9 Nov 2021

Babcock, Elbit Systems UK and QinetiQ awarded contract for the UK Royal Navy’s maritime electronic warfare systems integrated capability

Babcock International Group (Babcock), the defence, security and aerospace company has been awarded a c.£100m, 13-year contract by the UK’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S)  for the design, manufacture, delivery/commisioning and in-service support to the Maritime Electronic Warfare Systems Integrated Capability (MEWSIC) Increment 1. Babcock will deliver the programme together with its collaboration partners, Elbit Systems UK (ESUK) and QinetiQ.

Part of the Maritime Electronic Warfare Programme, MEWSIC Increment 1 covers the acquisition, integration and through-life support of a sensor suite and a command & control system and its associated systems for in-scope Royal Navy platforms. The solution includes provision of training solutions, technical test and integration facilities alongside the support services.

Babcock is the prime contractor within the BEQ collaboration of Babcock, ESUK and QinetiQ, who will all work together on the programme. The collaboration will operate as a single team to deliver an innovative world leading solution, based upon proven operational technology providing in-depth knowledge of the platforms and experience in delivering digital Electronic Support Measures on a global basis.

The programme will see upgrades to the Radar Electronic Support Measure and Electronic Warfare Command and Control capabilities for maritime platforms. This capability will support the execution of all military tasks that exploit electromagnetic energy to enable enhanced shared situational awareness, informed command support, effective decision support and force protection.  

David Lockwood, Babcock CEO said:

“Babcock is delighted to be supporting the Royal Navy on this programme. As technology advances, operational advantage through electronic warfare capabilities is more important than ever to our armed forces, and this programme will play a key part in its delivery at sea. We will work closely with our collaboration partners and DE&S customer to enhance information dominance for the Royal Navy and its wider allies.”

Ben Wallace, Defence Secretary said:

“In a world of rapidly evolving threats, these enhancements will upgrade the Royal Navy with pioneering radar detection capabilities maintaining the UK’s operational advantage at sea.

“The £100-million investment with key industry partners will underpin vital defence outputs whilst supporting jobs and investment in the South-West of England.”

Sovereignty and Freedom of Action will be assured by the BEQ collaboration through their ongoing significant investment in technology and infrastructure in the UK, and throughout the life of the contract, creating new skilled jobs in manufacturing and software development. Furthermore all ship fits will be undertaken in the UK as will all new development activity.