QinetiQ to continue developing Royal Navy mission systems and infrastructure
QinetiQ has signed an 11-year, £109m contract extension with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to continue to develop and de-risk Royal Navy mission systems and infrastructure through integration and testing at Portsdown Technology Park, Portsmouth, UK.
The renewal of the Naval Combat System Integration Support Services (NCSISS) contract, first signed in 2012, secures the site’s future as a UK Centre of Excellence for Maritime Mission Systems integration and testing, specialised analysis and technical expertise.
Operating in collaboration with the Royal Navy, DE&S and BAE Systems, the contract will sustain around 280 jobs in the Portsmouth area, and will be accompanied by QinetiQ investment to modernise the facilities, equipment and ways of working at the Portsdown site to improve services to the MoD and attract new customers to the site.
For over 45 years, Portsdown Technology Park (PTP) has integrated and tested complex combat and communications equipment and software for all Royal Navy warships prior to their deployment at sea. Recent examples of technology that has been tested and integrated with existing equipment using facilities at PTP include BAE Systems’ Artisan surveillance radar and MBDA’s Sea Ceptor missile.
Harriett Baldwin, Minister for Defence Procurement, said: “This contract with QinetiQ is great news for the Royal Navy and for jobs in the region. Our commitment to Portsmouth is demonstrated by the Ministry of Defence’s £100 million investment over the next six years*. With a rising defence budget we are ensuring that our armed forces have the equipment and support they need to keep the UK safe and secure.”
Steve Wadey, QinetiQ CEO, said: “This contract is recognition of Portsdown as an asset of critical national importance, relied upon by the Royal Navy to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of its fleet. It is excellent news for QinetiQ and its partners, which together support over 280 local jobs. In addition, our own investment will increase the site’s capacity, allowing us to attract new customers and creating opportunities for more small and medium enterprises to become part of the Royal Navy supply chain. It reinforces our commitment to collaborating across industry to modernise the UK’s test and evaluation capability, ensuring it continues to support the safety and operational advantage of our Armed Forces in the 21st century.”
Neal Lawson, Director Ships Support at the MOD’s Defence, Equipment and Support Headquarters said: “This contract demonstrates how DE&S, industry and the Royal Navy are working collaboratively to deliver cutting-edge technology to the Surface Fleet through ever more efficient means.
“This arrangement will ensure that our future Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carriers and the new Type 26 Frigates will have the world-class capability required to deliver the Nation’s global effect. Portsdown Technology Park will remain a unique and vital centre of excellence for the UK.”