The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded a contract to Babcock to support the Shaman Infrastructure and Support Contract (SISC), which involves the deployment of the Shaman shipborne maritime communications electronic support measures (CESM) system and infrastructure.

The seven-year contract covers infrastructure upgrades to the current CESM shore support locations at the fleet intelligence centre (FIC) and maritime CESM calibration facility (MCCF), as well as contractor logistic support (CLS) to the Shaman system, which is deployed on Type 45 destroyers.

"Babcock’s familiarity with both sites and understanding of the constraints will ensure that change is implemented in a manner that does not disrupt the operation of the facilities."

Babcock’s Integrated Systems & Support Group Director Charles John said the company has already delivered CESM support on surface ships and submarines for nearly 15 years.

"With regard to the vital infrastructure upgrades, Babcock’s familiarity with both sites and understanding of the constraints will ensure that change is implemented in a manner that does not disrupt the operation of the facilities," John said.

"Our detailed system knowledge and experience in supporting US-derived systems, and Argon ST’s in particular, will enable us to deliver highly responsive and cost effective system support to maintain operational availability with a low-transition risk (with no learning curve and staff and infrastructure already in place to support the system), and a solution optimised through experience, to ensure optimum value for money."

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The deal will also provide the MoD’s joint electronic surveillance (JES) delivery team (DT) with a proactive professional CESM support team, which includes project management, integrated logistics support (ILS), installation and experienced design personnel.

Furthermore, the team will boost service delivery and support Argon ST’s systems.

Recently, Babcock won a deal to offer in-service support for the submarine CESM system Eddystone, integrated in Trafalgar-class submarines, as well as a deal to deliver a CESM system (Hammerhead) for the Type 23 frigates.

Babcock is also offering and managing all capital spares and repairs, and offering related training rigs for the weapon handling and launch system (WHLS) and submerged signal ejector (SSE) equipment, which are deployed on the Royal Navy’s operational submarines.

Defence Technology