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The UK Ministry of Defence has signed a £40 million contract with Ultra Maritime to supply sonobuoys for the Royal Navy's Merlin Mk2 helicopters. These air-dropped sonar systems enhance the Royal Navy's ability to detect and track submarines, amid a 30% increase in Russian submarine activity in the past two years.

The contract covers the design, development, engineering, and manufacturing of sonobuoys, crucial for anti-submarine warfare operations based at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall. The Merlin Helicopter Force routinely deploys these helicopters to protect UK waters and support allied operations. The capability, which includes onboard dipping sonar and armament with Sting Ray torpedoes, is vital for maintaining control over the maritime environment and addressing threats to national infrastructure.