The Royal Navy has awarded BAE Systems a £135 million contract to provide maintenance and repair services for its Spearfish and Sting Ray torpedoes. The agreement, spanning three years until June 2029, aims to ensure these key weapons systems remain operational and ready for deployment across the Navy’s fleet.

The Spearfish and Sting Ray torpedoes are deployed on submarines, warships, and maritime patrol aircraft, playing critical roles in protecting United Kingdom waters and supporting the country’s nuclear deterrence capabilities. This contract reflects an effort to maintain the reliability and effectiveness of the Royal Navy’s underwater and surface defense assets.

The deal is expected to sustain 315 jobs, with roughly 100 positions located at BAE Systems’ facilities in Portsmouth. Additional employment opportunities are preserved at sites in Edinburgh, Chelmsford, and Glasgow, supporting 50 staff across these locations. Beyond the company’s direct workforce, the contract also protects approximately 165 jobs within BAE’s supply chain partners, underlying the broader economic impact of the agreement.

By securing ongoing maintenance and repair services, the Royal Navy aims to keep its torpedoes at peak readiness, underscoring the strategic importance of these armaments in both routine defense operations and the UK’s broader national security framework.