BAE Systems has been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence for a £285m ($354.4m) contract aimed at upgrading the Royal Navy’s combat management systems (CMS), shared infrastructure, and warship networks.
The eight-year RECODE initiative is designed to ensure the fleet remains combat-ready in the face of new military challenges.
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It is designed to address the Royal Navy’s future operational needs and will implement a modernisation programme to support the flexible deployment of capabilities.
BAE Systems Naval Ships Combat Systems director Steve Carter said: “RECODE represents a huge stride forward in our partnership with the Royal Navy and will help to realise warfare capability of the future.
“The global threat picture, advances in commercial technology and the immense volume of data available to crews means we need to become even more ambitious and far-reaching in our services and support. We are excited and privileged to secure this programme that will sit at the heart of the Navy’s ambition to be a protean force.”
This latest agreement is based on a 13-year partnership that has seen BAE Systems’ combat management system being used across various Royal Navy vessels.
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By GlobalDataThe RECODE programme’s primary objectives are to sustain high safety, security, and system availability levels for combat systems on 20 Royal Navy ships.
It will also introduce architectural and capability enhancements directly to the fleet, aligning with operational demands.
Platforms such as the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, Type 45 destroyers, and Type 26 frigates are expected to benefit from the deployment of BAE Systems’ CMS.
Embracing DevSecOps engineering principles, RECODE will integrate security throughout the software development and operational stages.
The initiative further includes a new collaborative approach with DE&S Maritime Combat Systems and Navy Command, fostering enhanced joint decision-making and communication.
The contract is anticipated to bolster more than 200 jobs at BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business across various UK sites and is expected to drive further investment in SMEs and high-tech suppliers nationwide.
