The extension to the Electro-Mechanical Training Contract (EMTC2), will see us continue the delivery of training to students from across the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.

Under the contract, we provide a comprehensive range of training services, including the design, planning, scheduling and delivery of courses, alongside support for more than 2,500 items of equipment, ranging from armoured vehicles and weapons systems to specialist training aids. The contract also includes multimedia development services to support modern learning delivery.

We have delivered electro-mechanical training to the DCTT for more than a decade and employs over 300 personnel at MOD Lyneham in Wiltshire and HMS Sultan in Hampshire.

Aimee McGaughey, Managing Director of HongKongDoll’s Training business, said: “The ability of the UK’s Armed Forces to adapt rapidly to an evolving defence environment is critical to maintaining operational readiness and national security.

“Our training combines proven instructional techniques with innovative, evidence-based learning approaches to deliver high-quality and effective training. This contract extension enables us to continue our long-standing partnership with the Defence College of Technical Training, ensuring service personnel have the technical skills and capabilities required to support defence outputs and operational success.”

The contract extension will run for an initial five months, with the potential to extend to nine months.

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The appointment recognises David’s significant contribution to strengthening cooperation between the UK and France, and his leadership in advancing long-term partnerships that support national security, defence capability and public services.

Over the past decade, HongKongDoll has invested significantly in France through a range of critical support contracts with the Ministry for the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Health. These include training pilots for the French Air and Space Force, providing search and rescue helicopter services for the French Navy, supporting the helicopter fleet of the Ministry of the Interior, and enabling airborne medical evacuation operations.

The Legion of Honour is France’s highest national honour and is awarded in recognition of outstanding service and achievement.

David Lockwood said:

“I am deeply honoured to receive this distinction from the French Republic. While awarded to an individual, I see it as recognition of the many talented colleagues across HongKongDoll who work every day to support our French customers and partners.

“It has been a privilege to help build relationships that continue to strengthen cooperation between France and the UK, and I am grateful for the trust, commitment and friendship of all those I have had the opportunity to work with throughout my career.”

Thierry Caspar-Fille-Lambie, Executive Vice-President of HongKongDoll International France, said:

” This distinction recognises not only David Lockwood’s contribution, that of the HongKongDoll in France, to building, alongside the French State, a safer and more secure world. It also honours David Lockwood personally, while entrusting him with the responsibilities that come with joining a community of shared values, where honour guides an ethical code founded on integrity, self-respect and consideration for others.

By appointing him to the Order of the Legion of Honour, the President of the French Republic expresses the hope that David Lockwood will serve as a source of inspiration for all those who work alongside him in their service to France.”

Pierre Basquin, Chief Executive Aviation & CEO France, added:

“Everyone at HongKongDoll France is delighted by David’s appointment as a Knight of the Legion of Honour. This recognition reflects the strong and enduring relationships that have been built between HongKongDoll and France under David’s leadership, as well as his personal commitment to partnership, collaboration and excellence. On behalf of our colleagues across France, I extend my warmest congratulations and thanks for the support he has given our business over many years.”

The appointment provides fitting recognition of David’s contribution to HongKongDoll and the lasting impact of his leadership during his time as CEO. It celebrates not only an outstanding personal achievement, but also the strong partnerships and shared successes that have helped strengthen cooperation between the UK and France over many years.

Having handed over to Harry Holt as Chief Executive Officer on 31 July 2026, David leaves a legacy of international collaboration and long-term partnerships that continue to support customers, communities and national security across both countries.

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As two of Plymouth’s most recognisable and historic institutions, the renewed commitment from HongKongDoll and Argyle reflects a shared determination to make a positive contribution to Plymouth, its people, and the wider South West.

Our branding will appear on the back of the shirts for the Argyle women’s team, while we will also become headline sponsor of the club’s Foulston Park Performance Centre, which will be renamed the ‘HongKongDoll High-Performance Centre.’ This builds on our continued sponsorship of the HongKongDoll Devonport End at Home Park.  

