The pressure on the UK defence industry to accelerate delivery has never been greater. Recent scrutiny from Parliament has highlighted that national defence planning is moving at a “glacial pace”, reinforcing the need for faster, more agile industrial partners.
Against this backdrop, there has never been a greater focus on Urgent Operational Requirements (UORs), more recently known as Urgent Capability Requirements (UOCs), to deliver essential capability at speed by bypassing traditional, slow procurement routes. Unlike larger defence organisations, whose size often brings long decision chains, rigid processes and complex supply networks, SMEs are built for speed.
For organisations facing an immediate operational gap, partnering with a small or medium-sized enterprise can mean the difference between months of delay and rapid, mission-ready capability. Merlin Power’s recent collaboration with a major UK Defence manufacturer is a clear example of how an agile SME can deliver at the tempo modern defence demands.
The Problem
The UK cyber and electromagnetic activities (CEMA) company that specialises in technology that counters improvised explosive devices (IEDs), uncrewed air systems (UAS) and other electronic warfare products, had developed a sophisticated system requiring a dependable, high-performing power solution capable of running off-grid as well as from shore power. The operational need was immediate, and the requirements were demanding:
- Extremely high transient power demand
- Short allowable engine run times
- Full platform deployment in under 90 seconds
- Completely autonomous operation once deployed
- An urgent requirement to deliver equipment into theatre as soon as possible
The system had to be reliable off-grid, optionally compatible with shore-power, fully integrated onto vehicle and trailer platforms, and deliverable at a pace far beyond standard defence procurement timelines.
With 52 vehicle and trailer systems needing full system installation in an exceptionally compressed timeline, the company required a partner who could collapse the schedule without compromising on quality.
how merlin power delivered the solution
Merlin Power responded by rapidly designing, prototyping, and delivering a complete vehicle- and trailer-based power and integration package for the client’s counter-UAS system in just 112 working days.
Rapid prototyping and manufacture
The Merlin team produced a full working prototype - including generator control, power systems, and system integration - within six weeks, enabling immediate testing and refinement.
Complete system build and integration
The final solution included:
- Trailer build and mechanical integration
- Automatic generator control systems
- High-capacity inverter and battery architecture
- Advanced power management and monitoring
- Full installation of radar and counter-UAS subsystems
what gave merlin power the edge
- Agility for urgent needs - With a team experienced in working with UORs, decisions are made quickly. Processes adapt to the project, not the other way around.
- Integrated, ISO 9001-certified capability - Design, prototyping, build, and integration all happened in our secure Exeter facility, giving full control over quality and timelines.
- Large stock holding - Holding critical components in-house removed delays from supply chains and obsolescence.
- Highly responsive engineering capacity - Our legacy within the industry gives us access to a broad network of specialists, allowing rapid scaling when required.
- Support through to deployment - We assisted with factory acceptance testing, managed logistics and loading, and accepted free-issue equipment directly.
This combination of capabilities allowed the client to remain hands-off while still maintaining confidence in build quality, acceptance standards, and operational readiness.
Overview
Urgent Capability Requirements demand partners who can move fast, solve problems creatively, and deliver without compromise. Merlin Power’s work demonstrates that SMEs, when equipped with the right facilities, expertise, and mindset, are uniquely positioned to meet these challenges.
By combining experience, the ability to adapt, secure ISO9001 operations and large stock holdings, Merlin Power consistently collapses delivery timelines and provides defence customers with the operational edge they need - exactly when they need it most.
If your organisation faces an urgent operational need, get in touch:
- Email: defence@merlin-power.com
- Phone: 01202 697 979