Bristol-based Systems Engineering & Assessment Ltd (SEA), which serves Government agencies, industry and academic institutions, is to supply an external communications system to defence giant BAE Systems for the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet.

The value of the contract is about £23 million. SEA, which is part of the Cohort group of companies, is already under contract from BAE Systems to provide an external communications system for five Astute-class submarines.

Cohort chief executive Andrew Thomis said: “This is a major step forward for SEA, confirming that its system provides the world-class capability the Royal Navy needs to conduct its submarine operations. We look forward to continuing our successful relationship with BAE Systems and the Royal Navy.”