The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has released a Prior Information Notice hinting at their intent to invest in advanced ground search equipment.

Published on 05 Sep 2023, the notice outlines the possible procurement of various detectors that would serve as the foundation for both specialist and intermediate search operations within Defence.

Specifically, the “Specialist Explosive Ordinance Demolition, Exploitation & Countermeasures (SEEC) Delivery Team (DT) are considering initiating a project to procure a suite of handheld detectors”, according to the notice.

The equipment in focus includes:

  • “A single detector to provide a crush wire, low metal, no metal and metal detect capability (est. Qty 1060).”
  • “A capability to provide a wide area Ground Penetrating Radar (est. qty x20) / deep buried detect with bore hole capability (est. qty 130).”
  • “A capability to provide a pinpoint metal detect (est. Qty 525).”
  • “A capability to provide localised crush wire (est. Qty 1030) / metal detect (est. Qty 115).”
  • “A capability to provide passive / active wire detect (est. Qty 250).”

The overarching aim of the MOD is to equip advanced and intermediate search teams throughout Defence. Integral to this procurement will be an in-service package, which might encompass aspects like “spares provision, repairs services, safety and environmental management, obsolescence management and technical support.”

While the programme may see its needs divided into various procurement phases, each with distinct schedules, the Authority has expressed an interest in possibly merging certain requirements into consolidated contracts if the opportunity presents itself. Each contract resulting from this project is anticipated to last five years, with a potential extension option of two more years.

The entire programme has a projected valuation of roughly £100M.

Though this Prior Information Notice has been issued, it is imperative to note that “In issuing this PIN, The Authority is not committing to commence with any procurement in relation to the requirements stated in this PIN.”

George Allison
George Allison
George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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6 COMMENTS

  1. Slightly off topic, but keeping in the general frame, I read this last night:

    https://i.postimg.cc/LXX7KyWM/Opera-Snapshot-2023-09-10-171748-www-gov-uk.png

    The UK Hydrographic Office, an agency of the MoD, has donated £1.6 million worth of equipment to the State Hydrographic Service of Ukraine, helping to keep the seas around Ukraine safe and support commercial shipping amid ongoing Russian attacks.

    The equipment – which includes two full Single Beam Echo Sounder systems and two Multibeam Echo Sounder systems – will be used to carry out hydrographic surveys.

    These surveys collect accurate data of the seabed and marine environment. The data can then be processed and used to produce and maintain nautical charts and navigational information to support safer navigation in the area.Baroness Goldie, Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence, said:

    This donation shows the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine. In addition to this equipment, the UK Government has provided Ukraine with missiles, ammunition, drones and we’ve trained over 20,000 Ukrainian personnel.

    The equipment provided by the UK Hydrographic Office will contribute to the protection of ports and shipping lanes, helping Ukraine’s ships stay safe so they can move goods, including food supplies, in and out of the country.

    The equipment enables production of navigational information and nautical charts containing safety information. Vessels moving through Ukrainian waters can use this to plan a safe route, including through any humanitarian grain corridor.
    Along with the equipment and software, the State Hydrographic Service of Ukraine has been offered training on specialist courses delivered by the UK Hydrographic Office and the Royal Navy. The training will help develop the necessary skills to effectively use the donated equipment.

    Peter Sparkes, Chief Executive, UK Hydrographic Office, said:

    The UK Hydrographic Office is steadfast in our support to our Ukrainian colleagues, and to the mariners and people of Ukraine.

    This donation will give the State Hydrographic Service of Ukraine the necessary tools and training to maintain their international responsibilities as a coastal state through this challenging period.

  2. The new ground search radar system will comprise of different equipment for different tasks, package 1, which will cost about £180 million, with an expected in service date of 2035 consists of “man portable multi spectrum visual aids” also known as “right angle torch” will come with spare environmental friendly power pack, also known as green batteries, and a specially adapted night observation capability, which gives off minimal thermal emissions, also known as a red filter!

    The package includes a “multi man portable” version, which includes more of the above in sets of 6, connected together by a modern, flexible, robust adaptable and secure means, also known as black nasty, all on an easily carried and a lightweight frame, allowing the soldier to move freely on the battlefield.

    The vehicle mounted version will soon follow on, after a short period of evaluation, with a cost of a further £140 million, and an expected in service date of 2040! This platform will consist of the above systems attached to role specific platforms, previously called L/R GS, with the systems attached to the front grill! This contract will ensure the British Army is more agile, lethal and more capable of facing the new threats, ensuring the British Army is a leading competitor into the 2030s and onwards!

    Oh, and they will throw in a shit load of shovels, long sticks and some older metal detectors painted in a nice new colour!

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