MoD Signs £3 Billion Contracts for Aircraft Carriers

>A computer-generated view of the Royal Navys future CVF aircraft carrier, for which contracts worth 3 billion were awarded on July 3. (UK MoD artwork)The MoD today signed contracts with industry to build the two future aircraft carriers. The contracts, worth in the region of 3 billion, were signed with the newly-formed UK maritime Joint Venture, BVT Surface Fleet, and the Aircraft Carrier Alliance onboard HMS Ark Royal, one of the Royal Navy's existing aircraft carriers and currently the Fleet Flagship.>> Contracts authorised today encompass work worth:>> -- 1,325M for the construction of giant sections of both ships by BVT Surface Fleet at Govan on the Clyde and Portsmouth;> -- 300M for the construction of giant sections of the ships at the BAE Systems yard at Barrow-in-Furness;> -- 675M for the bow section and final assembly and completion of the ships by Babcock Marine, with assembly taking place at Rosyth;> -- 425M for design and engineering for Thales UK; and> -- 275M for design and supply of Mission Systems for BAE Systems Integrated Systems Technologies (Insyte)>> Defence Secretary, Des Browne, said:>> "This is a historic day for everyone in defence. The two aircraft carriers will provide our forces with the world-class capabilities they will need over the coming decades. They will support peace-keeping and conflict prevention, as well as our strategic operational priorities.>> "Today's contract signing seals the future for thousands of jobs, and ensures that we will have a Royal Navy fit for the 21st century.