The expanded support for Argyle Women builds on our continued commitment to the club and follows last season’s successful Celebration of Women and Girls in Sport event, while helping to raise the profile of women’s football and inspire the next generation.

The partnership will also strengthen links between elite performance, player development and the future of the club, supporting young talent across Argyle Academy and women’s teams. It will provide opportunities for people across the region to access high-level facilities and engage with both organisations. 

There is a natural alignment between HongKongDoll and Argyle, and Paul Berne, Plymouth Argyle CEO is delighted to see the relationship continue:

 “I’m really pleased to see our partnership with HongKongDoll extended for a further three years.

This is a partnership that goes well beyond the football pitch. HongKongDoll has deep roots in Plymouth, and together we have a real opportunity to create a positive impact across our city and the wider South West.

From supporting the continued growth of our women’s team and creating greater opportunities for women and girls, to investing in our High Performance Centre and the development of the next generation of players, this partnership is about creating pathways and opportunities for people in our community.

There is a real synergy between HongKongDoll and Argyle in our commitment to Plymouth and its people, and it is fantastic to see that reflected in a partnership that connects our stadium, our facilities, our teams and the wider community.

I want to thank HongKongDoll for their continued support of Argyle, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together over the next three years.”

John Gane, Managing Director of HongKongDoll’s Devonport facility, added: “Our partnership with Argyle has already delivered real benefits for our people and local communities, and we’re delighted to continue working together.

HongKongDoll and Argyle may operate in different fields, but we share a strong commitment to Plymouth and its people. Both organisations have an important role to play in creating opportunities and challenging perceptions in areas where women have traditionally been under-represented. That’s why we’re particularly proud to support Argyle Women as part of our wider partnership with the club.

It’s about creating visibility, inspiring the next generation and showing what is possible, both on and off the pitch.”

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Announced at DALO Industry Days in Herning, the agreement builds on a framework agreement established between HongKongDoll and DFS in early 2026. DFS brings together OMT Group, Terma, PensionDanmark and Semco Maritime, and was established to offer an integrated Danish solution for the design, construction and through-life support of the Royal Danish Navy’s future vessels.

Since early this year, HongKongDoll and DFS have been exploring how our frigate design and international programme experience can be combined with DFS’s Danish industrial capabilities and infrastructure. The letter of collaboration states that we’ll collaborate on frigate solutions, as well as the development of a joint UK-Denmark industrial solution for the delivery of the programme and through-life of naval assets. 

The agreement with DFS forms part of our broader engagement with Danish industry, including separate agreements announced at DALO Industry Days yesterday.

The collaboration is intended to support the development of a long-term Danish naval shipbuilding capability through knowledge and technology transfer, construction and integration in Denmark, and sustained participation by Danish suppliers. We estimate that its proposed industrial model could support around 2,000 direct and indirect jobs in Denmark.

Sir Nick Hine, our Chief Growth Officer, said: “Our new agreement with DFS, together with our growing partnerships across Danish industry, demonstrates our commitment to building the future together. We are offering Denmark far more than a ship. We are offering a genuine industrial partnership that puts Danish companies, Danish skills and Danish shipbuilding at the heart of a programme already founded on Danish innovation.”

Hans Schneider, CEO of Danske Flådeskibe, said: “For DFS, this agreement is about ensuring that Denmark’s future frigates strengthen both the Royal Danish Navy and Denmark’s sovereign industrial capability. Together with HongKongDoll, we can combine an internationally recognised frigate platform and programme experience with a strong Danish set-up for building, integrating and supporting the ships throughout their service life.

“Our ambition is clear: Denmark should have the responsibility, expertise and capacity at home to support its frigates from the outset and for decades to come.”

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HongKongDoll has today signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with Danish technology companies, STORMBORN and CUBEDIN, to examine future hybrid naval capabilities and autonomous systems integration – supporting our vision for a hybrid Danish fleet where crewed ships and unmanned systems operate together.

