BAE Systems, Microsoft team up for next-gen maritime defence tech

Defence company BAE Systems and technology giant Microsoft are developing the next generation of cloud computing maritime defence technology.

Through its combat systems team, BAE Systems is working with Microsoft to deliver and advance the application of cloud computing technology in the defence and national security sector.

As informed, the joint teams have been formed to combine the companies’ respective expertise in technology and naval mission systems.

“Our relationship with Microsoft is a clear illustration of how serious we are about innovating in the digital space. The combined knowledge and expertise of both organisations opens up fantastic potential to reinvent what we do and how we do it”, said Amelia Gould, Naval Ships Combat Systems Director.

Rob Fraser, Microsoft’s Senior Director of Commercial Software Engineering, added: “We’re proud and honoured to be working with the team in naval ships to provide unique opportunities that take full advantage of current and emerging technologies. It’s been a real meeting of minds and we are delighted to be able to work together to deliver new capability for our joint customer.”

In the company-related news, BAE Systems recently received a $125.5 million contract from the US Navy to drydock and provide maintenance service aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2).

Work on the ship is expected to be completed in September 2023. The contract includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $148.2 million.