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
FIA2026 animated banner
Dstl backed robotics advance transforms military manufacturing

Defence

Dstl backed robotics advance transforms military manufacturing

15 May 2026

Rivelin Robotics, supported by Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) expertise, has created microfactory technology that automates the slow, risky manual finishing of 3D printed parts.

Defence firms incentivised to deliver on time

Defence

Defence firms incentivised to deliver on time

15 May 2026

The UK Government is cracking down on waste and delays as defence companies are to be incentivised to deliver equipment on time and on budget with new reforms to Single Source Contract Regulations.

MoD selects TEKEVER to support Project NYX

Defence

MoD selects TEKEVER to support Project NYX

15 May 2026

TEKEVER has been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to support Project NYX, the British Army’s programme to develop next-generation autonomous systems capable of operating alongside Apache attack helicopters.

West Midlands launches MoD-backed RDSC

Defence

West Midlands launches MoD-backed RDSC

15 May 2026

A new Regional Defence and Security Cluster (RDSC), designed to align local defence capabilities with UK demand, has been launched in the West Midlands.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Getac to demo integrated tactical solutions at SOF Week 2026

Defence Security Events

Getac to demo integrated tactical solutions at SOF Week 2026

15 May 2026

Getac, a provider of rugged computing and mobile video solutions and a manufacturer with advanced in-house capabilities, will demo its portfolio of rugged laptops, tablets and command solutions at SOF Week 2026, 18th-21st May in Tampa, Florida.

GA-ASI and USAF Demonstrate APKWS on MQ-9A Reaper

Defence

GA-ASI and USAF Demonstrate APKWS on MQ-9A Reaper

15 May 2026

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), in collaboration with the US Air Force (USAF), has conducted flight tests of an Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) using a USAF MQ-9A Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft. MQ-9A is produced by GA-ASI.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard