New investment in Royal Navy fleet communications to boost jobs
Michael Brash
Russian corvette Soobrazitelny manoeuvres in the Channel - as seen from HMS Somerset's Merlin Mk2 helicopter???The Royal Navy has kept a constant watch on a Russian naval group throughout the Christmas holidays as it sailed past the British Isles. ?Nearly 200 crew of frigate HMS Somerset were recalled to their ship in Devonport Naval Base on Boxing Day and sailed the next morning, making best speed to meet up with the corvette RFS Soobrazitelny and her two support vessels, MV Sparta II and MV General Skobelev.?The Russian force was encountered in the North Sea from where it has been constantly monitored as it passed through the Dover Strait and into the English Channel. ?With conditions in the Channel and North Sea foggy, aside from visually monitoring the Russian ships??? progress, HMS Somerset has used her extensive suite of hi-tech sensors to follow the trio.?When the weather has cleared, the ship???s Merlin helicopter ??? provided by 814 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall ??? has been airborne to support the monitoring mission and also capture imagery of both the Russian vessels and HMS Somerset???s shadowing operation.?HMS Somerset???s Commanding Officer Commander Joel Roberts said that ??? as it always has been ??? the Royal Navy remained prepared and committed to safeguarding the UK, holiday season or not.????As the UK is an island nation, at all times of the year the Royal Navy maintains units at very high readiness to conduct operations in support of the UK???s national objectives.????Maintaining maritime security, demonstrating an assertive presence, ensuring compliance with maritime law, and deterring malign activity in our territorial and adjacent waters are essential components of our maritime strategy and crucial to our national interests.????HMS Somerset is one of 21 Royal Navy/Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels on patrol, deployed around the globe or at immediate notice to sail over the festive period if required.??
More than 100 high-skilled jobs will be secured in the UK thanks to a new £250 million contract to upgrade the communications systems of the Royal Navy’s warship and submarine fleet.
Jobs at Thales sites in Portsmouth, Plymouth, Crawley, Reading and Bristol will be supported after the company was awarded the largest-ever contract for the provision of naval communication capabilities.
This large-scale investment helps to support the objectives of the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy – to drive investment to UK-based businesses and boost defence jobs in every nation and region of the country.
The 10-year long contract for Maritime Communications Capability Support (MCCS), awarded by Defence Equipment & Support, will upgrade the Royal Navy’s internal and external fleet communications, strengthening the UK’s continuous at sea deterrent and supporting global operations.
Contracts like this one are a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, safeguarding national security whilst raising living standards across the UK with good, skilled, productive jobs.
It is estimated the new contract will also save the Royal Navy up to £30 million in costs over the next decade.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said:
“This new contract is a vital step in ensuring our forces remain secure at home and strong abroad. By enhancing the capabilities of our naval operations, we are reinforcing the UK’s ability to respond to threats wherever they arise.
“In an increasingly volatile world, robust communication is the backbone of operational success. In the face of global threats, the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy will ensure defence is an engine for growth, boosting British jobs, and strengthening national security.”
