AGP Executive Report

South Atlantic defence procurement: The UK Ministry of Defence has started early market engagement for a facilities management and support contract for British Forces South Atlantic Islands, covering the Falklands and Ascension, worth about £500m (rising to £600m with VAT) over 10 years from April 2030, with a possible extension to 2040. Aviation reshoring milestone for FIGAS: Britten-Norman says the first new BN2 Islander built through its fully reshored UK production line at Bembridge is now 75% complete, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and delivery to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service later this year; a second airframe is nearing 25% completion. Falklands oil sovereignty row: Argentina has reiterated its sovereignty claim and targeted the British Sea Lion offshore oil project in the North Malvinas Basin, where plans point to drilling starting in 2027 and production in 2028. Environment and oceans outreach: The Falkland Islands Environment Department, alongside Agriculture, Fisheries and the Maritime Authority, marked World Environment Day and World Oceans Day with public activities focused on protecting local seas and marine life.

South Atlantic Defence Contract: The UK Ministry of Defence has started market engagement for a £500m (rising to £600m with VAT) ten-year facilities management and support services contract covering British Forces South Atlantic Islands across the Falklands and Ascension, with delivery planned from April 2030 to March 2037 (possible extension to 2040). Aviation & Local Industry: Britten-Norman says the first new BN2 Islander built through its fully reshored Bembridge production line is now 75% complete, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and delivery to FIGAS later this year; a second airframe is nearing 25% completion and follow-on parts are already in production. Environment & Oceans: Falkland Islands Environment Department and partners marked World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8) with community activities focused on protecting local seas and marine life, highlighting how fishing and tourism depend on ocean health. Infrastructure (UK/Overseas context): British Columbia road resurfacing projects are underway across Highways 97 and 27, while separate updates show fibre-optic high-speed internet rolling out to rural and Indigenous communities in the Thompson-Okanagan region, with connections expected by end-2029.

South Atlantic Defence Contract: The UK Ministry of Defence has launched early market engagement for a £500m (rising to £600m with VAT) ten-year facilities management and support services contract covering British Forces sites across the Falkland Islands and Ascension, with delivery due from April 2030 and an extension option to 2040—aimed at suppliers with experience in remote, complex environments. Aviation & Local Capability: Britten-Norman says the first new BN2 Islander built through its fully reshored UK production line at Bembridge is 75% complete, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and delivery to FIGAS later this year; a second airframe is nearing 25% completion and follow-on components are already in production. Falklands Environment & Oceans: The Falkland Islands Environment Department and partners marked World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8) with community activities focused on conservation, sustainability, and the ocean’s role in the islands’ fishing and tourism economy. Antarctic Heritage Protection: Conservationists are urging protection for Shackleton’s Endurance wreck in the Weddell Sea after its 2022 discovery, warning that climate change and future access by exploration vessels could threaten the largely intact site. Argentina Oil Tensions: Argentina has reiterated its sovereignty claim and challenged the Sea Lion offshore oil project in the North Malvinas Basin, where drilling is planned to start in 2027 and production in 2028, while conservation concerns remain in the sensitive marine ecosystem.

South Atlantic Defence Procurement: The UK Ministry of Defence has started market engagement for a £500m (up to £600m with VAT) ten-year facilities management contract covering British Forces South Atlantic Islands sites in the Falklands and on Ascension, with work spanning building and engineering maintenance plus catering, cleaning and day-to-day base support, and with small and medium firms being actively encouraged. Aviation & Local Industry: Britten-Norman says the first new BN2 Islander built through its fully reshored UK production line at Bembridge is now 75% complete for FIGAS, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and delivery later this year; a second airframe is nearing 25% completion and follow-on parts are already in production. Environment & Oceans: Falkland Islands Environment Department and partners marked World Environment Day and World Oceans Day with community events focused on protecting local seas, highlighting how fishing and tourism depend on ocean health. Energy & Sovereignty: Argentina has reiterated its sovereignty claim while targeting the British Sea Lion oil project in the North Malvinas Basin, arguing against hydrocarbon development in a disputed area.

