Babcock, Elbit UK, and QinetiQ to supply EW capabilities to the Royal Navy

Babcock International Group (Babcock) has been awarded a c.£100m, 13-year contract by the UK’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S)  for the design, manufacture, delivery/commissioning, and in-service support to the Maritime Electronic Warfare Systems Integrated Capability (MEWSIC) Increment 1. Babcock will deliver the program 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 the provision of training solutions, technical tests, 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 program. 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 program 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.

Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK said: “We are proud to be in a position to provide such an important capability to the Royal Navy. Elbit Systems UK will work with its local partners on developing and delivering these cutting edge technologies, creating high skilled jobs while providing operational sovereignty and freedom of action.”

David Lockwood, Babcock CEO said:

“Babcock is delighted to be supporting the Royal Navy on this program. As technology advances, operational advantage through electronic warfare capabilities is more important than ever to our armed forces, and this program 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 defense outputs whilst supporting jobs and investment in the South-West of England.”

Check out Naval Library App to learn more about the specifications of the Royal Navy assets.