DEFENCE & SECURITY
When tech and security both matter most
We have been working extensively in defence and security since 2004, and have have advised on just about every type of agreement, transaction and dispute that the industry presents. Our global team has been involved in some of the most significant military procurement programmes undertaken and our work has covered projects in the naval, land, combat, air, medical, satellite, communications, IT and technology areas.
Our vision is to be the number one law firm for defence and security organisations being changed by technology and the digital world. Defence and Security is being transformed on an unprecedented scale, and at an unprecedented pace, by the opportunities and challenges presented by new technologies such as the Internet of Things, Big Data, advanced analytics, cloud computing, blockchain and AI. Our expertise in these technologies means we understand the issues facing you and can provide you with the support you need to solve them..
We have in-depth experience of defence contracting and negotiating with the UK Ministry of Defence, both in the naval area and more widely. As a result, we understand the key issues that arise in this specialist area and the key concerns that tend to drive the MOD approach. This, together with our appreciation of the constraints imposed by the MOD's governance and approval processes, enables us to achieve legal and operational solutions and effectively mitigate contractor risk.
Our market-leading public procurement expertise enables us to guide contractors through whichever formal procurement process the MOD decides to adopt and help shape an effective bid strategy.
We are also highly experience in advising on offset projects in a number of international markets.
We regularly advise on the following:
- Procurement of equipment maintenance and support solutions
- Collaboration structures including alliancing, teaming agreements, research and development and joint venturing
- Compliance, including Anti-Bribery and Corruption
- Corporate M&A work – National Security issues
- Cyber security and Intelligence
- Data – in its broadest sense including protection of personal data (GDPR) together with exploitation of operational data
- Defence contracting and major programmes for complex mission critical assets, ranging from nuclear submarines to satellites to IT systems
- Employment and immigration – National Security considerations
- EU Public procurement law including the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 and Article 346
- Export Control and Customs – technology transfer and Offset/Industrial Participation
- International co-operation – NATO / OCCAR / NAHEMA
- IP protection, exploitation and litigation
- Industry regulatory issues including, in the UK, the Single Source Contract Regulations
- Smart Procurement and 'availability contracting'
- Space & satellites – secure communications
- Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
