QinetiQ supports Royal Navy electronic warfare contract
QinetiQ is working as part of the BEQ consortium alongside Babcock and Elbit Systems UK. (Photo: Elbit Systems UK)
QinetiQ will play a key role in delivering a £100 million ($136 million) next-generation EW system for the UK RN.
The company is working with Babcock and Elbit Systems UK in the BEQ consortium, which is working to deliver the RN’s Maritime Electronic Warfare Systems Integrated Capability (MEWSIC).
Central to the work is a suite of novel sensors set to improve the RN’s situational awareness.
The company said its sensing technology, combat systems integration and digitised test and evaluation experience would help achieve delivery of the project.
The BEQ consortium announced it had been awarded the MEWSIC contract in November 2021.
MEWSIC is part of the RN’s broader £500 million Maritime Electronics Warfare Programme (MEWP) covering the Daring-class Type 45 destroyers, Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, and future City-class Type 26 and Inspiration-class Type 31 frigates.
The team will also provide in-service support throughout the 13-year contract.
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.