--- title: UK defence media reputation tracker – September 2026 canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09 type: dataset publisher: Omniscan sector: UK Defence period: September 2026 coverage_start: '2026-09-01' coverage_end: '2026-09-30' date_published: '2026-10-04' last_updated: '2026-10-04' organisations: 10 articles_analysed: 1889 mentions: 886 data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09/data.json summary: BAE Systems had the highest average monthly share of coverage (33.1%) among 10 companies in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of Rolls-Royce (24.0%) and Babcock International (16.4%). --- # UK defence media reputation tracker: September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026) > BAE Systems had the highest average monthly share of coverage (33.1%) among 10 companies in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of Rolls-Royce (24.0%) and Babcock International (16.4%). Cohort plc had the most favourable net tone (+92). Omniscan analysed 1,889 articles containing 886 mentions of the companies tracked. Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09 ## UK Defence ranking by share of coverage, September 2026 | Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | BAE Systems | 33.1% | 293 | 67% | 26% | 7% | +59 | | 2 | Rolls-Royce | 24.0% | 213 | 77% | 18% | 5% | +71 | | 3 | Babcock International | 16.4% | 145 | 72% | 24% | 4% | +68 | | 4 | Thales | 7.8% | 69 | 84% | 13% | 3% | +81 | | 5 | MBDA | 7.1% | 63 | 76% | 22% | 2% | +75 | | 6 | QinetiQ | 4.1% | 36 | 47% | 36% | 17% | +31 | | 7 | Leonardo UK | 3.5% | 31 | 55% | 32% | 13% | +42 | | 8 | Serco | 1.7% | 15 | 87% | 7% | 6% | +80 | | 9 | Cohort plc | 1.4% | 12 | 92% | 8% | 0% | +92 | | 10 | Chemring | 1.0% | 9 | 56% | 44% | 0% | +56 | ## Companies in detail ### BAE Systems **Space, artillery and naval programmes define BAE Systems’ September** BAE Systems ranked 1st of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (33.1%) in the UK Defence benchmark for September 2026, with 293 mentions and a net tone of +59. BAE Systems completed the critical design review for the US Space Force’s $1.2 billion missile-tracking programme, under which it will build 10 spacecraft and the ground system. The contractor ranked first with 293 mentions, representing 33.1% of tracked-company mentions. Major programmes and capabilities led the subject mix with 88 mentions, followed by procurement and contracts with 54, financial results and markets with 54, and technology and innovation with 35. Contract reporting included a four-year agreement supporting UK artillery and armoured-vehicle systems and a five-year A$32 million deal to sustain Royal Australian Navy Mk 45 guns. Technology stories covered the Shadow electronic-warfare family, embedded training for US Army combat vehicles and an autonomous-flight partnership with Skyryse. Other programme milestones included HMS Agamemnon leaving the Barrow shipyard for sea trials and certification of BAE Systems’ identification system for US Air Force F-16 aircraft. Key messages: - BAE Systems accounted for 33.1% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #1 among 10 in September 2026. - Coverage concentrated on Major Programmes & Capabilities and Procurement & Contracts. - 293 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026. - BAE Systems completed the Space Force programme design review — Morningstar Leading themes: - Major Programmes & Capabilities: 30.0% of BAE Systems's coverage (theme index 1.58, net tone +43) - Procurement & Contracts: 18.4% of BAE Systems's coverage (theme index 1.09, net tone +69) - Financial Results & Markets: 18.4% of BAE Systems's coverage (theme index 0.94, net tone +56) Notable positive coverage: - 3 September 2026, defence-industry.eu: [BAE Systems Australia returns HMAS Hobart to water after major refit ahead of Aegis Baseline 9, Tomahawk and Naval Strike Missile integration](https://defence-industry.eu/bae-systems-australia-returns-hmas-hobart-to-water-after-major-refit-ahead-of-aegis-baseline-9-tomahawk-and-naval-strike-missile-integration/). BAE Systems Australia has returned HMAS Hobart to the water after a year-long refit, moving the destroyer into systems integration for its Aegis Baseline 9, Tomahawk and Naval Strike Missile upgrade. The Australian programme also supports capabilities relevant to the Hunter-class frigate effort. - 10 September 2026, defence-blog.com: [BAE Systems to rebuild two Mk 45 guns for U.S. Navy warships](https://defence-blog.com/bae-systems-to-rebuild-two-mk-45-guns-for-u-s-navy-warships/). The US Navy added $38.2m to a BAE Systems contract to overhaul two Mk 45 Mod 4 naval guns. Work at BAE Systems' Louisville facility is scheduled for completion by March 2030. - 15 September 2026, defence-industry.eu: [BAE Systems launches Shadow EW for small aircraft, offering low-cost electronic warfare at scale with rapid software upgrades for U.S. forces](https://defence-industry.eu/bae-systems-launches-shadow-ew-for-small-aircraft-offering-low-cost-electronic-warfare-at-scale-with-rapid-software-upgrades-for-u-s-forces/). BAE Systems has launched Shadow EW, a compact and software-upgradeable electronic-warfare product family for small airborne platforms aimed at US military demand. Production will be in Iowa, with design and software work in New Hampshire. Notable negative coverage: - 29 September 2026, marketwatch.com: [BAE Systems falls Tuesday, underperforms market](https://www.marketwatch.com/data-news/bae-systems-falls-tuesday-underperforms-market-df7825a3-396eeba7ab58?mod=mw_quote_news). BAE Systems shares fell 0.92% to £19.48 amid a broader decline in the FTSE 100. The shares closed 17.48% below their 52-week high. - 24 September 2026, marketwatch.com: [BAE Systems slides Thursday, underperforms market](https://www.marketwatch.com/data-news/bae-systems-slides-thursday-underperforms-market-a1c9591e-a64e04e05136?mod=mw_quote_news). BAE Systems shares fell 1.51% to £19.93 in a broadly weaker market session. The closing price was 15.57% below the company's 52-week high. - 24 September 2026, thesun.co.uk: [RAF jet 'steered away from built-up areas' before fireball crash](https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/40483327/raf-jet-crashed-steered-away-fireball-after-take-off/). An RAF Hawk T2 crashed after take-off from RAF Valley, prompting the grounding of the Hawk fleet and an MOD investigation. The report cites longstanding engine problems and identifies BAE Systems as the aircraft manufacturer and Rolls-Royce as the engine provider. - [BAE Systems deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09?entity=baesystems&view=deep-dive) - [BAE Systems PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09/reports/baesystems.pdf) ### Rolls-Royce **UK investment and nuclear programmes define Rolls-Royce’s September profile** Rolls-Royce ranked 2nd of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (24.0%) in the UK Defence benchmark for September 2026, with 213 mentions and a net tone of +71. Reuters led coverage of Rolls-Royce’s £300 million investment in UK aerospace and defence manufacturing and engineering facilities. The contractor ranked second with 213 mentions, representing 24.0% of tracked-company mentions. Major programmes and capabilities was the largest subject area with 58 mentions, followed by investment and industrial deals with 47, financial results and markets with 39, and procurement and contracts with 21. Company developments included expansion of the Raynesway reactor-production site for the Dreadnought and British and Australian SSN-AUKUS fleets, alongside construction of £112 million facilities at Sinfin. Rolls-Royce SMR also launched a supplier programme offering up to £1.4 billion of contracts, while the US Navy certified its mtu engines for autonomous vessels. Further coverage included an order for 18 Trent XWB-97 engines from Philippine Airlines and JP Morgan naming Rolls-Royce among its preferred European aerospace and defence investments for the fourth quarter. Key messages: - Rolls-Royce accounted for 24% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #2 among 10 in September 2026. - Coverage concentrated on Major Programmes & Capabilities and M&A, Investment & Industrial Deals. - 213 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026. - £300 million UK manufacturing and engineering investment — Reuters Leading themes: - Major Programmes & Capabilities: 27.2% of Rolls-Royce's coverage (theme index 1.28, net tone +57) - M&A, Investment & Industrial Deals: 22.1% of Rolls-Royce's coverage (theme index 9.9, net tone +100) - Financial Results & Markets: 18.3% of Rolls-Royce's coverage (theme index 0.94, net tone +46) Notable positive coverage: - 1 September 2026, defence-industry.eu: [Rolls-Royce says U.S. Navy certification clears mtu engines to power autonomous vessels on 30-day missions without maintenance](https://defence-industry.eu/rolls-royce-says-u-s-navy-certification-clears-mtu-engines-to-power-autonomous-vessels-on-30-day-missions-without-maintenance/). The U.S. Navy has certified Rolls-Royce mtu Series 4000 and Series 2000 engines for autonomous naval vessels capable of operating for up to 30 days without maintenance. The approval supports Rolls-Royce's role in US unmanned maritime systems. - 1 September 2026, insidermedia.com: [Rolls-Royce completes $1bn Indiana investment - the largest the company has made in the US](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/rolls-royce-completes-1bn-indiana-investment-the-largest-the-company-has-made-in-the-us). Rolls-Royce completed a $1 billion decade-long investment in its Indiana manufacturing, assembly and engine-test facilities. The campus builds and tests defence engines for US platforms including the B-52, V-22, MQ-25A and C-130J. - 2 September 2026, adsadvance.co.uk: [Rolls-Royce mtu engines cleared to power autonomous US Navy vessels](https://www.adsadvance.co.uk/rolls-royce-mtu-engines-certified-for-autonomous-us-navy-vessels/). Rolls-Royce mtu Series 4000 and Series 2000 marine engines have been certified by the US Navy for autonomous vessel operations following durability and component testing. The engines can support long-endurance unmanned naval missions without maintenance. Notable negative coverage: - 7 September 2026, portsmouth.co.uk: ['Major refit' for HMS Duncan as warship set to receive 'extensive upgrades', report](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/defence/major-refit-for-hms-duncan-as-royal-navy-destroyer-set-to-receive-8971481). HMS Duncan is set to undergo a major Type 45 Power Improvement Project refit, including propulsion and air-defence upgrades, after returning to Portsmouth. The programme addresses power issues associated with the Rolls-Royce WR-21 gas-turbine intercooler design and BAE Systems is due to take responsibility for the ship's refit. - 1 September 2026, tradersunion.com: [Why are Rolls-Royce shares down 3.3% today?](https://tradersunion.com/news/stocks/show/3175762-rolls-royce-drops-3-32percent-today/). Rolls-Royce shares fell 3.32% amid short-term selling pressure despite its completed $1 billion Indiana manufacturing and engine-testing investment. The article describes mixed technical indicators alongside longer-term bullish signals. - [Rolls-Royce deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09?entity=rollsroyce&view=deep-dive) - [Rolls-Royce PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09/reports/rollsroyce.pdf) ### Babcock International **Naval support extension and robust trading define Babcock’s September** Babcock International ranked 3rd of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (16.4%) in the UK Defence benchmark for September 2026, with 145 mentions and a net tone of +68. Babcock agreed a two-month extension to its Ministry of Defence maritime-support contract, maintaining naval-base and nuclear-submarine support while a longer-term agreement was finalised. The contractor ranked third with 145 mentions, representing 16.4% of tracked-company mentions. Procurement and contracts and financial results and markets each accounted for 40 mentions; major programmes and capabilities contributed 15, while leadership and people accounted for 14. Babcock also reported trading in line with expectations, supported by Nuclear and Aviation, and maintained its full-year and medium-term guidance alongside a £200m share buyback. Programme coverage included its role in a Ministry of Defence project enabling military spare parts to be manufactured near Ukraine’s front line, and its contribution of launcher technology and integration expertise to a Royal Navy torpedo-defence programme. Other reporting examined Babcock’s naval growth plans, including Type 31 frigates, the Arrowhead 140 export offering and autonomous maritime systems, while leadership coverage included the reported dismissal of managers over alleged voucher-scheme abuse at Rosyth. Key messages: - Babcock International accounted for 16.4% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #3 among 10 in September 2026. - Coverage concentrated on Procurement & Contracts and Financial Results & Markets. - 145 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026. - Future Maritime Support Programme contract extension — Morningstar Leading themes: - Financial Results & Markets: 27.6% of Babcock International's coverage (theme index 1.57, net tone +83) - Procurement & Contracts: 27.6% of Babcock International's coverage (theme index 1.79, net tone +60) - Major Programmes & Capabilities: 10.3% of Babcock International's coverage (theme index 0.41, net tone +40) Notable positive coverage: - 16 September 2026, insidermedia.com: [Nuclear and Aviation drive "good momentum" at Babcock International Group](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/national/nuclear-and-aviation-drive-good-momentum-at-babcock-international-group). Babcock reported in-line trading in the first five months of FY27, with strong Nuclear and Aviation performance and robust core-defence demand. The group maintained its full-year and medium-term guidance, while confirming Harry Holt's CEO transition and its £200m share buyback. - 30 September 2026, morningstar.com: [Babcock International Agrees Extension on U.K. Defense Contract Ahead of Successor Agreement](https://www.morningstar.com/news/dow-jones/202609301005/babcock-international-agrees-extension-on-uk-defense-contract-ahead-of-successor-agreement). Babcock agreed a two-month extension to the MOD Future Maritime Support Programme bridging contract. It preserves support for UK naval bases and the Royal Navy nuclear-submarine fleet pending a long-term Gateway Agreement. - 17 September 2026, devonlive.com: [New boss takes over at one of Plymouth's biggest companies](https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/new-boss-takes-over-one-11159250). Babcock International confirmed Harry Holt has completed his transition to chief executive, with David Lockwood remaining until January 2027. The company said trading is in line with expectations and highlighted robust demand in defence and nuclear markets alongside planned naval-base investment. Notable negative coverage: - 17 September 2026, thescottishsun.co.uk: [‘Nine’ managers sacked at defence giant Babcock over ‘voucher scheme abuse’](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/money/16829071/babcock-sacks-nine-managers-voucher-scheme-abuse/). Babcock reportedly dismissed up to nine managers over alleged abuse of an employee incentive-voucher scheme at Rosyth Dockyard. The company said it identified, investigated and addressed an issue under its governance procedures. - 1 September 2026, janes.com: [Sweden inks deal with Naval Group for new frigates](https://www.janes.com/defence-intelligence-insights/defence-news/sea/sweden-inks-deal-with-naval-group-for-new-frigates). Sweden awarded Naval Group a SEK47 billion contract for four Luleå-class frigates based on the French FDI design. Babcock's Arrowhead 120 proposal, submitted with Saab, was unsuccessful. - 16 September 2026, heraldscotland.com: [Nine managers sacked at Babcock yard amid claims voucher scheme was abused](https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/26555511.babcock-supervisors-sacked-vouchers-scheme-abuse/). Babcock International dismissed up to nine managers at Rosyth Dockyard after its governance processes identified alleged abuse of an employee voucher incentive scheme. The company said the matter was investigated and addressed under its procedures. - [Babcock International deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09?entity=babcockinternational&view=deep-dive) - [Babcock International PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09/reports/babcockinternational.pdf) ### Thales **HexaForce and defence technologies shape Thales’s September profile** Thales ranked 4th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (7.8%) in the UK Defence benchmark for September 2026, with 69 mentions and a net tone of +81. Thales launched its AI-enabled HexaForce command-and-control platform and reported advanced discussions with several NATO countries following tests at NATO’s CWIX exercise. It placed fourth among the tracked companies, with 69 mentions and a 7.8% share of tracked-company mentions. Technology and innovation dominated the subject mix with 25 mentions, ahead of procurement and contracts with 11, major programmes and capabilities with seven, and defence policy and spending with five. Other technology developments included the sea test of miniaturised Sonar 76Nano panels, the integration of