More than 200 UK jobs will be sustained through a new £285M contract awarded to BAE Systems to enhance the Royal Navy’s combat management systems (CMS), ensuring vessels are equipped with cutting-edge technology to track, analyse, and respond to threats in real time.
This contract will modernise critical systems across a range of Royal Navy vessels, including Type 23 frigates, Type 45 destroyers, Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, and the new Type 26 frigates. These upgrades will support high-skilled jobs across the country, aligning with the government’s Plan for Change to drive economic growth through investment in the defence sector.
The RECODE (Real-time Combat System Open Data Enablers) programme will sustain over 200 highly skilled roles at BAE Systems sites in Filton, Dorchester, New Malden, Frimley, and Portsmouth. Additionally, the project will generate significant investment in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and high-tech suppliers across the UK, bolstering the domestic defence industrial base.
Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, hailed the initiative, stating: “This significant investment in our defence industry is another example of how our government is making defence an engine for growth. By working with British industry, we’re ensuring the Royal Navy has the advanced technology it needs while supporting hundreds of high-skilled jobs and strengthening our economy.”
The CMS serves as the nerve centre for Royal Navy warships, enabling operators to interact with weapons and sensors effectively. It provides a suite of advanced tools, including:
- Situational awareness for detecting and tracking threats.
- Tactical picture compilation to synthesise data from sensors.
- Threat evaluation and weapon assignment for effective decision-making in combat.
- Navigation and blind pilotage to enhance operational precision.
- Weapon direction and control to ensure accurate engagement with adversaries.
These upgrades are particularly timely, coming shortly after the Royal Navy successfully tracked the Russian spy ship Yantar as it moved through British waters. RECODE will further enhance the Navy’s ability to act as a deterrent against future threats, strengthening national security.
BAE Systems brings over two decades of experience in delivering combat management systems for the Royal Navy. This contract reaffirms its role as a trusted partner in equipping UK forces with cutting-edge capabilities.
The announcement is a cornerstone of the government’s upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy, designed to align national security priorities with economic growth. By fostering partnerships between the Ministry of Defence and British industry, the strategy aims to position defence as a driver of innovation, jobs, and prosperity.
The government has already committed to ensuring defence plays a key role in the economy, as evidenced by Defence Secretary Maria Eagle’s launch of the Defence Industrial Strategy in December. This project further demonstrates how investment in advanced technologies can bolster both national security and the UK economy.
With this contract, the UK continues to strengthen its defence capabilities while creating opportunities for British suppliers, SMEs, and the wider supply chain, ensuring the Royal Navy remains equipped to face emerging global challenges.
BAE Systems is an Event Partner for DPRTE, the defence event connecting buyers and suppliers from across the defence procurement and supply chain community. Join them on 26th & 27th March at Farnborough International.
