Thales Wins £169 Million Contract to Build Periscopes for Royal Navy's Dreadnought Submarines

This contract will sustain more than 150 highly-skilled engineering and support jobs across the UK, mainly focused at Thales' site in Glasgow.

Thales has a long history of providing periscopes for Royal Navy submarines, with every submarine in service since 1917 fitted with a periscope or optronics mast manufactured by Thales.

The Dreadnought submarines will replace the Vanguard-class vessels and will be fitted with Thales' multi-sensor combat system mast, which will provide a combination of visual sensors, digital radar, threat-sensing electronic warfare equipment, and communication capabilities.

The periscopes will also provide improved television-quality visuals.

The contract was awarded to Thales by BAE Systems Submarines, the UK's largest defense contractor.

Thales is already on contract to build the Sonar 2076 system for the Dreadnought, which means it will be providing the vessel's "eyes and ears" behind the platform's operational capability.

Thales is a global leader in providing maritime sensors and systems to more than 50 navies around the world.

The company has a strong presence in the UK, providing a range of technology solutions for the defense, aerospace, and transportation sectors.

The Royal Navy is currently facing a shortfall in new recruits, which has led to concerns over its ability to crew the Dreadnought submarines and other naval vessels.

The UK government has announced plans to boost recruitment and increase funding for the Royal Navy, but the long-term sustainability of the naval deterrent remains a concern.

The Dreadnought submarines are expected to provide a critical component of the UK's nuclear deterrent for the next generation.

The contract award to Thales is a significant milestone in the development of the program and highlights the UK's commitment to investing in cutting-edge technology and engineering.