Leading UK Manufacturer of Defence Cables
At Custom Designed Cables, we specialise in the design and manufacture of high-performance defence cables for military, aerospace and industrial applications where reliability and performance are critical. With over 20 years of cable manufacturing expertise, we supply bespoke Defence Standard cables engineered to perform in the most demanding operating environments.
Our defence cables are manufactured to meet the stringent requirements of Defence Standard 61-12 and are trusted across sectors where equipment must continue to operate reliably despite exposure to vibration, mechanical stress, electromagnetic interference, extreme temperatures and challenging environmental conditions.
Whether you are supporting Ministry of Defence programmes, aerospace systems, naval projects or critical industrial infrastructure, we can provide bespoke defence cable solutions designed around your exact requirements.
Defence standard cables for mission-critical applications
Defence cables, often referred to as Def Stan cables or military-grade cables, were originally developed for use within UK defence applications where exceptional durability, flexibility and electrical performance are essential. Today, the same qualities that make these cables suitable for military environments have led to widespread adoption across aerospace, transportation, marine, industrial automation and instrumentation sectors.
Compared to standard commercial cables, defence cables offer enhanced:
- Mechanical durability
- Electrical performance
- Resistance to vibration and shock
- Flexibility in confined installations
- Electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection
- Long-term reliability
- Environmental resistance
- Safety and compliance performance
These characteristics make defence cables particularly suitable for applications where equipment failure is not an option.
Defence standard 61-12 cable manufacturing
As a specialist UK cable manufacturer, we produce a comprehensive range of cables specified under Defence Standard 61-12, supporting both defence and commercial projects requiring high-performance cable solutions.
Our manufacturing capabilities allow us to supply standard constructions or develop fully bespoke cable designs tailored to specific operational requirements.
Equipment wires
Our equipment wires are manufactured in accordance with BS4808 and Defence Standard 61-12 Part 6.
These cables are commonly used for internal wiring within electrical and electronic equipment where flexibility, reliability and compact installation are required.
Applications include:
- Military electronics
- Aerospace equipment
- Control systems
- Instrumentation equipment
- Communications systems
Multicore defence cables
We manufacture multicore defence cables in accordance with Defence Standard 61-12 Parts 4 and 5. These cables are available with a variety of outer jacket materials and screening configurations to suit different operating environments and performance requirements.
Available jacket options include:
- PVC
- Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH)
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polyurethane (PUR)
Available screening configurations include:
Type A – Unscreened
Suitable for applications where electromagnetic interference protection is not required.
Type C – Braid shielded
Provides excellent protection against electrical noise and interference while maintaining flexibility.
Type D – Individually braid shielded
Designed for applications requiring enhanced signal integrity and protection between individual circuits.
Type S – Foil screened
Offers effective screening against electromagnetic interference in sensitive electronic systems.
Our defence cables are available in a wide range of conductor sizes, core counts, insulation materials and colour configurations to meet specific project requirements.
Applications for defence cables
Our defence standard cables are used across a variety of industries where dependable performance and compliance are essential.
Military vehicles and defence systems
Defence cables are widely used within military vehicles, communication systems, surveillance equipment and mission-critical defence infrastructure. Their robust construction allows them to withstand harsh operating environments while maintaining reliable electrical performance.
Aerospace and avionics
Aerospace applications require lightweight, reliable and high-performance cable solutions capable of operating under vibration, temperature fluctuations and electromagnetic interference.
Our aerospace cable solutions support avionics systems, aircraft controls, communications equipment and testing applications.
Naval and marine installations
Marine and naval environments present unique challenges including moisture exposure, vibration and corrosive conditions.Defence cables provide the durability and reliability required for naval vessels, marine control systems and offshore installations.
Instrumentation and control systems
Precision instrumentation and control systems rely on stable signal transmission and protection from interference. Screened defence cables are commonly used within monitoring systems, process control equipment and industrial automation environments.
Industrial manufacturing and testing equipment
Many industrial manufacturers choose defence standard cables because of their proven reliability, flexibility and durability in demanding production environments.
Applications include:
- Automated production systems
- Test and measurement equipment
- Process control systems
- Robotics
- Industrial communications networks
Materials designed for demanding environments
Selecting the correct cable materials is critical for long-term performance.
We offer a wide range of insulation and jacket materials depending on your application’s environmental and mechanical requirements.
Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH)
LSZH materials reduce the emission of toxic and corrosive gases during a fire, making them ideal for enclosed environments where safety is paramount.
Polyurethane (PUR)
PUR offers excellent resistance to abrasion, oils and mechanical wear, making it suitable for demanding industrial and military applications.
Polyethylene (PE)
PE provides excellent electrical properties and environmental resistance for outdoor and specialist applications.
PVC
PVC remains a versatile and cost-effective solution for many defence and industrial cable applications where durability and flexibility are required.
Why choose Custom Designed Cables?
Custom Designed Cables is a trusted supplier of defence cables to defence contractors, aerospace manufacturers, engineering companies and industrial organisations throughout the UK.
Our technical expertise, manufacturing capabilities and commitment to quality allow us to deliver bespoke cable solutions for even the most demanding applications.
When you work with us, you benefit from:
- Over 20 years of cable manufacturing expertise
- UK-based cable design and production
- Bespoke defence cable solutions
- Compliance with Defence Standard and British Standard requirements
- Extensive material and component library
- Fast turnaround times and rapid prototyping
- Technical consultation and engineering support
- Comprehensive quality assurance processes
- Dedicated customer service throughout every project
From initial specification through to final delivery, our team works closely with customers to ensure every cable meets the required electrical, mechanical and environmental performance criteria.
Bespoke defence cable solutions
Many defence and aerospace applications require cable designs that fall outside standard specifications.
Our in-house engineering team can develop custom defence cable solutions featuring:
- Specialised conductor constructions
- Custom screening and shielding
- Enhanced environmental protection
- Hybrid power and signal cable designs
- Lightweight aerospace cable constructions
- Application-specific materials and jackets
Whether you require a prototype assembly, low-volume production run or large-scale manufacturing programme, we can deliver a cable solution designed around your exact requirements.
Contact our defence cable specialists
If you need help selecting the right defence cable, require technical guidance on Defence Standard specifications or are looking for a bespoke military-grade cable solution, our team is here to help.
Contact us today for expert advice, technical consultation or a no-obligation quotation.
Frequently asked questions about defence cables
What are defence cables?
Defence cables are specialist cables designed to meet military and defence industry requirements. They are engineered to provide high levels of durability, flexibility, reliability and resistance to environmental and mechanical stresses.
What is a Defence Standard cable?
A Defence Standard cable, often called a Def Stan cable, is manufactured to specifications established by the UK Ministry of Defence. These standards ensure the cable meets strict performance, safety and reliability requirements.
What is Defence Standard 61-12?
Defence Standard 61-12 is a UK military specification that defines the construction and performance requirements for equipment wires and multicore cables used in defence and aerospace applications.
Where are defence cables used?
Defence cables are used in military vehicles, aerospace systems, naval vessels, communications equipment, instrumentation systems, industrial automation and critical infrastructure projects.
What is the difference between defence cables and standard cables?
Defence cables are designed to withstand harsher environments and stricter operational requirements than standard commercial cables. They typically offer enhanced durability, shielding, flexibility and environmental resistance.
Can defence cables be customised?
Yes. At Custom Designed Cables, we specialise in bespoke defence cable manufacturing and can develop custom cable solutions tailored to specific electrical, environmental and mechanical requirements.
