British Defense Minister Guto Bebb formally announced on Thursday the acceptance of HMS Forth, the Royal Navy’s new Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), from manufacturer BAE Systems at the company’s Scotstoun shipyard.
A set of defence co-operation contracts, worth £120 million, for the early phase of a joint development of Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) between the UK and French governments have been awarded in Paris. A UCAS capability would, by the 2030’s, be able to undertake sustained surveillance, mark targets, gather intelligence, deter adversaries and carry out strikes in hostile territory.
Royal Air Force Tornado fighter jets have flown with parts made using 3D printing technology for the first time, defense company BAE Systems has said. The metal components were used in test flights from the firm's airfield at Warton, Lancashire, late last month.
One of BAE Systems' major shipyards could be closed, the company's UK chief, Nigel Whitehead, has said. He told the Sunday Telegraph a decision would be made by the end of the year.
British Prime Minister, David Cameron, visited Rosyth dockyard on Monday to see the work taking place to build the first of the two new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.
The Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious has begun sea trials following a £40m maintenance and upgrade program. 'Lusty' left Rosyth after 16 months during which she was converted into a helicopter and commando carrier, and should return to the fleet at the end of July.
With arms sales reaching 32.4 billion in 2008, BAE Systems is the first non-US company to lead SIPRI's Top 100 list of the largest arms-producing companies.