Qioptiq wins £82 Million contract from UK MOD

At the IDEX trade show in Abu Dhabi this week, UK Minister Harriett Baldwin has announced the award of an innovative £82 million contract to Excelitas Technologies’ wholly owned subsidiary Qioptiq.

The award will see Qioptiq in St Asaph, North Wales provide support for surveillance and targeting equipment to the UK Armed Forces over the next six years. This will ensure vital equipment is available to UK personnel around the globe.

Excelitas’ Qioptiq is a world leader in the development and supply of image intensified, thermal and fused sighting and surveillance systems, with over 100000 sights supplied to over 56 countries. Work under the new Surveillance Target and Acquisition Support (STAS) contract will merge 20 individual support contracts into one saving the MoD £47 million over the next six years.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said: “This massive contract for Qioptiq underlines Wales’ reputation as a world leader in the defence technology sector.”

Welsh Government will continue to play a pivotal role in supporting the growth and expansion of Qioptiq in St. Asaph, North Wales by investing £2.5m in a new purpose designed facility for the company, Economy Secretary Ken Skates announced today. Skates said: “Winning this major contract is hugely significant for Qioptiq and for North Wales. Qioptiq is one of our key Anchor companies working in a priority sector and is one of the most dynamic and innovative companies in Wales.”

Peter White, Managing Director at Qioptiq said "we are delighted that we have received this major contract from UK MOD to support equipment vital to the safety of our soldiers in front line operations. The support from Welsh Government and the hard work, capability and commitment of our employees were the key factors in our success. We look forward to continuing the successful relationship we have with UK MoD and supporting our troops with this important contract.”

Doug Benner, Excelitas Executive Vice President Defence and Aerospace said “it is an honour to be selected for the STAS contract. We appreciate the confidence the UK MoD has placed in us. This selection will allow us to continue the mission of ensuring STA equipment is available to the End User when needed. Whether serving defence ministries around the world or meeting the critical requirements of the world’s largest defence prime contractors, Excelitas’ Defence and Aerospace mission is “Keeping our Troops Safe” with the best technology/products/services.”

The contract covers equipment used right across the UK Armed Forces delivering capability to all three front line commands. Chief Executive Officer of the MoD’s Defence Equipment and Support organisation, Tony Douglas said: “Crucially, the STAS contract, will deliver improved support to Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.”

Excelitas’ Qioptiq is a recognised, first-tier supplier to many of the defence and aerospace sector’s leading companies with a product range that includes some of the most sophisticated advanced optical technologies ranging from Night Vision Sights... to Head Up Display Optical modules... through to Space Components. Excelitas Technologies is a US corporation with locations throughout Europe, Asia and North America employing more than 6000 people. It employs over 550 people in North Wales on two sites at St Asaph and Bodelwyddan.

IDEX is a biannual international defence exhibition and conference held in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The United Kingdom has supported IDEX since its inception.