Royal Navy's sonars and sensors to be kept in good working order - thanks to £1.8bn AI deal
A new contract making use of artificial intelligence and virtual reality will help make sure sonars and sensors - the eyes and ears of the Royal Navy - are kept in proper working order for longer, the Defence Secretary has announced.
Grant Shapps said the £1.8bn Maritime Sensor Enhancement Team contract with Thales UK would improve the long-term availability and resilience of critical assets for the Navy's ships and submarines.
The Defence Secretary made the announcement during his first visit to His Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport.
Mr Shapps said: "In a time of global instability it is imperative we minimise the time our ships and submarines are out for maintenance.
"This is another partnership with Thales UK and our outstanding UK defence sector that not only boosts national security but provides a boost to local communities and helps fuel economic growth.
"Devonport Naval Base is an incredibly impressive facility with staff who play a role of such magnitude it cannot be underestimated."
Under the new agreement between the Government and Thales, data technology, including AI and virtual reality, will be utilised to create more proactive and predictive maintenance systems.
The contract will support the Navy's ability to hear underwater using masts, periscopes and electronic warfare equipment that can detect and target potential threats.
This will significantly increase equipment availability for vessels - which is critical for the Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD) and wider ship and submarine capabilities.
"This £1.8bn contract with Thales will help keep more Royal Navy ships at sea for longer, by harnessing the latest developments in artificial intelligence, data analysis and improved dockland facilities," said Thales UK CEO Alex Cresswell.
Vice Admiral Paul Marshall, Director General Ships at DE&S, said: "I am delighted that we have been able to secure a 15-year contract with Thales UK that will ensure the long-term support for major sonar, mast, periscope and electronic warfare equipment that are critical for ship and submarine capabilities.
"Achieving this notable milestone is a testament to the tremendous effort from all involved, both DE&S and Thales, where there has been determined focus on establishing long-term efficiencies and improvements that are vital to improving overall equipment availability."
Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Martin Connell, added: "The new contract is a significant commitment from the MOD and Thales UK to improving the availability of our equipment, maximising its effectiveness and enabling the Royal Navy to operate with confidence."
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