Our history stretches back to the defence division of Standard Telephone and Cables (STC) a British company with a history reaching back well over a hundred years.  With manufacturing facilities based in Newport, Greenwich, Harlow and Basildon, STC served military requirements for decades.  As the major subcontractor, STC manufactured much of the Ptarmigan communication system for the British Army. 

Navies worldwide depended on STC for components in their sonar, minesweeping and communication systems.  Research and development, not only at manufacturing locations, but also in the world renowned STL Laboratories in Harlow was sponsored by the Ministry of Defence as UK technologies led the defence world.

Following Nortel Networks acquisition of STC in 1985, Cogent was established as an independent operating business based in Newport, South Wales.  The subsequent Joint Venture between Nortel Networks and European Aeronautical Defence & Space (EADS) in 2002 resulted in the creation of EADS UK. 

During late 2006, EADS and its partner ThyssenKrupp successfully completed the deal to acquire BAE Systems’ Atlas Elektronik Gmbh, the German specialist maritime electronic business.  The intention behind the EADS / ThyssenKrupp joint venture is to generate a dedicated European wide business focussed on the Naval and Maritime business. 

Our involvement with Nortel Networks, EADS and now Atlas Elektronik GmbH provides a wealth of experience in managing large, complicated and challenging programmes with an experienced programme management and sub-contract management group well versed in addressing Defence Contracts.