BAE Systems awards Cohort’s SEA unit Royal Navy communications systems contract

BAE Systems has awarded the UK-based technology group Cohort and its subsidiary SEA a further contract to provide its External Communications System for the second stage of the common External Communications System (cECS), for the Royal Navy.

The value of this order will eventually be worth up to £17m (approx. $24,5M), and will cover further procurement and design activities.

According to SEA, the cECS is a LAN communication system linking together radio equipment, modems, cryptographic and terminal equipment in an open and scaleable manner.

SEA is already committed to providing the External Communications System (ECS) for five new build Astute-class submarines, having been awarded the initial contract in 2009. In October 2014 SEA was awarded a further order to commence design work on cECS, extending ECS to all classes of Royal Navy submarines.

This second stage order continues cECS design and critical procurement activities into 2017, and further orders are expected in 2017.

Andrew Thomis, Chief Executive of Cohort plc said: “I am delighted that this important programme is continuing in line with our expectations. This substantial new order builds on the award in 2014 and we look forward to continuing our successful relationship with BAE Systems and the Royal Navy.”