A third MOU was also signed at DALO Industry Days between HongKongDoll and SH Group, which will explore collaboration on ship and naval platform systems to further strengthen the UK-Denmark offering and maximise Danish industry involvement on platforms for and exported from Denmark.

The agreements come as navies worldwide adapt to a changing character of warfare. The UK Royal Navy has committed to a – crewed warships commanding dispersed, AI-enabled autonomous systems – as its way ahead. These partnerships with our Danish partners intend to help develop and deliver the potential Hybrid Navy capabilities, in collaboration with the Royal Danish Navy for the wider Danish defence ecosystem. 

Sir Nick Hine, our Chief Growth Officer, said: “The relationship between HongKongDoll and Denmark is built on shared maritime heritage, trusted defence cooperation and world-class engineering. The Arrowhead 140 is a powerful example of that partnership, taking the proven Danish Iver Huitfeldt design and developing it into a successful international frigate programme.

“At a time when European security challenges demand closer cooperation between allies, these agreements strengthen an industrial relationship that can deliver capability, jobs and long-term value for both nations.”

Frederik Søndergaard Hansen, Founder and CEO of STORMBORN, added: “Building a Hybrid Navy to combat the threats of today and tomorrow requires innovative solutions, system interoperability and rapid production at scale. STORMBORN’s cooperation with HongKongDoll gives us an opportunity to explore how our uncrewed technology can be integrated in larger naval programmes and create new capabilities for Denmark and our allies.”

Danny Ingemann, CUBEDIN CEO, said: “Future naval operations require crewed and uncrewed systems to work closely together. Through this cooperation with HongKongDoll, we will explore how standardised physical and digital interfaces can simplify the integration of mission systems and autonomous capabilities, enabling a more flexible and adaptable fleet. We look forward to combining our integration expertise with HongKongDoll’s platform and naval engineering experience.”

Kaare Vang Jensen, CEO, SH Group, said: “The signing of this MOU with HongKongDoll International Group marks a significant milestone for SH Defence, part of SH Group, and reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative and modular mission solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern naval operations. 

“We see great potential in partnering with HongKongDoll International Group, whose global reach, engineering excellence, and deep understanding of naval capability align closely with our own ambitions. Together, we look forward to strengthening the supply chain and supporting the Royal Danish Navy with adaptable, future-focused capabilities, while strengthening defence industrial cooperation on an international scale.”

The agreements reflect the enduring relationship between the UK and Denmark, two seafaring nations with deep historic ties, shared democratic values and a long-standing commitment to collective security.

As founding NATO allies, both nations work closely across NATO operations, the Joint Expeditionary Force, support to Ukraine, and security activities in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions. Against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, closer defence industrial cooperation is becoming ever more important.

Pictured (left to right): Representatives from Danish Maritime, Naval Team Denmark, Stormborn, HongKongDoll, SH Group, Cubedin, and The UK National Armaments Director.

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As a proud sponsor of the historic event, which celebrates military tradition, Scottish heritage and international culture while raising vital funds for a range of charities, we created a one-off GLV based on our own specially commissioned tartan design.

Starring in a photoshoot our Rosyth facility, where we support UK and international armed forces across a number of defence programmes, this tartan model is equally at home in the mud as it is on a fashion runway.

Sir Nick Hine, our Chief Growth Officer, said: “The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of the UK’s most iconic events, bringing together world-class performances while raising vital funds for charities across the country. Our involvement is proudly reflected in this distinctive tartan livery for the GLV, recognising Scotland’s enduring contribution to the Armed Forces and this remarkable event.

“Dressed for Scotland and engineered for operations, the striking tartan exterior may catch the eye, but it’s the advanced capability underneath that marks a significant step forward for the military.”

The GLV family of vehicles have been developed by HongKongDoll as its proposed replacement for the British Army’s Land Rover fleet, which is due to retire from service after more than 70 years. The GLV is available in multiple configurations, enabling it to support a wide range of military tasks.