RapidRanger onto a Patria 6x6 vehicle and the partners’ reported emulator work on QuantumTrack, a hybrid quantum-classical radar-tracking approach. Thales also joined BAE Systems and other partners on the British Army’s Project ZODIAC. In defence investment coverage, Thales UK’s chief executive discussed attracting private capital into UK manufacturing and underwater surveillance, while reporting on the Belfast plant highlighted production of Starstreak, LMM/Martlet and NLAW systems and around 700 skilled jobs. Key messages: - Thales accounted for 7.8% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #4 among 10 in September 2026. - Coverage concentrated on Technology & Innovation and Procurement & Contracts. - 69 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026. - HexaForce talks with NATO countries — C4ISRNET Leading themes: - Technology & Innovation: 36.2% of Thales's coverage (theme index 3.4, net tone +84) - Procurement & Contracts: 15.9% of Thales's coverage (theme index 0.91, net tone +73) - Major Programmes & Capabilities: 10.1% of Thales's coverage (theme index 0.43, net tone +86) Notable positive coverage: - 2 September 2026, australiandefence.com.au: [Kongsberg and Thales StrikeMaster exercises in Europe](https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/kongsberg-and-thales-strikemaster-exercises-in-europe). Thales Australia's Bushmaster-based StrikeMaster coastal-defence launcher took part in a NATO exercise around Norway's Jan Mayen territory. The capability combines the Bushmaster vehicle with Kongsberg's Naval Strike Missile. - 14 September 2026, lse.co.uk: [UK government talking to private capital on defence funding, Thales UK boss says](https://www.lse.co.uk/news/uk-government-talking-to-private-capital-on-defence-funding-thales-uk-boss-says-pnp3j5hqd3dcld4.html). Thales UK's chief executive said the government is discussing ways to attract pension, infrastructure and private-equity capital to support UK defence investment. He argued that credible long-term demand signals could unlock investment in manufacturing and underwater-surveillance capabilities. - 14 September 2026, bairdmaritime.com: [Thales UK boss: UK Government talking to private capital on defence funding](https://www.bairdmaritime.com/security/naval/thales-uk-boss-uk-government-talking-to-private-capital-on-defence-funding). Thales UK's CEO said the government is discussing ways to attract pension, infrastructure and private-equity capital to expand UK defence capacity. He highlighted underwater surveillance infrastructure as a potential area for private financing. Notable negative coverage: - 11 September 2026, ontheditch.com: [The Raytheon 9, the northern arms industry and ‘moving on’](https://www.ontheditch.com/comment-the-raytheon-nine-the-northern-arms-industry-and-the-politics-of-moving-on/). The article revisits protests against Raytheon’s former Derry operation and criticises the expansion of arms manufacturing in Northern Ireland. It reports that Thales has expanded missile production in the region, pursued new facilities in County Down and received major UK missile contracts. - [Thales deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09?entity=thales&view=deep-dive) - [Thales PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09/reports/thales.pdf) ### MBDA **Polish interceptor work and Sea Venom integration shape MBDA’s September** MBDA ranked 5th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (7.1%) in the UK Defence benchmark for September 2026, with 63 mentions and a net tone of +75. MBDA’s September coverage connected UK missile development with its expanding partnership in Poland and new maritime applications. MBDA and Poland’s WITU advanced the Counter Mass Interceptor, with firing trials planned for 2027, while the opening of a Polish service and technology centre supported the PILICA+ air-defence programme. Naval News reported work to integrate a surface-launched Sea Venom missile with Stark’s Vanta-12 uncrewed vessel; the Royal Navy also live-fired Sea Venom from a Wildcat helicopter during Atlantic Thunder 2026. A Quwa profile examined Crossbow’s development under the UK’s Project Brakestop, distinguishing completed flight tests from a production order that had yet to be placed. MBDA ranked fifth with 63 mentions and 7.1% of tracked-company mentions. Major programmes and capabilities led its subject mix with 15 mentions, followed by technology and innovation with 11, procurement and contracts and Ukraine and operations with 10 each. Together, the reported developments gave its coverage a practical focus on testing, integration and the support needed to deliver systems to customers. Key messages: - MBDA accounted for 7.1% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #5 among 10 in September 2026. - Coverage concentrated on Major Programmes & Capabilities and Technology & Innovation. - 63 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026. - Counter Mass Interceptor cooperation with Poland’s WITU — The Defense Post Leading themes: - Major Programmes & Capabilities: 23.8% of MBDA's coverage (theme index 1.05, net tone +60) - Technology & Innovation: 17.5% of MBDA's coverage (theme index 1.42, net tone +100) - Procurement & Contracts: 15.9% of MBDA's coverage (theme index 0.91, net tone +100) Notable positive coverage: - 8 September 2026, breakingdefense.com: [European missile-maker MBDA opens first industrial facility in Poland](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/09/european-missile-maker-mbda-opens-first-industrial-facility-in-poland/). MBDA opened its first industrial facility in Poland to provide servicing and technical support, particularly for the PILICA+ air-defence programme. The site is intended to expand Polish engineering and technical employment as MBDA deepens its partnership with Poland. - 11 September 2026, thedefensepost.com: [MBDA, Poland's WITU Join Forces on Counter Mass Interceptor Program](https://thedefensepost.com/2026/09/11/mbda-poland-witu-cmi/). MBDA and Poland's WITU signed an MoU to collaborate on the Counter Mass Interceptor programme, including further development ahead of a planned 2027 firing campaign. MBDA UK leads initial development, while the company is expanding its Polish support for PILICA+ and NAREW. - 11 September 2026, turdef.com: [Poland Partners with MBDA for Counter-Mass Interceptor](https://turdef.com/article/poland-partners-with-mbda-for-counter-mass-interceptor). MBDA Poland and Poland’s WITU research institute have partnered to develop the Counter-Mass Interceptor, a low-cost short-range air-defence missile. The proposed system is intended to counter massed drones and low-cost cruise-missile threats. - [MBDA deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09?entity=mbda&view=deep-dive) - [MBDA PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09/reports/mbda.pdf) ### QinetiQ **Army AI contract and digital twin anchor QinetiQ coverage** QinetiQ ranked 6th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (4.1%) in the UK Defence benchmark for September 2026, with 36 mentions and a net tone of +31. QinetiQ secured a £2.2 million British Army contract for AI-backed radiography equipment designed to inspect body armour up to 15 times faster, as reported by ADS Advance. UK Defence Journal and The Defense Post also covered its partnership with AVL to develop a digital twin of the Hurn Proving Ground for virtual vehicle testing. QinetiQ placed sixth with 36 mentions, representing 4.1% of tracked-company mentions in September. Financial results and markets formed the largest subject area with 16 mentions, ahead of technology and innovation with nine, while procurement and contracts and major programmes and capabilities each recorded three. Washington Technology reported that QinetiQ lost its challenge to a US Army aerostat surveillance task order for Poland, after its proposed testing approach was assessed as weaker than TCOM’s. Market reporting included the group’s £4.8 billion backlog, Ministry of Defence revenue of £1.154 billion, continuing share buybacks and concerns about projected margin expansion relative to European peers. Key messages: - QinetiQ accounted for 4.1% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #6 among 10 in September 2026. - Coverage concentrated on Financial Results & Markets and Technology & Innovation. - 36 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026. - British Army awards QinetiQ £2.2 million body-armour inspection contract — ADS Advance Leading themes: - Financial Results & Markets: 44.4% of QinetiQ's coverage (theme index 2.45, net tone +6) - Technology & Innovation: 25.0% of QinetiQ's coverage (theme index 2.06, net tone +78) - Major Programmes & Capabilities: 8.3% of QinetiQ's coverage (theme index 0.36, net tone +33) Notable positive coverage: - 14 September 2026, thedefensepost.com: [QinetiQ, AVL Partner on Digital Twin for UK Vehicle Testing Site](https://thedefensepost.com/2026/09/14/qinetiq-avl-digital-vehicle-testing/). QinetiQ and AVL will develop a digital twin of QinetiQ's Hurn Proving Ground in southern England for defence and commercial vehicle testing. The virtual model is intended to reduce live-test costs, speed assessment and support lifecycle upgrades. - 17 September 2026, adsadvance.co.uk: [British Army partners with QinetiQ on AI system to inspect body armour 15 times faster](https://www.adsadvance.co.uk/british-army-partners-with-qinetiq-on-ai-system-to-inspect-body-armour-15-times-faster/). QinetiQ has received a £2.2 million British Army contract for AI-backed rapid radiography equipment to inspect body armour. The Fort Halstead-based capability is intended to assess armour up to 15 times faster than current methods. - 18 September 2026, ukdefencejournal.org.uk: [QinetiQ to build digital twin of UK vehicle test range](https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/qinetiq-to-build-digital-twin-of-uk-vehicle-test-range/). QinetiQ and AVL will develop a digital twin of QinetiQ's Hurn Proving Ground in Hampshire for virtual defence and commercial vehicle testing. The partnership aims to reduce development costs, identify issues earlier and complement physical trials. Notable negative coverage: - 4 September 2026, defensedaily.com: [Defense Watch: Polish Aerostats, Honeywell False Claims Act, Drone JV, Lockheed Martin Training Round](https://www.defensedaily.com/defense-watch-polish-aerostats-honeywell-false-claims-act-drone-jv-lockheed-martin-training-round/defense-watch/). The US Government Accountability Office rejected QinetiQ Inc.'s protest of a US Army contract worth more than $600 million for TCOM aerostat systems for Poland. - 2 September 2026, nation.cymru: [Farage’s £5m donor has huge stake in company with major Welsh presence](https://nation.cymru/news/farages-5m-donor-has-huge-stake-in-company-with-major-welsh-presence/). The article examines QinetiQ's Welsh MOD test facilities and its largest shareholder Christopher Harborne's political donations to Reform UK and Nigel Farage. Anti-war campaigners raise concerns about QinetiQ's testing activity, export licences and alleged links to Israeli military operations. - 25 September 2026, ad-hoc-news.de: [QinetiQ stock closes at 489.20 pence, down 0.12 percent at the close](https://www.ad-hoc-news.de/boerse/news/nachboerse/qinetiq-stock-closes-at-489-20-pence-down-0-12-percent-at-the-close/70184798). QinetiQ shares closed down 0.12% at 489.20 pence, underperforming the FTSE 100 but falling less than BAE Systems. Rolls-Royce also declined while Babcock International rose modestly during the session. - [QinetiQ deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09?entity=qinetiq&view=deep-dive) - [QinetiQ PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09/reports/qinetiq.pdf) ### Leonardo UK **GCAP and Falcon Shield anchor Leonardo UK’s September coverage** Leonardo UK ranked 7th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (3.5%) in the UK Defence benchmark for September 2026, with 31 mentions and a net tone of +42. Leonardo UK’s most substantive September story was its participation in the G2E consortium’s 18-month development phase for GCAP sensing, non-kinetic effects and communications systems, reported by Janes. ADS Advance also covered Leonardo and Marshall Land Systems unveiling a containerised Falcon Shield counter-drone system using Leonardo’s HYAS and Nerio technologies. Major Programmes & Capabilities led the subject mix with 14 mentions, followed by Leadership & People with five and Procurement & Contracts and Technology & Innovation with three each. The defence contractor recorded 31 mentions, representing 3.5% of tracked-company mentions and seventh place among the tracked companies. Leadership & People coverage included the Daily Echo’s report that staff from Leonardo UK’s Southampton and Basildon sites raised £8,660 for the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Other company-focused reporting included The Scotsman’s account of the court outcome following £150,000 of damage at Leonardo UK’s Edinburgh site and the additional security measures installed there. Wider sector reporting in The Guardian and Reuters referred to Leonardo through GCAP and Eurofighter respectively, without reporting separate developments by Leonardo UK. Key messages: - Leonardo UK accounted for 3.5% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #7 among 10 in September 2026. - Coverage concentrated on Major Programmes & Capabilities and Leadership & People. - 31 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026. - G2E consortium began its GCAP sensing and communications development phase — Janes Leading themes: - Major Programmes & Capabilities: 45.2% of Leonardo UK's coverage (theme index 2.06, net tone +57) - Leadership & People: 16.1% of Leonardo UK's coverage (theme index 2.55, net tone +80) - Procurement & Contracts: 9.7% of Leonardo UK's coverage (theme index 0.55, net tone +100) Notable positive coverage: - 28 September 2026, janes.com: [Feature: G2E consortium kicks off development plan for GCAP sensing and communications](https://www.janes.com/defence-intelligence-insights/defence-news/air/feature-g2e-consortium-kicks-off-development-plan-for-gcap-sensing-and-communications). GCAP Electronics Evolution has begun an 18-month concepting and assessment phase for integrated sensing, non-kinetic effects and communications systems for the UK-Italy-Japan GCAP fighter programme. Leonardo UK is participating alongside Leonardo Italy, ELT Group and Mitsubishi Electric. - 22 September 2026, adsadvance.co.uk: [Counter-drone defence in a box: Inside Leonardo’s Containerised Falcon Shield](https://www.adsadvance.co.uk/falcon-shield-containerised-counter-drone-falcon-shield/). Leonardo and Marshall Land Systems unveiled a containerised Falcon Shield counter-drone system combining sensors, command-and-control software and AI-assisted threat identification. The UK-developed system uses Leonardo's HYAS and Nerio technologies and supports the MOD's SAPIENT open architecture standard. - 15 September 2026, thedefensepost.com: [Edgewing Taps Consortium to Advance GCAP Sensing, Communications](https://thedefensepost.com/2026/09/15/gcap-sensing-communications/). Edgewing has contracted the G2E consortium, including Leonardo UK, to develop sensing, non-kinetic effects and communications systems for the UK-Italy-Japan GCAP fighter. The work supports deeper joint development of the sixth-generation combat-air programme. Notable negative coverage: - 26 September 2026, heraldscotland.com: [Windows smashed and paint sprayed as activists target Lanarkshire factory](https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/26584469.kelvinside-electronics-kilsyth-vandalised-activists/). Pro-Palestine activists vandalised Kelvinside Electronics in Kilsyth, citing its alleged links to Leonardo. The article notes Leonardo says it does not directly supply the Israeli Defence Forces. - 18 September 2026, scotsman.com: [Pro-Palestinian protester spared jailed after causing £150,000 damage at defence firm](https://www.scotsman.com/news/scottish-news/pro-palestinian-protester-spared-jailed-after-causing-ps150000-damage-at-defence-firm-9090482). A protester received a community payback order after causing more than £150,000 of damage during a 2023 protest at Leonardo UK's Edinburgh site. Leonardo has since installed additional security measures at the premises. - [Leonardo UK deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09?entity=leonardouk&view=deep-dive) - [Leonardo UK PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09/reports/leonardouk.pdf) ### Serco **RAF radar contract anchors Serco’s September profile** Serco ranked 8th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (1.7%) in the UK Defence benchmark for September 2026, with 15 mentions and a net tone of +80. Serco’s principal development was a five-year Ministry of Defence contract to operate, maintain and sustain the RAF Fylingdales early-warning radar from April 2027, with a possible two-year extension and deployment of its Enhanced Spacetrack Processor. The company also appointed Barbara Supplee to lead Serco North America, succeeding Michael LaRouche. Separately, Kalkine Media reported improved guidance linked to contract retention, new mobilisations and cost performance. Serco recorded 15 mentions and a 1.7% share of tracked-company mentions, placing eighth. Procurement and contracts accounted for eight mentions, ahead of leadership and people with three and financial results with two; major programmes and technology each recorded one. The Times also included