SEA awarded £23m contract to provide External Communications System Support

Published 25th October 2014

SEA, a Cohort plc company, has been awarded an initial contract by BAE Systems to provide its innovative External Communications System (ECS) for the whole of the Royal Navy's submarine fleet.

The value of this new contract is approximately £23m, covering long lead procurement out to late 2016 and design activities out to March 2015. 

SEA is already under contract from BAE Systems to provide ECS for five Astute-class submarines and this new contract extends the system to other submarines under the Royal Navy's command as well as further Astute boats. A further significant order for the ECS system on Royal Navy submarines is expected in 2015. ECS is a major step forward in flexibility and sustainability, allowing new communications equipment to be fitted much faster and at significantly lower cost than earlier generations. 

Andrew Thomis, Chief Executive of Cohort plc said:

"This is a major step forward for SEA, and confirmation that its successful ECS system provides the world-class capability that the Royal Navy needs to conduct its submarine operations. It is a substantial contract in itself and is the first stage of design and production for the full fleet. We look forward to continuing our successful relationship with BAE Systems and the Royal Navy. This and other recently announced orders have improved our revenue visibility for the current year and beyond."

More details of this important win will follow shortly.