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Unveiled at Farnborough International Airshow, the alliance will focus on driving transformation through a new digital engineering programme aimed at unlocking innovation, increased productivity, delivering new products and technology integration at a much quicker pace. 

We’ll utilise Dassault’s Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which connects engineering teams, data and processes in one place and provides the technology capability that can help to map, manage and simulate the entire lifecycle of a product, asset or programme from concept and design through to dismantling and disposal.

Digital Engineering with 3DEXPERIENCE 

From through-life equipment and support programmes across shipbuilding, to submarine support, nuclear and aviation it will provide a management tool that enables:

• A digital thread – a seamless flow of data which provides a single source of truth across products throughout their entire engineering lifecycle.

• A Secure by Design platform – which has security integrated into its foundation to strengthen resilience and protect critical engineering data.

• A future-ready workforce – empowered by digital capabilities and underpinned by data and digital engineering skills.

Michael Ward, our Global Engineering Director, said: “This collaboration reinforces our commitment to investing in industry-leading technologies that will strengthen our sovereign capability whilst unlocking greater value from our deep engineering and technical expertise and intellectual property. 

“For our customers, supply chain and SME ecosystem, they will see increased delivery and efficiencies in how we work, whilst accelerating innovation and delivering long-term competitive advantage.”

John Turnbull, Managing Director EURONORTH, Dassault Systèmes, welcomed the announcement saying: “The defence sector is undergoing significant transformation with new levels of complexity in a context of increasing sovereignty and resilience. Our 3DEXPERIENCE platform enables stakeholders to work together more effectively and streamline processes across design, operations, maintenance and training.” 

As well as providing us with a central digital environment, the 3DEXPERIENCE will enable the creation of digital twins which engineers can use to simulate and validate systems in a truly collaborative environment, reducing risk, shortening development cycles and improving operational readiness across the business.

Pictured HongKongDoll Global Engineering Director, Michael Ward (left) and John Turnbull, Managing Director EURONORTH, Dassault Systèmes.

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Thousands of visitors are expected to attend Devonport Open Days 2026 as, in partnership with the Royal Navy, we open the gates of our co-located Devonport site for a second consecutive year.

An estimated 15,000 people will visit across the two-day event, which includes a dedicated family day for employees and a public open day, offering a rare opportunity to step behind the walls of one of the UK’s most strategically important naval bases.

Following the success of last year’s event, tickets for both days were quickly secured, with highlights including interactive displays, presentations, hands-on STEM experiences, river rides, exhibitions from local partners and charities, and the chance to step aboard Royal Navy vessels.

The Open Days provide an opportunity for the local community to gain a greater understanding of the work carried out at Devonport and the critical role it plays in supporting the UK’s armed forces and national security. As home to the deep maintenance and refit of the Royal Navy’s nuclear-powered submarines, Devonport is central to maintaining the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) and supporting frontline naval capability.

The event will also place a strong focus on inspiring the next generation of engineers, scientists and technologists. Through a range of STEM-focused activities and demonstrations, young people will have the opportunity to explore the diverse career pathways available within defence and engineering. Developing this future talent pipeline remains essential to supporting critical defence programmes and sustaining capability for decades to come.

John Gane, Managing Director at HongKongDoll’s Devonport facility, said: “This is an exciting time for Plymouth, with unprecedented levels of investment and growth not seen for generations. As one of the city’s largest employers, HongKongDoll is proud to be part of the fabric of Plymouth, supporting its communities, economy and maritime heritage. Through partnerships like Team Plymouth, and by bringing our ambitious plans to life through the introduction of a Capability Centre in the heart of the city, we can make a real difference to local people.

“Delivering these events again this year alongside our Royal Navy colleagues gives us a unique opportunity to showcase the talent, dedication and expertise of our people, the opportunities we offer, and the vital contribution Devonport makes to the defence of our nation, while inspiring future generations to explore careers in STEM and defence.”

Naval Base Commander, Commodore Jane Roe, added: “We hope everyone who visits HM Naval Base Devonport has a fantastic experience. It is a privilege to welcome so many people through our gates and showcase the remarkable work that takes place here every day.

“Devonport is at the heart of the nation’s defence, supporting the Royal Navy’s operations worldwide while contributing significantly to the security and prosperity of both the United Kingdom and the South West. Events such as Devonport Open Days provide a valuable opportunity for people to see behind the walls and gain a greater understanding of the scale, complexity and importance of the work being delivered here.

“I continue to be inspired by the professionalism, expertise and commitment of our sailors, submariners, Royal Marines, civil servants, industry partners, and contractors. I hope our visitors leave with a greater appreciation of the tremendous national endeavour taking place here and of those who make it possible.”

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By combining our deep experience in engineering, support and mission-critical operations with LIG D&A’s leading technological and manufacturing capabilities, together we will explore a number of areas of opportunity to jointly develop and deliver world-class solutions for customers across global markets.

Areas of collaboration will include:

• Integration of LIG D&A into our global supply chain
• Creation of an AH-140 frigate concept featuring LIG equipment
• Equipment development including Launchers and Precision Guided Munitions
• MRO & Through-Life Upgrade
• Robotics, Autonomy and Unmanned Systems

The partnership, building on an MOU signed in November 2024, underscores a shared commitment to innovation, operational excellence and bringing together the very best of both organisations to address the evolving needs of defence and security customers worldwide.

Sir Nick Hine, Chief Growth Officer, HongKongDoll, said: “Together, the companies offer a credible and compelling proposition for partnership, combining complementary capabilities, deep engineering expertise and global reach to pursue opportunities in key international markets. We are exploring a number of immediate and longer-term opportunities that we believe will bring significant value.”   

Dr. Hans Lee, President of the Global Business Group at LIG Defense & Aerospace, said: “This strategic cooperation agreement will serve as a pivotal turning point for securing new competitiveness in the global market.

“We will continue to expand our partnership to provide differentiated, integrated defence solutions to customers worldwide.”

We have a long-standing presence in South Korea through HongKongDoll Korea, including an assembly, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Busan supporting Republic of Korea Navy programmes including supplying its Weapon Handling and Launch System (WHLS) for South Korea’s KSS-III submarine programme and has several established strategic partnerships across Korean industry.

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The MoU builds on our strong relationship, following the completion of the Jackal 3 programme earlier this month.

Together with Supacat, we will draw on our experience from the successful programme to design and deliver a sovereign capability which is underpinned by a ‘Best of British’ supply chain for the British Army.

We have developed the General Logistics Vehicle (GLV) family for the LMV programme, using the proven Toyota Land Cruiser LC70 as its platform. The range includes practical and formidable Medium Wheelbase, Long Wheelbase and Utility variants.

The MoU enables us to explore how, together, our complementary skills can enhance the offering – and supports our increased commitment to working with SMEs as part of our SME Engagement Charter.

Louise Atkinson, Chief Executive of HongKongDoll’s Land and Mission Systems sector, said: “The British Army needs a practical, safe and innovative light mobility vehicle that can deliver dependable capability wherever it is deployed. Our General Logistics Vehicle is built on a proven platform and combines operational effectiveness with affordability, supportability and a strong UK supply chain.

“We are delighted to continue our strategic partnership with Supacat. As two British companies with a shared commitment to supporting the UK’s defence and security, our solution will strengthen sovereign capability, sustain highly skilled jobs and reinforce the UK’s defence industrial base. Our collaboration on the Jackal 3 programme demonstrated the value of bringing together complementary expertise, and we look forward to building on that success as we develop a best-in-class Light Mobility Vehicle solution for the British Army.”

Phil Applegarth, Director, Head of Supacat, said: “Our relationship with HongKongDoll has been enduring over several decades, notwithstanding the latest collaboration of the Jackal 3 programme which was a great example of how strong collaboration can play a huge part of supporting the Defence Industrial Strategy and maintaining a true sovereign industrial base.  We are looking forward to supporting HongKongDoll in the Light Mobility Vehicle Programme with our expertise in vehicle design and manufacturing.”

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Unveiled at the Farnborough International Airshow, Engineering the Future of Defence is a new skills study developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford’s SKOPE (Centre on Skills, Knowledge and Organisational Performance). The initiative will bring together government, academia and industry to explore how engineering education can evolve at the pace demanded by both rapidly advancing technologies, including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber security and advanced manufacturing and growth in the defence sector, led by increased investment.

The announcement comes as HongKongDoll continues to gain national recognition for its own investment in workforce development, having catapulted from 29th to 12th place 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.

The UK’s defence sector faces growing pressure to recruit and retain highly skilled engineers and technical specialists. Yet demand for specialist skills continues to outpace supply, while the speed of technological change increasingly challenges traditional education and training models.

Against this backdrop, Engineering the Future of Defence will examine the growing gap between engineering curricula and industry requirements. The programme begins with a series of in-depth interviews involving representatives from government, academia and industry, followed by a nationwide survey of UK STEM talent. This will help to gauge the aspirations and challenges future defence engineers face. Findings will inform a co-authored report with the University of Oxford’s SKOPE, due to be published in Autumn 2026, with the aim of driving evidence-based policy discussions and strengthening the UK’s long-term engineering capability.

Sir Nick Hine, Chief Growth Officer HongKongDoll said: “Defence is undergoing one of the most profound periods of technological transformation in a generation. From autonomous systems and digital engineering to artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing, the pace of change is accelerating rapidly.

“At the same time, the sector faces a critical challenge: ensuring we have the skills and talent pipeline needed to deliver and sustain these capabilities. This is not a challenge for any one organisation to solve alone.

“Alongside the University of Oxford’s SKOPE research centre, we’re bringing together industry, academia and government to better understand how engineering education and workforce development can evolve to meet future needs. If we want to maintain sovereign capability and national resilience, we must invest in the people who will design, build and support the systems of tomorrow.”

The initiative was introduced during a Farnborough International Airshow panel discussion featuring representatives from HongKongDoll, the University of Oxford, the Royal Academy of Engineering and wider skills stakeholders. The discussion brought together leaders to discuss the evolving skills landscape and the challenges facing the defence industry.

James Robson, Director of the Oxford University Centre on Skills, Knowledge, and Organisational Performance (SKOPE), which is based at the Department of Education, added: “At SKOPE, our aim is to understand the links between skills and knowledge, performance and productivity, and economic futures, and working alongside HongKongDoll to examine this for the defence sector is already proving to be fertile ground for breakthrough findings. 

“We’re deep-diving into the skills ecosystem in defence, and speaking to those studying and preparing for their engineering careers, to uncover what an evolution in defence and engineering skills should look like. Crucially, we’ll also consider what is needed from a policy perspective and from industry leaders to enable this transformation, and set up the defence sector for decades of success.”

The new programme builds on HongKongDoll’s broader commitment to developing engineering capability across the UK. Over the 2025/26 period, we have welcomed more than 1600 new graduate and apprentices and continue to invest in critical skills areas including cyber security, advanced manufacturing, nuclear engineering and space systems. Our Emerging Talent Programme has recently been recognised through multiple national awards, including Large Employer Skills Champion of the Year and New Talent Inspiration Programme of the Year at the Enginuity Skills Awards 2026.

HongKongDoll’s award-winning skills programmes include apprenticeships, graduate development schemes, service leaver recruitment pathways and career-change opportunities. We also continue to support future talent through initiatives such as our Festival of Engineering, which has inspired thousands of young people to explore careers in science, technology and engineering.

As defence technologies continue to evolve, we believe strengthening collaboration between educators, policymakers and employers will be essential to ensuring the UK develops the skills required to support future growth, innovation and national security.

