The Type 31 general purpose frigates represent the next generation of warships designed to enhance the Royal Navy's capabilities in maintaining security and deterring aggression. Awarded to Babcock in November 2019, this contract encompasses the construction of five frigates at Rosyth, a historic dockyard known for its extensive manufacturing and repair facilities. This innovative program is pivotal in revitalizing the UK's maritime industry by employing modern ship design and build practices, aligning with the National Shipbuilding Strategy. The Type 31 frigates will not only bolster the Royal Navy's operational effectiveness but also facilitate technology transfer and strengthen British shipbuilding expertise, positioning the UK as a leader in naval platforms with the new 'Inspiration' class.
Babcock International is a premier provider of naval ship support and maintenance, specializing in the design, construction, and enhancement of warships and submarines. With a focus on through-life support, we ensure that the UK Royal Navy and international fleets operate safely and effectively. Our extensive capabilities include the development of advanced weapons handling systems, secure military communications, and cutting-edge liquid gas engineering solutions. By delivering complex sustainment programs and innovative marine technology, we empower our customers to navigate safety-critical operations with confidence. Our deep understanding of client needs enables us to create tailored global export products and services that enhance operational readiness and future-proof assets.
Babcock International is a leading provider of military vehicle build and systems integration, offering strategic asset management and through-life engineering support for military equipment. With a strong focus on engineering services in power generation and transport networks, as well as the through-life support of mining equipment, Babcock is dedicated to ensuring that the British Army can effectively carry out its missions. The company provides modern individual and collective training tailored for customers with critical missions, emphasizing a partnership approach that aligns with their clients' needs. With skilled engineers and extensive expertise in vehicle support—both armored and white fleet—Babcock enables defense and emergency services to operate safely and efficiently, while also addressing the resurgence of new defense programs and asset modernization initiatives globally.
The Defence Support Group (DSG) plays a crucial role in maintaining the operational readiness of the British Army by managing the storage, maintenance, repair, and overhaul of a diverse fleet of over 30,000 military vehicles and equipment. This includes everything from quad bikes to main battle tanks, as well as essential gear like generators and weapons. Since 2015, DSG has ensured that all equipment is primed for action, enabling the Army to train effectively and be prepared for deployment. With a complex supply chain that sources over 200,000 spare parts and manages millions of pounds in repairs annually, DSG is equipped to handle intricate engineering projects, including the refurbishment of armoured vehicles and the integration of new vehicles into service. Additionally, DSG operates a sophisticated vehicle inspection and storage system that maintains military equipment in controlled environments, ensuring rapid availability when needed.
The Milcom Link2Mod3, part of the BEL LINK II MOD III SYSTEM, is an advanced Naval Tactical Data Link System (L2M3) designed for seamless communication among ships, submarines, and shore establishments. This system facilitates near-real-time data exchange of tactical information, supporting both mutual exchanges and communications with Maritime Operations Centers. With capabilities to transmit text messages and imagery data via various media such as Tactical Radio, MSS, and SATCOM, the Link2Mod3 ensures robust operational connectivity. It features a Main Processor Unit (MPU) that serves as the server in a Server-Client architecture, providing system-level redundancy with dual hot standby servers. Additionally, the Radio Modem Unit includes four channels for interfacing with onboard systems like CMS and MSS, enabling the exchange of voice, video, and tactical messaging information efficiently.
Project Lurcher is an innovative initiative by Babcock International, aimed at transforming the British Army's vehicle fleet towards a sustainable future through electric vehicle (EV) technology. This project involves the conversion of four military Land Rovers—two protected vehicles and two general service models—from diesel to electric propulsion using a specialized drop-in kit and modified battery system. Developed in collaboration with Electrogenic at Babcock’s Engineering Centre in Walsall, these vehicles are undergoing rigorous testing in various military scenarios, including steep terrains and different climatic conditions, at the Army Trials and Development Unit. Key benefits of this conversion include superior off-road performance due to enhanced torque, regenerative braking capabilities, reduced driver fatigue for improved battlefield awareness, increased stealth with lower thermal and acoustic signatures, and the ability to serve as a mobile power source for communication systems and micro grids.
The Jackal, part of the High Mobility Transporter (HMT) 400 series, is a cutting-edge vehicle designed to enhance the British Army's operational capabilities. Developed in collaboration with Supacat and the UK Ministry of Defence, this versatile platform boasts exceptional cross-country performance and is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern warfare. The current contract involves the delivery of 70 vehicles within a year, with potential expansion to 240 units based on operational needs. The Jackal can be fitted with optional mine blast and ballistic protection, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of troops in diverse environments. With a proven track record from previous deployments, the Jackal continues to play a crucial role in supporting the British Army's mission.
