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
Tritax 300x250

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
Cranfield University
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.

Team Plymouth showcases defence-driven growth vision

Defence Events

Team Plymouth showcases defence-driven growth vision

14 November 2025

Team Plymouth took centre stage at an event in Westminster’s Terrace Pavilion, showcasing the city’s pivotal role in shaping the UK’s defence future and driving inclusive growth across the South West.

Morphose Capital Partners appoints Andre Turville as CEO

Aerospace Defence Security

Morphose Capital Partners appoints Andre Turville as CEO

14 November 2025

Morphose Capital Partners has formally welcomed Andre Turville as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Advertisement
ODU RT
FSS completes CDR

Defence

FSS completes CDR

13 November 2025

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) is a step closer to receiving highly capable new support ships following successful completion of the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme's Critical Design Review (CDR).

Leonardo selects Unison CNC tube bender for Merlin maintenance

Defence

Leonardo selects Unison CNC tube bender for Merlin maintenance

13 November 2025

A manually operated, CNC-controlled tube bending machine from Unison Ltd, is all set to assist Leonardo in ensuring the operational readiness of the AW101 Merlin helicopters based at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250