Throughout September we’re welcoming over 400 apprentices and 285 graduates at 17 locations across the UK – our largest ever early careers intake!

It’s a great time to join 91�Թ���, with the cohort joining us in a wide variety of roles. From engineering and science, business management and project management graduate schemes, to business, engineering, science and technology-based apprenticeships, our new recruits will all be working on some truly inspiring projects.

It’s been a busy first few weeks for our new graduates and apprentices who have been taking part in their inductions which will continue through the coming months. The inductions are an invaluable opportunity for the cohort to meet their new peers and colleagues, as well as spend time with members from our Senior Leadership Team learning about the business and what to expect throughout their programmes.

We believe in the potential of our graduates and apprentices, and we’re proud of the valuable practical experience we can offer. No matter what their chosen subject, they will all support our critical projects, helping us in creating a safe and secure world, together.

We look forward to seeing the whole cohort develop throughout their Early Careers programme and beyond.

Creating futures, it’s what we do.

Looking to next year…

This year’s intake has been our largest yet, and we hope to increase these opportunities next year by welcoming even more new talent through our Early Careers programmes.

Our 2025 graduate recruitment campaign is now in full swing, and we’re looking for the next set of highly motivated graduates to bring intellect and imagination to tackle some of our most exciting projects at locations throughout the UK.

In November we’ll be launching our apprentice recruitment campaign, so keep an eye out for more details about this soon.

For further information and to apply, visit .

91�Թ���, in partnership with , has been awarded a contract to build an additional 53 High Mobility Transporter (HMT) Jackal 3s for the British Army.

The Jackal is the most versatile high-mobility weapons platform in its class, equally capable of reconnaissance, patrol and logistic tasks. It is designed by Supacat of Honiton; is British built and battle-proven in Afghanistan.  This new contract for a 6-wheeled ‘extenda’ variant will be known as the Jackal 3(E).  The additional axle enables greater load carrying whilst still maintaining exemplary off-road performance, capable of speeds up to 120km/h.   

Initially developed to meet an urgent operational requirement for Afghanistan, the British Army has made Jackal integral to its land tactics and operations with Jackal variants used for deep battlespace reconnaissance, rapid assault, fire support roles and for convoy protection. 

Earlier this year, together with Supacat, we started production on 70 Jackal 3s under one of the first contracts to deliver on the UK’s Land Industrial Strategy. 

This subsequent order is testament to the close working relationship between the British Army, the Ministry of Defence – Defence Equipment & Support, 91�Թ��� and Supacat. 

Production will commence on this order in early 2025 at our Devonport manufacturing facility with delivery of the vehicles expected in early 2026, securing 100 91�Թ��� jobs in the South West. 

This successful programme is directly helping to fulfil the economic potential of the region with nearly all of the programme’s supply chain sourced in the UK and 50 percent specifically from the South West.  

The programme is also helping people back into employment. Our Skills-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) participants can earn health and safety qualifications, wellbeing in the workplace training, mindset coaching and support in finding employment, with the potential for securing employment with 91�Թ��� after attending SWAP.  So far 11 SWAP attendees have been awarded full time employment on the Jackal Programme.

Tom Newman, Chief Executive of our Land Sector said: “This contract delivers a critical boost to the British Army with a vehicle that is the most capable and versatile in its class.  91�Թ��� is here to ensure that the British Army is ready to fight and win wars on land and while doing so, I am very proud that we are also securing jobs in the South West and delivering on the Land Industrial Strategy.” 

Phil Applegarth, Managing Director, Supacat said: “Firstly, we are enormously proud that Supacat’s Jackal 3 ‘Extenda’ is now adding to the Army’s Land Fleet which will help support CGSs intent of increasing lethality with a modular high mobility platform. We have demonstrated the modularity and the ease of integrating specific mission winning systems and we look forward with continuing our collaboration with the UK MoD and our industry partners in the near future. Secondly, we are enormously pleased that our partnership with 91�Թ��� and Devonport continues to produce Jackal 3 and now the Jackal 3 ‘extenda’ following The British Army’s Land Industrial strategy and the huge benefits to both the UK and local economies through social value.  Coming so soon after last year’s order is a real boon for the company”.

