Maritime

Finmeccanica group companies are at the forefront of developments in surface fleet modernisation and maritime security. Our lead partner position in international collaborative programmes, such as the Franco-Italian FREMM Frigate, the Horizon Air Defence Destroyer and the recently launched Cavour aircraft carrier, provides us with a strong pedigree in complex naval development. Our experience gained through these programmes means we are able to offer expertise, products and systems to support the development and export of the UK’s maritime capability: from the gun system on the bow, to the helicopter on the flight deck. This capability also covers combat systems engineering in weapons handling, communications, surveillance, protection, training and a global network for logistic support and maritime security solutions.

Ship-ready Maritime Combat Systems

We are applying our experience from partnering with UK and Italian Government and Prime Contractors to create a supply chain, inclusive of UK SME’s, ship-ready European  combat systems, UK sovereign technologies and the UK’s best integrators and support businesses. This will reduce resource costs and drive improvements in logistics support solutions and operational training.

Selex ES has proven modelling expertise through programmes that range from aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates and patrol craft. This has led to significant reductions in the design phase effort; and also in the costs of training and support activities, through on-board diagnostic information and logistic support. The resulting data infrastructure, coupled with the combat systems, has demonstrated savings in acquisition and operating costs and increased competitiveness for successful international partnering.

Vega’s technical support specialists have an extensive track record working alongside the Royal Navy in the development and acquisition of its Warfare Operator training capability; most recently on the Maritime Composite Training System which began offering its full range of courses in August 2011.

Selex ES has been selected to provide the communications system for the four new fleet auxiliaries under the Maritime Afloat Replenishment & Support (MARS) programme. In partnership with Thales UK, the company supplied the Fully Integrated Communications Systems (FICS) to BAE Systems for the Royal Navy’s Type 45 Destroyers; and on-board mobile communications on the RN’s new Carriers.

Selex ES and DRS Technologies have unique UK expertise in sensors, surveillance systems, weapon control systems and precision laser guidance of missiles and gun ammunition.

UK Technology plus European and International Collaboration

Joint European collaborative programmes with Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and France include Oto Melara’s advanced ammunition and guns systems. The Finmeccanica group is developing and evolving these technologies in partnership with other European and international industries and customers.

We aim to team with the best to develop the UK’s expertise in integration and global support of the Royal Navy’s weapon systems in order to provide flexible, proportionate and affordable responses to evolving global challenges. A Teaming Agreement with Babcock was signed on 4 May 2011 to offer the Oto Melara 127mm/64 Light Weight Medium Calibre Gun system for the UK’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship.