VT Group and BAE form joint-venture

The formation of BVT will create a world class provider of naval ships

Paul Lester

Chief Executive

VT Group

VT Group will join forces with the defence giant to form BVT Surface Fleet, which will undertake the construction of surface vessels and the provision of through-life naval support for the Royal Navy and other navies across the globe.

The agreement comes ahead of a manufacturing contract between BVT Surface Fleet and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the aircraft carrier programme, with the firm also signing a 15-year partnering deal with the MoD to guarantee BVT's leadership in defined design, build and through-life support projects.

Paul Lester, Chief Executive of VT Group, commented: "The formation of BVT will create a world class provider of naval ships and through-life support that will secure thousands of jobs in the UK and will enable the company to compete effectively for export work.

BAE System is an international defence firm, which recently won a $53 million (£26.5 million) contract to modify US Marine Corp mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles.

VT Group supplies boats to the MoD and HM Customs & Excise, as well as military and police organisations worldwide.