BAE Systems throws support behind Surface Warships conference

Jan. 20, 2012 - PRLog -- London -- In a video address released this week (view at www.SurfaceWarships.com), former UK Royal Navy Rear Admiral Chris Clayton has declared innovative joint programmes such as the Type 45 Destroyer and Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier as the future of the military shipbuilding industry.

Speaking from the Portsmouth Naval Base, RADM Clayton, who now works as a key advisor to the defence manufacturing giant, outlined how the company intends to put its belief into practice when BAE Systems meets with global business leaders and senior military in Paris this month.

“I think it’s very important that industry, navies and governments work closely together on warship programmes,” he said.

“In the past, it was quite insular, but now we need to establish partnerships and friendships and relations where there is joint collaboration, joint programming, and a joint understanding of requirements, so that we can reach affordable solutions, because as we all know, defence budgets are being squeezed, and value for money is very important.”

Referencing BAE’s key projects in the domain, Clayton also highlights the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, a unique partnership they belong to alongside Babcock, Thales, and the UK Ministry of Defence, which it plans to leverage for future warship programmes in conjunction with other companies and navies overseas.

“I think it is very important that BAE Systems, as a major defence contractor, should show leadership within the industry and support conferences like this,” he continued.

“It is important we relate to our colleagues, important we relate to our suppliers, our potential partners and our customers – we have that responsibility – so BAE Systems is very happy to support this conference and other key events in order to maintain and move forward the thinking and relationships within the industry.”

Surface Warships 2012 is taking place from January 23-25 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris, France, and will offer top-level insight into modularisation, technological advances for survivability, maintenance and refits, and cost-effective operating methods.

Further information can be found at http://www.SurfaceWarships.com. Bookings can also be made now by emailing enquire@defenceiq.com, or by calling +44 (0) 20 7368 9300.

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