The AiP was awarded to our LGE business during Gastech 2024 in Houston and represents a welcome addition to the company’s future carbon free fuels technology portfolio.

ecoVARSTM can be seamlessly integrated with ecoFGSS-FLEX® – LGE’s ammonia fuel gas supply system – and the cargo handling system, to allow up to 90% recovery of ammonia releases to return back to the fuel storage tank. This provides great safety, plus economic and environmental benefits.

ecoFGSS-FLEX® is based on 91�Թ���’s well-established (45 systems currently on order and/or in service) ecoFGSS® LPG fuel gas system which, when combined with ecoVARSTM, provides the marine industry with a low-risk and safety focused solution for using ammonia as a fuel.

Michael Scott, Sales Director of our LGE business, said: “This patented vented ammonia recovery solution, developed by our talented team, is an important addition to our growing portfolio of technologies that support the industry’s decarbonisation journey.

“The award of this AiP and launch of ecoVARSTM further demonstrates our long-standing commitment to developing solutions that make a real difference to our customers in a market that is constantly evolving.”

Andy McKeran, Chief Commercial Director of Lloyd’s Register, said: “As part of our commitment to ensure the safe decarbonisation of the shipping industry, Lloyd’s Register is privileged to grant the Approval in Principle to 91�Թ��� ecoVARSTM. This solution represents a critical technology solution to ensure the safety of the crew on board ships intending to use ammonia as fuel. We believe that to achieve a successful energy transition, strong collaboration and contribution between industry stakeholders is required, and this AiP is another great example of the success of such a collaboration between LR specialists working in Busan Plan Appraisal Center and 91�Թ��� LGE engineers.”

The mortar system is a result of close collaboration between 91�Թ��� and ST Engineering, bringing together complementary skills, technologies and solutions to strengthen the next generation of UK’s close indirect fire weapon systems.

The GDAMS will be built at our production facility in Devonport, Plymouth, using a UK supply chain, making it the first UK-manufactured 120mm mortar systems in decades.

If selected for the UK in-direct fires programme, production of the 120mm GDAMS will deliver tangible benefits to the broader South West region, through the upskilling of our existing workforce in Plymouth and certainty for the regional supply chain. Establishing and operating the 120mm GDAMS production line will also create up to 70 new skilled 91�Թ��� roles locally.

Based in the South Devon Freeport Zone, the production facility also supports future export opportunities from the UK, enabling better import terms for allied nations whilst simultaneously delivering social value and aligning with the UK’s Land Industrial Strategy.

Tom Newman, Chief Executive of our Land sector, said: “The 91�Թ��� 120mm GDAMS can help support the modernisation of the British Army with increased firepower and at the same time increase availability, affordability and capability of the essential equipment.”

Brigadier General (Ret) Jin Kiat Chua, Head of ST Engineering’s International Business, Defence and Public Security, said: “GDAMS is the pre-eminent tactical firing solution that pushes power to the edge and increases firepower. This collaboration combines ST Engineering’s extensive mortar expertise with 91�Թ���’s production capabilities to deliver a sovereign solution that aligns with UK’s Land Industrial Strategy and enhances the combat effectiveness of the British Army.”

He added, “This partnership is underpinned by ST Engineering’s proven ability in delivering effective solutions, and a strong commitment to working with strong partners to co-create effective solutions that meet our customers’ needs.”

91�Թ��� has today welcomed The Right Honourable Maria Eagle MP, Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry to open both our upgraded submarine facility in Devonport and our inaugural 91�Թ��� Engineering & Nuclear Skills building at City College Plymouth.

We have completed an extensive regeneration project of 9 Dock in Devonport. This included maintenance, life extension and facility improvements, delivering the most significant package of infrastructure work since the early 2000s. The site will receive the UK Vanguard Class submarines, which are critical in supporting the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent and securing the long-term defence of the nation.  

