RC Fornax, a UK-based consultancy delivering outcome-based engineering solutions to defence’s most critical platforms, has been selected by Thales UK to join a highly selective Niche Supplier Framework for sonar and naval architecture engineering services, following a competitive bidding process.
The agreement runs for three years with an option for a further two-year extension. Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies across defence, aerospace, cyber and digital sectors with more than 85,000 employees in 65 countries, invests heavily in the UK supply chain, spending approximately £575 million annually with UK suppliers and committing £150 million each year to SMEs specifically.
Thales has historically accounted for around 30% of RC Fornax’s revenue, though activity had been scaled back while the company focused on strengthening the relationship. Discussions have since advanced materially, with the framework placement providing a clear pathway to renewed and expanded engagement. The Board considers the opportunity strategically significant, underlining RC Fornax’s capability in specialised naval engineering and reinforcing its position as a long-term partner to Tier-1 defence contractors.
Paul Reeves, Chief Executive Officer of RC Fornax, said the award was “tangible progress in one of our most important client relationships,” validating the company’s strategy of moving from project-based work to structured, long-term partnerships. Dave Williams, Procurement Director for Under Water Systems at Thales UK, said Thales is “committed to supporting the UK Sonar Industry and UK SMEs” and looks forward to developing the relationship with RC Fornax further.
For the UK defence supply chain, this framework placement is a useful example of how Tier-1 primes are structuring long-term routes to market for specialist SMEs, particularly in niche technical disciplines like sonar and naval architecture where deep domain expertise is scarce, and where sustained engagement rather than one-off project work is increasingly the preferred model.
This story touches on capability areas including:
- Sonar systems engineering and naval architecture
- Underwater systems and platform integration
- Tier-1 supplier framework and long-term partnership models
- SME engagement in specialist defence engineering
Image: Members of the RC Fornax and Thales teams outside of Thales’ facility following a site visit
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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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