Ultra announces that its Communication & Integrated Systems business, based in Greenford, UK, has been selected as the preferred bidder for the End Cryptographic Unit Replacement Programme (ECU RP) and, as such, has been awarded a risk reduction contract relating to the first phase of the UK MoD's cryptographic modernisation programme.

The initial contract is for risk reduction activities and includes a study relating to the integration and installation aspects of the programme and was awarded by the Networks Team within the UK MoD's Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) organisation.

The ECU RP will replace various different types of legacy cryptographic equipment using modern, programmable technologies. Ultra, if awarded prime contractor status, would be responsible for the delivery of replacement End Cryptographic Units and will support the integration and installation activities on over 60 platform types at some 150 locations. Ultra is highly experienced in the specialist requirements of high grade cryptography including all aspects of cryptographic and key management and has fulfilled the secure communication requirements of customers, in the UK and abroad, for over 50 years.

Douglas Caster, Chief Executive of Ultra, commented, "I am very pleased that Ultra has been selected as preferred bidder for the ECU RP. It will be a significant contract and it demonstrates the confidence of DE&S in Ultra's continuing ability to supply and support critical elements of UK's most secure communication infrastructure. Successful execution of the ECU RP will also position Ultra for other key projects in the UK's cryptographic modernisation programme and the wider information assurance market."

About Ultra Electronics

Ultra Electronics is an internationally successful defence and aerospace company with a long, consistent track record of development and growth. Ultra businesses constantly innovate to create solutions to customer requirements that are different from and better than those of the group's competitors. The group has over one hundred distinct market or technology niches within its twenty four businesses. The diversity of niches enables Ultra to contribute to a large number of defence, aerospace and civil platforms and programmes and provides resilience to the group's financial performance.

Ultra has world-leading positions in many of its niches and, as an independent, nonthreatening partner, is able to support all of the main prime contractors with specialist capabilities and solutions. As a result of such positioning, Ultra's systems, equipment or services are often mission-critical to the successful operation of the platform to which they contribute. In turn, this mission-criticality secures Ultra's positions for the long term which underpin the superior financial performance of the Group. For more information, visit www.ultra-electronics.com. 

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