defence Helicopter

MoD sticks with Ultra for Merlin sonobuoy capability

24th March 2021 - 14:53 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

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Merlin Mk2 helicopter. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)

Ultra sonobuoys will help to ensure ASW protection for RN submarines and the Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group.

The Sonobuoy Systems business in Ultra Maritime will continue to supply sonobuoys for RN Merlin Mk2 maritime patrol helicopters from 2022-2024, under a new £31 million ($42.5 million) contract from the MoD.

Ultra was initially awarded a contract in 2015 to provide sonobuoys for the Merlin Mk2. A renewal followed in 2017.

The latest three-year contract covers sonobuoy engineering, manufacturing, logistics and support, to ensure RN maintains a persistent ASW surveillance capability. Merlin helicopters form an important element of ASW protection for RN submarines and the Carrier Strike Group formed around HMS Queen Elizabeth.

Eric Webster, president of Ultra Maritime Sonobuoy Systems, commented: ‘We look forward to working with the Defence Equipment & Support Merlin Delivery Team to supply and support cutting-edge, affordable and valuable anti-submarine solutions. This investment by the Ministry of Defence enables the UK’s Armed Forces to deal with modern and evolving submarine threats.’

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