Press Notices

Navy gets £100M advanced combat training system for fleet

13/01/06

Defence Procurement Minister Lord Drayson announced today (Fri 13 Jan) that MoD is investing in advanced computerised training systems to help the Royal Navy maximise the combat effectiveness of existing major surface warships - and future Type 45 destroyers.

A £100M contract has been placed with BAE Systems Insyte to equip new facilities in Devonport Naval Base and the shore base HMS Collingwood near Portsmouth in time to be ready to train Type 45 crew later this decade.

Lord Drayson said: "We've contracted for a very sophisticated system which can replicate the combat command systems used across most of our major surface warships, including the aircraft carriers, as well as the new Type 45 destroyers now under construction."

"This investment means men and women who 'fight the ship' in computerised command centres will be better prepared for combat and emergencies.

"We plan that this system will repay our investment, as it is specifically designed for easy upgrade and technology improvement, and is expected to remain in service past 2040."

Notes to Editors:

1. The contract covers procurement and 10 year in-service support and operation of the Maritime Composite Training System (MCTS) Phase 1. Prime contractor BAE Systems Insyte has formed the Seabridge consortium composed of Aerosystems International, EDS, MDA and Serco. The Seabridge consortium will be supported by Flagship Training Limited.

2. MCTS will be used to train sailors serving on Invincible class carriers, Type 45 and 42 destroyers, Type 23 frigates and HM Ships Ocean, Albion and Bulwark.

3. For further information and imagery please call Sheena Lamont, DPA Press Office on 0117 913 638

Last Updated: 13 Jan 06