When a product has to work — every time, in any environment, with zero tolerance for failure — the choice of manufacturing partner matters enormously. Arkle Electronic Systems has been supplying precision electronics to the UK defence supply chain for over 50 years, and holds Strategic Supplier status with BAE Systems — a recognition of the quality, reliability and programme discipline that the UK's largest defence contractor demands of its manufacturing partners. We understand the demands of this sector: uncompromising quality standards, complete traceability, robust documentation, and the kind of long-term reliability that defence programmes depend on.
Based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, we are an ISO 9001:2015 certified contract electronics manufacturer (CEM) delivering PCB assembly, cable and harness assembly, and full electronics box build for defence OEMs, system integrators and Tier 1 contractors across the UK.
What We Manufacture for the Defence Sector
Arkle produces complex, high-reliability electronic assemblies for a range of defence applications, including:
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Command and control systems — complex PCB assemblies built to IPC-A-610 Class 2 as standard, with Class 3 capability available where programme specifications demand the highest workmanship standard
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Communications and data link equipment — mixed-technology assemblies handling RF, digital and analogue signals, built for field-deployable reliability
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Surveillance and sensing electronics — precision assemblies for sensor platforms, detection systems and environmental monitoring equipment
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Power conversion and distribution — robust power electronics for vehicle, platform and base station applications
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Vehicle and platform electronics — ruggedised assemblies for ground vehicles, naval platforms and support equipment
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Cable and wiring harnesses — custom looms and electro-mechanical harnesses built and tested to IPC/WHMA-A-620, replacing or supplementing OEM assembly operations
Our high-mix, low-to-medium volume capability makes us an ideal partner for defence programmes that require flexibility, fast response to engineering changes, and consistent quality across varied build quantities — from pre-production prototypes through to sustained supply runs.
Defence electronics manufacturing demands more than good workmanship. It requires documented processes, auditable supply chains and a manufacturing partner you can trust with sensitive programmes.
Our quality credentials include:
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ISO 9001:2015 — Quality Management System
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ISO 14001:2015 — Environmental Management
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Cyber Essentials Plus — Certified 2026
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Defence Cyber Certification (DCC) — currently under evaluation for deployment
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IPC-A-610 — Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies
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IPC/WHMA-A-620 — Cable and Harness Assembly
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IPC-J-STD-001 — Soldering Requirements
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IPC-7711/7721 — Rework and Repair
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RoHS and WEEE compliant
Every build at Arkle is supported by full traceability documentation, including component serialisation, lot traceability, inspection records and test data. Our Quality Management System provides complete visibility from goods-in through to final despatch, giving customers the audit trail their programmes require.
We operate under strict confidentiality agreements as standard and understand the sensitivity that surrounds many defence programmes. As Cyber Essentials Plus certified and with DCC currently under evaluation for deployment, Arkle is actively investing in the cybersecurity posture that modern defence customers and primes increasingly require of their supply chain.
Quality, Traceability and Security
Manufacturing Capabilities for Defence
Our Stevenage facility is equipped to handle the full complexity of modern defence electronics:
Why Defence Customers Choose Arkle
Recognised by BAE Systems as a Strategic Supplier
Arkle holds Strategic Supplier status with BAE Systems — one of the world's largest defence contractors and the UK's largest defence company. This recognition reflects the trust, quality standards and programme reliability
50+ Years of relevant experience
Arkle has been manufacturing for demanding, safety-critical applications since 1974. That depth of experience means our engineering and production teams understand what defence-grade manufacturing actually requires — not just in terms of the standards, but in practice, on the floor, build after build.
UK-based
and responsive
Manufactured in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. Short lead times, direct communication and the flexibility to accommodate design changes and urgent requirements without the risk and delay of offshore production. Being UK-based also supports supply chain security objectives that are increasingly important for defence procurement.
A long-term partner, not just a supplier
Many of our defence customer relationships have lasted decades. We invest in understanding your programme, your components and your quality requirements — and we apply that knowledge consistently across every build.
Scalable capacity for programme growth
Whether you need prototype builds during development, low-volume production during initial programme phases or reliable sustained supply, Arkle can scale with you. Our high-mix capability means we can run multiple defence programmes simultaneously without compromising quality or lead times on any of them.
Working with Arkle on Your Defence Programme
We welcome enquiries from prime contractors, Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs and system integrators across the UK defence sector. Whether you are looking to qualify a new CEM, transfer production from an existing supplier or find a reliable partner for a new programme, we are happy to discuss your requirements in detail.
We offer a no-obligation review of your documentation, BOM and design files, and can provide a full costing and programme proposal. NDA execution is available at the outset for sensitive programmes.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your defence electronics requirements.
Contact us | +44 (0)1438 721710 | info@arkle-electronics.co.uk
Arkle Electronic Systems Limited | Unit 15, Wedgwood Gate, Wedgwood Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 4SU
ISO 9001:2015 | ISO 14001:2015 | Cyber Essentials Plus | IPC-A-610 | IPC/WHMA-A-620
