A Midlands-based manufacturer has secured a prestigious £100,000 international defence contract to supply advanced LED lighting systems for the French Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle. The deal builds on the company’s long-standing relationship with the UK Ministry of Defence.
Prestigious International Order
Voltacon Energy Systems, a renewable energy and lighting manufacturer based in Coventry, has been awarded a £100,000 contract by the French Ministry of Armed Forces to supply 10,000 custom-designed LED tube lights for the Charles de Gaulle, France’s only aircraft carrier and the pride of its naval fleet.
The order follows extensive trials and evaluations by French military engineers, who were impressed by Voltacon’s track record of delivering durable, energy-efficient lighting solutions for naval operations.
Strong Defence Credentials
Voltacon has an established reputation within the UK defence sector, having supplied more than 20,000 specialist LED bulbs for the Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Prince of Wales, Type 45 destroyers, and multiple frigates. Its expertise in renewable energy integration and cutting-edge lighting technology has positioned the company as a trusted partner for both the UK and international defence markets.
Managing Director Stefanos Kandilidis said the French contract was a “significant milestone” for the company, reflecting its ability to compete globally in the defence supply chain.
Strategic Significance
The deal underscores the deepening industrial cooperation between the UK and France, despite broader political tensions in recent years. Defence analysts note that such contracts highlight the interoperability of NATO allies and the importance of shared supply chains in maintaining operational readiness.
The Charles de Gaulle, commissioned in 2001, remains the only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier outside the United States Navy. The vessel is undergoing a series of upgrades to extend its service life into the 2030s, with Voltacon’s lighting systems forming part of its modernization programme.
Outlook
The contract is expected to open further opportunities for Voltacon in the European defence sector, particularly as France prepares for the eventual construction of its next-generation nuclear-powered carrier (PANG) in the late 2030s.
For the Midlands manufacturer, the deal not only strengthens its international profile but also demonstrates how specialist UK firms are carving out niches in high-value defence exports.
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