The MOD and Lockheed Martin UK (prime contractor for the Crowsnest airborne surveillance and control) have selected Thales to provide the radar and mission system at the heart of Crowsnest.
The project will act as the Royal Navy's eyes and ears for its next generation carriers, giving long range air, maritime and land detection, as well as the capability to track potential threats. Crowsnest will also be able to support wider fleet and land operations.
Lockheed Martin UK will now conclude the project's £27 million assessment phase, expected in 2016, supported by Thales and AgustaWestland, the manufacturer of the Merlin helicopter onto which the system will be able to be fitted.
Once a decision has been taken to proceed into the manufacture phase, it is expected that around 300 jobs will be sustained across these companies in Crawley, Havant and Yeovil.