BAE Systems will provide essential mission systems support to the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers — HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales — as part of an updated integration services agreement.

Through an addition to the Naval Combat Systems Integration Support Services (NCSISS) contract, BAE Systems will ensure that both vessels are kept ready for operations by providing world-class complex system engineering.

Richard Williams, BAE Systems’ naval ships combat systems director (www.baesystems.com), said: “NCSISS is a real success story for BAE Systems and provides essential support to the Royal Navy.

"Working in collaboration with Qinetiq and DE&S, we have ensured that the UK’s surface fleet is at peak operational performance, and we are pleased to extend that support to the nation’s flagship Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.”

Jo Osburn, DE&S’s head of Maritime Combat Systems, said: “Extending the NCSISS arrangement to include the air-craft carriers has provided a facility to test and assure new capabilities ahead of their installation into the platform.”

The Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) mission systems, comprising 62 individual sub-systems, are vital for the delivery of aircraft carrier operations.

“They allow crews to assess and respond to threats, plan joint air and maritime operations, and manage aircraft movements.