BAE Systems Clinches $356 Million Contract in the United Kingdom
BAE Systems has obtained a £285 million contract from the UK Ministry of Defence to enhance the Royal Navy’s Shared Infrastructure, Combat Management Systems (CMS), and warship networks as part of the RECODE program. This eight-year contract will ensure that the Navy’s fleet remains outfitted to confront evolving military threats and satisfy its future operational needs.
The RECODE program intends to modernize and upgrade the Navy’s combat systems, concentrating on improving the capabilities and flexibility of warships. This agreement will maintain CMS across 20 Royal Navy vessels, including the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, Type 45 destroyers, and Type 26 frigates, while integrating security measures throughout the software development lifecycle via DevSecOps strategies.
As part of this initiative, BAE Systems will work in close partnership with DE&S Maritime Combat Systems and Navy Command to guarantee continual collaboration and swift decision-making, enabling quicker adaptations to operational mandates.
This contract marks the prolonged collaboration of over 13 years between BAE Systems and the Royal Navy, with BAE’s CMS having already been deployed across a wide variety of naval assets. The firm will provide crucial enhancements and functionalities to meet the fleet’s demands and ensure the Navy’s combat systems remain active and secure.
The RECODE program is expected to generate support for over 200 roles within BAE Systems’ Naval Ships division, alongside additional investments in UK SMEs and advanced technology suppliers. It also aims to elevate the skill set of the workforce and contribute to job sustainability within the UK.
Steve Carter, Director of Naval Ships Combat Systems at the firm, emphasized the importance of the program in strengthening the Royal Navy’s capabilities in response to modern global threats. The agreement will ensure the Navy remains agile and prepared for impending challenges.
Commodore Phil Game from DE&S underscored the proactive management of obsolescence and the flexibility of the initiative, which will assure the Royal Navy’s fleet remains competent and ready for future needs.
Captain Kevin Miller from the Royal Navy remarked that agility is a core aspect of the RECODE program, allowing the Navy to promptly adjust to the evolving global defense landscape.
