- Contracts awarded to Babcock for in-service support expertise
and weapon handling.
- Supporting 250 jobs across the UK
- Will support development of the new Dreadnought Class
submarines.
Two contracts, worth collectively over £100 million, have been
awarded to Babcock to support the development of the UK’s future
nuclear deterrent.
The first, worth £66 million, has been awarded to Babcock to
provide in-service submarine support expertise into the
development of the UK’s Dreadnought Class submarines – the future
of the UK’s nuclear deterrent. Covering the next 4.5 years,
the contract will see Babcock provide the Ministry of
Defence with technical and management support, engineering best
practice and submarine maintenance
achievability.
Supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, the
contract will sustain a total of 150 jobs, primarily in Bristol,
but also include specialised roles across other key sites,
including Devonport, Clyde, Barrow in Furness, Leicester and
Warrington.
In addition, Babcock has also been awarded a £55 million contract
by BAE Systems for Weapon Handling and Launch System (WHLS) and
Submerged Signal Ejector equipment for boats 2-4 of the
Dreadnought Class. The contract will support a further 100 jobs
across the UK and will see Babcock work with BAE Systems and the
MOD together to ensure the Dreadnought Class is delivered on
time.
This programme will support the design, development, and
manufacture of the four new Dreadnought Class ballistic missile
submarines - the largest submarines ever to be operated by the
Royal Navy.
Ensuring the future security of the UK and its NATO Allies, the
Dreadnought Class will replace the current Vanguard Class
submarines in the early 2030s, maintaining the UK’s Continuous At
Sea Deterrent.
Minister for Defence Procurement, said:
It is undeniable the pivotal role that British industry plays in
the defence of our nation and our Allies, and I’m committed to
supporting UK companies who are continuing to bolster our
security whilst driving prosperity across our economy.
The Dreadnought Class will be central to keeping our country safe
and will further enhance our world-renowned submarine
fleet.
Babcock CEO David Lockwood said:
Contributing our extensive expertise on the complex support
submarines require is a hugely important aspect to the design of
this new platform. By participating early in the programme,
we will help to maximise the UK’s future defence
capabilities.
The new Dreadnought Class submarines will be over 150 metres long
and will have a crew of 130 personnel. In a first for a Royal
Navy submarine, innovative new lighting will allow the crew to
simulate night and day and it will be the first Royal Navy
submarine to be built with separate female crew quarters. It will
also have modern gym facilities for the crew, including exercise
bikes, rowers, weights, benches, a running machine and cross
trainer.