South Atlantic Defence Procurement: The UK Ministry of Defence has launched early market engagement for a £500m (rising to £600m with VAT) ten-year facilities management contract covering British Forces sites across the Falkland Islands and Ascension, with work spanning building and engineering maintenance plus catering, cleaning and day-to-day base support, and the MoD says it’s looking for suppliers able to operate in remote, complex environments. Aviation & Local Jobs: Britten-Norman reports the first new BN2 Islander built through its fully reshored UK production line has reached 75% completion at Bembridge, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and delivery to FIGAS later this year; a second airframe is nearing 25% completion and follow-on parts are already in production. Environment & Oceans: Falklands Environment Department and partners marked World Environment Day and World Oceans Day with public activities focused on protecting local seas and marine life, highlighting how fisheries and tourism depend on ocean health. Falklands Resources Watch: Argentina has reiterated its sovereignty claim and targeted the British Sea Lion oil project in the North Malvinas Basin, arguing against hydrocarbon development in the disputed area. Connectivity Beyond Stanley: While not Falklands-specific, a major fibre rollout in Canada includes a community named “Falkland,” as high-speed internet is planned for rural and Indigenous households via a $63m fibre expansion.

Defence Procurement: The UK Ministry of Defence has started market engagement for a £500m (rising to £600m with VAT) ten-year facilities management contract covering British Forces South Atlantic Islands sites in the Falklands and Ascension, with work spanning building and engineering maintenance plus catering, cleaning and day-to-day base support, and with a stated aim to attract small and medium-sized firms experienced in remote operations. Aviation & Local Industry: Britten-Norman says the first new BN2 Islander built through its fully reshored UK programme at Bembridge is 75% complete for FIGAS, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and a second airframe nearing 25% as the company ramps up a return to full civil Islander manufacturing in Britain. Environment & Oceans: Falkland Islands Environment Department and partners marked World Environment Day and World Ocean Day with public activities focused on protecting local seas, linking conservation to the fishing and tourism economy. Sovereignty & Energy: Argentina has reiterated its sovereignty claim while targeting the British Sea Lion offshore oil project in the North Malvinas Basin, arguing against hydrocarbon development in a disputed area.

Aviation & Local Economy: Britten-Norman says the first new BN2 Islander built through its fully reshored UK programme for FIGAS has hit 75% completion at Bembridge, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and delivery later this year; a second airframe is nearing 25% and follow-on parts are already in production, marking a return to full civil Islander manufacturing in the UK. Community & Heritage: The Falklands marked World Environment Day and World Oceans Day with Environment Department, Agriculture, Fisheries and the Maritime Authority events, stressing how conservation and ocean health underpin fishing and tourism. Energy & Sovereignty: Argentina reiterated its sovereignty claim and pushed back on the Sea Lion offshore oil project in the North Malvinas Basin, arguing the hydrocarbon plan should be challenged through diplomatic tools while conservation concerns remain in focus. Maritime Culture: Bristol’s SS Great Britain museum is rebranding its site name to “Bristol Dockyards” as part of a diversity drive, while insisting the ship’s historic name remains unchanged. Global Context: A report warns foreign fleets off Argentina’s EEZ could be taking up to four times the catch of the national fishing industry, raising pressure on South Atlantic stocks.

Aviation & Local Industry: Britten-Norman says the first new BN2 Islander built through its fully reshored UK programme has hit 75% completion at its Bembridge facility, with final assembly in the coming weeks and delivery expected to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) later this year; a second airframe is nearing 25% completion, while parts for follow-on aircraft are already in production—another sign of civil aircraft manufacturing returning to the UK. Energy & Sovereignty: Argentina has escalated its dispute over the Sea Lion oil project in the North Malvinas Basin, warning it could “fully exercise” actions against Britain’s Rockhopper and Israeli partner Navitas, calling the development unlawful and “clandestine.” Environment & Oceans: Falkland Islands Environment Department and partners marked World Environment Day and World Oceans Day with community events focused on protecting local seas—highlighting how conservation underpins both fishing and tourism. UK Defence Modernisation: The Royal Marines’ 3 Commando Brigade is being renamed UK Commando Force, part of a wider shift toward modern amphibious warfare capabilities.

