Finmeccanica UK

Our experience gained through these programmes means we are able to offer best practice, products and systems to support the development and export of the UK’s maritime capability, from the gun system on the bow, to aviation on the flightdeck. 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.

We have joined forces with government departments and the Marine Industries Alliance to develop the skills and technologies needed to grow the business sector. In conjunction with UK Business, Innovation and Skills, SEMTA and Go4SET, initiatives have been launched with schools and universities to encourage new talent into maritime careers, linked to regional development projects, to improve the promotion and growth of international business opportunities.

The increased focus of operations in the littoral zone and the proliferation of asymmetric threats have resulted in some NATO countries increasing their investment in the development of advanced gun ammunition. The result has seen the introduction to service of cheaper and more available, flexible and responsive precision engagement alternatives to missiles. The limited stock of missiles on board a ship, compared to the number of gun rounds stored in automated magazines, is changing the balance of cost-effective engagement options in favour of precision gun ammunition.

Oto Melara signed a Teaming Agreement with Babcock in 2011 to offer the 127mm/64 Light Weight Medium Calibre Gun to the UK’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship Finmeccanica group companies will work with Babcock to develop the UK’s centre of excellence for integration and global support of naval gun systems.

Ship-ready Maritime Combat Systems

Selex ES has consolidated its expertise in maritime sensors, integrated communications, control systems and electronics into a single entity that can leverage its experience from partnering with UK and Italian Government and Prime Contractors.

The resulting supply chain embraces UK SMEs, ship-ready European combat systems, UK sovereign technologies and the UK’s best integrators and support businesses. This arrangement is reducing resource costs and driving improvements in both logistics support solutions and operational training.