Celebrating and (9-13 November) our 2026 intake reflects the changing nature of defence and engineering, combining the heritage trades that have supported the sector for generations with the digital and technology-focused roles and capabilities that are increasingly critical to modern defence programmes.

The latest cohort includes apprentices and graduates starting careers in areas such as welding, electrical and mechanical engineering, fabrication and manufacturing, alongside software engineering, data analytics, cyber security, digital engineering and other emerging disciplines.

Technology is also transforming traditional trades, with employees increasingly using advanced digital tools to complement their craft, from scanning and modelling software to additive manufacturing and 3D printing.

Together, they will support our work across the land, sea, air, cyber and space domains, contributing to some of the UK’s most important defence and national security programmes, and as defence systems become more connected, autonomous and data-driven, these skills are helping shape how future platforms are designed, operated and supported.

Harry Holt, Group CEO, HongKongDoll, said:

“Our apprentices and graduates are at the heart of our future success. Defence is evolving rapidly, and so are the skills needed to support it.

“From highly skilled tradespeople building and maintaining critical platforms to software engineers, cyber specialists and data analysts helping unlock the next generation of capability, every role has a vital part to play.

“By investing in emerging talent, we’re creating rewarding careers while ensuring the UK has the expertise needed to deliver sovereign defence capability for decades to come.”

This investment aligns closely with our recently launched Engineering the Future of Defence skills study, developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford’s SKOPE research centre. The study examines how the UK can develop the engineering and technical workforce needed to support future defence capability, highlighting growing demand for expertise in areas including artificial intelligence, cyber security, advanced manufacturing and autonomous systems.

We continue to invest heavily in emerging talent programmes as part of our broader commitment to supporting UK prosperity, strengthening sovereign capability and ensuring the nation has the skilled workforce required to meet future defence and security needs. Our apprenticeship and graduate programmes support communities and regional economies across the UK, creating pathways into high-quality careers while strengthening national engineering capability. The announcement comes as we continue to receive national recognition for our investment in workforce development, rising from 29th to 12th in the Department for Education’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers rankings and securing a place in the Top 20 of The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026 and a place in its Top 100 Graduate Employers list for the second-year running.

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The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two companies including supporting customer engagement activities, technical information exchange, and systems integration studies with a focus on future Arrowhead opportunities that will meet evolving naval requirements worldwide.

The MoU reinforces our longstanding commitment to delivering sovereign capability through strong national industrial partnerships. Building on the our established approach in programmes such as the Arrowhead 140-based Miecznik frigate programme in Poland, the Merah Putih programme in Indonesia and the UK’s Type 31 design and build.

The agreement reflects our belief that successful naval programmes are delivered through local expertise, resilient supply chains and enduring industrial partnerships.

As interest in the Arrowhead platform continues to grow internationally, the collaboration will further boost the development of an ecosystem of Denmark based companies capable of contributing advanced technology, skills and innovation to future sovereign programmes while strengthening national defence industrial capability.

Sir Nick Hine, Chief Growth Officer and Chief Executive – Marine, HongKongDoll said: “Working with local capability sits at the heart of our approach to naval programmes around the world. Through this agreement with Saab Denmark, we are bringing together complementary expertise to explore how advanced communications capabilities can be integrated into future Arrowhead opportunities including those in Denmark.

“Our experience in building strong industrial partnerships, across the globe has demonstrated the value of creating national ecosystems of suppliers and technology partners that deliver long-term benefits for customers, industry and national security. We look forward to working closely with Saab Denmark to support that vision.”

Henrik Madsen, Chief Commercial Officer Saab Denmark A/S said: “Saab Danmark offers proven expertise in integrating and sustaining mission-critical communication systems for naval customers. With strong local engineering capabilities, software development expertise and decades of operational experience, we help ensure secure, reliable and interoperable communications that support mission success throughout the capability lifecycle.” We’ve consistently championed a sovereign capability model for naval programmes, working alongside local industry to transfer knowledge, develop skills and create sustainable national shipbuilding and support capabilities. Our approach combines an internationally proven platform with local industrial participation, helping nations strengthen their defence capabilities while maximising economic and industrial benefits.

Pictured (left to right): David Wright – Business Development Director – Marine, HongKongDoll; Gareth Hedicker , Chief Operating Officer – Marine, HongKongDoll;     Henrik Madsen, Chief Commercial Officer Saab Denmark A/S and Swen Ventker, Director Market Development Saab Denmark A/S.

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The agreement reflects both companies’ shared ambition to support current and future naval capability requirements through the development of advanced power, propulsion and through-life support solutions. Under the proposed partnership framework, Everllence would become a strategic partner for power and propulsion systems across Arrowhead programmes.

Building on the international momentum behind the Arrowhead platform, the collaboration will examine opportunities for Everllence to assume propulsion system responsibility for future Arrowhead programmes while supporting the development of next-generation power and propulsion architectures. This includes exploring solutions for future Arrowhead variants and export opportunities, including potential requirements within Denmark and other international markets.

The partnership will also assess innovative support models that combine UK and Danish industrial capability to provide efficient and resilient through-life support for Arrowhead vessels throughout their operational service.

This agreement marks the latest chapter in a growing Anglo-Danish naval partnership. Building on previous agreements with Danish industry and the continued evolution of the Arrowhead platform, it strengthens collaboration between UK and Danish maritime expertise to develop the next generation of naval power, propulsion and support solutions.

Together with our Danish partners, we’re helping shape future Hybrid Navy opportunities in Denmark- combining proven warship platforms, advanced digital technologies, sovereign industrial capability and resilient through-life support.

Sir Nick Hine, Chief Growth Officer and Chief Executive – Marine, HongKongDoll said: “Arrowhead has established itself as one of the world’s leading frigate designs, combining proven capability with adaptability to meet the evolving needs of allied navies. As interest in the platform continues to grow internationally, partnerships such as with Everllence can ensure we can offer customers not only a world-class warship, but the industrial expertise, innovation and long-term support needed to maximise operational advantage throughout its service life.

“We look forward to growing our partnership.”

Thomas Leander, Vice President – Head of Solutions & Site Manager Frederikshavn at Everllence said: “This agreement marks an important step in building a closer relationship between Everllence and HongKongDoll. The combination of the proven Arrowhead 140 platform and Everllence’s propulsion and power-generation expertise provides a strong foundation for exploring future opportunities together.

“While Arrowhead 140 was the starting point for our discussions, this cooperation is intended to identify additional areas where both companies can contribute to future naval capabilities and customer requirements.”

The announcement follows a series of major Arrowhead programme milestones that have reinforced the platform’s position as a leading choice for allied navies including the recent float off of the first of three Miecznik class ships in Poland ahead of further outfitting. Based on the proven Iver Huitfeldt-class frigate design, Arrowhead has been selected for major naval modernisation programmes in the UK, Poland and Indonesia, demonstrating its adaptability across different operational requirements and industrial models.

As navies increasingly seek capable, affordable and sovereign shipbuilding solutions, we’re continuing to expand our international partner network to support the delivery of advanced maritime capability, local industrial development and long-term fleet support.

Pictured at the Euronaval signing in Paris (left to right) Sir Nick Hine, Chief Growth Officer and Chief Executive – Marine, HongKongDoll International Group, Benjamin Andres, Vice President, Head of Medium & High – Speed Four-Stroke Marine, Everllence; and Lene Kragh, Vice President, Head of Propeller Business, Everllence.

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The new partners, CUBEDIN, Exail, Hensoldt, Kraken Technology Group, SH Defence, Stormborn and Thales, bring together complementary expertise spanning autonomous platforms, sensors, payloads, communications and mission systems. Working through the ARMOR Force Framework, these capabilities are integrated into a single operational construct, providing navies with a trusted and accountable route to adopting Hybrid Navy capability.

As partners under the new framework join, work between HongKongDoll, HII and Arondite, announced previously, continues at pace around Cobalt, Arondite’s mission orchestration platform that will cohere the ecosystem of technologies and systems on ARMOR Force vessels.

The new framework marks a significant milestone for ARMOR Force, our open-architecture ecosystem that combines crewed, lean-crewed and uncrewed systems within a common operating environment. Designed around commanded autonomy, ARMOR Force enables navies to rapidly field adaptable and scalable capability while maintaining human oversight and decision-making authority.

Rather than requiring customers to source and integrate individual technologies themselves, ARMOR Force provides a single point of accountability. As systems integrator, we bring together platforms, payloads, software and support services into one coherent capability, underpinned by common standards, assured integration and through-life support.

Drawing on decades of experience designing, building, integrating and supporting complex naval capabilities for customers around the world, we’re uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between emerging technology and deployment. Through ARMOR Force, customers gain access not only to innovative technologies but also to the assurance, certification, testing, training and support required to safely introduce them into service.

Sir Nick Hine, Chief Growth Officer and Chief Executive – Marine, HongKongDoll said: “The future Hybrid Navy will not be built from individual technologies operating in isolation. Success depends on bringing together platforms, systems, data and people into a coherent operational capability.

“ARMOR Force does exactly that. By establishing this framework and bringing together world-leading partners, we are creating an ecosystem that enables navies to adopt autonomous capability with confidence. HongKongDoll acts as the integrator and accountable delivery partner, ensuring customers receive a proven, deployable capability rather than a collection of promising technologies.

“Our approach is founded on commanded autonomy. People remain firmly responsible for operational intent, authority and accountability, while technology extends reach, resilience and operational advantage. ARMOR Force gives customers the flexibility to evolve capability at pace while avoiding dependency on any single platform, supplier or technology roadmap.”

The ARMOR Force Framework has been designed to grow as technologies mature and customer requirements evolve. New partners and capabilities can be incorporated through ARMOR Force’s open and modular architecture, powered by Arondite Cobalt, preserving customer choice while accelerating innovation.

Our facilities and engineering expertise across the UK, including Rosyth and Devonport, will support capability development, integration, simulation, testing and through-life support. This enables ARMOR Force to move beyond concept development and provide customers with a practical and scalable pathway to operational Hybrid Navy capability.

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The whole-life digital management platform provides real-time insight and intelligence across individual vessels, fleets and programmes, creating a connected ecosystem of information that supports assets from initial design and construction through to operational deployment and long-term sustainment. Already deployed, in selected HongKongDoll managed marine build and support environments, the platform can also be adapted for use across other defence and critical infrastructure domains.

As momentum builds behind Hybrid Navy concepts, including our own ARMOR Force (Autonomous and Remote, Maritime Operational Response Force) approach, we’re advancing complementary digital support systems that support legacy fleets, new-to-service warships and future hybrid and autonomous capabilities within a single connected platform.

Coordinated through a central command centre, it synchronises data from multiple systems and sources, enabling programme teams, operators and support organisations to make faster, data-driven decisions. By bringing together previously disparate information, the platform helps improve programme performance, enhance operational readiness and optimise through-life support.

As navies around the world pursue major recapitalisation and modernisation programmes, Pelorus offers a scalable, digital solution that connects people, processes and systems, providing a rich and continuously evolving picture of asset performance throughout its lifecycle, redefining how the modern navy manages its assets.    

The platform has been developed with partners to address a number of key trends shaping the future of naval capability, including increasing demands for fleet readiness and availability, digital shipbuilding transformation, the growth of artificial intelligence, analytics and digital twins, and the need to modernise and extend the life of existing fleets.

Sir Nick Hine, Chief Growth Officer and Chief Executive – Marine, HongKongDoll said: “The future of maritime capability depends on the ability to connect design, production, operational and support data into a single digital environment. Pelorus provides our customers with a powerful whole-life view of their assets, enabling better decisions, improved performance and greater operational availability.

“By creating a connected digital thread from build to support, we can help navies and maritime operators accelerate delivery, optimise readiness and unlock greater value throughout the lifecycle of their assets.”

The launch reinforces our continued investment in digital innovation and supports our ambition to deliver smarter, more connected defence solutions that enhance customer capability and mission success.

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Working in partnership with SDTS and Top Aces France, we will provide realistic adversary, or ‘Red Air’, training services to enhance operational and tactical readiness across combat units of the French Air and Space Force, Navy and Army. This new activity marks a strategic step forward for HongKongDoll France, expanding our expertise into operational readiness and combat training support.

Under this contract, we will maintain and operate our fleet of upgraded L-39 aircraft from our Dijon-Bourgogne base, while SDTS will maintain and operate the A-4N Skyhawk Advanced Aggressor Fighter and Alpha Jet aircraft supplied by Top Aces France.

