Babcock wins UK Royal Navy’s Dreadnought support contracts
Four Dreadnought-class submarines are being built for the UK Royal Navy (Image: Crown Copyright)
Babcock has won contracts worth more than £120 million to support the development and delivery of the Dreadnought-class submarines for the UK’s Royal Navy.
Babcock will provide input into the development of the support solution for the UK’s future Dreadnought-class submarines and Weapon Handling and Launch System (WHLS) and Submerged Signal Ejector equipment for the class's second, third and fourth boats.
Dreadnoughts will replace the Vanguard-class submarines in the early 2030s and fulfil the role of the UK’s ‘continuous at sea deterrent’.
One half of the deal, a four-and-a-half-year support contract worth £66 million (US$83.7 million) for the UK MoD, will see the company provide the ministry with technical and management support, engineering best practice and submarine maintenance achievability. The WHLS contract, worth £55 million, was awarded by prime contractor BAE Systems.
Related Articles
BAE Systems to support weapons on UK and US SSBNs
SSN-AUKUS contract sets foundation for future UK-Australian capability
The contracts wins have followed on from the recent signing of a five-year deal between Babcock and the MoD to support the detailed design for the new SSN-AUKUS submarines, which will replace the Astute-class hunter-killer fleet from the late 2030s.
Shephard Defence Insight noted that the UK was building four new Dreadnought-class SSBNs for the Royal Navy that will take over the nuclear deterrent role from the existing four Vanguard-class submarines.
Previously known as the Successor programme, the Dreadnought boats are being built by BAE Systems Submarine Solutions yard in Barrow.
The whole life cost of the four new submarines has been slated at £31 billion across the vessels' 35-year service life.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK Royal Navy orders more Remus UUVs]()
UK Royal Navy orders more Remus UUVs
HII’s Remus UUVs can be used for mine-countermeasure, harbour security and reconnaissance operations, as well as hydrographic surveys, environmental monitoring and debris field mapping.
-
![How AI tools can reduce fuel usage for maritime platforms]()
How AI tools can reduce fuel usage for maritime platforms
The broader use of algorithms to collect and analyse vessel data can better support navy chiefs and staff.
-
![South Korea approves more frigates plus SM-3 missiles]()
South Korea approves more frigates plus SM-3 missiles
South Korea’s six FFX Batch IV frigates are expected to be delivered by 2032 and will full retirement of remaining Pohang-class corvettes and Ulsan-class frigates, and possibly Gwanggaeto-class destroyers.
-
![China’s third aircraft carrier commences sea trials]()
China’s third aircraft carrier commences sea trials
Fujian, China’s latest aircraft carrier, has embarked on its inaugural sea trials following delays to its construction but featuring technological advancements that have marked a leap in the maritime capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army Navy.
-
![BAE Systems to restore USS Carter vessel]()
BAE Systems to restore USS Carter vessel
The Harpers Ferry class ship’s hull, internal fuel and ballast tanks, and engineering plant will receive preservation or restoration work over the next year.
