Resupply and In-Service Support to maintain of CYPRES Auto Activation Devices (ADD)

Description

The C17 Command Support and Airborne Equipment Project Team (C17CSAE PT) as part of the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) (the Authority) has a requirement for the resupply, repair, and maintenance of safety critical in-service CYPRES Automatic Activation Devices (AADs) for Airborne Forces Equipment (parachute systems). The CYPRES device operates to deploy a reserve parachute if the parachutist is incapacitated during descent.

Key facts

Procedure

Direct award

Lots

1

Contact

example.example@mod.gov.uk

Contract period

18 Nov 2026 → 31 Mar 2029

Value incl. VAT

£1.0m

Category

services

Awarded suppliers

• Airtec GMBH & Co KG Safety systems · GB-PPON-PBLP-4271-NCHY · DE, DE

Ground given for limiting competition

The buyer’s own stated reason for awarding without open competition, as published. Their assertion, not a finding.

Airtec is the sole global OEM for the CYPRES AAD and holds all relevant intellectual property, design data, and proprietary software. They are the only operator with access to certified diagnostic and data‑extraction tools required to investigate safety incidents and are the only organisation authorised to replace internal components or issue airworthiness‑valid certification following repair or maintenance. No alternative supplier can legally or technically maintain or repair CYPRES AADs.