Overview

The defence sector in the UK produces globally renowned defence products and services, including world-class technologies, skills and academic research. These are integral to protecting the security of our nation and our defence partners across the world.

Our lawyers advise government and private sector organisations in the defence sector on their day to day legal requirements as well as on their large scale infrastructure projects in fleet, land, air and joint enablers.

Our expertise covers all aspects of the defence sector, ranging from advising on the single source contract regulations, procurement, nuclear, environmental, project finance, commercial, employment, pensions, cyber security, IP, regulatory, planning, construction, disputes and joint ventures.

Our defence sector lawyers can view complex projects from all angles, to deliver straightforward, effective advice. We draw on specialist legal expertise from across the firm to deliver the best outcomes for our clients.

Areas of focus

Our expertise in the defence sector includes the following:

  • Fleet.
  • Land.
  • Air.
  • Joint enablers.
Experience

Advising the UK Ministry of Defence on its negotiations with BAE Systems for the construction of Astute Class Submarines and the Successor Class Submarines.

Advising UK Ministry of Defence on its participation with two major defence companies based in the UK and US on a joint venture proposal to the US Department of Defence in relation to maintenance and support of the F-35.

Advising Force Protection Inc. and Supacat Limited in competitive tenders for mine-protected vehicles in both the UK and Australia.

Advising Ascent (a 50:50 venture between Babcock and Lockheed Martin) on its successful placing of the Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing packages of the United Kingdom Military Flying Training System.

Advising DISCS, a joint venture between Babcock and DHL, on its bid for the MOD’s Logistics Commodities & Services Transformation Programme, a project to transform the way in which the MOD buys, manages and delivers commodities.

Advising UK Ministry of Defence on the successful project financing of the military satellite communications service, Skynet 5.

Advising Middle East Government on their procurement of military hardened satellites.

Advising a major European defence company on its commercial contracts in the Middle East for the supply of IT infrastructure.

Advising a number of major UK head quartered defence companies on their organisational restructurings and day to day employment and pensions issues.

Advising the UK’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation in relation to the Soft FM Services contract for the North of England.

Advising UK Ministry of Defence in relation to search and rescue helicopter services in the Falkland Islands.

Advising UK Ministry of Defence on various contracts for the provision of simulators in relation A400M, Astute Class Training Services, Armoured Vehicle Training Services and Search and Rescue Helicopter Services.

Meet the team
Mark Paterson

Mark Paterson Partner

  • Defence
  • Business Transformation
  • Central Government
Keith Beattie

Keith Beattie Partner

  • Projects
  • Aviation
  • Defence
Matthew Ramus

Matthew Ramus Partner

  • Head of Education
  • Defence
  • Transport
Headshot of Adrian Martin

Adrian Martin Partner

  • Head of Employment
  • TUPE: Business Transfers and Outsourcing
  • Restructuring and Redundancy
Headshot of Chris Seaton

Chris Seaton Senior Partner

  • Senior Partner
  • Employment
  • Partnerships
Luke Bowery

Luke Bowery Partner

  • Employment
  • Restructuring and Redundancy
  • Equality, Diversity and Discrimination
Michael Hayles

Michael Hayles Partner

  • Pensions
  • Public Sector Pension Schemes
  • Financial Services
John Houlden

John Houlden Partner

  • Head of Public Sector
  • Head of Procurement and Subsidy Control
  • Projects
Steven James

Steven James Partner

  • Construction and Engineering 
  • Energy and Utilities
  • Construction Disputes
Nick Graves

Nick Graves Partner

  • Head of Corporate
  • Corporate Advice
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
Helen Scott-Lawler

Helen Scott-Lawler Partner

  • Head of Food and Drink
  • Commercial
  • Intellectual Property and Media
Philip Beer

Philip Beer Partner

  • Real Estate
  • Transport
  • Energy and Utilities
David Hall

David Hall Partner

  • Dispute Resolution
  • Banking Disputes
  • Business Crime and Regulatory Investigations
Chris Chesterman

Chris Chesterman Partner

  • Commercial
  • Projects
  • Defence

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