QinetiQ Wins £5.3 million Underwater Target Contract From Royal Navy

QinetiQ has been awarded a £5.3 million five year contract to deploy and maintain the Ministry of Defence's underwater mobile acoustic targets.

It will be delivered at the British Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre (BUTEC) based at the Kyle of Lochalsh in Scotland, which is operated by QinetiQ on behalf of the Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). 

The autonomous underwater mobile targets are torpedo size and simulate the radiated noise and target echo strength of a submarine. They are used for training submarine crews to detect and/or classify targets and for firing training torpedoes as part of on-going weapon and platform acceptance trials for the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet, including the latest Astute class. 

Tony Rodriguez, Trials & Targets Manager, DE&S, MoD, said, “QinetiQ has a long history of providing a comprehensive range of high quality, value for money Platform Readiness Services in support of the Royal Navy. This track record when combined with their extensive capabilities and knowledgeable and experienced staff gave us the confidence to award them this important service contract.” 

Sarah Kenny, Managing Director, QinetiQ Maritime, said; "We are very pleased to have won this significant contract, further strengthening our extensive and deep working relationship with the MoD and the Royal Navy. The securing of this contract is a testament to the value for money and quality of the services already being delivered by QinetiQ in support of the Royal Navy.” 

The contract will be delivered by QinetiQ’s Platform Readiness Services team based at The British Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre (BUTEC). The services are underpinned by an extensive range of facilities and equipment to support the successful introduction of new and refitted/upgraded ships, submarines and helicopters into service whilst maximising available programme time. 

Platform Readiness Services have been delivered not only to the UK MOD and the Royal Navy, but also a number of other countries and their navies including the US, Norway, Canada and Sweden and naval constructors including BAE Systems, Babcock and Thales.