BAE nets ‘Google for warships’ data management contract
The Support Information Knowledge Management tool is designed to help improve ship availability. (Photo: BAE Systems)
A new approach by the RN to data storage and management seeks easier access to vital vessel maintenance and support information.
The UK MoD has awarded BAE Systems a five-year contract to provide a data management system for Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, Daring-class Type 45 destroyers and future City-class Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigates.
The Support Information Knowledge Management (S-IKM) can store and manage data for maintenance and on-shore support, including technical manuals, schematics and individual part numbers, allowing instant access to information.
The S-IKM tool is designed to help improve ship availability, which has been a goal of UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace since he took office.
BAE Systems is delivering the system to the RN under an
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![SOF Week 2026: US Navy USV completes record eight-day autonomous mission]()
SOF Week 2026: US Navy USV completes record eight-day autonomous mission
The MARTAC T38 Devil Ray USV has set a new endurance benchmark as the US Navy pushes deeper into autonomous maritime warfare.
-
![A closer look at the US Navy’s $268 billion investment in shipbuilding by 2031]()
A closer look at the US Navy’s $268 billion investment in shipbuilding by 2031
The recently released USN 2026 Shipbuilding Plan anticipates the procurement of 185 crewed and uncrewed platforms in the next five years.
-
![STM’s European wins strengthen Turkey’s naval credibility on the continent]()
STM’s European wins strengthen Turkey’s naval credibility on the continent
Turkish defence and engineering company STM is attempting to challenge Europe’s established naval primes by winning contracts from Portugal to Pakistan – with a business model built on working in any shipyard in the world.