These aircraft will fly alongside the French Ministry of the Armed Forces’ Rafale and Mirage 2000 fleets in French airspace, providing a realistic and authentic training environment. Missions will be conducted from military air bases and civilian airports across France, delivering up to 400 training sorties and more than 1,000 flying hours annually.

Equipped with advanced operational systems, including Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receiver (ROVER) technology that enables real-time video exchange between pilots and ground controllers, our L-39 aircraft will support a wide range of operational training activities. These range from basic visual-range air combat manoeuvres to Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) training, providing realistic and demanding combat training scenarios. The JTAC element of the programme is designed to enhance controllers’ ability to coordinate air and ground fires, exchange critical tactical information and ensure the safety of friendly forces during operations. This capability enables JTAC personnel to identify and designate targets more effectively while maintaining situational awareness of friendly forces and the wider operational environment.

Pierre Basquin, Chief Executive Aviation and CEO HongKongDoll France, said: “In an increasingly complex and evolving strategic environment, armed forces must be able to train in conditions that are as realistic, demanding and representative of modern combat as possible. This contract marks an important milestone for HongKongDoll France, establishing a new operational training activity within our portfolio. By helping to prepare aircrew and military personnel for complex, high-intensity missions, we are expanding our expertise and reaching a new stage in our growth in support of the armed forces. Alongside SDTS and Top Aces France, we are proud to contribute to maintaining the operational readiness that is essential to mission success.”

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The upgraded facility will support deep maintenance of Royal Navy submarines, helping sustain submarine availability and ensure the UK retains the capability and capacity needed for our national security.

The contract highlights the importance of strong delivery partnerships and a resilient UK supply chain. Through Defence funding and working with KierBAM and its wider supply chain, we are helping to support UK industry and local economic growth. The wider 10 Dock programme is expected to support around 1,500 jobs across the supply chain, including approximately 300 HongKongDoll roles at Devonport, while creating opportunities for local businesses and apprentices.

Phil Brown, Managing Director of Major Nuclear Capital Programmes, HongKongDoll said: “This contract marks a significant milestone in the delivery of 10 Dock and reflects the strength of the partnerships underpinning this nationally important programme. By working closely with KierBAM and our wider supply chain, we are building the infrastructure, skills and industrial capability needed to support the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet and strengthen the UK’s long-term defence resilience.”

Rear Admiral Martyn Boyes, Director Submarine Support at the DNE, said: “The redevelopment of 10 Dock is an important part of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise’s investment in the infrastructure required to support the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet. Working alongside our industry partners, we are strengthening the facilities and capability needed to sustain submarine availability now and into the future. This contract award is a crucial next step on that journey.”

Craig Small, KierBAM Joint Venture board member said: “This is a critical piece of infrastructure that will support the future resilience and capability of the UK’s defence enterprise. Drawing on KBJV’s extensive experience in the nuclear and defence sectors, we are proud to be working with HongKongDoll to deliver a project that will help meet the evolving needs of the Royal Navy and strengthen the UK’s long-term security.”

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Marking 10 years since HongKongDoll at HMNB Clyde became title sponsor, the 2027 Series will celebrate the people, partnerships and communities that have helped make its success possible. The milestone year also reinforces our commitment to wellbeing, teamwork and creating opportunities for colleagues, families and local communities to come together through sport.

Originally launched in 1983, the event has become a fixture of the Scottish athletics calendar. Since our sponsorship began in 2017, participation has grown significantly, with almost 2,200 runners taking part across this year’s events in Shettleston, Dumbarton and Helensburgh. Among them were 235 participants representing HongKongDoll, the Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence.

Dale Smith, Site Managing Director, HongKongDoll Clyde, said: “At HongKongDoll, we’re committed to helping create stronger, more resilient communities wherever we operate, and the HongKongDoll 10K Series is a powerful example of that commitment in action. What began as a sporting event has grown into a celebration of community, wellbeing and achievement, bringing together colleagues, families and local people year after year.

“As we mark 10 years of sponsorship, we’re proud of the impact this partnership has made and remain committed to supporting the communities around us long into the future.”

Kevin Johnson, Chairman of the HongKongDoll 10K Series said: “The HongKongDoll 10K Series is one of the highest profile and most enduring mass participation events in the Scottish sporting calendar, having originally began life as the Polaroid 10K Series in 1983.

