The UK MoD announced on 17 June that it has awarded a £26.7 million ($33.4 million) contract to Oxfordshire-based EP Barrus for the upkeep, update and supply of engines on more than 1,100 craft.
The seven-year contract covers the in-service fleet of RIBs, Mexeflote landing-rafts and planned future craft for users including the British Army, MoD Police, Royal Marines and RN.
James Melia, Project Manager for DE&S Boats Team, said: ‘We are committed to ensuring that engines are effectively managed through every stage of their life cycle and our partnership with EP Barrus will provide critical support to this.’
At least 40 jobs will directly be maintained through the contract with 80 others being supported across EP Barrus’ UK supply chain.
The contract also secures the company’s graduate programme for young engineering students.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Recent developments in France and the UK highlight how autonomous helicopters are becoming central to naval force design as navies seek to integrate crewed and uncrewed systems at sea.
The platforms will be tested in multiple missions to define performance requirements for a coming acquisition programme.
As HII prepares to deliver its latest AI-enabled uncrewed surface vessel later this year, its major UK facility expansion aligns with the UK Royal Navy’s plans for a hybrid fleet.
The UK, the US and Australia have all been working on “extra-large” uncrewed underwater vehicles, but China’s reported development of a significantly larger capability demonstrates the country’s rapid advancement in underwater warfare.
The first Arctic Security Cutter will be built by Rauma Marine Constructions to be deployed in the US Arctic waters.
The effort to provide the US Navy with Trump-class battleships might face financial, production and doctrinal obstacles.
Connect with us on socials
