BMT and FDS Forge Partnership at DSEI 2025 to Deliver Modular Naval Solutions for Tomorrow’s Fleets

BMT and Force Development Services (FDS) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at DSEI 2025, marking a major step forward in the development of modularity for future naval operations. This partnership will combine BMT’s vast expertise in naval architecture and sovereign ship design with FDS industry-leading innovation and experience in modular deployable systems engineered to enhance current and future platforms, solutions that are adaptable, support lifecycle efficiency and unlock higher levels of mission readiness for the modern naval force.

With the Royal Navy’s ambitions for containerised capabilities and modular mission delivery (reflected in its NavyPODS programme and the broader move toward ‘plug and play’ warship functionality) the timing and vision behind this collaboration could not be more relevant. Today’s announcement aligns with the UK’s drive to accelerate capability introduction and ensure ships can embark, interchange and support specialist equipment to match rapidly shifting threats and mission profiles. Drawing on proven approaches from both the commercial logistics and advanced naval fields, BMT and FDS intend to deliver scalable, interoperable and flexible modular solutions, designed for rapid deployment, supporting operations; realising the benefits of agility that the future force demands.

Modern navies face increasing budgetary and personnel constraints alongside technological change at unprecedented speed. There is growing consensus that energy and resources must focus on a platform’s ability to re-role mid-deployment, rapidly integrating new equipment, and be maintained and supported for optimal availability ashore and afloat. With a system-of-systems mindset, the BMT–FDS partnership addresses the core challenges of today’s operational demands - delivering a robust framework for PODS lifecycle support, standardised integration onboard and ashore and managed readiness for all deployed capabilities. This shift is not just about adapting platforms, but about enabling the entire fleet to become more responsive, versatile and sustainable - a necessary response to the complexity and pace of the modern operational maritime environment.

Jake Rigby, Global Head of Innovation and Research at BMT, commented:
“This collaboration sets a new standard for modularity in naval operations. By blending BMT’s design, integration and support expertise with FDS’s practical know-how in modular systems design and construction, we are providing navies with a credible pathway to faster, more flexible responses and streamlined lifecycle management.”

Monty Long, Regional Business Director - UK/EU at BMT, added:
“ELLIDA® STRIKE and our full platform range are the result of BMT’s sustained investment in mission-tailored, modular and scalable solutions. Our partnership with FDS at DSEI demonstrates how industry can join forces to move from ambition to operational capability - enabling navies to do more, with greater speed and resilience.”

Claire Hemmings, Managing Director of FDS, said:
“We’re delighted to work alongside BMT, uniting PODS manufacturing and engineering with advanced naval design. Our shared commitment to readiness, integration and through-life support will help shape a more adaptable and effective future fleet, empowering commanders and crews for whatever the mission demands.”

BMT and FDS invite DSEI attendees and the wider defence and maritime community to join them in exploring the future of modular naval capability; one powered by collaboration, innovation and a framework for persistent readiness.

Visitors to DSEI in London (9–12 September) will be the first to see the digitised marine scale model of ELLIDA® STRIKE - the latest evolution in BMT’s proprietary-designed, modular ELLIDA® multi‑role platform family. The interactive model offers a detailed view of the vessel’s layout, demonstrating not only movement and design tailored to customer requirements, but also the flexible, containerised spaces enabling rapid mission reconfiguration. Drawing on the heritage of the ELLIDA® family and BMT’s thought leadership in scalable naval solutions, this debut at DSEI provides an engaging, hands-on showcase - and an immersive glimpse into the future of modular capability in UK littoral strike operations.