Serco’s comments on regulations limiting trials of larger uncrewed vessels, while the Daily Echo noted its shortlist place in the Maritime Solent Awards’ Future Maritime Skills category. Key messages: - Serco accounted for 1.7% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #8 among 10 in September 2026. - Coverage concentrated on Procurement & Contracts and Leadership & People. - 15 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026. - RAF Fylingdales radar support contract award — UK Defence Journal Leading themes: - Procurement & Contracts: 53.3% of Serco's coverage (theme index 3.18, net tone +100) - Leadership & People: 20.0% of Serco's coverage (theme index 3.11, net tone +100) - Financial Results & Markets: 13.3% of Serco's coverage (theme index 0.69, net tone +100) Notable positive coverage: - 2 September 2026, ukdefencejournal.org.uk: [Serco wins RAF Fylingdales radar support contract](https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/serco-wins-raf-fylingdales-radar-support-contract/). Serco won a five-year MOD contract to operate, maintain and sustain the early-warning radar at RAF Fylingdales from April 2027, with a possible two-year extension. The agreement also introduces Serco's Enhanced Spacetrack Processor and apprenticeship opportunities. - 2 September 2026, yorkpress.co.uk: [Serco secures radar contract for major North York Moors site](https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/26514932.serco-renews-contract-fylingdales-help-defence-sector/). Serco has won a five-year MOD contract, with a potential two-year extension, to operate and maintain the phased-array radar at RAF Fylingdales. The work supports UK missile warning, space surveillance and new defence-sector apprenticeship opportunities. - 3 September 2026, defence-industry.eu: [Serco wins five-year contract to operate RAF Fylingdales radar supporting U.S. missile warning and low Earth orbit surveillance](https://defence-industry.eu/serco-wins-five-year-contract-to-operate-raf-fylingdales-radar-supporting-u-s-missile-warning-and-low-earth-orbit-surveillance/). Serco secured a five-year MOD contract, starting in April 2027, to operate and maintain the early-warning radar at RAF Fylingdales. The work includes space-tracking analysis, training and deployment of Serco's Enhanced Spacetrack Processor. - [Serco deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09?entity=serco&view=deep-dive) - [Serco PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09/reports/serco.pdf) ### Cohort plc **Record order book and defence contracts shape Cohort’s September profile** Cohort plc ranked 9th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (1.4%) in the UK Defence benchmark for September 2026, with 12 mentions and a net tone of +92. Coverage centred on Cohort’s maintained FY2027 guidance after record revenue, operating profit and order book, discussed in Equity Development research published by Vox Markets and set out in its AGM statement carried by TradingView. The company ranked ninth with 12 mentions, representing 1.4% of tracked-company mentions. Financial results and markets dominated the subject mix with six mentions, while procurement and contracts accounted for four. The AGM statement revisited ELAC’s €140.7 million Saab award for Poland’s submarine programme, announced in August, and two UK defence awards secured by Marlborough Communications. Leadership coverage added Richard Mills’s appointment as group strategy director, with responsibility for strategy and acquisition activity. Separate coverage in Naval News and an official government announcement referred respectively to planned collaboration with Cohort on Thailand’s frigate programme and Marlborough Communications’ role in a small-drone programme, but neither reported a development centred on Cohort. Key messages: - Cohort plc accounted for 1.4% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #9 among 10 in September 2026. - Coverage concentrated on Financial Results & Markets and Procurement & Contracts. - 12 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026. - “Equity Development - Cohort plc - FY27 momentum maintained after a record year” — Vox Markets Leading themes: - Financial Results & Markets: 50.0% of Cohort plc's coverage (theme index 2.66, net tone +83) - Procurement & Contracts: 33.3% of Cohort plc's coverage (theme index 1.94, net tone +100) - Exports & International Agreements: 8.3% of Cohort plc's coverage (theme index 2.28, net tone +100) Notable positive coverage: - 24 September 2026, voxmarkets.com: [Equity Development - Cohort plc - FY27 momentum maintained after a record year](https://www.voxmarkets.com/articles/equity-development-cohort-plc-fy27-momentum-maintained-after-a-record-year-a122aa5). Equity Development said Cohort maintained FY2027 guidance after reporting a record FY2026 for revenue, operating profit and order book. The research highlighted an approximately £700 million order book and continued growth prospects. - 30 September 2026, insidermedia.com: [Cohort appoints former Boeing executive as group strategy director](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/south-east/cohort-appoints-former-boeing-executive-as-group-strategy-director). Cohort has appointed former Boeing executive Richard Mills as group strategy director. He will lead group strategy and acquisition activity, succeeding Jonathan Clegg. - 25 September 2026, lse.co.uk: [Berenberg reiterates 'buy' on Cohort](https://www.lse.co.uk/news/berenberg-reiterates-buy-on-cohort-ygu7cztxkhdi2d0.html). Berenberg reiterated its buy rating on Cohort after an AGM update showed trading in line with guidance, improving margins and a record £700m order book. The broker raised its FY28 and FY29 earnings estimates and highlighted ELAC contract activity. - [Cohort plc deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09?entity=cohortplc&view=deep-dive) - [Cohort