Defence
Balaena Defence brings together the combined strength of Birkenhead, Tyne, Falmouth, Gibraltar and Padstow forming one of the world’s most capable maritime defence engineering organisations.
With yards across the UK and Gibraltar, Balaena delivers shipbuilding, small-craft support, ship repair, conversion, block fabrication and through-life support to the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, overseas navies and Tier 1 defence primes.
Our model blends commercial agility with defence-grade engineering and operations, enabling rapid delivery, reduced cost, and exceptional reliability.
Global Leader in Maritime Defence Engineering
Our Defence Capability
Balaena Defence integrates:
+ Shipbuilding and modular block construction
+ Ship repair, refit and conversion
+ Reactivation and modernisation of naval platforms
+ Heavy fabrication for major warship and auxiliary programmes
+ In-Service Support (ISS) for UK and overseas governments
+ Design, engineering, and turnkey integration
+ Global deployed support and operational theatre assistance
Our yards operate with a shared engineering culture, modern infrastructure and a deeply experienced defence workforce.
Proven Track Record
Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers
Balaena yards delivered 21 major flight-deck modules for HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.
+ 9 modules for Queen Elizabeth
+ 6 modules for Prince of Wales
+ Delivered over a 5-year period
+ Part of the largest warship construction programme in UK history
Modules included both forward and aft flight deck sections, forming critical structural elements of the carriers.
Type 26 Frigates
Balaena yards are contracted to fabricate units for the Royal Navy’s Type 26 global combat ships.
+ Birkenhead building units for HMS Birmingham (Ship 4)
+ Tyne are constructing large outfitted sections
+ Joint workforce and apprenticeships involved across both yards
This programme continues a long and successful collaboration with BAE Systems.
Small Boats
Balaena Padstow provides a dedicated small-boat support hub, specialising in:
+ Small boat refits and structural renewals
+ Engine, jet-drive and propulsion upgrades
+ Hull repairs (GRP, aluminium and composite)
+ Electronics, navigation and control-system modernisation
+ Full mechanical and electrical overhauls
+ Deck equipment installation and mission-fit modifications
These vessels are essential for the Royal Navy and RFA’s boarding, rescue, security and fast-response operations.
Padstow’s capability strengthens Balaena’s offering by supporting both front-line warships and the small tactical craft that operate alongside them.
Through-Life Support & In-Service Support (ISS)
Since 2008, Balaena’s ISS teams have supported the RFA worldwide, maintaining the highest level of fleet availability.
Results include:
+ 98% on-time delivery for the Ministry of Defence
+ Support to 100% of the RFA fleet
+ Vessels supported globally while in operational theatre
Classes supported:
+ Fort Class
+ Wave Class
+ Tide Class
+ Replenishment ships
+ Auxiliary platforms
Global Centre of Excellence – Birkenhead & Falmouth
Balaena Birkenhead and Balaena Falmouth host Cluster Support Team Offices for RFA and Royal Navy support operations.
Key achievements:
+ 18 years of continuous MoD partnership
+ Worldwide deployed support with combined Balaena + NSS engineering teams
OPV Forward Support
Reactivation & Conversion of Warships and Auxiliaries
Balaena Defence has completed major reactivation, upgrade and conversion projects for:
+ UK Government
+ Australian Navy
+ Bangladesh Navy
+ Brazilian Navy
+ Lithuanian Navy
Complex work includes:
+ Machinery and systems modernisation
+ Habitability and mission upgrades
+ Full platform reactivation
+ Structural and mechanical modernisation
Ship Repair, Refit & Conversion
Over 12 years, Balaena yards have delivered:
+ 6+ Bay Class refits
+ 3 major refits for RFA Argus
+ Docking maintenance for HMS Endurance, Echo, Enterprise & Bristol
+ River Class maintenance
+ RFA Fort Austin and numerous auxiliary vessels
Dry docks capable of supporting the UK’s largest naval and auxiliary platforms.
A Global Leader in Maritime Defence
The formation of Balaena unifies the defence strength of Birkenhead, Tyne, Falmouth, Gibraltar and Padstow creating:
+ One of the largest defence maritime engineering groups in Europe
+ Seamless North–South–Mediterranean naval support capability
+ A uniquely agile commercial-defence delivery model
+ A highly experienced workforce across five strategic locations
Balaena Defence is built for modern naval needs modular, agile, globally capable, and committed to supporting UK and allied fleets around the world.
Defence Statistics
+ 1591 Immediate Jobs Completed
+ 202 Operational Defects Supported (OPDEFs)
+ 102 Assisted Maintenance Periods (AMPs)
+ 40 vessels supported in 40 countries worldwide
Contact us
Contact the team for more information:
