SEA has been awarded a £26m contract by New Zealand’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the Phase two build and installation of the communication system upgrade on two Royal New Zealand Navy ANZAC frigates. Phase two of the Frigate Sustainment – Communications project follows SEA’s successful completion of the first phase which included the design of the system itself. The bespoke SEA system has been designed to reduce through life costs and associated maintenance of the frigate’s new communication capability. The flexible, modular system will enable the Navy to integrate equipment, including cryptos and radios, regardless of the manufacturer or supplier.
Richard Flitton, Managing Director at SEA, said: “A ship’s communications are integral to any successful mission, and our flexible surface ship system will allow the Royal New Zealand Navy to communicate effectively and securely with partners while also reducing maintenance and associated costs. Having completed the design of the system, we’re now fully focused on bringing it in to service over the coming years. In addition to supporting the Royal New Zealand Navy’s continued technological innovation, we’re also pleased to be developing in-country training, skills and expertise through our various local partners. We’re delighted to be increasing our presence in Australasia having proven our ability to deliver in the region.”
The system’s open architecture will also meet interoperability requirements, allowing the Royal New Zealand Navy to communicate with partner navies and, in turn, support missions with friendly countries such as neighbouring Australia. The contract marks the continued development of collaborative working relationships with a range of partners, including the Royal New Zealand Navy and other local organisations. SEA hosted guests from the New Zealand MoD at its Beckington and Barnstaple sites in 2022 and has worked with New Zealand-based companies such as Beca, MAROPS and McKay in delivering the first phase of the project and will continue to collaborate with them throughout this contract.
For over 50 years, SEA has delivered research, development, manufacturing, training, and support of complex maritime systems to the Royal Navy, international partners, and customers across the globe. The company are also the UK’s leading provider of intelligent traffic management solutions, offering a range of enforcement technologies designed for supporting the demands of the current Traffic Management and Civil Enforcement Acts. In the defence domain, the company have applications in ship protection, agile-platform anti-submarine warfare and integrated underwater situational awareness. SEA manufacture and support a wide range of systems designed to provide a rapid response to threats, defend a fleet against attack, track and monitor targets, and ensure system effectiveness and interoperation. Our complex systems are in-service globally and provide agile solutions in nature’s most challenging environment.
