TKMS subsidiary Atlas UK has been awarded a contract by the UK Ministry of Defence for the “Next Generation Countermeasure” (NGCM) programme – a torpedo defence system for submarines.
The contract is a key component of the Royal Navy’s “Underwater Defensive Aids Suite” programme, the Kiel-based shipbuilder announced.
The NGCM programme is intended to deliver a ‘next-generation’ anti-torpedo system for the Royal Navy’s current and future submarine platforms. The system has been developed to counter evolving and emerging underwater threats.
In implementing the programme, TKMS Atlas UK intends to contribute its expertise in the fields of hydroacoustics, sonar systems, underwater communication, sensor technology and system integration, as well as its research capabilities in the area of torpedo defence. The parties have agreed not to disclose the value of the contract.
The TKMS subsidiary supplies underwater systems and technologies to the Royal Navy and international defence customers. With more than 600 employees, the company, based in Winfrith, Dorset, develops, integrates and maintains complex systems for submarines and surface vessels, supported by investment in test and integration facilities. Its core competencies include sonar systems, autonomous platforms, electric propulsion systems for ships and mine defence technologies.
Managing Director Antoni Mazur said: “This contract reflects our role in the UK as a long-standing, trusted partner for research and development in the field of anti-torpedo defence, as well as for innovation in the field of underwater defence.”
Chris Bamforth, Head of Submarine Combat Systems at the UK Ministry of Defence, emphasised that he was looking forward “to working closely with the company to deliver this vital capability for the UK submarine fleet.”
TKMS Atlas UK intends to work closely with the Babcock International Group, which, as a defence contractor, will contribute its expertise in launch systems for defence systems as well as its know-how in integrating them into existing platforms. This also includes its long-standing support for the British submarine fleet throughout the entire service life of the vessels. The solution has been developed to improve the availability of the platforms whilst enabling future upgrades. “It represents a significant advance for the underwater survivability of the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet,” the statement continues.
