The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded a contract to Babcock to support the weapon handling and launch system (WHLS) and submerged signal ejector (SSE) equipment deployed on the Royal Navy’s operational submarines.
Under the five-year contract, Babcock, as the technical authority for WHLS, will be tasked with offering and managing all capital spares and repairs and offering related training rigs.
Babcock Defence Systems Technology UK In-Sevice Support business manager Jasper Saunders said: "Using Babcock’s substantial inventory management and modelling capabilities we will be able to drive down the cost of ownership to the MoD over the duration of the contract, and assist in the reduction of current stockholding levels while ensuring demand requirements are met."
The deal involves provision of engineering support at the waterfront at any UK port and abroad support as necessary; equipment safety management to comply with statutory requirements; safeguarding equipment documentation and manuals; obsolescence management; and inventory management; in addition to development of equipment availability enhancement offerings.
Earlier, Babcock was awarded contracts to support the WHLS and SSE equipment on UK submarines and offer technical support and spares, while the current deal would sanction a greater level of autonomy concerning design improvements.
The deal would also enable offering proactive support to the waterfront maintenance staff and the end user of the equipment, further supporting the MoD’s move to boost platform availability.
