Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Industry and academic alliance aims at transforming Royal Navy training

Defence

Industry and academic alliance aims at transforming Royal Navy training

The iMAST Alliance - a collaboration of three UK Maritime defence companies Babcock, QinetiQ and Thales, together with technology partners Centerprise International, Learning Technologies Group and academic Institutions, University of Portsmouth and University of Strathclyde - has recently signed an Alliance Agreement, bringing together their collective capabilities, to modernise and transform Royal Navy training.

Image courtesy Babcock

The Alliance is further boosted by an Ecosystem of more than 50 niche enterprises, who will seek and explore innovation in learning technologies, delivering opportunities and benefits across the UK supply chain.

The contract will be awarded following a competitive tendering process run by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and will see the successful bidder partner with their customer to transform Royal Navy training. Down selected to bid in 2019, the iMAST team is finalising its approach with final tender submissions due in summer 2020.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The iMAST vision involves working in partnership with the MoD to transform and modernise Royal Navy training in innovative ways that will deliver more, better trained Royal Navy people to the frontline quicker.

The iMAST lead contractor, Babcock, is currently responsible for around 70% of the outsourced Royal Navy training programme and this new collaborative Alliance squarely underpins its ongoing commitment to the Strategic Partner Programme with the MOD and Cabinet Office, which means iMAST is in an excellent position to provide a solid surety of delivery throughout the transformation period.

Mark Graves Managing Director of iMAST Alliance: “iMAST’s approach is focussed on building on our unique and deep affinity with Royal Navy Training and consolidates the capabilities of a game-changing Alliance that can deliver cutting-edge, flexible and accessible technology to truly modernise the training experience of RN people and ensure they reach the front line quicker and equipped with the skills and competence they need.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250

“Across our joint team we have strong and collaborative relationships with the armed forces, built over decades and share many of the same values and behaviours, often working as one team to a single joint plan. Therefore, iMAST represents the lowest risk, high reward solution to transition – delivered at pace.”

In addition to the provision of training, the winning bidder will also be responsible for designing, procuring and managing the maintenance and repair of all associated training equipment. This includes support for the delivery and procurement of the interior design, fit out and relocation to a new purpose built facility for submarine training based on the Clyde, helping to create a submarine centre of excellence.

 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
UK government launches next phase of new munitions and energetics factories

Defence

UK government launches next phase of new munitions and energetics factories

19 November 2025

Multiple sites across the UK for new factories to make munitions and military explosives to boost the UK’s warfighting readiness have been identified as the government moves to the next phase of building the factories of the future.

Babcock to support French government

Defence

Babcock to support French government's fleet of H145s

19 November 2025

Babcock France and Airbus Helicopters have been awarded a 10-year contract to provide in service support to the entire fleet of H145 of the Direction Générale de la Sécurité civile and the Gendarmerie nationale, helping to safeguard communities across France.

GA-ASI completes FST testing on MQ-9B

Defence

GA-ASI completes FST testing on MQ-9B

18 November 2025

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has completed its 'third lifetime' of full-scale fatigue (FSF) testing for the MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).

Smith Myers

Aerospace Defence Security

Smith Myers' Artemis MPDLS integrated with Trakka Mission System

17 November 2025

Smith Myers and Trakka Systems have successfully integrated the Artemis Mobile Phone Detection & Location System (MPDLS) with the Trakka TM-100 Mapping System and TC line of EO/IR camera systems.

Advertisement
ODU RT
KT-UK and RADX partner on solutions for UK and Europe

Aerospace Defence Security Space

KT-UK and RADX partner on solutions for UK and Europe

17 November 2025

Konrad-Technologies UK Ltd (KT-UK) and RADX Technologies, Inc. (RADX) have entered a new partnership under which KT-UK will integrate solutions across the UK and EU.

Advanced cyber protections to be embedded into digital systems

Defence Security

Advanced cyber protections to be embedded into digital systems

14 November 2025

Advanced cyber protections will be embedded into the digital systems that power everything from critical infrastructure to consumer electronics.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250