UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
US and UK contract Kratos for Submarine Ballistic Missile Reentry Systems material testing
A Trident missile is fired from the UK RN submarine HMS Vanguard. (Photo: UK MoD/ Crown Copyright)
The US and UK have contracted Kratos Southern Research Engineering Division (SRE) for thermo-mechanical, high-heat, high-sheer re-entry material testing worth up to almost $47 million.
The testing is for thermal protection system materials used in ballistic missiles.
According to an initial contract notice, the first $8.6 million purchase covers a 60/40 split between the USN and UK, respectively.
Kratos SRE will conduct mechanical and aerothermal ground testing of the materials in ballistic re-entry and re-entry-like environments.
Related Articles
US Navy expands Trident submarine training facilities
Kratos wins $20 million US training contract
Poland finds space for submarines on its defence shopping list
The testing will support the technical efforts of the US and UK with oversight by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division’s (NSWCDD) re-entry systems office.
Work includes sample preparation, instrumentation, testing and the gathering of thermo-mechanical data on materials at extremely high temperatures.
The work requires the ability to test and collect data at maximum temperatures of over 3,000 degrees Celsius.
Both the US and UK operate the Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missile (TLAM) from their submarines as well as Trident nuclear missiles.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
-
![Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant]()
Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
-
![US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica]()
US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
-
![As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?]()
As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
-
![Does the increase in US firepower in the Middle East indicate another Iran strike?]()
Does the increase in US firepower in the Middle East indicate another Iran strike?
The presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the Persian Gulf means additional naval and aerial capabilities, which provides the US with multiple attacking options.
-
![US Navy to invest more than $700 million in laser-related R&D efforts in FY2026]()
US Navy to invest more than $700 million in laser-related R&D efforts in FY2026
The US Navy’s acceleration of its laser weapon development initiatives reflects a decisive shift towards ultimately having a “laser on every ship” across tomorrow’s surface fleet.