Aviation & Local Industry: Britten-Norman says the first new BN2 Islander built through its fully reshored UK programme has hit 75% completion at its Bembridge facility, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and delivery to FIGAS later this year; a second airframe is nearing 25% completion, while parts for follow-on aircraft are already moving through production—another step for UK-made aircraft supporting Falkland air services. Environment & Oceans: Falkland Islands Environment Department, Agriculture, Fisheries and the Maritime Authority joined SAERI to mark World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8) with public activities at the FIDF Hall, stressing how conservation and ocean health underpin fishing and tourism. Sovereignty & Energy: Argentina warned it could “fully exercise all” actions over plans to develop the Sea Lion oil field near the Falklands, calling Rockhopper and Navitas’ move from exploration to development unlawful, as the dispute over the area escalates.

Aviation & Local Industry: Britten-Norman says the first new BN2 Islander built through its fully reshored UK programme has hit 75% completion at Bembridge, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and delivery to FIGAS later this year; a second airframe is nearing 25% and follow-on parts are already in production. Environment & Community: Falkland Islands Environment Department and partners marked World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8) with public activities at the FIDF Hall, stressing that the islands’ fishing and tourism economy depends on ocean health. Energy & Sovereignty: Argentina escalated its dispute over the Sea Lion oil project near the Falklands, calling Rockhopper and Navitas “clandestine” and warning it could “fully exercise all available actions.” Agriculture & Food Chain: Falkland Rural Enterprises Ltd faced a major traceability breach at Falkland Estate, with inspectors finding livestock unidentifiable/untraceable and the business moving to humane cull affected animals. Heritage & Public Engagement: HMS Sultan’s 70th anniversary parade in Gosport (June 24) invites residents to line the route and attend a commemorative service.

Aviation & FIGAS Fleet Update: Britten-Norman says the first new Islander built on its fully reshored Bembridge line has hit 75% completion, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and delivery to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) later this year; a second airframe is nearing 25% completion, and work is progressing on follow-on aircraft. Environment & Oceans Outreach: The Falkland Islands Environment Department, alongside Agriculture, Fisheries and the Maritime Authority, marked World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8) with community activities focused on protecting local seas and marine life. Oil & Sovereignty Tensions: Argentina escalated its dispute over the Sea Lion project, warning it could “fully exercise all” actions over Rockhopper and Navitas moving from exploration into development near the Falklands. Rural Livestock Compliance: Falkland Rural Enterprises confirmed a major traceability failure at Falkland Estate led to the decision to humanely cull 271 cattle after inspectors found animals were unidentifiable and untraceable under livestock registration rules.

Aviation & Local Services: Britten-Norman says the first new Islander built on its fully reshored Bembridge line has hit 75% completion, with final assembly “in the coming weeks” and delivery to FIGAS later this year; a second airframe is nearing 25% and parts for follow-on aircraft are already in manufacture. Environment & Oceans: The Falkland Islands marked World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8) with a community event at the FIDF Hall, focused on protecting local seas and the fishing- and tourism-linked economy. Housing & Construction: FIG Executive Council approved an accelerated Stanley plan for modular housing at Murray Heights—infrastructure for 60 plots and 30 modular units—with 30 houses for FIG expected within 12 months, though it may temporarily delay other work at Sapper Hill. Public Finance: The 2026/27 budget sets a “living within our means” approach, including a ban on borrowing for operating costs and a reserves rule of 1.5x operating expenditure, while noting pressure from weaker fishing receipts and investment income. Energy & Sovereignty: Argentina escalated its dispute over the Sea Lion oil project, warning it could “fully exercise all” actions over Rockhopper/Navitas development plans near the Falklands. Livestock & Food Chain: Falkland Rural Enterprises faced a major traceability breach after inspectors found cattle “unidentifiable and untraceable,” leading to a decision to cull affected animals.