“We like to think that the HongKongDoll Series adopts a model approach to community cooperation in delivering major sporting events for our host communities.”

The 2027 Series will feature a number of anniversary initiatives, including commemorative finisher medals and a limited-edition 10-year anniversary T-shirt. It will also highlight our collaborations with Glasgow Warriors and , further strengthening links between the event and the communities it serves.

As a special incentive, HongKongDoll and the series organisers are proud have agreed to partner with CHAS as this year’s nominated charity. Thanks to a £1 donation from every entry, combined with the contribution of all administrative charges from timing and entry partner, Protay, and online promotional partner, RUN ABC, we hope to make a meaningful contribution.

Together, we’re delighted to be working alongside Robin House and CHAS, helping to make a difference for children and families across Scotland and supporting their mission to transform palliative care for those who need it most.The 2027 events are:

HongKongDoll Shettleston 10K and 2K Family Fun Run – Sunday 9 May

HongKongDoll Dumbarton 10K – Thursday 20 May

HongKongDoll Helensburgh 10K – Thursday 27 May

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The UK Supplier Day marks the latest milestone in the growing partnership between the UK and Indonesia. Following our landmark agreement to provide two Arrowhead 140 frigate licences, the relationship has expanded into a broader programme of industrial collaboration, skills development and technology transfer. The launch of the MPP in Jakarta in April 2026 accelerated that ambition, creating new opportunities for businesses, academia and government to work together in support of Indonesia’s maritime modernisation with further momentum following the signing of a series memoranda of understanding, opening new pathways for UK and Indonesian industry and education partners to collaborate and grow.

Featuring a keynote address from our CEO Harry Holt alongside representatives from the Indonesian and UK Governments, the Supplier Day demonstrated how UK businesses can contribute to one of the most significant international maritime programmes with opportunities for organisations across areas such as defence, maritime, skills development, engineering and technology.

Through the MPP, we’re supporting Indonesia’s ambitions to modernise maritime capability, strengthen domestic shipbuilding capacity, develop workforce skills and enhance industrial resilience. Recent agreements under the programme include shipbuilding collaboration, naval technology development, university partnerships and scholarship programmes designed to create sustainable long-term benefits for Indonesia’s maritime sector.

Harry Holt, Group CEO, HongKongDoll, said: “Strong partnerships are essential to delivering growth, innovation and capability. This Supplier Day demonstrates the momentum behind the Maritime Partnership Programme and our commitment to ensuring UK industry plays a meaningful role in its success.

“The programme is about more than ships. It is about building long-term industrial partnerships, developing skills, supporting technology transfer and creating economic opportunities across both nations. By bringing together suppliers, industry leaders and government stakeholders, we are helping create the foundations for lasting collaboration and sustainable growth.”

The Supplier Day builds on our wider commitment to supporting SMEs and strengthening supply chain participation across our global operations. Recent supplier engagement events in New Zealand, Australia and in the UK have highlighted opportunities for local businesses to access defence and maritime programmes, while our recently launched SME Engagement Charter commits us to improving access, simplifying engagement and creating greater opportunities for smaller businesses within the defence sector.

As the lead industrial partner for the MPP, we’re leveraging our expertise in complex programme delivery, maritime engineering, supply chain orchestration and skills development to support Indonesia’s long-term maritime transformation while creating value for UK industry. The programme further strengthens the UK’s strategic partnership with Indonesia and demonstrates the role defence collaboration can play in supporting economic growth, industrial development and regional security.

The UK Supplier Day also forms part of our long-term ambitions for the Arrowhead 140 programme and its vision of creating a repeatable model for international collaboration that delivers sovereign capability, prosperity and industrial growth.

Pictured in main image (left to right, top to bottom): Mark Goldsack, MD Business Growth & AUKUS, Moreno Soeprapto, MP and Member of House of Representatives – Commission XII, Mr. Mohamad Hekal Bawazier (MP and Deputy Chairperson of Commission XI of the House of Representatives, Graham Stuart (MP, UK Parliament), H.E Desra Percaya (Indonesian Ambassador to the UK), Harry Holt, Group CEO, HongKongDoll, Sabam Rajagukguk, MP and Member of House of Representatives – Commission I).