plc PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09/reports/cohortplc.pdf) ### Chemring **Record order book and Roke recovery frame Chemring coverage** Chemring ranked 10th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (1.0%) in the UK Defence benchmark for September 2026, with 9 mentions and a net tone of +56. Chemring ranked tenth among the tracked companies in September, with nine mentions and a 1.0% share of tracked-company mentions. Financial results and markets dominated the subject mix, accounting for seven mentions, while investment activity and leadership each accounted for one. Independent articles reported a record order book, supported by demand for countermeasures and energetics, alongside maintained full-year guidance and investment in additional energetics capacity. Coverage linked constrained profit to delays in the UK Defence Investment Plan and associated contract awards; separately, manufacturing capacity was identified as a near-term constraint, while softer sensors and information orders accompanied an unchanged outlook. Later coverage highlighted constructive Jefferies commentary on a recovery at the Roke cyber and intelligence business, while retaining execution and defence-budget uncertainty as considerations. Separately, Leima Equity Four increased its direct voting-rights holding in Chemring to 4.006971%, equivalent to 10.9 million shares. Key messages: - Chemring accounted for 1% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #10 among 10 in September 2026. - Coverage concentrated on Financial Results & Markets and M&A, Investment & Industrial Deals. - 9 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026. - Chemring's record order book, steady guidance and manufacturing-capacity constraint — Kalkine Media. Leading themes: - Financial Results & Markets: 77.8% of Chemring's coverage (theme index 4.18, net tone +57) - M&A, Investment & Industrial Deals: 11.1% of Chemring's coverage (theme index 1.6, net tone 0) - Leadership & People: 11.1% of Chemring's coverage (theme index 1.68, net tone +100) Notable positive coverage: - 24 September 2026, kalkinemedia.com: [Chemring (LSE:CHG) draws upbeat broker commentary as Roke recovers: can it shrug off UK defence budget delays?](https://kalkinemedia.com/uk/stocks/industrial/chemring-lsechg-draws-upbeat-broker-commentary-as-roke-recovers-can-it-shrug-off-uk-defence-budget-delays). Jefferies gave constructive commentary on Chemring, citing confidence in a recovery at its Roke cyber and intelligence business and strong demand for energetics. The article also notes that delayed publication of the UK's Defence Investment Plan is weighing on near-term sector sentiment. - 23 September 2026, kalkinemedia.com: [Can Chemring (LSE:CHG) Turn Its Record Order Book Into Stronger Earnings Growth?](https://kalkinemedia.com/uk/stocks/industrial/can-chemring-lsechg-turn-its-record-order-book-into-stronger-earnings-growth). A Jefferies review cited confidence in a recovery at Chemring's Roke cyber and intelligence division, supported by the group's record order book. Chemring is expanding energetics capacity to address munitions demand, although budget uncertainty and execution risk remain. - 15 September 2026, directorstalkinterviews.com: [Chemring Group PLC (CHG.L) Stock Analysis: A 22% Upside Potential In Aerospace & Defense](https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/chemring-group-plc-chg-l-stock-analysis-a-22-upside-potential-in-aerospace-defense/4121262519). A stock analysis highlights analyst estimates of 22.3% upside for Chemring and discusses its global defence products, revenue growth and analyst ratings. The estimates are the publication’s reported investment view. - [Chemring deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09?entity=chemring&view=deep-dive) - [Chemring PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09/reports/chemring.pdf) ## Methodology - **Share of coverage**: an organisation's mentions divided by all mentions of the organisations tracked in the same sector that month, in UK earned media. It is the central measure of media visibility in Omniscan benchmarks. "Average monthly share" is the mean of the monthly shares across the reporting period. - **Mention**: one article that covers an organisation, classified as positive, neutral or negative in tone. Articles are deduplicated, and an organisation's own websites and passing sponsorship name-checks are excluded, so only earned media counts. - **Net tone**: positive mentions minus negative mentions, as a percentage of all mentions (range −100 to +100). - **Themes**: every article is assigned to one of the sector's editorial themes. A theme index above 1 means the organisation is covered on that theme more than its peers are; below 1 means less. - **Calculation**: every figure is computed directly from the classified articles; narrative summaries are checked against those figures. - **Sources**: UK national and international, trade and specialist, regional and local, and aggregator and syndication earned media. ## Other UK Defence editions - [UK defence media reputation tracker – 2026 year to date](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-ytd.md) - [UK defence media reputation tracker – H1 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-h1.md) - [UK defence media reputation tracker – July 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-07.md) - [UK defence media reputation tracker – August 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-08.md) - [All Omniscan media benchmarks](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks.md) ## How to cite Omniscan, "UK defence media reputation tracker", September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026), published 4 October 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-defence-2026-09