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
Leonardo animated 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
General Atomics LB
Aviation Minister views engine inspection tech at GE Aerospace Filton

Aerospace Defence

Aviation Minister views engine inspection tech at GE Aerospace Filton

16 December 2025

Aviation Minister Keir Mather MP visited GE Aerospace’s Filton facility last week (Thursday 11th December) to see how UK-engineered artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are helping to transform aircraft engine inspection and reinforce Britain’s position as a global centre of advanced aviation services.

SEA to deliver KraitArray to Liquid Robotics for Wave Glider USV

Defence

SEA to deliver KraitArray to Liquid Robotics for Wave Glider USV

16 December 2025

SEA has been awarded a multimillion-pound contract to supply its advanced KraitArray undersea sensing technology to Liquid Robotics, for integration into the company’s Wave Glider uncrewed surface vehicle (USV).

BAE Systems to equip KAI

Defence

BAE Systems to equip KAI's KF-21 with Friend or Foe system

16 December 2025

BAE Systems has received an $11 million contract from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to integrate the AN/APX-127(V)1 Combined Interrogator Transponder (CIT) on KF-21 Boramae aircraft.

Cummins secures Gold Award for Armed Forces support

Defence

Cummins secures Gold Award for Armed Forces support

16 December 2025

Power solutions provider Cummins, has received a Gold Award from the UK Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle
Tyron Runflat set to establish UK centre of excellence

Defence Security

Tyron Runflat set to establish UK centre of excellence

16 December 2025

Tyron Runflat has invested in doubling its facility with the ambition of creating its first UK centre of excellence within the next five years.

Altus to showcase advanced solutions at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026

Aerospace Defence Events

Altus to showcase advanced solutions at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026

16 December 2025

Distributor of advanced electronics manufacturing equipment in the UK and Ireland, Altus Group, will return to Southern Manufacturing & Electronics from 3rd-5th February 2026 at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, to showcase a range of advanced process technologies from global suppliers.

Advertisement
ODU RT