Chess Dynamics Secures £6.2 Million Order from SEA to Power Next-Gen Ancilia Decoy Launcher

Horsham, UK – 3 September 2025 : Chess Dynamics, a subsidiary of Cohort plc known for its precision positioning and surveillance systems, has strengthened its partnership with fellow Cohort company SEA (Systems Engineering and Assessment Ltd) by securing a £6.2 million order. The contract covers the supply of advanced trainable bases designed for integration into SEA’s Ancilia Trainable Decoy Launcher System.

Order Details

The trainable base, developed by Chess Dynamics, is a precision-controlled modular platform capable of providing the essential azimuth and elevation control required for Ancilia’s operation. Built to be adaptable, shock-resistant, and reliable in harsh environments, it ensures robust and dependable performance even in the most demanding naval missions.

Strengthening Collaboration

The agreement reflects years of growing cooperation between Chess Dynamics and SEA, driven by mutual trust, technical synergy, and a shared mission to enhance the capabilities of the UK Armed Forces. This order is seen as a significant milestone in the evolution of their partnership.

Leadership Views

Mark Byfield, Managing Director at Chess Dynamics, said the deal represents more than a commercial achievement, noting that it embodies trust, shared values, and collaboration in an increasingly complex defence landscape. He highlighted how partnerships between leading UK companies demonstrate what can be accomplished through cooperation.

Richard Flitton, Managing Director at SEA, underscored the importance of technical excellence and a resilient supply chain. He explained that strengthening SEA’s ties with Chess Dynamics bolsters its ability to deliver mission-critical systems with assured reliability and innovation, qualities vital for addressing both current and future defence challenges.

Strategic Context

Both companies operate under the umbrella of Cohort plc, an independent technology group that unites agile, innovative defence businesses. This collaboration aligns with Cohort’s long-term vision of providing customers with cutting-edge, sovereign solutions by leveraging the strengths of its subsidiaries.

The significance of this order builds upon earlier success. In 2024, SEA secured a landmark £135 million contract from the UK Ministry of Defence to roll out the Ancilia system across Royal Navy platforms. Chess Dynamics’ trainable bases are a crucial enabler of this programme.

Why Ancilia Matters

The Ancilia decoy launcher represents a step-change in naval defence:

• Trainable design allows deployment of decoys without needing the ship to manoeuvre.

• Lightweight and modular, making it suitable for a wide range of vessels.

• Future-ready, capable of countering advanced threats including drone swarms, electronic warfare, and anti-ship missiles.

As modern threats evolve—from hypersonic weapons to autonomous aerial systems—partnerships like that of Chess Dynamics and SEA are central to ensuring the UK’s naval forces remain equipped with battle-tested, mission-ready technologies. By aligning their expertise, the companies are delivering innovations that combine reliability, adaptability, and sovereign assurance.