The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded a multi-million-pound contract to Solid Swivel, a Midlands-based family business, to manufacture and supply specialist anchors and chain cables for the Royal Navy.
This agreement marks a significant shift in UK defence procurement by restoring domestic manufacturing capabilities for heavy naval anchors, ending a long-term reliance on imported components. The project, managed through Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), will see the production of more than 30 anchors of varying sizes and over 2,300 metres of anchor chains, supporting the sovereign supply chain and regional industrial expertise.
Central to the contract is the production of six anchors for the Queen Elizabeth-class (QEC) aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. These units represent some of the largest naval anchors manufactured in the United Kingdom in more than 70 years, with each weighing in excess of 12,500kg. In addition to the QEC carriers, the contract covers equipment for Type 45 destroyers and various small boats within the fleet. The work is expected to support 14 positions at Solid Swivel, a Small-Medium Enterprise (SME) established in 1910, including the creation of two new roles.
The delivery of this project relies on a collaborative regional supply chain within the Midlands. Solid Swivel will act as the lead contractor, partnering with two other family-run businesses: Somers Forge and Goodwin Castings. According to the production schedule, forging for the QEC anchors is slated to begin in April 2026 at Somers Forge, focusing initially on the anchor shanks. Subsequently, Goodwin Castings will produce the fluke components, with final assembly and finishing conducted at Solid Swivel’s facilities. The entire manufacturing and assembly process will be subject to rigorous oversight and certification by Lloyd’s Register to ensure compliance with maritime safety standards.
For businesses within the UK defence sector, this development underscores the government’s stated policy of utilising defence spending as an “Engine for Growth.” By reinvesting in specialised British engineering and forging capabilities, the MOD aims to strengthen supply chain resilience and maintain technical expertise within the domestic industrial base. The partnership demonstrates the viability of SME-led consortia in fulfilling high-value, safety-critical requirements for major naval platforms. Furthermore, the MOD’s Defence Recycling and Disposals Team will manage the retirement of legacy equipment, ensuring that decommissioned anchors are recycled or repurposed responsibly. This contract highlights a strategic move toward self-reliance in the maritime domain while providing stable, long-term opportunities for sub-contractors and specialists in the UK manufacturing sector.
Image: DE&S
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Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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