Industrial alliance proposed to build new aircraft carriers
Published Thursday 30th January 2003
The Secretary of State for Defence, Geoff Hoon MP, set out in the House of Commons on 30 January 2003 a proposal for BAE Systems and Thales UK to work in partnership to design and build two new aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy, planned to enter service in 2012 and 2015.
The competition for the future carrier programme's Prime Contract had been closely run between bids from the two companies. Following detailed analysis of their proposals by the MOD, particular strengths were identified in each. The Ministry of Defence has therefore recommended drawing these areas of expertise together to provide the best possible solution for meeting the project's requirements. It has suggested that the partnership would be led by BAE Systems as the Prime Contractor, responsible for project and shipbuilding management, while Thales UK would be the Key Supplier for the whole ship design. The MOD would participate in the Alliance, managing appropriate risks and contingencies, as well as ensuring the provision of necessary assets such as trained manpower and the JSF aircraft which the carriers will embark.
Both companies have indicated their willingness in principle to participate in such an Alliance, which would be underpinned by robust contractual agreements. Work will now be carried through to Spring 2004, when the final investment decision for the programme is scheduled. It is currently envisaged that building work for the two carriers would involve four shipyards: BAE Systems at Govan, Vosper Thornycroft at Portsmouth, Swan Hunter on Tyneside and Babcock BES at Roysth. Other shipyards may become involved in due course, while Rolls-Royce is expected to provide the engines. Some 10,000 jobs are likely to be created or sustained by the project.
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