Aviation & Local Jobs: Britten-Norman says the first new UK-built Islander for FIGAS has reached 75% completion at its Bembridge line, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and a second airframe nearing 25% as engines, undercarriage and systems move into place. Housing & Construction: The Falkland Islands Government has approved an accelerated Stanley plan for 60 modular plots at Murray Heights, including 30 modular units, aiming to deliver 30 FIG houses within 12 months while temporarily shifting resources from Sapper Hill. Environment & Fisheries: The Falklands marked World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8) with a weekend event at the FIDF Hall, stressing how fishing and tourism depend on conservation and ocean health. Oil & Sovereignty: Argentina escalated its dispute over the Sea Lion project, warning it could “fully exercise all” actions after Rockhopper and Navitas moved from exploration into development near the islands. Agriculture & Compliance: Falkland Rural Enterprises Ltd faced a traceability failure at Home Farm, with serious livestock record-keeping issues leading to a decision to cull affected animals.

Aviation & FIGAS: Britten-Norman says the first fully UK-built Islander for the Falkland Islands Government Air Service has hit 75% completion at its Bembridge facility, with final assembly due in the coming weeks; a second airframe is nearing 25% and follow-on parts are already in manufacture—another step in the reshored civil Islander build. Housing & Construction: The Falkland Islands Government has approved an accelerated Stanley housing push: infrastructure for 60 modular plots at Murray Heights plus 30 modular units, aiming to deliver 30 FIG houses within 12 months, with temporary diversion of resources from Sapper Hill Phase 7. Budget & Finance: The FIG budget for 2026/27 totals £216.3m under “living within our means,” including a £150m infrastructure loan repayment schedule and pressure from weaker fishing-related receipts. Energy & Sovereignty: Argentina escalated its dispute over the Sea Lion oil project, warning it could “fully exercise all” actions after Rockhopper moved into development; Rockhopper says first oil remains targeted for Q1 2028. Livestock & Food Chain: Falkland Rural Enterprises faced a major traceability breach after Scottish inspections found 271 cattle unidentifiable and untraceable, leading to a decision to cull the affected animals.

Aviation & Defence Procurement: Britten-Norman says the first fully UK-built Islander for FIGAS has hit 75% completion at its Bembridge facility, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and a second airframe now around 25% as components for follow-on aircraft are already in production. Housing & Construction: The Falkland Islands Government has approved an accelerated Stanley housing push: infrastructure for 60 modular plots at Murray Heights plus 30 modular units, aiming to deliver 30 FIG houses within 12 months, with some short-term diversion from Sapper Hill Phase 7. Public Finance: The 2026/27 Falklands budget totals £216.3m under “live within our means,” including a ban on borrowing for operating costs and a reserves rule of 1.5x operating spend, while fishing-linked revenue pressure and an infrastructure loan shape near-term risks. Oil & Sovereignty: Argentina escalated its dispute over the Sea Lion field, warning it could “fully exercise all” actions over Rockhopper/Navitas development plans, calling them unlawful and “clandestine,” as Sea Lion moves into development with first oil still targeted for early 2028. Agriculture & Food Chain Compliance: Falkland Rural Enterprises Ltd says it culled livestock after Scottish inspectors found 271 cattle at Falkland Estate were unidentifiable and untraceable under traceability rules, following record-keeping and registration failures.

Aviation & Local Economy: Britten-Norman says the first reshored UK-built Islander for FIGAS has hit 75% completion at its Bembridge plant, with final assembly due in the coming weeks; a second airframe is nearing 25% and parts for follow-on aircraft are already in production, alongside a bigger Bembridge workforce and new CNC investment. Housing & Construction: Falkland Islands Government approved an accelerated Stanley housing push: infrastructure for 60 modular plots at Murray Heights plus 30 modular units, with delivery of 30 homes for FIG within 12 months, in partnership with Navitas, while some Sapper Hill work is temporarily delayed. Public Finance: The 2026/27 budget totals £216.3m under “live within our means,” including a ban on borrowing for operating costs and a reserves rule of 1.5x operating spend, while fishing-linked revenue softness and investment income declines shape the plan. Oil & Sovereignty: Rockhopper’s Sea Lion moves into development, but Argentina escalates by calling the project unlawful and threatening “all available actions,” while Rockhopper reports a 2025 loss tied to arbitration fallout. Livestock & Food Chain: Falkland Rural Enterprises Ltd faced a traceability breach after a routine inspection found serious failures in livestock records and registration, leading to a decision to cull affected animals.