The British Ministry of Defense (MoD) has awarded a contract worth around 2.3 billion euros to Thales. The use of the latest data technology – including AI and virtual reality – is intended to maximize the Royal Navy’s operational capability by supporting sonar masts, periscopes and electronic warfare equipment over the next 15 years.
The basic aim is to increase the service life of sensor and sonar capabilities in order to increase equipment availability. This is important for the Royal Navy’s ability to maintain continuous at-sea deterrence (CASD) and also for the capability maintenance of ships and submarines, as stated in a recent MoD press release.
Vice Admiral Paul Marshall, Director General of Ships at DE&S, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to secure a 15-year contract with Thales UK to provide long-term support for vital sonar, mast, periscope and electronic warfare equipment that is critical to the capabilities of ships and submarines.”
Also the Chairman and CEO of Thales in the UK, Alex Cresswell, also spoke of the importance of the contract: “This contract with Thales will help keep more Royal Navy ships at sea for longer by harnessing the latest developments in artificial intelligence, data analytics and improved port facilities.”
The contract will also improve facilities at HMNB Devonport, Faslane, Portsmouth and Bahrain and provide enhanced testing and repair capabilities. The aim of these investments is to shorten repair times, and in November 2023, funding for the HMNB Devonport naval base was increased by 876 million euros to improve the infrastructure. In addition, around 1,000 construction positions are to be created to enable future work, maintenance and construction of submarines to be carried out more quickly.
