BAE Systems Secures £270 Million Radar Deal for Royal Navy
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has granted BAE Systems a decade-long contract valued at £270 million to enhance the Royal Navy’s three primary radar systems: Artisan; Sampson; and Long Range Radar (LRR).
Every significant Royal Navy vessel, from the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers to the Type 45 destroyers, incorporates at least one of these radar systems engineered and manufactured by BAE Systems.
The £270 million support agreement supersedes several existing contracts, providing improved value for investment and enabling greater allocation of resources towards future technological advancements. Based on this agreement, BAE Systems engineers will deliver maintenance aid and upgrade current radar units, including the deployment of technological enhancements to systems already operational as well as those being integrated into the Royal Navy’s upcoming Type 26 frigates, which the firm is presently constructing in Glasgow.
The MOD and BAE Systems are collaboratively investing an additional £50 million to innovate the next generation of radar technology that the Royal Navy needs to confront evolving threats, such as ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. The MOD will allocate £37.5 million while BAE Systems will contribute £12.5 million towards research and innovation. This commitment aims to guarantee that British naval radar technology continues to lead in the global market.
Equipping our Armed Forces with the most advanced technology to effectively counter rising threats is paramount for the security and capability of our fleet and personnel. This contract ensures the preservation of hundreds of jobs across the UK, acts as a boon for the UK Supply Chain, and signals to our adversaries that we are equipped, prepared, and ready.
James Cartlidge, Minister for Defence Procurement
This is a critical juncture for the advancement of UK radar technology. This agreement secures a decade of funding into a vital capability for the UK forces. It also allows us to innovate future radar technologies with the MOD to maintain maritime air supremacy and essential radar development expertise in the UK.
Scott Jamieson, Managing Director, BAE Systems Maritime Services.
The support contract and collective investment secure approximately 400 highly-skilled British positions and bolster BAE Systems’ radar operations in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth in Hampshire, Great Baddow in Essex, and Hillend, near Edinburgh. It will also generate new support roles in engineering and project management, alongside additional investments in the UK supply chain comprising SMEs and high-tech suppliers.
