7 Oct 2019
Babcock secures MOD gun system automation contract
HMS DARING sailing into Gibraltar while vessels from the Gibraltar Royal Naval Squadron provides security while she is within the British Gibraltar territorial waters. The two Fast Patrol Boats of the Royal Navy's Gibraltar Squadron, HMS Sabre and HMS Scimitar, watch over Gibraltar's shores and support ships in the Strait of Gibraltar. The two boats, along with three Pacific Rigid Inflatable Boats, support British exercises and operations in the area. HMS Daring, the first Type 45, is at the forefront of the Royal Navys next generation of Area Air Defence Destroyers. At 151 metres long, weighing 8000 tonnes and packed with the latest in Air Warfare technology, Daring is a world leader and world beater. Her highly trained complement of 190 Sailors is trained to act across the full spectrum of military activity; including such missions as Disaster Relief in the wake of a typhoon, Maritime Security operations to counter the threat from piracy, and when required, high intensity war fighting against the nations enemies.
Babcock International has secured a three year contract, with two year optional extension, for the Gun System Automation (GSA) 9 in-service support contract with the Ministry of Defence supporting the Royal Navy.
Operating jointly from our South West facilities at Devonport and Portsmouth – specialising in warship support – this contract will provide support for all aspects of GSA9 support including Electro Optical Gunfire Control System (EOGCS), the Electro Optical Sensor Platforms (EOSPs), the Quick Pointing Devices (QPD) and below decks equipment of six Control Consoles, Gun Allocation Subsystem, Gunnery Check Fire System and two Maintenance and Analysis Facilities (MAF).
Through GSA9, Babcock will deliver critical services to the Royal Navy’s T45 Destroyers and manage a portfolio of sub-contractors and suppliers.
Richard Drake, Managing Director Babcock DST, said: “Babcock is uniquely positioned to support the defence industry through our proven weapons expertise. By combining our comprehensive technical knowhow and joining multiple equipment’s together, we are well placed to deliver a superior capability for the Royal Navy.”
Babcock’s end-to-end solution, backed by more than a century of maritime heritage, is trusted to deliver in support of naval gunnery programmes.