Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • SNC to upgrade Royal Navy's digital tech

Defence

SNC to upgrade Royal Navy's digital tech

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) have awarded Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) – Mission Systems UK, a two-year contract (with an optional further two years) to upgrade the Royal Navy's current digital technology systems, used on high-risk operations around the globe.

Above: Royal Marines.
Courtesy DE&S

The Ministry of Defence own the current design of the technology but in an innovative new approach, has brought in an industry partner to help further enhance its capability. SNC Mission systems UK will work closely with the Future Capability Innovation (FCI) team in DE&S. It will see the new innovative digital technology be supported, scaled and enhanced at pace.

Advertisement
ODU RT

A key focus of the new Integrated Procurement Model, this collaborative team will enable the delivery, support and spiral development of digital technology to front-line users across the Royal Navy, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the Royal Marines whether operating at home or deployed on operations abroad.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said: “Establishing closer partnerships between industry and defence is a key part of my drive to integrate and procure equipment, capabilities and services better in the future.  

“It will see our highly trained personnel maintain capability whilst keeping pace with technology innovation.”

The new contract is expected to create up to 13 new highly-skilled jobs and support the sustainment of a further 25 roles across a range of Small to Medium Enterprises in Wales and the South-West of England.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The contract was placed by the FCI team who has recently stood up as part of the DE&S Gateway with the support of the MoD’s Commercial X. The ‘Mission Partner’ is an example of Defence’s new approach to delivering procurement faster and more efficiently under the recently released Integrated Procurement Model.

James Gavin, FCI Head at DE&S, said: “The Royal Navy, DES FCI and MoDs Commercial X worked collaboratively to bring the innovative ‘Mission Partner’ concept into being. We are looking forward to working with SNC Group UK to not just bring innovative digital technology to the front line, but to prove the value of the Mission Partner concept for other parts of the MoD.”    

Rear Admiral Ivan Finn, Director Navy Acquisition, said: “This partnership will further accelerate Royal Navy in-house developed technology to the warfighters on the front line whether they be at sea, on land or in the air. The support enabled through the Mission Partner will have a significant positive effect on our people, delivering a better capability.”

Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard
BAE Systems and PGZ win British-Polish Collaboration Award

Defence

BAE Systems and PGZ win British-Polish Collaboration Award

29 May 2026

The British Embassy in Warsaw and the British Polish Chamber of Commerce (BPCC) has jointly awarded Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) and BAE Systems the 'British-Polish Collaboration Award', for exemplifying a high impact UK–Poland industrial partnership, delivering tangible outcomes for Polish national and European security.

Babcock and Truflo Marine pilot to support AUKUS

Defence

Babcock and Truflo Marine pilot to support AUKUS

29 May 2026

Babcock is to lead a UK pilot initiative with Truflo Marine to demonstrate how allied submarine sustainment supply chains can be mobilised more quickly across the UK and Australia to strengthen capacity, support operational availability and build long-term industrial resilience in support of AUKUS and Submarine Rotational Force – West.

Parker Chomerics introduces CHO-AIR VITA 48.5 chassis seal

Aerospace Defence

Parker Chomerics introduces CHO-AIR VITA 48.5 chassis seal

28 May 2026

The Chomerics Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation is introducing its CHO-AIR VITA 48.5 chassis seal, an advanced air flow-through (AFT) sealing solution that meets the mechanical and interface requirements of ANSI/VITA 48.5-2026.

DSEI Germany appoints military advisory board

Defence Security Events

DSEI Germany appoints military advisory board

28 May 2026

DSEI Germany has appointed three distinguished military advisors as it prepares to debut at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds from 9th - 12th March 2027.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Rauma Marine Constructions selects IFS Cloud solution

Defence

Rauma Marine Constructions selects IFS Cloud solution

27 May 2026

IFS today announced that Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC), a Finnish shipbuilding company, has selected IFS Cloud to modernise its digital foundation and strengthen control across its complex shipbuilding programmes.

Dstl achieves UK’s first optical downlink from space

Defence Space

Dstl achieves UK’s first optical downlink from space

27 May 2026

The UK’s first successful download of data from space using a deployable laser communications ground station has been achieved by Archangel Lightworks for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner