Up to 20 skilled jobs have been secured in Bridgend after IrvinGQ was awarded a £25 million contract to supply an advanced aerial delivery system for the RAF’s Atlas A400M transport aircraft.
The deal covers the manufacture of up to 25 systems, in-service support for up to a decade, and integration with both aircraft and maritime platforms. According to IrvinGQ, the contract will allow UK Armed Forces to airdrop rigid-hulled inflatable boats directly into maritime environments.
The system, known as PRIBAD, is designed to deploy large rigid-hulled boats ranging from 6 to 14 metres in length and weighing up to 12 tonnes. Its interchangeable cradles allow for rapid reconfiguration depending on payload, making it suitable for a range of operational commitments.
Mark Steer, President of IrvinGQ, described the award as a milestone for the company. “Securing this landmark contract is a tremendous achievement for IrvinGQ and a testament to the dedication and expertise of our entire team. We are extremely proud to deliver this critical capability to our home nation, supporting the UK MoD with a proven solution that has demonstrated outstanding operational performance,” he said.
“Winning this contract not only reinforces our position as a trusted partner to the UK Armed Forces, but also enables us to pursue new export opportunities and continue driving growth and skilled employment here in South Wales.”
The Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) Airborne Equipment Delivery Team selected PRIBAD after what the Ministry of Defence called a rigorous evaluation. The system has already recorded more than 500 successful drops with multiple nations and aircraft platforms.
Peter Searle, DE&S Delivery Team Leader for Command Support and Airborne Equipment, said: “This contract award realises the aerial delivery of large boats as a significant step increase in the A400M capability, born out of the hard work and diligence of key individuals within DE&S, and in collaboration with external agencies, who have a thorough understanding of this niche area.”
The programme has entered its Demonstration and Manufacture phase. Flight trials are planned for later this year and early 2026, conducted by the Air Test & Evaluation Centre (ATEC), led by QinetiQ and supported by the Air and Space Warfare Centre (ASWC).
Deliveries will run through 2028/29 in multiple tranches. Training for RAF and Army crews, along with maintenance teams, will accompany the rollout. IrvinGQ said the project not only strengthens UK operational readiness but also provides long-term industrial benefits for South Wales.
Assume for Sneaky Boats.
And something that was done with Hercules too I recall until that was cut.
So this capability needed filling urgently.
Same or better capability. But fewer assets to do it from.
Standard.
I note that boats can be dropped into “maritime environments” rather than “the sea” or even “water”. To me, the seaside is a maritime environment; I hope I won’t have to look out for something a lot heavier than seagull shit while strolling the Blackpool front, scoffing my 99.
There’s a fair few HM Coastguard Rescue Officers who would love to play with those.
Q. Can those same delivery systems be used with Chinook?
With Chinook, I think they simply hover at such low altitude that the dinghys, jet skis etc. can simply be dropped out of the back and then the SBS jump in and climb on board.
I watched them doing it south of Bournemouth once, looked very fun!
Whizzo new rides for the Poole Specials!
Potentially also unmanned platforms I’d guess?
System also probably known as BADRIP I’ll bet.