Kelvin Hughes awarded RFA tanker contract
Kelvin Hughes Surveillance has announced that it will supply integrated bridge systems (IBS) and helicopter control radars for four fleet tankers being built for the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) under an agreement announced on 13 September.
The ships are the first phase of the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) programme, commissioned to maintain the Royal Navy’s ability to refuel at sea and provide fuel to warships and task groups. The MoD awarded a contract worth £452m for the four new RFA tankers, which are being built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) in South Korea.
The Kelvin Hughes IBS is based on its state of the art solid state SharpEye radar sensor and Naval MantaDigital (NMD) display. It is designed to bring significant operational benefits such as a low integration risk, enhanced operational capability and reduced whole-life cost.
Kelvin Hughes’ scope of supply for the four RFA tankers will provide three distinct sub systems integrated within an IBS architecture, namely the navigation system, the command and control system and the helicopter control radar system. Each shipset will consist of three SharpEye radars, accessed and controlled via multiple console mounted NMD tactical displays. The system will also include a suite of navigation sensors and other third party equipment.
The four tankers will support deployed amphibious, land and air forces close to the shore, will be able to operate helicopters and are planned to enter service from 2016, replacing existing RFA single hulled tankers. The ships will carry fuel, stores and provide logistic support for maritime and expeditionary forces including Carrier Strike. The versatility of the tanker platform means that simultaneously it can refuel an aircraft carrier and destroyer whilst undertaking helicopter resupply of other vessels.
Kelvin Hughes is contracted to supply the sub systems and supporting services at key milestones, with detailed engineering commencing immediately and equipment deliveries starting in 2014.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters]()
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028]()
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
![US Navy prepares next step of the F-35 Block 4 upgrade while GAO predicts acquisition delays]()
US Navy prepares next step of the F-35 Block 4 upgrade while GAO predicts acquisition delays
The US Navy published a pre-solicitation notice of intent for the third phase of the F-35 Reprogramming Verification & Validation System. Meanwhile, with a five-year delay in its schedule, GAO foresees more postponements in the completion of the Block 4 effort.
