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
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
FIA2026 animated banner
Accles & Pollock expands its capabilities

Aerospace Defence

Accles & Pollock expands its capabilities

16 June 2026

West Midlands based Accles & Pollock – a trading division of Clydesdale Engineering Ltd – is further expanding its capabilities to include presswork, laser cutting and metal fabrication.

NP Aerospace receives GDLS add-on armour contract

Defence

NP Aerospace receives GDLS add-on armour contract

16 June 2026

NP Aerospace has today announced the award of a contract by General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada (GDLS–Canada) for the design and manufacture of add-on vehicle armour systems for a Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) international order.

Avon Protection introduces short-duration CBRN CS-PAPR

Defence Security Events

Avon Protection introduces short-duration CBRN CS-PAPR

16 June 2026

Avon Protection has introduced its Combination System Powered Air Purifying Respirator (CS-PAPR), a new short duration (SD) breathing apparatus option of their Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) for integration with a Combination Respirator Unit (CRU).

Thales unveils LGR275 Proxy at Eurosatory

Defence Events

Thales unveils LGR275 Proxy at Eurosatory

16 June 2026

Thales has unveiled its LGR275 Proxy at Eurosatory in Paris, a 70mm laser-guided rocket specifically designed to effectively neutralise the threat posed by Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Clarion appoints James Samuel as Managing Director – Live Events

Defence Events

Clarion appoints James Samuel as Managing Director – Live Events

16 June 2026

Clarion Events Defence and Security has appointed James Samuel as its new Managing Director – Live Events, to lead DSEI’s global expansion.

Roke launches Nav-Sync Armour

Defence

Roke launches Nav-Sync Armour

16 June 2026

Romsey based Roke has launched Nav-Sync Armour, a Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna (CRPA) system redefining access to resilient navigation across globally contested environments.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner