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HMNB Devonport is one of the UK’s main naval bases. Credit: UK MoD/Crown copyright/OGL

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded a £3m contract to restore access and egress point capability for vessels at 3 Basin in HMNB Devonport, to its “original leak free intent”.

The work will allow “the safe and secure storage of Laid Up Submarines, future surface ships, and other strategic assets for a minimum [of] 80 years”, read the MoD contract notice, published on 19 May. 

The deal was awarded to Preston-based engineering company Volkerstevin on 23 January this year and has an expected end date of 31 August 2024.

Laid up in 3 Basin at HMNB Devonport is the legacy of the UK’s nuclear submarine capability, with 13 decommissioned Royal Navy nuclear-powered attack submarines inside its perimeter. 

Speaking to Global Defence Technology, an MoD spokesperson said: “Work is planned at 3 Basin at HMNB Devonport, to address minor seawater leakage from the basin and weathered stone edgings. The leak does not present an environmental risk and both the basin and entrance gate remain structurally sound.” 

The US Defense Advances Research Projects Agency has announced a 42-month-long programme to develop develop a maritime propulsion system, a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) drive, that uses no moving parts, silently propelling ships and boats with magnets and an electric current.

The Principles of Undersea Magnetohydrodynamic Pumps (PUMP) programme builds on research stretching back to the 1960’s, when academic, commercial and military researchers sought technology for propulsion at sea could use magnetic fields to enable high-efficiency pumps to replace both the propeller and drive shaft.

Recent technological breakthroughs in generating high magnetic fields have pushed development past the first barrier to the technology, the challenge of scaling MHD drive technology up to a full-size system.

However, the obstacle the PUMP programme intends to address is the inevitable corrosion, hydrolysis, and erosion that the system’s electrodes are subject to during use.

The MHD drive does not have moving parts, reducing noise and vibration, making it harder to detect via sonar, and improving the stealth capabilities of submarines. 

Against a backdrop of improving economic conditions and heightened security concerns, Saudi Arabia’s Government has announced a significant increase in its defence budget, anticipated to progressively increase to reach $86.4bn in 2028.

With the nation’s economy on the mend following the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent surge in oil prices, it is expected that the country will gradually ramp up its defence spending.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been severely impacted by the instability in the worldwide oil industry, as well as the widespread disturbance to economic and commercial operations caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

For the third consecutive year, the nation’s defence spending has decreased, with the 2021 budget reaching a total of $53.9bn, according to GlobalData’s ‘Saudi Arabia Defense Market 2023-2028’ report.

However, the nation’s ambition to develop its defence industrial capacity to source 50% of its defence requirements from domestic sources, coupled with the need for a robust defence posture in the face of external threats, are driving military spending for the Gulf country. 

Babcock Canada has signed two Technical Cooperation Agreements with South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to collaborate on the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).

The CPSP programme was established by the Canadian Department of National Defence to research procurement options for its next generation submarine, intended to replace the existing Victoria-class boats.

The Technical Cooperation Agreements enables all companies to share their respective capabilities in shipbuilding and submarine sustainment in support of the CPSP and the current Victoria In-Service Suppport Contract. 

South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, formerly known as DSME, will leverage its design, construction, and logistics support capabilities while Babcock will contribute its experience in providing in-service support and sustainment of Canada’s Victoria-class submarines, which it has been doing since 2008.

In April this year, Canadian national newspaper outlet the Ottawa Citizen reported that the Canadian Government was considering a purchase of up to 12 new submarines in a programme that could be worth up to CAN$60bn. 

The US Department of Defense (DoD) plans to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences with Gepard 35mm anti-aircraft tanks.

Under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, the DoD has contracted the small Florida-based business, Global Military Products, to manufacture the air defence systems in Amman, Jordan for $118.3m.

Originally produced in West Germany, the self-propelled anti-aircraft gun entered active service in the 1970’s. The DoD has not specified how many units it will provide to the war-torn country, while platform delivery will be completed by 30 May 2024. 

The platform is not new to Ukraine, with the German Ministry of Defence previously suppling its eastern European ally with 34 Gepard systems with 6,000 rounds of ammunition. The German donation increased to provide an additional 300,000 rounds in February 2023.

To date, the US Government has committed military aid worth $38.3bn since the beginning of the Biden’s Administration in 2021. The delivery of Gepard vehicles, announced on 31 May, is among the latest military support package for the country.