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BVT Surface Fleet, the maritime Joint venture between BAE Systems and VT Group, has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defence to assist with the preparation for the next phase of the development for the next generation of warships for the Royal Navy, the Future Surface Combatants (FSC).
BVT will now work in partnership with the Surface Combatants Directorate in the Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organisation on the development of the costed assessment phase, the preparation of a joint cost model for the whole life of the programme and analysis of the supply chain and other factors.
Under the developing Terms of Business Agreement (TOBA) between BVT and the MOD, the company will be expected to lead on the manufacture of the FSCs, and will take over the design lead from the Naval Design Partnership (NDP). BVT will continue to work closely with industrial partners from the NDP throughout the assessment phase to ensure the smooth transition into the design phase of the programme.
Rear Admiral Bob Love, Director General Ships for the DE&S, said: “This is a significant moment in the life of FSC as we press forward in developing a world class escort for the future. This will be one of the first projects that will be delivered under the umbrella of our new partnering arrangements. A hugely exciting day for the Royal Navy.”
BVT Chief Executive Alan Johnston CBE said: “The Future Surface Combatant Programme is hugely important not only for the Royal Navy but for the whole of the UK maritime industry.
“The close partnership between BVT and the MOD at this early stage in the programme will ensure that we retain the vital skills and resources to deliver the required capability at the right time and the right price”. The Future Surface Combatants will be the next generation of surface warship, and are due to enter service around the end of the next decade. They will deliver the enduring surface combatant capability after the existing Type 22 and Type 23 frigates have left service, as an integral part of the balanced fleet required to support the UK’s future defence commitments.
BVT Surface Fleet, a Joint Venture between BAE Systems and VT Group, is a leader in the design, manufacture, integration and support of naval ships, delivering complex engineering, integration and through-life support across the lifecycle of a vessel.
With operations in Glasgow, Portsmouth and Filton near Bristol, it employs over 7,000 people and has the facilities, skills and partnerships to set the global standard in excellence as a trusted and innovative through-life surface warship partner in both the UK and export markets.
