£120m contracts signed for new submarines

Babcock has been awarded two new contracts worth a total of £120m for work on the UK’s new Dreadnought-class submarine (above).

The new Royal Navy submarines will be based at Faslane, carry Trident nuclear missiles and replace the Vanguard-class in the early 2030s.

A four-year contract worth £66m  with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is to provide input into the development of the support solution for the new vessels.

And a £55m contract has been signed with BAE Systems for weapon handling and launch system and submerged signal ejector equipment for boats two to four of the Dreadnought class.

Minister for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge 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 says it will also provide the MOD with technical and management support, engineering best practice and submarine maintenance achievability.

The agreements follow the recent signing of a five-year contract with the MoD to support the detailed design for the new SSN AUKUS submarines, which will replace the Astute-class hunter-killer fleet from the late 2030s.

Babcock chief executive 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.”