BAE Systems awarded UK MoD submarine contract
BAE Systems will support and maintain a new sophisticated combat system across the Royal Navy’s (RN’s) submarine fleet under a new contract awarded by the UK Ministry of Defence. The £46 million contract was announced on 6 December.
The Design Services Arrangement (DSA) contract will see BAE Systems ensure that the system, which is used to navigate vessels as well as gather intelligence and defend against attacks, is maintained and developed over the next decade.
The RN operates three classes of submarine totalling 10 vessels, which are used to safeguard the UK’s interests around the world. Currently different combat systems are used across the fleet. According to the company, this new contract will help drive adoption of a Common Combat System across all current and future RN submarines, with considerable benefits to training, maintenance and updating costs.
Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence, Equipment, Support and Technology, said: ‘The UK’s submarine fleet is second to none and plays a key role in protecting our waters and interests both at home and abroad. This latest commitment to maintain and develop this vital technology throughout the fleet will ensure that we can continue delivering first class capability for many years to come.’
Rear Admiral Simon Lister, MoD Director of Submarines, added: ‘Command Systems on board our submarines contain many vital technologies and it is very important that our submarines retain their technological edge, both now and in the future. This contract will help secure that position for the MOD and UK industry.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy takes delivery of New Jersey SSN
The USN’s Virginia-class SSNs are replacing the old Los Angeles-class SSNs. The Virginia-class SSNs are fitted with the latest sensors and weapons and around 48 submarines are planned, with a total of 38 currently ordered.
-
BMT and DNV partner to meet Australia’s heavy landing craft requirement
Under Project Land 8710 Phase 2, Australia has been seeking to acquire an undisclosed number of Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels to replace the Balikpapan-class. The programme has an estimated value of AU$1.4 billion (US$910 million), with IOC slated for 2032.
-
Austal completes autonomy trials with former Royal Australian Navy patrol boat
The work took place under the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT), which has been a collaboration between Austal, Greenroom Robotics, the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre and the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Warfare Innovation Navy Branch.
-
Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine
The era of southeast Asian submarine modernisation has been in full swing fuelled by growing tensions in the South China Sea.