Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin has announced a £269 million deal for Crowsnest system to protect the new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.
The surveillance system will act as the eyes and ears for the Royal Navy’s ships, providing long range air, maritime and land detection and tracking capability.
Commenting on the new purchase, Baldwin said: “Crowsnest will provide a vital intelligence, surveillance and tracking system for our new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, capable of detecting any potential threats at sea.
“Backed by our rising Defence budget, and our £178 billion equipment plan, Crowsnest will help keep our Armed Forces safe as they deploy in every ocean around the world for decades to come.”
Tony Douglas, chief executive officer of the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support body, said: “Crowsnest will play a key role in protecting the Royal Navy’s future fleet acting as the eyes and ears for the new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. This state-of-the-art project will demonstrate how we are providing world-leading, innovative equipment to our Armed Forces.
“This contract will also sustain hundreds of UK jobs in the process, highlighting how the MOD, through DE&S, can create a positive and collaborative partnership with industry, benefiting both our Armed Forces and the UK economy.”
