Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) has awarded a £100-million contract to a Babcock-led partnership with Elbit Systems UK and QinetiQ to deliver cutting-edge electronic warfare (EW) systems to the Royal Navy.
It’s said the EW technology will allow more simultaneous detection and identification of radio signals over a greater frequency range than current capabilities, which will aid faster operational decision making, enhanced situational awareness and anti-ship missile defence capability.
Around 170 jobs are expected to be created and sustained across the UK by the 13-year contract, mainly in the southwest of England, ranging from manufacturing to software development roles.
“In a world of rapidly evolving threats, these enhancements will upgrade the Royal Navy with pioneering radar detection capabilities maintaining the UK’s operational advantage at sea,” says defence secretary of state, Ben Wallace. “The £100-million investment with key industry partners will underpin vital defence outputs whilst supporting jobs and investment in the southwest of England.”
This investment is just the first phase of a £500-million Maritime Electronics Warfare Programme (MEWP) to deliver battle-winning operational advantage on Type 45, 26 and 31 frigates, as well as the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers.
Senior responsible owner for the programme, Royal Navy Commodore Steve Prest, comments: “The ability to understand and exploit the increasingly complex electro-magnetic environment is critical for the operational success of the Royal Navy. This technology will deliver a generational leap in our electronic warfare capabilities to ensure we maintain the operational advantage we need well into the 21st century.”
Babcock, Elbit and QinetiQ will work as one team with DE&S, the Navy and Dstl (Defence Science and Technology Laboratories) to design, manufacture, deliver and integrate the capability before providing in-service support for the duration of the contract.
“I am delighted to have achieved contract award and look forward to working with Babcock, Elbit and QinetiQ,” says Rear Admiral Jim Higham, DE&S director ship support. “Now the real work begins – delivering this crucial capability to the frontline to time and cost and supporting the men and women of the Royal Navy in what they deliver for our nation.”