Uncategorized News Archives

Ultra Maritime Collaborates with University of Liverpool to Develop Artificial Intelligence for Passive Sonar

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London, U.K. – Ultra Maritime is pleased to announce a collaboration with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Distributed Algorithms at the University of Liverpool, a UK Research and Innovation funded programme. The research focuses on using machine learning to improve the tracking and detection of vessels using passive sonar, targeted at Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Torpedo Defence applications.

The initial work has shown promising results in improving the detection performance compared to traditional processing techniques, allowing Operators and Automatic Classifiers to extract signals from further into the noise as well as improving tracking performance.

“We are very excited to further develop our relationship with the University of Liverpool, who are recognized leaders in Autonomy and Distributed Algorithms,” said Andrew Anderson, Ultra Maritime Chief Technology Officer. “AI/ML technologies will provide disruptive benefits to many aspects of the ASW mission, and we are looking forward to rapidly transitioning this exciting research into Ultra Maritime’s portfolio of ASW and Torpedo Defense systems.”

Professor Simon Maskell, Director of the CDT at the University of Liverpool, commented: “The CDT seeks to train students to become future leaders with a valuable combination of skills that is otherwise hard to find in a single person. Indeed, we aim to help those students acquire a synergistic understanding of both next-generation AI/ML and future computing together with a well-honed ability to solve pressing real-world problems. It is a real pleasure to see one of those students capitalizing on the training environment provided by the CDT to work closely in partnership with Ultra Maritime to make a difference in this important context.”

Ultra Maritime prides itself on investing in the future of undersea warfare solutions for allied navies worldwide. This collaboration continues to build on those investments, providing next-generation, technologically advanced AI/ML solutions for maritime domain dominance.

Ultra Maritime Signs Contract for Co-Production of U.S. Sonobuoys in India

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The initial contract between Ultra Maritime and Bharat Dynamics Limited supports production planning at Bharat Dynamics’ Visakhapatnam facility.

COLUMBIA CITY, Indiana – The contract between Ultra Maritime and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) signifies a concrete step forward in the co-production of U.S. sonobuoys in India, an initiative first announced by the White House in January of this year. Ultra Maritime and BDL have signed a Production Planning contract which will kick start the transfer of technology from the U.S. to India of U.S.-specification sonobuoys for use on India’s Maritime Patrol Aircraft, the P-8I, MH-60R and MQ-9B Sea Guardian platforms.

The work between the two companies is already well underway. BDL has made significant investments at its site in Visakhapatnam, with production and testing halls ready for the new lines. This initial contract will fund the two companies’ discussions on potential supply chain partners, requirements for production equipment, optimal production line layouts, testing processes and quality control.

Ultra Maritime, a world-leader in the design and production of undersea warfare capabilities, has partnered with BDL to supply and manufacture sonobuoys for the Indian Navy to U.S. Navy standards, with production split across the U.S. and India, in accordance with ‘Make in India’ principles. This first-of-its-kind partnership will enhance undersea domain awareness efforts for both navies, in support of the U.S.-India Bilateral Undersea Domain Awareness initiative. Production will start in 2027.

Combining Ultra Maritime’s U.S. technology and production expertise with BDL’s Indian manufacturing track record and supply chain reach shows how U.S. and Indian industry can team rapidly to respond to undersea threats in the Indo-Pacific region. Ultra Maritime’s new generation sonobuoys represent a step forward in the consistent, worldwide supply of Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities.

“We are proud to follow up on recent announcements to share that our first contract with BDL has been formalized. This step indicates the level of investment both parties are making to ensure timely delivery of world class sonobuoys, made in India,” said Ultra Maritime President and CEO, Carlo Zaffanella.   

“Bharat Dynamics Limited has signaled its intent to invest with Ultra Maritime in the signing of this contract. Not only have we prepared our site for new production lines, but the output of the Production Planning contract will give us greater confidence in building sonobuoys in India. BDL will continue to meet the operational demands of the Indian Navy while enhancing Indian self-reliance in defence capabilities,” added Chairman of BDL Commodore (ret) A. Madhavarao.

Ultra Maritime hosts Royal Canadian Navy group

Ultra Maritime Hosts Royal Canadian Navy

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Ultra Maritime had the pleasure of hosting Commodore Trevor MacLean, Capt(N) Mike Stefanson, Chief Petty Officer First Class Cavel Shebib, and CANFLTLANT Staff for a discussion on Ultra Maritime’s world-leading sonar technology. UM is the world’s premier provider of undersea warfare systems, products and solutions, delivering advanced technologies that create maritime operational advantages. This visit included a tour of our newly expanded Dartmouth facility which houses Sonobuoy production and our new Towed Array Sonar ‘Center of Excellence’.

UM invests heavily in Atlantic Canada and creates skilled jobs for a growing workforce in the Aerospace & Defense Sector.

Ultra Maritime AFCEA 2024 Invite

Ultra Maritime to attend AFCEA WEST 2024

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Dates: 13 FEB – 15 FEB

Location: San Diego Convention Center 111 W. Harbor Drive , San Diego, CA 92101

ABOUT the event:

The premier naval conference and exposition on the West Coast, WEST is now in its 34th year of bringing military and industry leaders together. Co-sponsored by AFCEA International and the U.S. Naval Institute, WEST is the only event in which the makers of platforms and the designers of technologies can network, discuss and demonstrate their solutions in a single locale.

One recurring highlight of WEST is the chance to hear from the Sea Service Chiefs – the Chief of Naval Operations, the Marine Corps Commandant and the Coast Guard Commandant. In addition to the main program, WEST offers three Engagement Theaters: Marine, General, and Information Warfare. These smaller, more intimate venues allow military, government and industry professionals to drill deeper into specific topics and issues.

Ultra Electronics is now Ultra Maritime

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Ultra Electronics, as you once knew it, is no more. Today, all mission-critical defense and security solutions previously offered under the Ultra name can now be accessed through UMaritime.com.

This shift reflects a strategic change—Ultra Intelligence, Ultra Precision Control Systems, Ultra Energy, and Ultra Maritime now operate as stand alone businesses. Each business maintains its own operational site, and Ultra Maritime is the brand and platform leading the way forward since the launch of our new website in November 2023.

Mark Potter - Ultra Maritime

Ultra Maritime announces Mark Potter CSC as Vice President and General Manager of Australia Line of Business

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Adelaide, AUS:  Ultra Maritime (UM) has named Mark Potter CSC as Vice President and General Manager of the Ultra Maritime Australia Line of Business (LoB). Mark will be responsible for operational excellence, business strategy and growth and will have leadership of our Australian facilities.

UM Australia provides electronic warfare (EW) and undersea warfare capabilities to the Royal Australian Navy and other allied nations. Mark commented on his appointment: “I am excited to join Ultra Maritime at what is a truly significant time in our nation’s defence history, given the recent AUKUS announcement.”

“We, as a business, are extremely well-placed to support this mission through our capabilities and positioning. I look forward to leading the team as we continue to leverage and expand our suite of EW and underwater warfare offerings in Australia, and across Ultra Maritime, to deliver the operational advantage to our navy and nation required to combat an ever changing threat.”

Mark is well positioned to take UM Australia in to the next phase of its growth journey, joining from Babcock, where he led the Marine business in Canada and Australia and has recently been working in the United Kingdom.  He also spent 29 years in the Royal Australian Navy, finishing his career as Commander Submarine Force.

Mark reports to Carlo Zaffanella, President & CEO, and is based in the Mawson Lakes area of Australia.

Wayne Clifton - Ultra Maritime

Ultra Maritime announces Wayne Clifton as Vice President and General Manager of UK Line of Business

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Loudwater, UK:  Ultra Maritime (UM) has named Wayne Clifton as Vice President and General Manager of the Ultra Maritime UK Line of Business (LoB). Wayne will be responsible for operational excellence, business strategy and growth and will have leadership of the Weymouth, Loudwater and Greenford sites.

Prior to joining UM, Wayne led Leonardo’s Integrated Sensing and Protection LoB. His experience is well-suited to leading the rapidly evolving and growing Ultra Maritime UK LoB, which is focused on designing, producing and delivering complex electronic systems, mostly in support of undersea warfare.

“I am looking forward to leading Ultra Maritime UK, and the dedicated and talented team leveraging our exciting and innovative technologies, with the goal of ensuring we’re focused and committed on not only building sustainable growth, but always delivering on our commitments to our stakeholders, including the UK Royal Navy, who we are proud to protect every day through our innovative capabilities,” commented Wayne.

Wayne reports to Carlo Zaffanella, President & CEO, and is based in the UK.

Danielle Willard - Ultra Maritime

Ultra Maritime Announces Danielle Willard as General Counsel

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Braintree, US:  Ultra Maritime (UM) has named Danielle Willard as the company’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Danielle brings significant government contracting and M&A experience, and will be responsible for all risk-related functional groups, including legal, contracts, security, and compliance for the company.

Prior to joining UM, Danielle ran Jacobs’ Risk Management Group for the Divergent Solutions line of business, where she supported the cyber and intelligence US government contracting business.

“I am looking forward to learning more about our customers and the missions that we’re supporting at Ultra Maritime. I’m excited to be working across all our functions to provide an active and dynamic set of services to the business that will contribute to delivering value to our customers,” commented Danielle.

Danielle has a juris doctorate from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and serves on the Board of Directors for the Baltimore chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel and on the Board of Directors for the Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra.

Danielle reports to Carlo Zaffanella, President & CEO, and will be based in the Washington, D.C. area. 

Mark Kenny - Ultra Maritime

Ultra names Mark Kenny as Ultra Maritime’s SVP, Strategy & Business Development

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Braintree, US:  Ultra Maritime announces the appointment of Mark Kenny as Senior Vice President, Strategy & Business Development of Ultra Maritime.

In this new role, Mark will be responsible for the technical and business growth strategies to bring innovative and disruptive capabilities to the Naval warfighter.

Mark joins Ultra Maritime after serving as VP for Advanced Naval Systems and VP/GM of the Unmanned Maritime Division at L3Harris where he led the growth of unmanned maritime businesses and naval strategic development efforts. Prior to that he was CEO of Adaptive Methods, an undersea software business and was VP/GM of Special Mission Systems at Northrup Grumman.

He is a retired US Navy admiral, serving principally in submarine warfare, commanding at the submarine, squadron, and group levels during tours in the Pacific and Atlantic fleets. Mark served ashore within the Navy and Joint Staffs, including leading operational efforts in submarine and naval support of counterterrorism operations.

Mark will report to Carlo Zaffanella, President & CEO of Ultra Maritime and will be based in the Washington D.C. area.

“We are honored to welcome Mark to the Ultra Maritime team. He brings deep experience and energy from a career leading undersea and unmanned businesses and strategic growth efforts. His Naval service and reputation with current leadership will play a pivotal role in growing Ultra Maritime as we continue to deliver on our commitments to our customer,” commented Zaffanella.

Mark graduated from the United States Naval Academy and a has master’s degree from the Naval War College. He currently serves on the Advisory Council of both the Undersea Warfare Division of the NDIA and the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI).

CSC Hull-Mounted Sonar

Ultra Secures Follow-On Order for Canadian Surface Combatant Hull Mounted Sonar From Lockheed Martin Canada Inc.

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Dartmouth, Canada: Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems Inc (Ultra) has secured an initial three ship set production order from Lockheed Martin Canada Inc. (Lockheed) for the supply of Hull Mounted Sonars (HMS) for the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) ship.  The latest order is valued at circa $19.5M and further supports manufacturing jobs at Ultra’s recently refurbished and expanded site located in Dartmouth, Halifax.  

The CSC program is the largest and most complex shipbuilding initiative in Canada since World War II. Revitalizing the Canadian shipbuilding industry, the project is sustaining and creating thousands of highly-skilled jobs and enables Canada to domestically support the combat ships once in service.  Lockheed Martin Canada holds the contract for the design and integration of the CSC Combat System with Ultra acting as the anti-submarine warfare lead, and supplying extensive capabilities, inclusive of the HMS.

Rikki Douglas, Vice President of Business Development, commented: “We are delighted to have secured the next phase of the CSC HMS contract on such an important program to Canada and we are fully committed, working closely with Lockheed Martin Canada, to deliver an exceptional sonar capability to the Royal Canadian Navy.”

Tom Graham, CSC Program Director, commented: “Ultra’s CSC team, based at the purpose built facility in Dartmouth, are well placed to execute the design, procurement, manufacture and supply of the HMS.  We remain excited to be part of the wider CSC program, delivering state of the art equipment to the next generation of Canadian warships.”