As part of 91�Թ���’s long-term partnership with the Submarine Delivery Agency, including the maintenance of the UK’s Vanguard class submarines, this upgraded facility will deliver the current £560m maintenance programme already underway on HMS Victorious, extending the boat’s operational life.

Working with partners, the project has secured around 1000 local jobs, underpinning our commitment to supporting the Plymouth community.

In addition, the minister opened the 91�Թ��� Engineering & Nuclear Skills building at City College Plymouth. Part of the 91�Թ��� Skills Academy, this modern facility will enhance our growing workforce’s capabilities in the UK’s nuclear programmes by continuing to build a new pipeline of talent, while upskilling the existing workforce on the complex skills required to perform deep submarine maintenance.

David Lockwood, 91�Թ��� CEO, said: “Supporting the Continuous at Sea Deterrent is the most important thing we do. The huge investment and increase in digital technology in this submarine facility ensures the UK has a sovereign, fit-for-purpose, deep maintenance capability now and in the future.

“Opening our Engineering & Skills building at City College Plymouth on the same day, demonstrates our commitment to securing the critical nuclear skills the UK needs to continue to deliver these vital defence programmes.”

Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry said: “The Vanguard fleet is at the heart of deterring our adversaries and keeping the UK safe. This government is committed to a ‘triple-lock’ on our nuclear and to bolstering national security through crucial refurbishments such as this one.

 “I am honoured to open 9 Dock today, and to have the opportunity to speak with personnel and staff on their vital contribution to our nation’s security.” 

91�Թ���’s Chief Executive David Lockwood and the Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP at the opening of 9 Dock.

91�Թ��� has signed a contract extension with PGZ SA, the Polish Armaments Groups, to continue our support to Poland’s Miecznik frigate programme through the project’s Programme Management Office (PMO), until the delivery of ship three in 2031.

91�Թ��� experts are sharing knowledge and experience, supporting our Polish partners with technical engineering skills and information exchange, providing opportunities to develop ways to accelerate elements of the Miecznik programme.

Following a Strategic Cooperation Agreement signed in 2022 between 91�Թ��� and the PGZ-Miecznik Consortium, 91�Թ��� secured a Class Design Contract, Project Management Office support contract and a Transfer of Knowledge & Technology (TOKAT) framework agreement – the latter providing broader support in the development of the programme and the enhancement of shipbuilding capability in Poland.

A design licence agreement with the PGZ- Miecznik consortium was finalised in 2023, allowing the build of three frigates for the Polish Navy.

The support we have provided to the PGZ-Miecznik consortium throughout this period will now continue for the remainder of the project, building on the close ties forged between 91�Թ��� and our Polish partners.

Both the UK and Polish Governments selected 91�Թ���’s AH140 design for their next generation of naval capability. Alongside other international partners, this places Poland as a key part of the growing AH140 international family.

91�Թ��� has a number of personnel in country supporting the programme which varies depending on the need of the programme schedule, with the company providing expert advice to Poland’s sovereign defence capability through its rich heritage of designing, developing, manufacturing, and integrating specialist systems, and delivering technical through-life support and best practice.

Phil Craig, Managing Director – International Shipbuilding, 91�Թ���, said: “We are proud to support the Miecznik programme and helping to grow the sovereign defence capability of Poland. Our team provides a critical role in bringing real time advice and expertise from our long-standing experience in global design, build and support programmes.

“With plans on developing strategic partnerships in Poland for future defence programmes, and with a long-term goal to be a sustained part of Poland’s armaments ecosystem, our commitment to Poland has been many years in the making and we are pleased to be making a positive impact.”

Jan Grabowski, PGZ SA Member of the Management Board, said: “The quality of the construction depends on the foundations on which it is built. Together with 91�Թ���, we have taken on the challenge of designing and building multi-role frigates for the Polish Navy. Being aware of how much work and how many challenges are still ahead of us, we will jointly focus to achieve the goal – to strengthen the naval component of the Polish Armed Forces with Miecznik frigates.”

