Submarines engineering base opens in Coventry

Image courtesy BAE Systems

The site will recruit and train a wealth of engineering expertise from the surrounding area to provide support to active in-service vessels and help deliver the Astute, Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS-Class submarines. 

The hub was opened by Steve Timms, Managing Director, BAE Systems Submarines and Rear Admiral Paul Carroll, Director of Submarine Acquisition at the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA).

Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Submarines business, said: "The opening of our new Coventry office marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in BAE Systems’ engineering journey and the work that will take place here, now and in the future will be important as we deliver next-generation submarines to the Royal Navy.

"The wealth of expertise, experience and talent in the Midlands will directly contribute to a truly national endeavour on work that the region can be proud of.

"Engineers in Coventry will help develop the critical complex systems which sit at the heart of all Royal Navy nuclear submarines being built at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria." 

Rear Admiral Paul Carroll, Director of Submarine Acquisition, Submarine Delivery Agency, said: "Delivering the Dreadnought programme, whilst also increasing the capacity and capability of the UK’s submarine industrial base, means that we need to continue investing in talent and expertise across the entire country. 

"The Midlands hub is an example of this ambition and is making our national endeavour even further reaching. As someone who grew up and completed their engineering training in this part of the country, I’m delighted to see this initiative come to life. Melding naval and industrial expertise and innovation such that our sailors have the best possible support 24 hours-a-day.

"The workforce is being recruited from a wide range of sectors including finance, automotive and sales, as well as defence veterans. The location of the new facility, which forms part of the Ansty Park business complex in Coventry, is shared with advanced manufacturing and innovation organisation, MTC."

Sir Rick Thompson, Managing Director, Defence at MTC, said: "The Midlands is one of the country’s top innovation regions and BAE Systems’ new office in Coventry is testament to the area’s strength in developing industrial technology and defence collaborations that attract investment and jobs. 

"The colocation of BAE Systems and MTC’s manufacturing experts offers huge benefits and strengthens our partnership as they expand their operations in the country, and we work together to further enhance the region’s credentials as an R&D hub.

"The UK Government’s recent Strategic Defence Review (SDR) reaffirmed the delivery of four Dreadnought Class boats, which will sustain the UK’s nuclear deterrent from when they are scheduled to begin entering into service in the early 2030’s. In Barrow, the final two Astute Class boats are moving closer to completion, ensuring the Royal Navy will have the attack capability to protect CASD."

The hub was opened by Steve Timms, Managing Director, BAE Systems Submarines and Rear Admiral Paul Carroll, Director of Submarine Acquisition at the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA).