A NEW 10 year contract with the Ministry of Defence that's worth £270 million will help secure jobs at BAE Systems in Hillend.

The company designs and manufactures the Royal Navy's three main radar systems – Artisan, Sampson and Long Range Radar – which feature on all of their major ships, including the Rosyth-built aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.

The new contract secures around 400 highly-skilled jobs and underpins BAE Systems’ radar business at Hillend, Cowes on the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth in Hampshire and Great Baddow in Essex.

Dunfermline Press: Radar systems designed and manufactured by BAE Systems are used in every major Royal Navy ship, including the Rosyth-built HMS Queen Elizabeth. Photo: MoD.Radar systems designed and manufactured by BAE Systems are used in every major Royal Navy ship, including the Rosyth-built HMS Queen Elizabeth. Photo: MoD. (Image: Ministry of Defence)

The MoD and BAE are also jointly investing a further £50 million to develop the next generation of radar technology which the Royal Navy requires to tackle emerging threats, including ballistic missiles and drones.

Scott Jamieson, managing director of BAE Systems Maritime Services, said: "This is a pivotal moment for UK radar technology development.

"This contract secures a decade of investment into a critical capability for the UK armed forces.

"It also allows us to evolve future radar technology with the MoD to sustain maritime air dominance and vital radar development skills and experience in the UK."

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Under the contract, BAE engineers will provide maintenance support and upgrade existing radars, including a roll out of technology upgrades to systems already in use as well as those being installed on the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 frigates, which the company is currently building in Glasgow.

The £270m contract replaces a number of existing deals, which the MoD said would deliver increased value for money and allow greater investment in future technology development.

As well as securing jobs, the contract will create new support roles in engineering and project management as well as additional investment in the UK supply chain.

The new investment will see the MoD contribute £37.5m and BAE invest £12.5m into research and development, with the aim of ensuring that British naval radar technology remains a global market leader.

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James Cartlidge, the UK Government minister for defence procurement, said: "Equipping our armed forces with the latest technology to counter emerging threats is critical to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of our fleet and personnel.

"Securing hundreds of jobs across the UK, this contract is a boost for the UK supply chain and lets our adversaries know we are equipped, prepared and ready."