Electronics deployed in maritime defence environments face a uniquely demanding combination of stressors. Salt-laden atmospheres, continuous mechanical vibration, wide thermal variation, and the constant risk of moisture ingress all combine to challenge any assembly that has not been built specifically for the conditions it will face.
At Arkle Electronic Systems, we manufacture precision electronics for organisations operating across the full breadth of maritime defence. From systems integrators building sensors for unmanned surface vessels to contractors supplying electronics for offshore security and coastal monitoring programmes, we understand what it takes to build assemblies that perform reliably in harsh maritime environments. With over 50 years of electronics manufacturing experience and active defence sector programmes, that understanding is backed by genuine capability.
The Challenge of
Maritime Defence Electronics
Electronics destined for maritime defence applications carry a different set of requirements from both commercial marine and standard defence builds. The combination of environmental, mechanical, and compliance demands means procurement engineers and programme managers in this space need a manufacturing partner with genuine capability, not simply a general defence listing.
Salt Spray and Corrosion Resistance
Prolonged exposure to salt-laden air is one of the most damaging threats to electronic assemblies in maritime environments. Without proper protection, PCBs degrade rapidly: solder joints corrode, trace resistance increases, and assemblies fail well short of their intended service life.
Conformal coating material selection is critical and must be matched to the specific application. Acrylic coatings offer good moisture resistance with strong repairability, making them a practical choice where field servicing is expected. Polyurethane provides enhanced chemical and abrasion resistance. Silicone performs well across wide temperature ranges and through high-humidity cycling. Parylene, applied via vapour deposition, delivers the thinnest and most uniform coating available and is specified where space constraints and coverage uniformity are paramount. Coating processes are qualified against IPC-CC-830C (the successor to MIL-I-46058C) and, where specified by programme requirements, tested to IEC 60068-2-11 salt mist or ASTM B117 salt fog standards.
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Vibration and Mechanical Shock
Maritime defence platforms generate significant mechanical loading. Wave-induced structural motion, onboard machinery vibration from propulsion systems, generators, and hydraulics all place sustained stress on electronic assemblies. Builds must be designed and manufactured to handle this loading without joint fatigue or component movement across extended service lives.
For UK MoD programmes, DEF STAN 00-35 Part 3 defines the mechanical test requirements covering vibration, shock, and acoustic loading. Where US Navy-compatible programmes specify it, MIL-STD-167-1A for shipboard vibration is also supported. Arkle's manufacturing and documentation processes are structured to meet both.
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Thermal Performance
Platforms operating across global deployments experience wide ambient temperature ranges. From Arctic patrol operations to tropical coastal deployments, assemblies must tolerate thermal cycling without joint fatigue, delamination, or component drift across their full operating range.
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EMC and Signal Integrity
Dense electronic environments, where navigation, communications, surveillance, and power systems operate in close proximity, place high demands on electromagnetic compatibility. Building to tight tolerances and controlled assembly processes is essential for assemblies destined for these environments.
Our Maritime Defence Manufacturing Capabilities
Agricultural electronics face environmental stresses that most consumer or industrial electronics never encounter. Assemblies may be exposed to moisture, mud, agrochemical spray, UV radiation, wide temperature cycling and mechanical vibration from machinery — sometimes continuously, across a working season. Electronics that fail in the field are not just an inconvenience; they can directly affect crop yield, animal welfare or machinery operation at critical points in the farming calendar.
Arkle's manufacturing capabilities are well suited to producing electronics designed for these conditions:
Applications Across Maritime Defence
Arkle manufactures for systems integrators, prime contractors, and specialist suppliers working across a wide range of maritime defence applications. The environments and platforms we support include the following.
Autonomous and Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs)
The growth of autonomous surface vessels in defence, border monitoring, and maritime surveillance programmes has created significant demand for compact, high-reliability electronics built to withstand sustained maritime exposure. We manufacture for the onboard electronics that make these platforms work: navigation, sensor fusion, communications, and power management assemblies.
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Subsea and Underwater Systems Electronics
Subsea applications represent some of the most technically demanding work in maritime defence electronics. Assemblies destined for underwater environments, whether for sensor arrays, acoustic monitoring, remotely operated vehicles, or hull-mounted systems, require full encapsulation via potting rather than standard conformal coating. Polyurethane, epoxy, and silicone potting compounds are selected based on the required flexibility, chemical resistance, and depth rating of the application.
Pressure tolerance, connector sealing integrity, and long-term resistance to seawater ingress are all critical considerations at the assembly stage. Traceability and documentation are equally important: subsea systems are typically inaccessible once deployed, making build quality and process control at the point of manufacture the last line of assurance.
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Maritime Surveillance and Detection Systems
Radar, acoustic, and electro-optical surveillance systems for maritime security rely on high-reliability PCB assemblies that maintain performance across wide temperature and humidity ranges. We support systems integrators building these platforms with PCB assembly, harness, and box build services.
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Vessel Navigation and Control Systems
Navigation, bridge, and control electronics for defence and security vessels, where reliability is mission-critical and serviceability in remote locations is a key design consideration.
Standards and Accreditations
Arkle holds ISO 9001:2015 quality management and ISO 14001:2015 environmental certification, with Cyber Essentials Plus achieved in 2026. Defence Cyber Certification (DCC) and ISO 27001 are in progress.
Our assembly and process standards include:
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IPC-A-610 Class 3 (assembly acceptability for defence and safety-critical applications)
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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-CC-830C (conformal coating qualification and performance)
IPC-7711/7721 (rework and repair)
UK-based manufacturing means shorter, more resilient supply chains, faster response to programme changes, and direct access to our engineering team throughout your project. Our 50-plus years of experience spans complex, high-reliability assemblies across defence, aerospace, and medical: sectors where quality, traceability, and on-time delivery are not optional.
We work with OEMs and systems integrators from prototype through to production, scaling with your programme as requirements develop. Whether you need a fast-turn prototype to support a bid or a long-term production partner, Arkle has the capability, certifications, and experience to support you.
Why Maritime Defence Programmes Choose Arkle
Get in Touch
If you have a maritime defence electronics programme you would like to discuss, whether at prototype stage or moving into production, we would welcome the conversation. Get in touch for a no-obligation discussion about your requirements.
Speak to our team about your martime defence electronics manufacturing requirements.
Contact us | +44 (0)1438 721710 | info@arkle-electronics.co.uk
