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
-
Ireland releases maritime strategy as it looks to new naval bases and stronger partnerships
Ireland has a maritime area ten times the size of its land mass but has a limited naval capacity and faces an ongoing threat to critical underwater infrastructure. A new strategy is looking to address the challenge.
-
What capabilities are being tested under AUKUS Pillar II?
Collaboration on AUKUS Pillar II extends beyond the core trilateral agreement, presenting global opportunities for companies with advanced technologies.
-
Australia signs US$2.8 billion ship deal with Austal but puts pressure on company to deliver
The A$4 billion Landing Craft Heavy contract for Austal follows on from a A$1 billion deal in December for Landing Craft Medium ships, but the Australian government has made it clear that a contract for Mogami frigates is reliant on the success of these two contracts.
-
US Navy to deploy UAVs with standard munitions in long-range strikes
As part of the Runway Independent Maritime & Expeditionary Strike programme, the US Navy is pursuing drones capable of delivering palletised rounds or 1,000lb-class munitions.
-
Turkey targets Italian market with strategic partnership on USVs and hybrid platforms
Havelsan, VN Maritime and Piloda Defence will collaborate to develop and integrate a range of maritime solutions with a view to secure a first procurement contract in Italy in the first half of this year.