MoD awards contract for carrier IFF Support to Leonardo

The Ministry of Defence has awarded a £2 million contract to Leonardo UK for the support of the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems on the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers.

This contract spans 33 months, with an optional one-year extension, commencing from June 27, 2024, to March 31, 2027.

The QEC IFF is a secondary surveillance radar system integral to the mission systems of the two Queen Elizabeth Class ships. It plays a crucial role in enhancing situational awareness, identification, and air traffic control operations on both vessels.

The support provided under this contract ensures the continued operational readiness and effectiveness of these vital systems.

The Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) Surface Ships Combat Systems Group (SSCSG) is managing the contract. According to the official award notice, “The Secretary of State for Defence (the Authority), through the Surface Ships Combat Systems Group (SSCSG) Project Team within Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) has placed a 3-year contract, with a 1-year option period for a maximum duration of 4 years, with Leonardo UK Ltd. for the Support of Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) Identification Friend or Foe (IFF).”

The contract notice also outlines Leonardo’s strategic importance as the service provider, citing their exclusive technical expertise and capabilities.

“Leonardo UK Ltd. is the existing service provider, and only they possess the necessary expertise, means, and know-how essential to delivering and supporting the IFF capability as it is a bespoke technical solution fitted to QEC.”

This follows a previous contract awarded in November 2021, valued at £299,000, also to Leonardo, for a similar scope of work over a 21-month period. That contract included options for two six-month extensions, making the total potential duration 33 months.