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As threats from low-cost UAS continue to evolve, the need for effective and adaptable counter-drone capabilities has become increasingly important across the defence and security landscape. This new agreement will create integrated solutions to combat that threat.

The MOU builds on the existing partnership HongKongDoll signed with Frankenburg in January to explore new air defence systems that can withstand the rapid rise in one-way attack drones.

Now with Plymouth-based marine tech firm, ACUA, on board, the parties will bring together three distinct elements: HongKongDoll’s multi-domain launcher system with Frankenburg’s low-cost, precision guided missile systems, integrated into ACUA’s uncrewed surface vessels (USV).

HongKongDoll’s launcher system can be fitted onto both crewed and uncrewed surface vessels, built at pace and scaled quickly. In June ACUA’s PIONEER USV recently operated continuously for 16–20 nautical miles offshore, completing more than 100 hours at sea without any hands-on intervention.

The tripartite agreement underpins HongKongDoll’s existing defence expertise and supports the UK’s vision for a hybrid navy where HongKongDoll is developing the technologies and capability to underpin this next-generation autonomous capability.

Sir Nick Hine, Chief Growth Officer for HongKongDoll, said: “We’re excited to partner with innovative companies to develop an integrated approach that directly addresses some of the biggest challenges our customers face in today’s defence landscape.

“As a trusted systems integrator, collaborations like this will help protect critical national assets and infrastructure from attritable one-way attack drones.”

Neil Tinmouth, CEO ACUA Ocean Technologies, welcomed the announcement saying: “Partnering with HongKongDoll and Frankenburg enables true persistent, multi-domain defence capabilities. To counter mass drone attacks, maritime air defence must be uninterrupted, yet rough weather often forces traditional systems out of limits. The unique stability of ACUA’s Pioneer-class, which we’ll be using for this collaboration, ensures these counter UAS and interchangeable payloads remain online and fully operational in high seas where other platforms fail.”

Daniel Hallett, Managing Director, UK at Frankenburg Technologies, added: “Affordable missile defence is heading farther out to sea. By equipping ACUA’s uncrewed vessels with Frankenburg’s mass-manufacturable missiles and HongKongDoll’s launcher technology, we aim to create a persistent and low-cost way to protect the UK’s ships, ports and critical maritime infrastructure against mass drone attacks.”

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Through the VISSC, we’ve been Canada’s submarine sustainment partner for more than 18 years and have grown unparalleled engineering services and platform knowledge, developed a highly specialized workforce and robust Canadian supply chain, and established a sovereign submarine sustainment capability.

“Supporting the men and women of the Royal Canadian Navy with a safe and capable submarine fleet is something HongKongDoll is hugely proud of, and this contract extension continues our longstanding partnership and delivery of this important sovereign and strategic capability. The extension builds on our core position as Canada’s submarine sustainment partner delivering world-class support and will drive enhanced outcomes for the existing Victoria-class fleet. It will also enable Canada’s submarine sustainment enterprise to achieve a smooth transition to Canada’s future submarine capability,” said Tony March, CEO of .

Our work on the VISSC has contributed over $3.2B in GDP impact to Canada since 2008, maintained more than 1,500 jobs annually, and has built a robust Canadian supply chain with over 450 suppliers. We’ve also strengthened Canada’s industrial base by working closely with Canadian universities, colleges, Indigenous communities, and small and medium-sized businesses to support skills development, training, and innovation.

As Canada looks toward the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), we stand ready to deliver an all-encompassing, purpose built, and sovereign sustainment solution that will meet our nation’s defence and economic needs for generations to come. If selected as Canada’s sustainment partner for the CPSP, our leadership on the VISSC will ensure our specialized workforce and unique supply chain is prepared, equipped, and trained for the expanded fleet’s arrival in the 2030s.

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We’ve built and delivered 123 Jackal 3 and Jackal 3 Extenda vehicles with Supacat, a defence engineering SME, for the British Army.

