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A shifting market
In the global field of defence electronic systems, the market environment has changed beyond recognition in the past few years. There is now an overwhelming emphasis on Allies working together in fast moving international operations. This requires a holistic approach to ensure platforms, weapons and decision-making processes are efficiently joined together in the Battlespace.
In parallel, customers are demanding highly mobile communications support for ever expanding, networked bandwidth-hungry information systems. Solutions are now based on cost-effective reuse of developments in the commercial sector, which have massive growth potential.
Phil Robinson, Senior UK Vice President of SELEX Communications, observes, "In the UK, there has been a drive by the Ministry of Defence towards the management of the procurement process to meet large scale, well-defined capability requirements."
Our response
SELEX Communications in the UK has shifted its focus firmly towards communications programmes supporting the delivery of networked capability and the creation of interoperability with Allies. Together with the wider 4,000 strong Group, our 800+ UK-based highly skilled employees are seeking out demanding opportunities and now supply the homeland security market, capitalising on our proven world-class communications prime contractoring and systems integration capability.
A partnership focus
"We work in partnership with our customers," Phil comments. "Our aim is to understand and meet their needs and - with our key suppliers - to optimise value for money. Our offering features a judicious mix of bespoke developments and cost-effective militarisation of commercial technologies."
Our organisation
SELEX Communications in the UK operates through well defined customer segments - Military Specialist Communications, Military Networks, Avionics-CNI and Professional Communications/Marine, supported by strong centralised functional teams of experts.
Pedigree of success
The seeds of success are well sown. "Our Personal Role Radio set the world standard for front line troop communications, the Guardian Improvised Explosive Device protects soldiers world-wide and our crypto solutions are highly regarded in the secure market," says Phil. "Networked communications is an area where we can offer a wide range of technologies, alongside the wider SELEX Communications Group, and we are playing a major role in FALCON, the UK's tactical wide area network programme, as well as expertise in HF solutions.
Our contribution to the naval sector is reflected in the communications system for the Royal Navy's Type 45 Destroyer and our selection to provide the Identification Friend or Foe system for the New Carriers. The Collision Warning suite for the UK Tornado upgrade programme is another breakthrough. Complementing this is the contribution we make to British and overseas governmental and agency customers' specialised communications needs, the supply of Tetra products to the emergency services and the support we provide to commercial shipping throughout the UK, including market-leading Voyage Data Recorders."
People – our power
SELEX Communications recognises the role of its people, whose skills and commitment represent a national centre of excellence. "Investment in technology and facilities are part of the future-driven process, which includes the move of some of our team to the new site at Basildon in 2008 to continue afresh the 100 year plus tradition begun at Chelmsford with our founder, Guglielmo Marconi."
"This is a challenging and exciting time for our people and business. We will channel our technology, skills and commitment to realise the potential to be one of the key communications partners to the domestic and international customer community," concludes Phil.