Military specialists called on to dispose of suspected bombs in
the UK are being equipped with next-generation digital protection
against remotely-triggered devices.
The life-saving technology will search the airwaves for remote
control signals that may be attempting to detonate an explosive
device, allowing skilled Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
personnel to block them using this cutting-edge digital
technique.
A £41 million contract placed with Leonardo has created 10 jobs
with 100 roles supported around the country, including 35 at
Leonardo in Basildon and Southampton. Around 50% of the contract
value will be delivered by small and medium-sized enterprises
across the UK.
Minister for Defence Procurement, , said:
Our personnel work in hostile environments on dangerous tasks to
keep our nation and its people safe. This multi-million-pound
contract with Team Endure not only delivers crucial innovative
protection for our Armed Forces but is in large part being
delivered by UK SMEs.
The British Army’s 11 EOD team, Search Regiment of the Royal
Logistic Corps and the Royal Naval Fleet Diving Squadron with be
provided with vehicle-mounted and portable systems.
DE&S CEO, Sir said:
This British Army regiment carries out high-risk duties often in
direct protection of the public and it is essential that we
provide them with the tools needed to carry out their job safely
and effectively. Crucially the system is open architecture so it
can be updated across its lifetime to ensure advancements is
hostile technology can be countered.
First deliveries of the new equipment are due to take place from
Autumn 2024, with a view to deploying the technology across the
whole of Defence’s specialist units responsible for explosive
device and munitions disposal in 2025.
Major General Robin Anderton-Brown, UKStratCom Director
Capability, said:
This capability shows the MOD exploiting the best available
technology from our innovative SMEs here in the UK. In a system
designed for the information age, the procurement approach and
open architecture will allow us to upgrade, at pace, to respond
to new threats and technology. This cutting edge, modular
capability will ensure our personnel are best able to deal with
the threats they face, now and into the future.