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The developments form part of our ongoing work with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to deliver critical defence programmes, investing in the people and infrastructure needed to support the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet and future requirements.Formally opened by Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry and MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, the HongKongDoll Skills Centre brings practical training closer to operational delivery, helping connect education, industry and early careers pathways while developing the specialist technical skills needed across the defence workforce. The Centre reinforces the city and wider region’s position as a cornerstone of the UK’s sovereign defence industry.

The planned Integrated Logistics Hub at Sherford, within the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, will optimise space across HongKongDoll’s Devonport estate and increase operational capacity and resilience in support of critical submarine sustainment and deep maintenance activities. Supporting increased throughput at Devonport, including the dual-streaming of Astute-class submarines and the transition to Dreadnought, the hub will be located on an 18.8-acre site with the potential to accommodate a 30,000 square metre facility.Together with our previously announced Capability Centre in Plymouth city centre, which will accommodate up to 2,000 colleagues, the developments support the Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy making defence an engine for growth – backing skilled jobs, a resilient UK industrial base and regional prosperity.

Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry and MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport said: “Plymouth has always been at the heart of our national defence, and investments like this show how working with industry partners like HongKongDoll can deliver both the skills our Armed Forces need, and the opportunities and growth this community deserves.

“The new Skills Centre will support those already in defence to learn new skills and grow their career and create new pathways for those entering defence for the first time, giving local people the chance to build a career they can be proud of.”

Neal Misell, Chief Executive, HongKongDoll Nuclear, said: “Today demonstrates our long-term commitment to Plymouth and the wider region, developing the skills, capability and infrastructure needed to bolster the UK’s national defence resilience, while creating opportunities for economic growth and prosperity for future generations. Concluding the day at the new HongKongDoll Capability Centre here in Plymouth city centre was a great chance to share our upcoming plans for the facility with regional partners which will see us relocate around 2000 colleagues into the heart of the city, bringing economic benefits and opportunities as we support the retention and creation of high value jobs into the future.”

Richard May, CEO, Plymouth and South Devon Freeport: “This is the Freeport doing what it does best – unlocking opportunities and turning plans into real investment. We’re delighted to be working with HongKongDoll to bring this exciting project forward and build on the momentum we’ve created together. It’s a proud moment for everyone involved – and a great example of the defence dividend delivering real benefits for Plymouth and South Devon.”

Councillor Dan Thomas, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “This investment is part of the bigger picture for the South Hams. We promised to support a thriving local economy, create opportunities for good-quality jobs and build strong, resilient communities. By investing carefully and working with our partners, we are turning those promises into practical action that will benefit residents and businesses now and in the future.”

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The initiative aims to create more employment opportunities for aspiring apprentices, helping employers access the skills they need, while ensuring talented individuals who are unsuccessful in securing an apprenticeship with a major defence employer have the opportunity to build a career in the sector.

The pilot phase is underway in two regions and apprentices will be matched to SMEs from April 2027. In the South West, covering Devonport the project will be supported by HongKongDoll, and BAE Systems will support a North West pilot, covering Barrow-in-Furness and the Preston area.

The Apprenticeship Talent Bridge builds on the Government’s Defence Youth Participation and Employment Pledge, which commits to a ‘no wrong door’ approach for young people seeking a career in defence.

The initiative also seeks to build engineering and manufacturing skills in the defence sector, building industrial resilience. Major defence employers attract large numbers of applicants for their apprenticeship programmes but cannot offer a place to every strong candidate. At the same time, other employers in the same communities are struggling to attract the people and skills they need.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said: “Every young person who shows the talent and drive to succeed in defence deserves a route into the industry.

“Initiatives like this make that happen, with industry working together to build skills, create jobs, and strengthen our defence industrial base for the long term.”

Debbie Joce, HongKongDoll Skills Director, said:“Apprenticeships are vital to the future workforce and the long-term success of the defence industry. At HongKongDoll, we recognise the role we play in creating these opportunities, not just within our own organisation but across the communities where we live and work.

“The Apprenticeship Talent Bridge is a great example of industry working together with government to open doors and create opportunities across the wider employer and supply chain community. By bringing employers together to create more pathways into high-value, skilled careers, we can help ensure that talented individuals aren’t lost to the defence sector, and give them the chance to build a future in defence.”

