£85m contract to boost Type-23 capabilities

The Ministry of Defence has signed an £85 million contract with Rolls-Royce to maintain the engines of the Royal Navy’s Type-23 frigate fleet.

Defence Minister Stuart Andrew has revealed that the contract includes a comprehensive support package to Spey gas turbines, including the overhaul of engines, provision of spares, as well as engineering and safety support.

The world-beating Type-23 frigate is able to carry out a wide variety of operations, from securing the UK’s vital maritime trade routes East of the Suez Canal to safeguarding British interests in the South Atlantic.

The contract, expected to deliver a £35 million increase in savings to the MOD over the next eight years, will see Rolls-Royce overhaul thirty Type-23 engines from the UK and NATO partners Belgium, Portugal and the Netherlands.

Andrew said: “This £85 million contract demonstrates the UK’s commitment to modernisation through the maintenance of our formidable Type-23s. This work continues the British tradition of supporting our closest allies and solidifying our global position as world-leaders in advanced maritime technology and development.”

Andrew announced the contract at HMNB Devonport where he saw Thursday War training which prepares the Royal Navy for war-fighting, humanitarian relief and emergency situations through a variety of drills and exercises.