New £1bn support model for Royal Navy

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon is expected to unveil a new model worth around £1 billion to support a growing Royal Navy fleet.

Worth approximately £1 billion, the Common Support Model (CSM) will provide a framework for comprehensive support across the Royal Navy’s fleet of warships for decades to come in one new overarching arrangement, maintaining both brand new Queen Elizabeth aircraft carriers, as well as all existing warships.

10 of the 16 agreements, worth £794 million, included in the model have already been signed, with the others set to follow in the coming months. The includes four contracts worth £320 million for Marine Systems Support Partner (MSSP) with Babcock and a £200 million contract for the Joint Support Solution 2 with BAE Systems to support combat management systems, tactical networks and shared infrastructures aboard 38 Royal Navy platforms.

Simon Bollom, Chief of Materiel (Ships) for Defence Equipment and Support, the MOD’s procurement organisation, said: “Our surface fleet is made up of some the most advanced and capable fighting ships in the world. HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy’s newest and most advanced Aircraft Carrier, will join the fleet soon and the Common Support Model will provide a framework that will deliver effective support to the Royal Navy’s warship fleet at home and around the globe.

“The innovative, ambitious and far-reaching Common Support Model, which will drive efficiencies and greater availability, has been made possible by the enduring and strong relationships which exist between the Ministry of Defence, the Royal Navy, and our industry partners.”