TKMS ATLAS UK has won a contract from the UK Ministry of Defense to develop and supply a next-generation torpedo countermeasure system for Royal Navy submarines.
The Next Generation Countermeasure (NGCM) program forms part of the Royal Navy’s Underwater Defensive Aids Suite and will provide a torpedo defense capability for both current and future submarine platforms.
The contract covers the development and supply of the system, while its value has not been disclosed.
The NGCM system is being designed around a scalable architecture that can be upgraded as new underwater threats emerge. The program will use a spiral development approach, allowing new capabilities to be introduced progressively over the system’s service life.
TKMS ATLAS UK will lead the work, drawing on expertise in hydroacoustics, sonar, underwater communications, sensor engineering and systems integration, alongside its existing research and development work on torpedo countermeasures.
The company will partner with Babcock International Group, which will provide countermeasure launcher technology and submarine platform integration expertise. Babcock also provides through-life support for the UK submarine fleet.
The two firms have conducted more than three years of joint research and development ahead of the contract award.
“We are extremely proud to have been selected to deliver the Next Generation Countermeasure capability for the Royal Navy. This contract reflects our longstanding role as the UK’s trusted provider of torpedo countermeasure research and development, and a trusted partner of innovation in the underwater battlespace. NGCM will deliver a world-class capability that strengthens the underwater defence of the UK’s submarine fleet, while also creating opportunities for future growth and export," Antoni Mazur, Managing Director at TKMS ATLAS UK, said.
“Having a world-class underwater countermeasure solution that will help to protect our national interests is a real driver for us all. Babcock is pleased to be partnering with TKMS ATLAS UK, bringing together our complementary skills and expertise to deliver the most capable NGCM solution for the Royal Navy. We are committed to a partnership focused on developing innovative solutions that support UK defence and one that builds on more than three years of joint research and development ahead of the award," Phil Craig, Managing Director of Marine Programmes at Babcock, commented.
This award reinforces TKMS ATLAS UK’s commitment to supporting the Royal Navy, strengthening sovereign defence capability and contributing to the security of the North Atlantic.
Looking ahead, the NGCM program will focus on delivery, integration and progressive capability enhancements, ensuring that the Royal Navy remains equipped to counter emerging underwater threats across the lifecycle of its submarine platforms.