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The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded BAE Systems a £285 million (AU$569 million) contract to support the Royal Navy’s shared infrastructure, combat management systems and warship networks.
BAE Systems has been awarded a £285 million contract by the UK Ministry of Defence to enhance and support the Royal Navy’s shared infrastructure, combat management systems (CMS) and warship networks under the RECODE program.
This eight-year initiative aims to ensure the Navy’s fleet remains at the cutting edge of operational readiness, addressing evolving military challenges with agility and precision.
RECODE is tailored to meet the future needs of the Royal Navy, delivering a modernisation program at pace to enable the agile deployment of capabilities.
Building on over 13 years of collaboration, during which BAE Systems’ CMS has been integrated across various naval assets, the program focuses on maintaining high levels of safety, security and system availability across 20 Royal Navy vessels, these include the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, Type 45 destroyers and the forthcoming Type 26 frigates.
Commodore Phil Game, interim director of Sense, Decide and Communicate at Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), highlighted the importance of the program, saying, “This essential initiative will sustain combat management systems on in-service Royal Navy vessels, enhancing their capability and making them fit for the future. By working closely with industry, we are not only advancing the Navy’s operational capabilities but also upskilling the workforce and sustaining UK jobs.”
The program will deliver architectural and capability upgrades directly to the fleet, ensuring the systems keep pace with operational demands. By adopting DevSecOps principles – integrating security at every stage of the software development and operational lifecycle – RECODE will provide cutting-edge CMS capabilities in the shortest possible time.
A key feature of RECODE is its new working philosophy, fostering closer collaboration between BAE Systems, the Ministry of Defence’s DE&S maritime combat systems and Navy Command. This approach emphasises joint decision making, enhanced communication and shared goals, strengthening the partnership to deliver advanced solutions.
The RECODE program will sustain over 200 highly skilled jobs at BAE Systems’ naval ships business across sites in Filton, Dorchester, New Malden, Frimley and Portsmouth. It will also drive further investment into UK small-to-medium enterprises and high-tech suppliers, boosting the domestic defence industry.
Steve Carter, naval ships combat systems director at BAE Systems, described RECODE as a transformative step forward: “RECODE represents a huge stride in our partnership with the Royal Navy and will help realise the warfare capability of the future.
“The evolving global threat landscape, coupled with advances in commercial technology and data, necessitates a more ambitious approach to services and support. We are excited to secure this program, which is central to the Navy’s vision of becoming a truly adaptable force.”
Captain Kevin Miller, combat systems design authority for the Royal Navy, echoed these sentiments, saying, “RECODE is an important next phase in our long-standing collaboration with naval ships combat systems. Adapting at pace is crucial in today’s challenging landscape. The program’s focus on agility – in equipment, processes and mindset – will ensure we deliver the military advantage our crews rely on.”
As the Royal Navy continues to navigate a rapidly changing defence environment, RECODE will serve as a cornerstone of its efforts to remain a formidable and adaptable force. By leveraging advanced technology, fostering collaboration and investing in innovation, the program will enhance the Navy’s capabilities, ensuring it is prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
