MARS mission launched by UK

The UK ministry of Defence has launched the Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) project with the announcement of potential lead integrators, which includes AMEC, KBR, and Raytheon Systems Limited. The £2.5 billion MARS project aims to provide the future Royal Navy fleet with afloat support through the replacement of the major part of the current Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) running fleet. The project also intends to provide an enhanced logistic and aviation support capabilities to carrier strike and other expeditionary forces. The program includes funding provision of the design and development of a new heavy replenishment at sea (RAS) operations. MARS shipping will provide three core capabilities namely bulk consumables, joint sea-based logistics, and forward aviation support to deployed forces. The MARS Integrated Project Team (IPT) has commenced a series of concept phase studies designed to identify and bound the 'solution space' for the program.