Thales will provide part of the maintenance of Royal Navy ships for 2.17 billion euros

When navies, such as the Royal Navy, which must part with 23 frigates of the two types earlier than planned, find it difficult to honor its operational contracts or deal with the multiplication of threats, one of its solutions involves extending the life of its ships. . But their availability must still be guaranteed, which requires effective maintenance in operational condition (MCO).

Hence the MSET (Maritime Sensor Enhancement Team) contract that the British Ministry of Defense (MoD) has just awarded to Thales. Costing 1.85 billion pounds sterling (or 2.17 billion euros), it is to guarantee the “total availability” of sensors (sonars, periscopes, jammers, etc.) used by the Royal Navy’s first rate and nuclear submarines.

“In these times of global instability, it is imperative that we spend less time on maintenance on our ships and submarines,” British Defense Minister Grant Shapps said during a visit to Devonport Naval Base on February 2.

In detail, the contract, lasting 15 years, will be executed by Thales’ British subsidiary. Which means it also concerns the Royal Navy’s future Type 26 and 31 frigates, as well as the Dreadnought-class nuclear ballistic missile submarines. It aims to reduce repair times by an average of 100 days, resulting in faster spare parts supply and a 10% increase in reliability.

To do this, Thales UK will use virtual reality, artificial intelligence and “big data” to improve response, the idea being to ensure “preventive” maintenance of the components it will be responsible for.

“Aid and Service, (…) will enable more regular support and maintenance across a wider scope of intervention as the British Navy embarks on a critical transition period. Current and future investments in new port facilities, AI, data analysis tools and various associated skills will result in greater resilience of the Royal Navy’s naval platforms,” ​​Thales explained via a press release.

According to Alex Cresswell, CEO of the group’s British subsidiary, thanks to “data-driven decision-making”, MSET will make it possible to anticipate “support needs beyond what is currently possible” and “significantly improve the availability and resilience of Royal. Australia, the United Kingdom and the United Naval Vessels in Support of AUKUS Tripartite Military Partnership between States”.

It is said that, in addition to its weapon systems and sensors, a warship’s effectiveness is primarily due to the value of its crew, who must be well trained and trained… However, the Royal Navy is currently short of sailors, which makes it difficult for all requests submitted to it. Explains part of her difficulties in coping.