6 10월 2022

Babcock awarded maritime communications electronic support measures contract

Frigate HMS Richmond has sailed from Plymouth today for Exercise Westlant 22 Frigate HMS Richmond has sailed from Plymouth today for Exercise Westlant 22, joining aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and her task group, tanker RFA Tideforce and an air group of helicopters and drones, before F-35B stealth fighters join the deployment once the force arrives in North America. Richmond will remain with the carrier for the bulk of the autumn as they conduct collective training. During the training exercises there will also be the chance to enjoy some high-profile port visits Stateside. “This is a fantastic opportunity for the Royal Navy to strengthen our special relationship with the USA and demonstrate our ability to operate with a close ally,” said the ship’s Commanding Officer, Commander Christopher L’Amie. “The ship’s company, many of whom have not visited the USA before, is looking forward to visiting a number of East Coast ports.”

Babcock International Group, the defence company, has been awarded the contract to deliver, install and provide in-service support for Ardent Wolf, the maritime Communications Electronic Support Measures (CESM) capability for the UK Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigates.

The six-year programme draws upon our people’s unique knowledge of CESM and Babcock’s role as the Royal Navy’s principal support partner for the Type 23 fleet.

The contract will involve equipment installation, repair and maintenance, system and design safety, contractor logistics support, training, and all updates.

Babcock’s agile solution establishes a framework that can be applied to current, and future platforms, with the aim of providing increased safety for Royal Navy crews.

The new system replaces the outgoing Hammerhead, which Babcock has been supporting for the past six years and will help to ensure a low-risk transition.

Dr Richard Drake, Chief Technology Officer at Babcock, said: “Babcock has a rich history of delivering specialist Communications support to the Royal Navy’s fleet and we are delighted to have been awarded the contract to deliver Ardent Wolf.

“Ardent Wolf will significantly enhance the Royal Navy’s CESM capability, and we’re proud to be delivering a robust, UK-developed solution which will act as a pathfinder for future Signal Intelligence programmes.”