UK defense contractors Babcock and BMT entered a cooperation agreement under which they will work together on the design, build, construction and support of future Royal Navy warships.
BMT also said the two would collaborate on other international projects.
The initial focus will be cooperation on the recently announced Type31e program and the ability to offer a UK design alliance solution to the UK defense ministry.
BMT says both companies will jointly explore their available designs to determine the best possible option that meets the cost, capability, and delivery requirements of the Royal Navy.
Babcock earlier introduced its design for the Type 31 frigate. Dubbed Arrowhead, the design is a 120 meter general-purpose frigate Babcock believes it can build for the Royal Navy under the £250 million price limit set by the defense ministry.
Craig Lockhart, Managing Director – Naval Marine at Babcock said: “Babcock and BMT will work closely together to create a strong design alliance at what is an exciting time within UK and International ship design and build.”
Jeremy Berwick, Managing Director for Defence at BMT said: “This is the beginning of a deeper strategic relationship with Babcock founded on many years of working together successfully both with the Royal Navy and navies around the globe. The T31e programme is the catalyst where excellence of design, innovation and certainty of delivery combine to offer a highly credible contender for the Royal Navy’s next warship. The agreement will provide a strong basis for understanding and serving the different needs of many other navies.”