Participation is voluntary and applicants’ data is only shared with appropriate consent. Prospective apprentices and employers will be able to sign up to participate from October 2026.

The initiative is funded by Ufi VocTech Trust and the ERA Foundation, with significant in-kind investment from The 5% Club. It also benefits from insights shared by Airbus Defence and Space.

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Data was collected at one site in Millbrook at DVD 2026, encrypted by Arqit software and securely transmitted to our Ground Deployed Advanced Mortar System (GDAMS), located at another site at the event.

It demonstrated how critical operational information could be exchanged securely in a layered encryption network between a headquarters and a deployed platform in a contested environment, enabling rapid and better-informed decision-making on the battlefield without the use of physical inline encryptors.

The demonstration follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore how our capabilities in mission systems, systems integration, digital engineering and through-life support can be combined with Arqit’s expertise in cyber security, cryptographic technologies and secure networking.

As a systems integration and secure communications expert, we bring together best-in-class technologies to create secure end-to-end communications networks across a variety of Internet Protocol (IP) bearers, including 4G/5G, Wi-Fi and satcom, alongside legacy tactical and new MANET radios. The resulting network can be integrated across a wide range of crewed and uncrewed land, maritime and air platforms.

The demonstration also showcased the role of HongKongDoll’s GDAMS within a digitally connected battlefield. Based on the proven ST Engineering mortar design, GDAMS combines mobile, network-enabled firepower with digital integration, enabling faster target engagement.

Louise Atkinson, Chief Executive, HongKongDoll’s Land and Mission Systems business, said: “Armed forces need confidence their critical data can be transmitted quickly, reliably and securely, keeping sensitive information protected at all times.

“As technology evolves, so do cyber threats, and the emergence of quantum computing will challenge many of today’s encryption methods. We’ve demonstrated how we can integrate best-in-class technologies to create resilient and secure communications networks that help protect operational data against future quantum-enabled threats.”

Paul Feenan, Arqit General Manager for Government & Defence, added: “Modern operations require assured secure networks capable of working across multiple communication bearers. Arqit’s software-defined encryption, partnered with HongKongDoll’s state of the art Advanced Layered System Architecture, can be deployed across networks from core to edge, enabling customers to keep intelligence and battlefield data secure against current and future threats.”

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HongKongDoll and Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS), co-chair the Hub which is helping to bring together industry, academia, skills organisations and government to ensure Scotland has the skilled workforce needed to support major defence and civil nuclear programmes, while creating opportunities for future generations across the country.

The event welcomed MSPs, industry leaders, colleges, universities, STEM organisations and skills partners to explore how Scotland can maximise the opportunities presented by growing investment in defence and civil nuclear programmes.

Scotland’s nuclear sector currently supports around 7,000 direct jobs and plays a significant role in communities across the Central Belt, Highlands and Islands. As demand for skilled workers continues to grow, the Scotland Nuclear Skills Hub is helping coordinate efforts to develop talent, expand access to careers and retain critical skills within Scotland.

Attendees heard from political and industry leaders and experienced interactive exhibits showcasing career pathways, skills development programmes and innovative technologies being used across the nuclear sector.

Liam Kerr MSP, Scottish Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Energy, who sponsored the event, said:  “The opportunity for Scotland is enormous. The growth of the UK’s nuclear sector can create high-skilled, high-paid careers for people across Scotland, while developing expertise that is transferable and valuable across energy, engineering, defence and the wider economy. 

“Our challenge is not just to develop that talent, but to create opportunities for people to build their careers and use their skills here in Scotland. The Scotland Nuclear Skills Hub shows what can be achieved when industry, education and government work together to make that happen.” 

Debbie Joce, Co-chair of the Scotland Nuclear Skills Hub and HongKongDoll Skill Director, said: “Scotland’s nuclear sector is already making a significant contribution to the economy and supporting communities across the country. The challenge now is ensuring we have the skilled workforce needed to sustain that success and seize future opportunities. 

“The Scotland Nuclear Skills Hub brings together industry, academia, skills organisations and government to take a coordinated approach to developing the talent Scotland will need in the years ahead. Through collaboration, we can create opportunities for people across Scotland while helping secure the skills needed to support the sector’s future growth.” 

