Thales UK has secured a contract worth around £330m from BAE Systems Submarines to work on the British Royal Navy’s Dreadnought-class submarines.
BAE Systems is currently building four next-generation nuclear submarines for the Royal Navy.
Under the contract, Thales UK will develop the Dreadnought sonar system at its sites in Templecombe, Somerset and Stockport. The company will also build periscopes for all four nuclear submarines.
Known as the Combat System Masts, the periscopes will be developed and manufactured in Govan. The workforce in Crawley will provide technical input.
Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said: “These next-generation sonars and sensors will ensure our nuclear deterrent retains a stealth and detection advantage over adversaries.
“With over 500 jobs created or secured by this contract, we are clearly acting on the government’s commitment to level-up across the UK.”
The Dreadnought vessels will also feature Thales Sonar 2076, a visual and situational awareness sensor that will combine electronic warfare technology with cameras to provide the crew with a visual link to the sea surface.
The submarines are set to enter service from the early 2030s. They will be the British Royal Navy’s most advanced submarines and will replace the Vanguard-class of ballistic missile submarines.
BAE Submarine Solutions Dreadnought programme director Steve Lloyd said: “This major step, reflecting collaborative working between the Dreadnought Alliance and Thales UK, will make a direct contribution to the sustainment of Continuous at-Sea Deterrence through the delivery of the next generation of the UK’s ballistic missile-carrying submarines.
“The £31bn Dreadnought programme is one of the most complex engineering projects ever undertaken by the UK Government and remains on schedule and within budget.”