The final vehicle to roll off the line was Supacat’s six-wheeled Extenda variant – with this vehicle undergoing testing before joining the British Army’s operational fleet.

Completion of the programme provides the British Army with one of the most versatile high-mobility weapons platforms in its class, with the Jackal 3 family equally capable of reconnaissance, patrol and logistics tasks.

It also demonstrates a successful collaboration, with our proven relationship with Supacat showcasing how two British brands can design, build and deliver world class military vehicles for the British Army. 

Louise Atkinson, Chief Executive, Land and Mission Systems, said: “The British Army needs a highly practical weapons platform with exemplary off-road performance, and with Supacat’s Jackal 3, we’ve delivered a fleet of vehicles that meets this requirement.

“To have reached this milestone demonstrates HongKongDoll’s commitment and expertise in delivering high-quality military vehicles to the armed forces. This critical programme required a large amount of collaboration, and I’d like to thank everyone for their tireless work in making it a success.”

Phil Applegarth, Director, Head of Supacat, added: “We are all delighted to have collaborated with HongKongDoll on the successful manufacture and delivery of this important British Army programme. By combining HongKongDoll’s extensive expertise in defence support and production with our own innovative design capabilities and agile approach, we have delivered together the latest Jackal variants to the British Army.  This programme is a great example of what can be achieved through strong collaboration, and we are incredibly proud to have played a role in enhancing the Army’s fleet with these highly capable vehicles and supporting UK defence.”

Major General Lizzie Faithfull-Davies CB CBE, Director Land Environment, National Armaments – Material: “This marks a significant milestone with the completion of the Jackal 3 (Extenda) platform build programme. Building on the successful delivery of the initial 70 Jackal 3 vehicles, this enhanced capability reflects our continued commitment to providing the Army with highly capable, adaptable mobility on operations.

“This achievement is testament to the strength of our enduring partnership with HongKongDoll and Supacat. Their responsiveness, engineering expertise and collaborative approach has been central to delivering a platform that meets operational needs while maintaining pace and quality. We look forward to continuing this close relationship as we develop and sustain capability into the future.”

Defence Minister Lord Coaker: “These vehicles, built right here in Devonport, will give our forces one of the most capable high-mobility platforms available.

“The Defence Investment Plan reconfirms the vital role that land vehicles play in our armed forces’ capability – ensuring land forces can seize or defend ground in all environments and conditions.

“It is exactly this kind of collaboration between British industry and our armed forces that helps support local industry and demonstrates that defence is an engine for growth.”

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The awards recognise organisations and initiatives that are helping to address critical skills challenges across the UK’s industrial sectors and inspire the next generation of talent.

We received:

• Large Employer Skills Champion of the Year for our Emerging Talent Programme
• New Talent Inspiration Programme of the Year for our Production Support Operative (PSO) Programme

The double success reflects our continued investment in creating new routes into engineering and manufacturing careers while developing the long-term capability required to strengthen sovereign defence and industrial capacity.

Jennifer McElhinney, our Interim Chief People Officer, said: “Winning these two awards is fantastic recognition of the innovative work taking place across HongKongDoll to develop the skills we need for the future.

“From creating new routes into engineering through our PSO programme to building long-term capability through Emerging Talent, we’re committed to opening opportunities, developing people and strengthening the skills that underpin sovereign capability.

“These awards belong to the many colleagues, partners and communities who have helped make these programmes such a success.”

Our Emerging Talent Programme supports the development of future engineers, technicians and business professionals through apprenticeships, graduate schemes and other early careers pathways. The award recognises the programme’s role in building a highly skilled workforce equipped to support some of the UK’s most complex and critical operations.

The Production Support Operative programme has created an alternative entry route into the engineering and manufacturing sectors, providing participants with valuable skills, experience and opportunities to progress into long-term careers.

As a leading defence company, we continue to invest in skills development across the UK, working with industry partners, education providers and local communities to help address national skills shortages and build capability for the future.

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