BAE Systems has secured a £135 million ($181m) contract from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to maintain and repair the Royal Navy’s torpedo arsenal.
The three-year Torpedo Repair and Maintenance (TRAM) contract will begin in July 2026 and run through June 2029, according to the MoD.
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In a 4 August release, the MoD stated that the work will ensure Royal Navy sailors and submariners continue to have access to “reliable, battle-ready” torpedoes as required.
The agreement covers the upkeep of Spearfish and Sting Ray torpedoes, which are deployed by Royal Navy submarines, surface vessels, and maritime patrol aircraft.
Spearfish serves as the primary anti-submarine and anti-surface weapon for the Royal Navy, providing guided capabilities to address a variety of threats.
The torpedo is currently in the final stage of a major upgrade programme intended to improve its guidance, warhead, and tactical functions, according to BAE Systems.
Sting Ray, manufactured in the UK by BAE Systems, is a lightweight acoustic-homing torpedo used for anti-submarine warfare.
The Mod 1 variant, operated by both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, can be launched from frigates, helicopters, and patrol aircraft against submarine targets.
The TRAM contract will directly support 150 specialised technician and engineering roles, including 100 from Portsmouth, with a further 50 across Edinburgh, Chelmsford, and the area near Glasgow.
An additional 165 supply chain jobs are also expected to be sustained through UK suppliers participating in the programme.
Royal Navy naval acquisition director rear admiral Matt Stratton said: “This contract extension ensures the Royal Navy retains a safe, reliable and continuous torpedo support capability.
“It is a critical enabler of our operational readiness and directly supports the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent.”
The MoD described the new contract as a “bridge” to the future WHITEHEAD2 support programme, which is due to be introduced in 2029 and will offer a modernised torpedo support solution.
The investment is part of the government’s wider Defence Investment Plan, an allocation of £298bn over four years that prioritises skilled manufacturing and engineering in the UK.
