A additional 150 STEM jobs and apprenticeships will be generated throughout Faslane, Glasgow, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Stockport, Somerset, Sussex, and Bristol. Approximately 300 UK employment from a previous Thales support contract will be sustained.
According to Thales, the agreement with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) would sustain over 450 highly skilled employment throughout the United Kingdom, including the creation of over 100 jobs at its production facility in Glasgow near the River Clyde.
With the use of data management and AI advancements, the Maritime Sensor Enhancement Team contract will sharpen the focus on equipment availability and help anticipate issues before they arise.
It is envisaged that by investing in modern dockland facilities, AI, data analysis tools, and capabilities, maintenance turnaround times will be shortened, maximizing the number of days the military is prepared to send ships and submarines to sea.
The contract will also support masts, periscopes, electronic warfare equipment, and sonar—a technology that allows the navy to hear below the surface of the ocean—which help them identify and target possible threats.
“In a time of global instability, it is imperative we minimise the time our ships and submarines are out for maintenance,” said Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, announcing the deal on Friday.
“This is another partnership with Thales UK and our outstanding UK defence sector that not only boosts national security but provides a boost to local communities and helps fuel economic growth.”
