UK MoD contracts Babcock for Phalanx work
Babcock has been awarded a contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to deliver four Phalanx 1B kits and convert four land Phalanx Weapons Systems to their original maritime configuration under a contract announced on 16 December.
The Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) is the primary defence system for UK vessels against anti-ship missiles. Three of the four new systems will add to the defensive capability of the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier.
Babcock will procure the Phalanx 1B systems in partnership with the original equipment manufacturer Raytheon, and will undertake the land-based Phalanx weapon system conversions using Babcock weapons support engineers. The systems are to be delivered by March 2015.
Babcock has provided in-service support to the MoD for Phalanx systems since 2006. The company is also under contract to upgrade 16 Phalanx systems to the 1B configuration in an on-going programme. The four Phalanx 1B kits and four conversions will be delivered under an amendment to the existing support and upgrade contract.
Martin Laity, weapons business manager, Babcock, said: ‘Following the successful on-schedule delivery of a similar contract last year, we are delighted to have this further opportunity to apply our expertise and work with Raytheon to help the MoD and Royal Navy build the Phalanx CIWS capability it needs.
'Babcock is already known for our weapon support work for the UK MoD and our expertise in the assembly, test and setting to work of naval weapon systems, with upgrade and long term support contracts for the 4.5 inch Mk8 Mod1 Gun as well as the Phalanx CIWS. We are well placed to support the MoD and Royal Navy in meeting this further Phalanx capability upgrade.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s SEA Torpedo Launcher Systems to enter production in Ottawa in November]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s SEA Torpedo Launcher Systems to enter production in Ottawa in November
The article acceptance testing for the TLS is scheduled for the end of 2026.
-
![Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme]()
Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
-
![Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order]()
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
![Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice]()
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
![Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation]()
Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation
Satellite navigation is increasingly critical for global maritime defence, and Low Earth Orbit satellites are rapidly overtaking the traditional and more widely used Medium Earth Orbit option as they are less susceptible to jamming or spoofing.
