Download PDF version

Babcock has been awarded two further contracts for work on the UK’s new Dreadnought Class submarine worth a combined £120 million.

This includes a 4.5-year £66 million contract with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to provide input into the development of the support solution for the UK’s new Dreadnought Class submarines. 

Knowledge and insights

The new Class of submarine will replace the Vanguard Class in the early 2030s to maintain the Continuous At Sea Deterrent.

The contract award reflects Babcock's decades-long experience of sustaining the UK’s submarine fleet, providing considerable experience, unique knowledge, and insights to aid Dreadnought’s transition into service. 

Technical and management support

Babcock has been awarded a £55 million contract by BAE Systems for WHLS and Submerged Signal Ejector equipment

Babcock will also provide the MOD with technical and management support, engineering best practices, and submarine maintenance achievability.

In addition, Babcock has been awarded a £55 million contract by BAE Systems for Weapon Handling and Launch System (WHLS) and Submerged Signal Ejector equipment for boats 2-4 of the Dreadnought Class.

Expertise and experience

The agreements follow the recent signing of a five-year contract with the MOD to support the detailed design for the new SSN AUKUS submarines, which will replace the Astute Class hunter-killer fleet from the late 2030s reinforcing the importance of our expertise and experience in supporting the UK’s current and future submarine fleet to enable improved in-service availability.

Babcock CEO David Lockwood said, “Contributing our extensive expertise on the complex support submarines require is a hugely important aspect to the design of this new platform. By participating early in the programme, we will help to maximise the UK’s future defence capabilities.”

Maximising defence capabilities

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said, “It is undeniable the pivotal role that British industry plays in the defence of our nation and our Allies, and I’m committed to supporting UK companies who are continuing to bolster our security while driving prosperity across our economy."

"The Dreadnought Class will be central to keeping our country safe and will further enhance our world-renowned submarine fleet.”

Download PDF version Download PDF version

In case you missed it

Strategies to achieve FuelEU Maritime compliance
Strategies to achieve FuelEU Maritime compliance

FuelEU Maritime came into effect on Jan. 1, 2025. It is part of the European Union’s Fit for 55 package and applies to commercial vessels of 5000GT (gross tonnage) and over u...

VIKING sea trials prove LifeCraft™ resilience
VIKING sea trials prove LifeCraft™ resilience

Sea trials are performed in northern waters – typically at depths of 200-300 metres off the coasts of Norway, the Shetland Islands, the Faroe Islands, and...

ClassNK ZETA enhances FuelEU Maritime Tools
ClassNK ZETA enhances FuelEU Maritime Tools

ClassNK has released new features related to FuelEU Maritime and EU-ETS for its GHG emissions management tool, ‘ClassNK ZETA’. Additionally, with the integration with N...

vfd