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Two US defence giants with UK subsidiaries want to take over the training of Royal Navy recruits from British defence group Babcock. Raytheon and Lockheed Martin are reported to be bidding against the UK firm, for a 12-year contract with the MoD, worth £2bn.

The Financial Times reports the American companies "are in the running to takeover Royal Navy training" after they were selected, alongside Babcock, to bid for a "contract delivering all levels of naval personnel training", including "operational sea training, and training and simulation in military electronic systems." The bumper training contract, which is due to start in 2021, is part of a project to combine existing contracts, nicknamed "Selborne", and negotiations are now ongoing, says FT.

Babcock's website says: "As a maritime trainer of choice, Babcock International has been delivering world-class support for two decades to the Royal Navy, international navies and commercial customers both in the UK and overseas.

"With more than 800,000 individual training days designed and delivered for more than 12,500 personnel each year, we provide an unrivalled breadth and depth of expertise in bespoke learning environments."

Raytheon and Lockheed Martin both provide training and logistics support for the US military. FT says Raytheon is working with with British outsourcing firm Capita on its bid. In 2018, Capita won a contract to run the British military’s fire and rescue services, the first time that the work has been handed to the private sector.

Capita's website says: "Capita is entrusted by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) to deliver a range of core business services of national importance. The responsibilities implicit in these undertakings are taken extremely seriously by all employees engaged on their delivery."

However, last year it emerged the British Army did not have enough new soldiers signing up, because of 'significant problems' with a £500 partnership project with Capita which saw recruitment privatised. A National Audit Office report also notes the £495m British Army Recruiting Partnering Project, which saw the MOD subcontract recruitment out to contract with Capita Business Service, has failed to make the £267million savings expected.

Capita was also criticised for an Army a recruitment campaign that targeted 'snowflake' and 'selfie addict' millennials who play Fortnite and 'floss'.

Who are Raytheon?

The Raytheon Company is a major U.S. defense contractor and industrial corporation with core manufacturing concentrations in weapons and military and commercial electronics. It is best known for its Patriot missile defence system. It's UK subsidiary, Raytheon UK is a prime contractor and major supplier to the UK Ministry of Defence. Its website says it "has developed strong capabilities in mission systems integration in defence, national security and commercial markets".

Raytheon UK also designs, develops and manufactures a range of high-technology electronic systems and software at facilities in England, Scotland and Wales. In 2017, Raytheon UK generated £461m in sales.

Who are Lockheed Martin?

Lockheed Martin Corporation is an American global aerospace, defense, security and advanced technologies company. It's website says: "As the world’s leading systems integrator, Lockheed Martin delivers comprehensive training and logistics solutions to prepare military personnel for the most complex missions."

Its areas of business also include aeronautics, missiles and fire control, rotary and missions systems and space.

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