6 million contract to deliver sonobuoys for the Royal Navy's Merlin Maritime Patrol Helicopter. This significant contract strengthens the UK's undersea surveillance and deterrence posture, particularly at a time when British waters are facing increasing threats from foreign actors.
Sonobuoys play a critical role in the UK's anti-submarine warfare network, enabling the Royal Navy to detect, track, and deter hostile submarines and other underwater vessels. The Merlin Helicopter Force, based at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall, is a leader in ASW operations, with its aircraft regularly deployed on the frontline to defend UK waters and international defense interests.
The contract covers design, development, engineering, and manufacturing of sonobuoys, as well as investments in Ultra Maritime's UK footprint. The company has recently expanded its London manufacturing facility, creating new high-skilled jobs and strengthening the industrial base that supports both the Royal Navy and NATO.
Additionally, Ultra Maritime is working with the MoD on miniaturized sonobuoys for Uncrewed Air Systems, expanding the UK's future undersea surveillance reach and accelerating the transition to next-generation autonomous ASW systems.