BAE Systems Secures $356 Million Deal in the U.K.
BAE Systems has secured a £285 million agreement 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 initiative. This eight-year agreement will ensure that the Navy’s fleet stays equipped to tackle evolving military challenges and fulfill its future operational requirements.
The RECODE initiative aims to modernize and upgrade the Navy’s combat systems, focusing on enhancing the capabilities and adaptability of warships. This agreement will sustain CMS across 20 Royal Navy vessels, including the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, Type 45 destroyers, and Type 26 frigates, while embedding security protocols throughout the software development lifecycle through DevSecOps methodologies.
Within this initiative, BAE Systems will collaborate closely with DE&S Maritime Combat Systems and Navy Command to ensure constant cooperation and expedited decision-making, facilitating quicker adjustments to operational necessities.
This contract signifies the ongoing partnership of over 13 years between BAE Systems and the Royal Navy, with BAE’s CMS already implemented across a diverse array of naval assets. The company will deliver vital enhancements and functionalities to address the fleet’s requirements and guarantee the Navy’s combat systems remain active and secure.
The RECODE initiative is anticipated to provide support for over 200 jobs within BAE Systems’ Naval Ships division, alongside further investments in UK SMEs and high-tech suppliers. It also aims to enhance the skill set of the workforce and contribute to job sustainability in the UK.
Steve Carter, Director of Naval Ships Combat Systems at the organization, underscored the significance of the initiative in bolstering the Royal Navy’s capabilities in response to contemporary global threats. The agreement will ensure the Navy continues to be nimble and ready for future challenges.
Commodore Phil Game of DE&S highlighted the proactive oversight of obsolescence and the adaptability of the initiative, which will guarantee the Royal Navy’s fleet stays capable and fit for impending requirements.
Captain Kevin Miller of the Royal Navy pointed out that agility serves as a fundamental aspect of the RECODE initiative, empowering the Navy to swiftly adjust to the shifting global defense landscape.