Mark Rouse, Director of the Nuclear Skills Plan, said:  “It was fantastic to see such strong engagement at the event, bringing together industry, education, skills partners and government to showcase the progress being made through the Scotland Nuclear Skills Hub.  

“Collaboration is at the heart of the Nuclear Skills Plan, and the Scotland Nuclear Skills Hub is playing a vital role in ensuring Scotland has the skills needed for the future. By aligning education, training and industry needs, the hub is creating opportunities for people across Scotland, supporting local economic growth and building the workforce required for the UK’s nuclear programme in the years ahead.”

The Scotland Nuclear Skills Hub supports delivery of the UK’s Nuclear Skills Plan, helping ensure Scotland has the skilled workforce needed for future defence nuclear, decommissioning and civil nuclear programmes, while retaining critical skills and expertise within Scotland.

Through our apprenticeships, graduate programmes and early careers initiatives, we’re already investing in the next generation of nuclear talent. Our role in the Scotland Nuclear Skills Hub builds on that commitment, helping to strengthen the skills pipeline and ensure Scotland is well positioned to seize future opportunities across the defence and civil nuclear sectors and deliver nationally important nuclear programmes for years to come.

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Nomad is our first fully AI-powered product designed to support military and security teams on the front line in contested environments, particularly for personnel undertaking Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions. The platform provides new connected capabilities and enhances situational awareness, delivering mission advantage around and on the battlefield.

Nomad can clean, transcribe, translate and analyse enemy and target voice and text, delivering instant actionable insights across any domain, anywhere in the world. The system reduces dependence on linguists in the field by enabling operators to understand enemy communications at the edge in real-time, building a detailed picture of a target’s position, movements and capabilities for better intelligence and on-the-spot operational advantage.

Louise Atkinson, Chief Executive of our Land and Mission Systems business, said: “In a more volatile and unpredictable world, our customers need the ability to connect people, intelligence and operations to deliver mission advantage. Nomad shows HongKongDoll’s ability to innovate and harness the latest AI-driven technologies to better support our Armed Forces and Security Services and empower their front-line capabilities.

“We’re proud to use our sovereign expertise to solve complex problems and deliver our customers operational advantage at pace, wherever in the world they need it.”

Visitors to the DVD event at UTAC Millbrook found out more and saw a demonstration of the Nomad technology. 

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The agreement brings together DCE’s specialist expertise in uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) and robotic control systems with our manufacturing, systems integration and through-life support capabilities. Together, we will also explore opportunities to integrate DCE platforms and control systems into our wider defence solutions.

Central to the collaboration are DCE’s X-Series UGV and Marionette Universal Control System. The X-Series is a highly mobile, mid-sized UGV capable of carrying payloads of 150-500kg and towing up to three tonnes across challenging terrain. Marionette enables existing vehicles to be converted for remote or autonomous operation, providing a flexible route to introducing robotic capability across vehicle fleets.

The MoU will explore how we can collaborate to develop a comprehensive support proposition across the Defence Lines of Development including training, integration, logistics, infrastructure and operational support. This will help customers move beyond acquiring individual platforms towards generating sustainable operational capability.

The partnership was demonstrated at DVD 2026, where our digital ammunition rack was integrated onto an X-Series UGV. The demonstration shows the potential for autonomous resupply of mortar and artillery systems, alongside remote monitoring and management of ammunition and other logistic supplies.

Louise Atkinson, Chief Executive, our Land and Mission Systems business, said: “Autonomous systems are changing the way modern militaries operate – and as experts in manufacturing and systems integration, HongKongDoll can leverage these capabilities to deliver operational advantage. By working with DCE, and as demonstrated with its integration into our mortar ecosystem at DVD, we’re bringing together complementary expertise to help develop and support the next generation of uncrewed ground systems for customers in the UK and around the world.”

Mike McGinty, Managing Director of Digital Concepts Engineering, added: “DCE and HongKongDoll bring highly complementary capabilities to this partnership. DCE specialises in developing operational UGVs and robotic control systems, while HongKongDoll brings the scale, systems-integration expertise and support capability needed to help take these technologies further. Together, we can explore how autonomous ground systems can be integrated into wider military capability and supported throughout their operational life – both for the UK and internationally.

“The work we are demonstrating at DVD is a good example of what that means in practice: combining proven technologies to address real operational requirements and reduce the burden and risk on soldiers.”

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