UK looks to push the pace on Global Combat Ship programme

摘要

The UK is ramping up efforts to bring international partners into its Global Combat Ship (GCS) programme, with formal invitations expected to go out by the end of 2011.Intended to capitalise on the core design of the Royal Navy's (RN's) next-generation Type 26 frigate, the GCS is seen as a flagship export initiative by the UK government. Brazil was invited to join the GCS programme last year; dialogues have also been established with Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, New Zealand and Turkey. BAE Systems Surface Ships, as designated lead ship contractor and systems integrator, was awarded a GBP 127 million (USD200.29 million) contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) in March 2010 to lead the four-year assessment phase for Type 26. Its position on the programme is underpinned by a 15-year terms of business agreement signed with the MoD in 2009. Having struggled in the frigate export market, the UK wants to involve international participants to share costs, achieve greater economies of scale and open up opportunities for UK industry. The GCS concept, therefore, represents an attempt to entice foreign governments, navies and industry to come on board as partners.