We continue to grow our presence as a partner in Poland, supporting the Miecznik programme and delivering local economic and social impact. Our in-country presence is crucial, with personnel working across headquarters in Warsaw and an office in Gdynia.

Developing the workforce and communities

Our long-term ambition is to create a sustainable presence in Poland. To achieve this, we have established various early career initiatives to identify and develop future talent.

Recently we’ve launched an in-country graduate scheme to develop local talent, and summer internships in partnership with the Polish Naval Academy.

Together with PGZ-SW we have also launched an apprentice exchange programme that allows apprentices the opportunity to travel to each company’s facilities for work experience.

91�Թ��� has announced it is gearing up to play its part in the future Orka submarine programme as it gains momentum.

91�Թ��� has been working with submarine builders around the world for decades, providing solutions into Navies including the Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, Spanish Navy and Republic of Korea Navy. Our expertise and reputation as world leaders in design, manufacture and integration of submarines Weapons Handling and Launch Systems goes back more than 50 years.

We have been providing through life maintenance support to the entirety of the Royal Navy’s nuclear fleet since the inception of the UK’s Nuclear submarine programme, over 60 years ago, maintaining their safety, availability and capability. This includes undertaking design changes through-life, across the whole of the submarine in order to deliver a significant operational capability in the defence of the UK. We are also specialists in weapon handling and launch systems for both ships and submarines.

Our unique position as the single support provider for the UK nuclear submarine fleet and the Canadian conventional diesel electric submarine fleet means that whether we are supporting a new submarine type or extending the life, upgrading and supporting older submarines, 91�Թ��� has the expertise, experience, people and capability to provide Poland with comprehensive, effective support in the Orka programme.

We are privileged to be working in Poland today in partnership with PGZ-Miecznik consortium to deliver the Miecznik frigates’ programme, based on the 91�Թ��� Arrowhead 140 design. Through our existing presence and relationships in Poland, we understand the importance of the Orka programme in terms of Poland’s national defence, security, industrial, commercial, and social value priorities.

Capabilities

• We provide world-class submarine Weapon Handling and Launch Systems to Naval customers around the around the world.
• We are OEM/platform agnostic: Our ability to act as a systems integrator and a mission partner in payload launch and handling means we can collaborate, engage and operate in any domain on any platform.
• We deliver through-life support for submarines and their associated systems and equipment, covering both nuclear and diesel electric submarines together with supporting infrastructure. We provide this support throughout the entire product lifecycle, including design, manufacture, in-service maintenance, life-extension and decommissioning of critical naval assets. 

Technology

• From support to systems integration; from design to the entire digital thread. Our highly skilled expertise means we can access, utilise and integrate the best technology solutions to help deliver the Orka programme.
• Weapon Handling and Launch Systems: Our Air Turbine Pump-driven positive launch systems with programmable firing valve, represents the state of the art in WHLS, enabling compatibility with a wide variety of Torpedoes, Mines and Missiles produced by leading manufacturers. It has significant advantages in terms of launch flexibility, integration, mass, signature, volume and economy of operating air.
• Payload integrator: We are the UK’s most experienced submarine payload integrator, having integrated a diverse range of payloads on-board UK and overseas submarines.

Strategic partnerships

From Aukus to Orka we understand the changing defence and geo-political landscape and work with our customers wherever they are in the world, whatever the challenge.

We are a trusted mission partner that can deliver on technology design, engineering build, systems integration and platform management with a proven ability to integrate cutting-edge capabilities into modern submarine platforms, building on the work we are already doing to deliver the Miecznik frigates to the Polish Navy.

Two new critical incident helicopters, that will conduct lifesaving aeromedical evacuations, will be operational across the Torres Strait within a matter of months, after successfully arriving in Queensland, Australia.

91�Թ��� officially handed over the Leonardo AW139 helicopters to Queensland Health in Cairns this week, where they are being custom fitted with specialist medical equipment before heading to the Torres Strait.

The new aircraft can fly faster and further than the existing fleet and have enhanced retrieval, search, and rescue capabilities, assisting crews to respond quicker to those needing emergency assistance.

