QinetiQ contracted to provide RN operational staff training

The Sword constructive simulation used for a French carrier strike force (FRSTRIKEFOR) CAST exercise in September 2024. (MASA)

QinetiQ has been awarded a contract to provide the Royal Navy's (RN's) Maritime Command and Staff Training (MCAST) capability, the company announced in August.

The contract, worth GBP25 million (USD34 million), is for five years with two further option years. It was a competition between QinetiQ and MASS, which holds the contract for UK Joint CAST.

James Anderson, RN account lead at QinetiQ, told Janes in a 22 August interview that MCAST will provide training for the RN's maritime and amphibious operational staffs, including the two-star Commander UK Strike Force (CSF), the one-star Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and Littoral Strike Group (LSG), and the mine warfare (MW) staff. The contract also includes provision for training subteams within these staffs.

Anderson said the overall responsibility for the contract rests with the main QinetiQ business while responsibility for exercise planning and delivery of the training will be the responsibility of QinetiQ's wholly owned subsidiary Inzpire. The constructive simulation supporting the exercises will be provided by MASA with its Sword simulation, which is being customised for the MCAST solution. 4C Strategies will contribute its Exonaut training and exercise management software, which is already widely used by UK forces.

Anderson added that other “minor providers” would contribute capabilities such as the simulation of news media and social media.

Sword is a constructive simulation in use in more than 30 countries. Originally developed for land warfare, its scope has now been widened to include maritime and joint operations. Enrico Raue, MASA business development director, told Janes