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
Amentum rectangle

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
ODU RT

“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
Babcock LB
Babcock nears completion of HMS Venturer

Defence

Babcock nears completion of HMS Venturer

26 August 2025

HMS Venturer – the first of the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 frigates – has taken another major step forward with the installation of her foremast at Babcock’s Rosyth facility.

MoD Police receive two new intercept and escort boats

Defence Security

MoD Police receive two new intercept and escort boats

26 August 2025

Defence, Equipment & Support (DE&S) has delivered the first two of 24 new Intercept and Escort Craft to Ministry of Defence (MoD) Police under the fleet modernisation programme across three naval bases.

New funding to boost UK cadet force

Defence

New funding to boost UK cadet force

22 August 2025

Young people will have more chances to join the UK's Armed Forces Cadets, under a major expansion of cadet forces across the country, set to extend the force to over 40,000 by 2030.

British Army EOD troop move into new base

Defence Security

British Army EOD troop move into new base

21 August 2025

A specialist British Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) troop has moved into its new home at Gamecock Barracks, Nuneaton, Warwickshire.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
UK supports new training facility for LAF

Defence

UK supports new training facility for LAF

21 August 2025

A new training facility for the Lebanese Army has been upgraded through the UK's Integrated Security Fund, which will serve as a vital training facility for Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) troops deployed across South Lebanon.

Cook Defence Systems secures British Army support contract

Defence

Cook Defence Systems secures British Army support contract

20 August 2025

A new agreement between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Cook Defence Systems will see the North-East firm provide vital spare parts to the British Army armoured vehicle fleet.

Advertisement
Amentum rectangle