McMurdo awarded UK SAR upgrade contract
McMurdo has been awarded a contract by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to enhance its search and rescue (SAR) satellite technology, the company announced on 2 March.
The upgrades will enable the MCA to operate with the new Medium-altitude Earth Orbit Search and Rescue (MEOSAR) satellites. The contract includes one year installation and training, followed by an additional three years of service and support.
The company will install Medium Earth Orbit Local User Terminals (MEOLUT) and upgrade ground stations that operate on the GEOSAR and LEOSAR satellite constellations.
Richard Parkes, director of maritime operations, said: 'The MCA continually seek opportunities to further advance our SAR service delivery and reputation.
'McMurdo's MEOSAR-enabled mission control centre and ground stations will provide the highest calibre technology and performance to support our SAR personnel, enabling us to provide mariners in distress with better response operations to save even more lives.'
More from Naval Warfare
-
Khabarovsk submarine launch reflects Russia’s nuclear modernisation progress
The nuclear-powered vessel, which could carry the Poseidon autonomous torpedo – dubbed the “doomsday missile” – marks another step forward in Russia’s maritime defence push.
-
Anduril Australia shows first Ghost Shark for RAN at factory opening
The new underwater vehicle has been described as an “important deterrent” thanks to its ability to operate undetected for extended periods of time.
-
US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship
NAVSEA plans to select up to three suppliers for the concept design phase of the programme in Q2 FY2026.
-
Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet
As services like the Royal Navy and US Navy aim to develop hybrid fleets to reduce reliance on and dangers to crewed vessels, L3Harris, Metal Shark and Red Cat step forward.