A contract to support and maintain a new combat system across the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet has been awarded to BAE Systems.
The contract will ensure that the system – used to navigate vessels, gather intelligence and defend against attacks – is maintained and developed over the next ten years.
The Royal Navy operates three classes of submarine totalling ten vessels. Currently, different combat systems are used across the fleet. This new contract will help drive the adoption of a Common Combat System across all current and future Royal Navy submarines, with considerable benefits to training, maintenance and updating costs.
30 jobs are now expected to be saved at the company’s sites in Ash Vale, Surrey, and Weymouth in Dorset.
Minister for Defence, Equipment, Support and Technology Philip Dunne 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.”