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CR2/CR3 Cupola Wiper Motor Assembly Transparency notice (UK5)

DEFENCE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

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20 Feb 2026 at 10:32

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process led by Defence Equipment and Support, a central government public authority in the United Kingdom located in Bristol, UKK12, has reached the award stage for the contract titled "CR2/CR3 Cupola Wiper Motor Assembly Transparency notice (UK5)". This project falls under the industry category of electronic and electrical spare parts for military vehicles, with a specific focus on supplying two hundred (200) Wiper Motor Assemblies for the Challenger 2 and Challenger 3 Main Battle Tanks. The contract, valued at approximately £2,400,000 excluding VAT, was awarded through a direct procurement method due to a lack of competition for technical reasons, with Thistle Design (MMC) Limited identified as the sole supplier capable of fulfilling the contract requirements. The contract period is scheduled to commence on 15 June 2026 and conclude on 30 June 2028. A key milestone is the signing date scheduled for 12 June 2026.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for businesses with expertise in the manufacture and supply of sophisticated military vehicle components, particularly those that have the necessary technical knowledge and experience in producing bespoke motor assemblies. Companies specialising in electronic and electrical spare parts production for military applications could leverage this opportunity to enhance their portfolios and establish themselves within the defence supply chain. By engaging in such government contracts, businesses could see significant growth in both financial and reputational terms, although given the specific technical criteria, larger enterprises with a proven track record in similar defence contracts may be particularly well-suited to compete successfully in future related procurements.

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Notice Title

CR2/CR3 Cupola Wiper Motor Assembly Transparency notice (UK5)

Notice Description

The requirement is for the Contractor to supply two hundred (200) Wiper Motor Assemblies, one hundred (100) of each side, for the Commanders Cupola in the Challenger 2 and Challenger 3 Main Battle Tanks (MBT). The Wiper Motor Assemblies are to be manufactured in accordance with the technical drawing pack and packaged in appropriate packaging for delivery in to the Donnington Fulfillment Centre. The value of the goods is expected to be approximately PS2,400,000. The CPV code is 35422000 - Electronic and electrical spare parts for military vehicles.

Procurement Information

There is a requirement to contract for the purchasing of Cupola Wiper Motors used to satisfy the Challenger 3 Manufacturing Phase. The Land Combat Vehicles 1 Team, part of the Secretary of State for Defence (the "Authority"), intends to award a contract to Thistle Design (MMC) Ltd ("TD") for the provision of Challenger 3 Cupola Wiper Motors, for a period of up to 2 years. The estimated contract value is PS2,400,000.00, excluding VAT. The requirement will deliver Qty 200 Cupola Wiper Motors (Qty 100 left hand and Qty 100 right hand). This procurement is governed by the Procurement Act 2023. It is considered that this contract can be awarded under Section 41 of the Procurement Act 2023 because the direct award justification specified in paragraph 6 of Schedule 5 applies. Due to an absence of competition for technical reasons, only a particular supplier, Thistle Design (MMC) Ltd, has the necessary technical expertise and knowledge to deliver the requirement at the standard required. As the Design Authority and the Original Equipment Manufacturer of the motor and experienced repairer of the Cupola Wiper Motor Assemblies, only Thistle Design (MMC) Ltd can deliver this requirement.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0658e0
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/015546-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

35 - Security, fire-fighting, police and defence equipment


CPV Codes

35422000 - Electronic and electrical spare parts for military vehicles

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£2,400,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 Feb 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
20 Feb 20262 days ago
Contract Period
14 Jun 2026 - 30 Jun 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEFENCE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT
Contact Name
Dale Gurney-Newland
Contact Email
dale.gurney-newland100@mod.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
BRISTOL
Postcode
BS34 8JH
Post Town
Bristol
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK5 West of England
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK52 Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
South Gloucestershire
Electoral Ward
Stoke Park & Cheswick
Westminster Constituency
Filton and Bradley Stoke

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

THISTLE DESIGN (MMC

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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