Benefits for the Torres Strait community include:

• enhanced night search activity through the inclusion of electro-optic and infrared systems
• a significantly greater flight range (up to 1,100km or five hours flying time) allowing for extended search times and a reduction in refuelling stops to reach outer islands in bad weather
• increased patient, crew and paramedic comfort through a climate control system
• smoother patient transfers delivered by a power loader stretcher system
• increased weight capacity, allowing for the installation of more specialist equipment and additional fuel load

91�Թ��� Australasia Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cridland said: “91�Թ��� has served the Torres Strait community for more than 27 years, so we understand the often unpredictable and unforgiving conditions residents face in an emergency. And how important it is to have a high performing emergency helicopter service providing fast and quality healthcare.

“These two state-of-the-art custom helicopters will allow our crews, and Queensland Health’s highly skilled medical staff, to safely undertake high-stakes rescue operations in this remote part of Australia.

“Our purpose at 91�Թ��� is to create a safe and secure world together and these upgraded services will further improve equitable access to healthcare for the people of the Torres Strait.”

Queensland Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman said: “As the Ministerial Champion for the Torres Strait, I am acutely aware of the challenges of providing health care in this beautiful, and extremely remote, part of Queensland. These brand-new helicopters will support our hardworking health heroes to safely transfer patients and deliver emergency health care in some of the most remote locations in the state.”

Colourful livery – designed by renowned indigenous artist – makes the helicopters instantly recognisable and includes a distinctive dragonfly motif painted on the underside of both aircraft.

91�Թ��� has provided 24/7 Helicopter Emergency Medical Services on behalf of Queensland Health since 2007, and last year safely transported close to 450 patients in need of medical assistance.

Aerial services form a critical part of medical operations across the Torres Strait due to the restricted movement of vehicles across the hundreds of islands within the archipelago. Aeromedical services are often the only way to transport sick patients to hospital.

This year’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday, 19 September 2024 at 10.30am.

For more information, please see the Notice and Annual Report and Financial Statements on our AGM information page.

It’s been a busy time at our Rosyth site as the latest phase of our Production Support Operative (PSO) programme gets underway. We’re pleased to welcome our fifth intake of PSOs recently, who join the three cohorts already working within our operations and one cohort completing their studies at college. 

Underpinning our commitment to deliver the growth, skills and capability enhancements to support our customers’ critical programmes for years to come, in March we announced that over the next four years we’re creating more than 1,000 new jobs at our large-scale, advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding facility in Rosyth. These roles include 350 PSOs, which will support programmes like the Type 31 frigate design and build.

The new group of PSOs that have joined us recently, with a range of life and work experiences, will spend the next five weeks at the Rosyth campus of Fife College where they will undertake a period of basic training in health and safety, the use of hand tools, abrasive wheels, hot work, fabrication and welding, before they begin work at our Rosyth site in September.

Our PSO initiative is focused on attracting people from a range of backgrounds and experience, including those not currently in education, employment or training, with the role centred around supporting and learning from time-served tradespeople. It provides more individuals with the opportunity to upskill and work on programmes of national importance.

Nearly 100 PSOs have joined us already this year, with three further cohorts planned to join 91�Թ��� at phased intervals throughout the year.

We continue to invest in development programmes, such as the PSO initiative, to enable our trainees to experience a mix of on-the-job learning in a modern, digitally led industrial environment, alongside academic training with further education partners. Attracting, retaining and developing talent is essential to the future success of our business and directly benefits the local communities in which we operate.

We have demonstrated our latest training technology and capability to the UK’s emergency services, including the 91�Թ��� Immersive Training Experience (BITE).

BITE is a new interactive and immersive training platform designed to rapidly prepare military and civil resilience teams to face the most demanding environments. Replicating the physical, sensory and cognitive challenges of operating in an urban environment, it bridges the gap between a sterile classroom and active operations, creating a fast-learning environment.

