BAE Systems win £285m Royal Navy contract which will support over 200 UK jobs

Defence behemoth BAE Systems has secured a Royal Navy contract valued at nearly £300m, which will sustain over 200 UK jobs.

The London-listed conglomerate has been commissioned to upkeep and modernise combat management systems (CMS) on Royal Navy vessels, including Type 23 frigates, Type 45 destroyers, Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers and Type 26 frigates, as reported by City AM.

The £285m contract, known as RECODE (Real-time Combat System Open Data Enablers), is set to support hundreds of jobs at BAE Systems in Filton, Dorchester, New Malden, Frimley and Portsmouth. This agreement follows the recovery of BAE Systems' shares in January after a decline that began in early November 2024.

Commodore Phil Game, defence equipment and support, Royal Navy, stated: "This programme will ensure our Royal Navy vessels have robust, future-ready combat systems."

"By working closely with industry partners, we’re not only enhancing our naval capabilities but also supporting skilled jobs and expertise in the UK defence sector."

Captain Kevin Miller, Royal Navy combat systems design authority, added: "In today’s challenging battle space, we must adapt and evolve rapidly."

"This programme delivers the agility we need to maintain our military advantage."

BAE Systems' shares were trading at 1,393p on 11 November last year but gradually fell for the rest of 2024 to end at 1,148p. However, since the start of the new year, BAE Systems’ shares have increased in value to 1,241p.

At the close of October 2024, BAE Systems announced plans for a significant £220m investment to convert its Rochester premises into an "advanced technology" hub.

The historic location, known for specialising in aerospace technologies and electronic systems, is set to be transformed into a cutting-edge 32,000sqm complex.