The Royal Navy is set to receive a significant boost in its capabilities with a £285 million investment in combat system upgrades. This new contract, awarded to BAE Systems, will enhance the Navy’s ability to track, analyse, and respond to threats during combat operations.
RECODE Programme to Modernise Naval Combat Systems
The programme, called RECODE (Real-time Combat System Open Data Enablers), will update the combat management systems (CMS) on key Royal Navy warships, including the Type 23 frigates, Type 45 destroyers, Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, and Type 26 frigates. These systems are essential for integrating sensors and weaponry to provide accurate and timely decision-making during missions.
In addition to enhancing the Navy’s combat capabilities, the project will also generate more than 200 jobs across the UK, supporting BAE Systems’ sites in Filton, Dorchester, New Malden, Frimley, and Portsmouth. The contract will also provide investment opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and high-tech suppliers throughout the country.
Boosting UK Defence Industry and Creating Jobs
Maria Eagle, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, highlighted the economic benefits of the programme:
“This significant investment in our industry is another example of how our Government is making defence an engine for growth. We are strengthening the UK’s defences while supporting growth, with hundreds of high-skilled jobs, to help deliver on our Plan for Change.”
By investing in domestic suppliers, the government aims to ensure the Royal Navy remains at the forefront of maritime security while also strengthening the UK’s defence industrial base.
Enhanced Operational Capabilities
The upgrades will improve the Royal Navy’s situational awareness, threat evaluation, navigation, and weapon control functions. For over 25 years, BAE Systems has provided critical support to the CMS, and this new contract will build on that experience to deliver even more cutting-edge technology to the fleet.
A Timely Upgrade for National Security
This announcement comes at a crucial time, shortly after the Royal Navy tracked the Russian spy ship Yantar in British waters. The new systems will ensure that the Royal Navy maintains its deterrence capabilities and continues to protect the UK’s interests on the global stage.
The investment is also part of the government’s upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy, which aligns national security with economic growth under the government’s Plan for Change. By modernising the Navy’s combat systems, the UK aims to retain maritime superiority and ensure the readiness of its fleet for the challenges of the future.