Fire, police and ambulance services from across the UK, as well as the emergency services membership bodies, visited our site in Ruislip, London to understand how BITE can train multi-agency responders in a range of scenarios, with its ability to adapt to any real operational environment to incorporate a range of training needs.

For the BITE demonstration, we created a scenario involving an electric vehicle which had caught fire in a tunnel – an impactive and challenging incident which would typically draw a multi-agency response. A variety of role players who would be involved in a multi-agency response were represented in the scenario to enhance realism and create an impactful experience.

BITE captures a variety of data, enabling rapid analysis and insights which helps trainees improve their response in a safe and controlled environment.

Jo Rayson, Managing Director of 91�Թ���’s training business, said: “BITE is an adaptable and versatile training platform which recreates an authentic, immersive experience to rapidly train personnel in a safe and controlled environment to be ready for any situation.

“Since unveiling BITE earlier this year, we’ve held a series of demonstrations for defence customers – and BITE’s versatility and adaptability also makes it ideal for those working in the emergency services.”

We’re pleased to announce that our 2024 Annual Report has been published and is available to read and download.

This year’s theme is ‘What we do matters’ – looking at how our Purpose of creating a safe and secure world, together, is central to everything we do at 91�Թ���.

David Lockwood, CEO, said: “FY24 was another year of improving delivery and increasing momentum for 91�Թ��� with growth in underlying profit and cash flow performance ahead of our expectations.”

As we enter the 2025 financial year we are strongly positioned with good momentum, now more than ever what we do matters.

This July, as part of our commitment to tackling the engineering skills challenge, we supported two of the biggest student engineering events in Europe.

Teaming up with the , we were thrilled to be part of two world-class events. The Uncrewed Aerial Systems challenge tasked teams to design and build an unmanned aerial system to undertake specific missions, whilst Formula Student, backed by industry and high-profile engineers, saw undergraduate students from around the globe come together to produce and race a prototype for a single-seat race car.

The events are a vital part in transitioning students into real world engineering environments with 91�Թ��� on hand to mentor and support teams throughout the year. Budding engineers had the unique opportunity to develop soft skills such as business planning and project management whilst also getting valuable practical engineering experience.

Brad Yelland, 91�Թ���’s Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, said: “Supporting international events like this has become a key part our skills programme at 91�Թ��� and this year’s events were the biggest and most exciting yet. Seeing the innovation, teamwork and passion from the young minds involved reaffirms the importance of investing in and supporting the engineers of tomorrow.”

Take a look at some of our event highlights:

If you’ve been inspired to be part of the next generation of engineers, and register your interest to make sure you’re the first to know when applications are open for 2025.

Congratulations to the 164 Recruit Police Officers from the (the Met), who recently became the first graduates of the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship programme.

The recruits, who have spent the past three years combining study with frontline policing duties, recently celebrated their achievements at a series of graduation ceremonies.

We’re proud to work with the Met’s Learning and Development team and our partner universities to deliver this degree apprenticeship. This tailored programme has a curriculum set by the College of Policing and provides new recruits with the knowledge and skills that they must demonstrate to be confirmed a fully-fledged Police Constable as part of the apprenticeship programme.

Jo Rayson, Managing Director of 91�Թ���’s training business, said: “This was a significant moment in the careers of some of the next generation of police officers, who attended 700 hours of policing lectures and have written more than 50,000 words while managing their role as probationary police officers. Congratulations on this fantastic achievement.”

Image credit: Anglia Ruskin University

David Lockwood, Chief Executive Officer, said:

“We have made good strategic progress, delivering another year of strong growth with cash flow ahead of expectations. 91�Թ��� is well positioned to benefit from the sustained uplift in global defence budgets, driven by the need to recapitalise, re-equip and modernise militaries, resulting in an increase in our opportunity set.

“We combine strong engineering know-how, high customer intimacy and extensive operational asset knowledge together with highly collaborative relationships and product development capability. This differentiated proposition is increasingly attractive to our customers. We look to the future with confidence as we continue to progress towards our medium-term targets.”

You can view the full statement here and watch a video from our Chief Executive below.