Elbit Systems UK has been awarded a circa £73 million contract from Babcock International Group, to provide electronic warfare to the Royal Navy, as part of the UK Ministry of Defence’s Maritime Electronic Warfare Programme. Elbit Systems UK’s role in the project, known as Maritime Electronic Warfare System Integrated Capability (MEWSIC) Increment 1, will be to provide end-to-end delivery of this EW capability, including in-service support over the course of 13 years.
Under the programme, Elbit Systems UK will design, manufacture and deliver maritime EW suites comprised of fully digital full-spectrum Radar Electronic Support Measures (RESM) and EW Command and Control (EWC2) systems. These latest generation technologies will enhance the situational awareness and anti-ship missile defence of front-line platforms and improve their capability to exploit the electromagnetic environment.
Elbit Systems UK’s Electronic Warfare capabilities have been deployed by Five Eyes nations since 2016. The Royal Navy will use the latest generation of this technology, developed after years of ground-breaking advancements and innovation in this domain.
Elbit Systems UK will address the requirements for Operational Sovereignty and Freedom of Action for the UK Armed Forces, by making ongoing investment in technology and infrastructure in the UK.
Throughout the lifespan of this contract, Elbit Systems UK will create and sustain 55 direct jobs across the UK in roles ranging from manufacturing to software development. There will also be a number of jobs created in the supply chain, many of whom will be small and medium sized British businesses.
Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK said:
“It is clearly the case that both conventional and asymmetric threats are increasingly present in the maritime operating environment and the pace of change in technology means our adversaries will continue to exploit it.
As such, it is operationally vital that the Royal Navy has the latest capabilities that can evolve in line with and, ahead of, existing technologies. Elbit Systems UK is proud to be working with the Royal Navy as we prepare to confront and overcome the threats of today and tomorrow by providing world-leading solutions.”
Secretary of State for Defence, Ben Wallace added:
“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.”
About the Maritime Electronic Warfare Programme
Part of the Maritime Electronic Warfare Programme (MEWP), MEWSIC Increment 1 is 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 afloat platforms. The solution includes provision of training solutions, technical test and integration facilities alongside the technical authority service.
Babcock is the prime contractor within the BEQ Partnership of Babcock, supported by Elbit Systems UK and QinetiQ.
About Elbit Systems UK
Elbit Systems UK Ltd. holds four wholly-owned subsidiaries as well as two joint ventures. In total, over 600 personnel are employed by the Elbit Systems UK companies in the UK, in high tech roles in the defence, aerospace and rail sectors. The two joint ventures were formed in order to deliver the Watchkeeper programme for the British Army and to supply and support three fleets of aircraft within the UK MOD Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) programme. Elbit Systems UK is an established supplier to the UK Armed Forces participating in a several major Defence programmes, such as Selborne and Morpheus, and delivering the Dismounted Joint Fires Integrator and Joint Fires Synthetic Trainer.
