Babcock ups preparations for Hellenic frigate programme

Babcock, the aerospace, defence and security company, is gearing up to showcase its frigate design, build and support credentials during Defence Exhibition Athens (DEFEA) being held 13-15 July as it continues its engagement in Greece around its bid to deliver the Hellenic Navy’s new frigate modernisation programme.

Supported by the UK Government, Babcock has been fine-tuning its programme to provide the Hellenic Navy with a Hydra Class upgrade programme, an interim frigate capability and four Babcock Arrowhead 140 frigates.

Babcock’s industrial strategy would see it support the modernisation of Greek shipyard facilities, underpinned by partnering proposals with Greek industry to develop local workforces and transfer knowledge and technology within the wider domestic shipbuilding and ship repair supply chain – all undertaken as part of the company’s commitment to Greece.

Over the last three months, Babcock said it has engaged more than 100 suppliers and following recent meetings led by the British Company’s Group Chief Executive, David Lockwood, at both the Skaramangas and Elefsina shipyards, Babcock has continued its previous in–country supplier engagements. In all, one-to-one discussions have been held with more than 20 Greek companies.

These discussions, covering detailed scopes of supply, technical requirements, commercial processes and strategic alignment, are part of a coordinated programme of industry participation with Thales in the UK and MBDA UK, and are at an advanced stage with Supplier Agreements expected to be in place imminently.

Senior members of the Babcock team will be at DEFEA, the international defence and security exhibition, to speak with delegates about the company’s global frigate experience that is aligned to Hellenic Navy’s requirements.

This includes the development of the Arrowhead 140 as the UK Royal Navy’s new Type 31 frigate, more than a decade of design, build and support to the UK’s Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier programme, the development of Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Irish Naval Service and a wide range of international projects for small to medium sized vessels.

Babcock will also outline its through-life support expertise including its responsibility for the UK Royal Navy’s Type 23 Class frigates life extension programme and services to the Royal Australian Navy Meko frigates, credentials that will enable a successful Hydra Class upgrade and increased ship availability and readiness for both the Meko and the British interim frigate solution.

 “Babcock will bring a wide-ranging programme of technology transfer and focused support options to enable Greek industry to construct the Arrowhead 140 frigate in Greece,” Will Erith, Chief Executive Marine, Babcock, said.

“DEFEA provides a fantastic platform for us to continue these discussions and to build our burgeoning industrial base for this project. We are looking forward to the exhibition.”