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UK Awards £40 Million Sonobuoy Contract to Ultra Maritime for Merlin Mk2 Fleet

The deal rebuilds expendable ASW stocks to sustain domestic production capacity.

Overview

  • The Ministry of Defence selected Ultra Maritime to supply sonobuoys for the Royal Navy, with the contract covering design, development, engineering and manufacturing.
  • Ultra Maritime has expanded its London manufacturing site, adding skilled jobs and strengthening UK supply for the Royal Navy and allied partners.
  • Merlin Mk2 helicopters deploy sonobuoys alongside dipping sonar using multistatic tactics to detect, track and deter submarines.
  • Ultra Maritime and the MoD are developing miniaturised sonobuoys for uncrewed air systems to broaden future undersea surveillance.
  • The procurement deepens stocks of consumable sensors considered vital for sustained anti-submarine operations, addressing concerns over increased submarine activity and threats to undersea infrastructure.