The Modular Detachment Kit (MDK) by Booz Allen is a cutting-edge solution designed to enhance command and control (C2) capabilities in diverse and multi-domain battlefields. As adversaries increasingly challenge U.S. forces and global partners, the MDK integrates Air, Land, Maritime, and Space domain awareness to create a robust network that connects operational and tactical forces worldwide. Utilizing edge networks and cloud technology, the MDK ensures secure, adaptable connections that are concealed from potential threats. This hardware and software agnostic system facilitates decentralized C2 operations by linking sensors directly to decision-makers and shooters, while providing a common operating picture across the joint spectrum. With its modular, scalable, and customizable approach, the MDK is poised to redefine military communications and operational effectiveness in an ever-evolving threat landscape.
The Modular Adaptive Synthetic Controller (MASC) is an innovative electronics package developed by Booz Allen in 2022, designed to enhance training for logistics crews on their organic weapon systems within simulated environments. This highly portable system can be utilized in various settings, including austere locations, making it versatile for military applications. The MASC integrates advanced technologies such as a microprocessor and an inertial measurement unit (gyroscope) that functions as a motion sensor, tracking weapon movements similarly to a computer mouse. It connects to the weapon's trigger, safety, and other movable parts through sensors that capture digital inputs, which are transmitted to the MASC microprocessor either wirelessly via Bluetooth or through a wired harness, tailored to meet specific client needs. This sophisticated system leverages Booz Allen's expertise in systems engineering, 3D modeling, virtual platforms, and rapid prototyping to deliver effective training solutions.
HII's C5ISR capabilities provide actionable intelligence at hyper speed, essential for integrated ISR operations and accelerated decision-making. By designing, developing, integrating, and managing advanced sensors and systems, HII supports the Department of Defense and the intelligence community in enhancing mission effectiveness globally. The solutions incorporate data fusion and mission management to address the challenges posed by rapid advancements in long-range weaponry. Additionally, HII leverages Unmanned Vehicles (UVs) and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) to extend operational reach and flexibility for naval forces in undersea and littoral environments. With a focus on low size, weight, and power (SWaP) architectures, HII’s systems are designed for independent operation or collaborative multi-mode functionality, ensuring mission success across diverse operational scenarios.
C4KISR is a cutting-edge system developed by CETC, a state-owned enterprise specializing in C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) solutions. Designed to enhance national security and operational efficiency, C4KISR provides comprehensive power information support across all military branches. It enables seamless configuration across strategic, tactical, and operational levels, ensuring a unified and transparent battlefield environment. By integrating command and control with advanced information sensing and processing capabilities, C4KISR significantly improves command efficiency, accelerates feedback loops, and enhances situational awareness. This system supports various operational domains—land, sea, and air—by connecting tightly with weapon platforms and fostering effective decision-making in complex environments.
C4KISR is an advanced system developed by CETC, a state-owned enterprise specializing in C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) solutions. This innovative platform offers comprehensive power information support for various military branches, enhancing national security and operational effectiveness in local conflicts and counter-terrorism efforts. The system's modular design allows for seamless configuration across strategic, tactical, and operational levels, ensuring a unified and transparent battlefield environment. By integrating command and control with information sensing, processing, countermeasures, and guarantees, C4KISR significantly improves command efficiency, reduces feedback time, and strengthens decision-making capabilities across land, sea, and air operations.
HII Integrated Digital Shipbuilding (iDS) revolutionizes the shipbuilding process by employing cutting-edge technologies such as laser scanning, augmented reality, modeling and simulation, and additive manufacturing. This innovative approach transitions traditional two-dimensional paper-based instructions to advanced digital formats, significantly enhancing efficiency, safety, and affordability in ship construction. Currently, iDS is being utilized in the construction of the aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVN 80), marking it as the first ship to be built entirely paperless, alongside its application in the Columbia-class submarine construction.
HII Sustainment of C5I Systems Afloat provides comprehensive support for the modernization and installation of integrated C5I systems on naval platforms, including carriers, surface ships, submarines, and special purpose craft. Our Alteration Installation Teams (AITs) are dedicated to rapid technology insertion, ensuring that existing shipboard systems meet emergent mission requirements. With certified experts operating under ISO registered procedures, we deliver extensive design, engineering, and Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) services tailored to surface ship modernization programs. Our strategically located infrastructure across major fleet concentration areas facilitates efficient manufacturing, fabrication, and repair for C5I platform projects, enabling seamless turnkey installations of critical systems such as Flight Control, Tactical Networks, Surveillance, Navigation, and Communications.
HII Sustainment of C5I Systems Ashore provides comprehensive solutions for the integration and lifecycle sustainment of complex Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, and Intelligence (C5I) systems at shore facilities. Our services include system integration across network infrastructure, command and control systems, communications systems, and physical security systems, ensuring seamless operation and modernization. Our Alteration Installation Teams (AITs) support both the modernization of existing facilities and the design and installation of new integrated C5I systems. We deliver total lifecycle sustainment services that encompass design, engineering, and Integrated Logistics Support, ensuring that warfighters have fully operational and sustainable C5I systems to meet their mission needs.
