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.’