BAE Systems Secures 10-Year Contract to Maintain and Upgrade Royal Navy’s Radar Systems

BAE Systems Secures 10-Year Contract to Maintain and Upgrade Royal Navy’s Radar Systems

(IN BRIEF) BAE Systems has been awarded a 10-year, £270 million contract by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to support the Royal Navy’s radar systems. The contract covers maintenance and upgrades for the Artisan, Sampson, and Long Range Radar (LRR) systems. The agreement replaces existing contracts, delivering increased value for money and allowing for investment in future technology development. BAE Systems will also collaborate with the MOD on a £50 million joint investment for the development of next-generation radar technology to address emerging threats. The contract secures around 400 jobs and supports BAE Systems’ radar business across various locations in the UK.

(PRESS RELEASE) FARNBOROUGH, 9-Jun-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — BAE Systems (LON: BA), a British multinational defence, security, and aerospace company, announces that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded BAE Systems a significant 10-year contract worth £270 million to provide support for the Royal Navy’s key radar systems. BAE Systems-designed and built radars, namely Artisan, Sampson, and Long Range Radar (LRR), are integral to major Royal Navy vessels, including the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers and Type 45 destroyers.

Replacing several existing contracts, the £270 million support agreement offers enhanced value for money and enables increased investment in future technology development. BAE Systems engineers will be responsible for maintenance support and the upgrading of existing radars, implementing technological advancements for systems already in use, as well as those being installed on the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 frigates currently under construction in Glasgow.

To address emerging threats such as ballistic missiles and drones, the MOD and BAE Systems will jointly invest an additional £50 million in the development of next-generation radar technology. The Royal Navy requires advanced capabilities in this domain, and the investment will ensure that British naval radar technology remains a global leader. The MOD will contribute £37.5 million, while BAE Systems will invest £12.5 million into research and development efforts.

The support contract and joint investment secure approximately 400 highly-skilled British jobs and provide a solid foundation for BAE Systems’ radar business located in Cowes (Isle of Wight), Portsmouth (Hampshire), Great Baddow (Essex), and Hillend (near Edinburgh). This commitment will also create new engineering and project management roles and drive additional investment in the UK supply chain, benefitting SMEs and high-tech suppliers.

“Equipping our Armed Forces with the latest technology to counter emerging threats is critical to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of our fleet and personnel. Securing hundreds of jobs across the UK, this contract is a boost for the UK Supply Chain and lets our adversaries know we are equipped, prepared and ready.” – James Cartlidge , Minister for Defence Procurement

“This is a pivotal moment for UK radar technology development. This contract secures a decade of investment into a critical capability for the UK armed forces. It also allows us to evolve future radar technology with the MOD to sustain maritime air dominance and vital radar development skills and experience in the UK.” – Scott Jamieson, Managing Director, BAE Systems Maritime Services

The collaboration between the MOD and BAE Systems strengthens the nation’s defence capabilities, ensures the operational readiness of Royal Navy vessels, and supports the growth and sustainability of the UK’s radar industry.

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SOURCE: BAE Systems