Leonard T. Koonce 
The Royal Navy is investing around 100 million pounds ($ 135 million) to improve its electronic warfare capabilities to more simultaneously detect and identify radio signals.
Awarded to a consortium of tech and defense companies led by Babcock International, the investment would help the service facilitate faster decision-making, better situational awareness, and improved anti-missile defenses.
“In a rapidly changing world of threats, these enhancements will upgrade the Royal Navy with pioneering radar detection capabilities while maintaining the UK’s operational advantage at sea,” said the Secretary of State for Defense. Ben wallace noted in a press release.
The contract is part of the country’s £ 500 million ($ 674 million) maritime electronic warfare program to provide this benefit to British frigates and Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
Wallace also explained that the investment will open around 170 manufacturing and software development jobs in the South West of England over 13 years.
“Provide critical capacity”
The multi-million dollar investment in electronic warfare could ensure that the British Navy will be a leader in maritime innovation and preparedness for new and emerging threats.
According to the Commodore of the Royal Navy Steve Perst, understanding and investing in the complex environment of electromagnetism is an essential key to the operational success of the service.
He also said the technology “will provide a generational leap in our electronic warfare capabilities to ensure we maintain the operational advantage we need into the 21st century.”
Meanwhile, DE&S Ship Support Director Jim higham expressed satisfaction with the new contract and is already looking forward to working with other defense companies to provide “critical capability” to the Royal Navy.
In addition to DE&S and Babcock International, technology companies Elbit Systems, QinetiQ and Defense Science and Technology Laboratories will collaborate on the design, manufacture, delivery and integration of the technology.
