Babcock International has secured a contract worth £17.9 million from the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) organisation to provide essential support for the Royal Navy’s Phalanx Close-In Weapon Support System (CIWS).
The Phalanx CIWS is a highly advanced, radar-guided gun that can rapidly fire armour-piercing bullets at a rate of up to 4,500 rounds per minute. The system is used to neutralize close-in threats and anti-ship missiles, and is employed on various Royal Navy platforms such as the Albion-class landing platform dock, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Type 45 Class destroyer and Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.
Babcock has been providing Phalanx in-service support since 2006 and will now support up to 41 systems, including nine overhauls and upgrades. The company will also be responsible for logistics management, obsolescence management, availability, and reliability of the Phalanx.
Neal Misell, CEO, Babcock’s Mission Systems business, said: “With increased geopolitical instability, it’s vital the Royal Navy has the appropriate tools to fulfil its duties. We’re proud to provide in-service support for the Phalanx system – an important part of the Royal Navy’s gunnery.
“Babcock’s world-class weapons team plays a central role in ensuring the Royal Navy’s sailors and its ships are kept safe at sea.”
Babcock’s weapons team is based at its Devonport facility where, alongside the Phalanx, it provides a host of services to the Royal Navy, including in-service support for the 4.5” gun.
Vicky Stanley, International Guns, Missiles and Rockets Team Leader at DE&S, said: “Now more than ever it is crucial that the Royal Navy is as well-equipped as possible to meet the global threats the UK and its allies face.
“Support contracts like this with Babcock are vital in ensuring a widely used, versatile weapon remains effective for years to come.”
