Cohort plc company SEA has addressed a new market after it showcased its capability at a UK Defence Services Industry Day on board the Royal Navy’s HMS Albion in Tokyo.
SEA is already an established supplier in the Asian market with programmes for Torpedo Launcher Systems (TLS) for the Royal Thai Navy, Royal Malaysian Navy and Philippines Navy.
However, a significant shipbuilding programme in Japan also highlights opportunities for SEA’s range of launcher systems, above and below the water communications, Echo sounders, Training and Simulation and its leading edge technology thin line KraitArray towed Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) sonar.
SEA has an office in Kuala Lumpur and the industry day in Tokyo provided the company with opportunities to engage with senior naval staff, procurement specialists and with potential Japanese partners.
SEA International Business Development Director Paul Parsons explained that the UK Government is putting considerable focus on trade post-Brexit and Japan has been identified as one of the key markets where there are significant opportunities for UK plc.
“There are major naval shipbuilding programmes underway and, although Japan has an established indigenous capability, we believe that our technology can enhance that and fill some existing gaps. This was an excellent opportunity for us to accelerate our knowledge and understanding of the market, whilst promoting our pedigree on the back of a UK RN ship,” he said.
Escalating political tensions across Asia have led to growth in naval shipbuilding and submarine programmes throughout the region and Parsons believes, in particular, the increase in demand for ASW capability lends itself to SEA’s KraitArray sonar becoming a valuable asset for ASV, AUV and smaller surface vessels.
“The developing shipbuilding programme offers potential for Japan to become an important future market for our proven technology and the industry day was a valuable fact finding and customer engagement opportunity,” he added.
