The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded QinetiQ an 11-year, £109 million contract extension to continue to develop and de-risk Royal Navy mission systems and infrastructure through integration and testing at Portsdown Technology Park, Portsmouth, UK.
The renewal of the naval combat system integration support services (NCSISS) contract was first signed in 2012.
Operating in collaboration with the Royal Navy, DE&S and BAE Systems, the contract will sustain around 280 jobs in the Portsmouth area, the defense technology company said. QinetiQ will also invest into modernization of the facilities, equipment and ways of working at the Portsdown site.
Steve Wadey , QinetiQ CEO, said: “This contract is recognition of Portsdown as an asset of critical national importance, relied upon by the Royal Navy to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of its fleet. In addition, our own investment will increase the site’s capacity, allowing us to attract new customers and creating opportunities for more small and medium enterprises to become part of the Royal Navy supply chain.”
Neal Lawson , director ships support at the MOD’s Defence, equipment and support headquarters said: “This arrangement will ensure that our future Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carriers and the new Type 26 Frigates will have the world-class capability required to deliver the Nation’s global effect. The Portsdown Technology Park will remain a unique and vital centre of excellence for the UK.”