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
Farnborough International Airshow reveals first wave of 2026 flying display

Aerospace Defence Events

Farnborough International Airshow reveals first wave of 2026 flying display

4 June 2026

Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) has announced the first of many aircraft and teams taking part in its 2026 flying display, which is set to be its largest and most diverse in decades.

UTAC Special Vehicles produces 1,000th armoured vehicle

Defence Security

UTAC Special Vehicles produces 1,000th armoured vehicle

4 June 2026

UTAC Special Vehicles has reached the milestone of producing its 1,000th armoured vehicle at the division’s headquarters at Millbrook, Bedfordshire, UK.

Advanced underwater tech to be developed for AUKUS forces

Defence

Advanced underwater tech to be developed for AUKUS forces

3 June 2026

Pioneering technologies deployed from uncrewed underwater vessels were announced by AUKUS Defence Ministers at a meeting in Singapore last weekend. which pushed forward progress in the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the UK and US.

DSEI Germany adds fourth exhibition hall

Defence Security Space Events

DSEI Germany adds fourth exhibition hall

3 June 2026

The organisers of DSEI Germany have announced that, due to unprecedented industry demand, they will be opening a fourth exhibition hall ahead of its debut in March 2027.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Getac launches rugged ZX80W and ZX80W-EX tablets

Aerospace Defence Security

Getac launches rugged ZX80W and ZX80W-EX tablets

3 June 2026

Getac today announced the expansion of its ZX80 range of eight inch fully rugged tablets with the launch of the new ZX80W and ZX80W-EX, which are two lightweight, highly mobile Windows 11 devices built on ARM architecture.

QinetiQ supports HMS Anson deployment

Defence

QinetiQ supports HMS Anson deployment

2 June 2026

QinetiQ supported HMS Anson’s recent, routine Submarine Maintenance Period (SMP) in Australia, using additive manufacturing to deliver replacement parts in just four weeks - much quicker than the months or years it usually takes.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner