North, the UK-based smart infrastructure and defence technology integrator, has secured a major competitive contract with KBS Maritime, a joint venture between KBR and BAE Systems, to deliver a next-generation, fully secure video surveillance and analytics capability refresh at HM Naval Base Portsmouth, the home of the Royal Navy.
The upgrade aligns with the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which prioritises strengthening UK homeland defence, increasing warfighting readiness, and enhancing security across critical strategic defence sites. This includes bolstering infrastructure against evolving threats, improving resilience to both physical and cyber-attacks, integrating advanced technologies to protect critical national infrastructure, personnel and assets, and supporting a more resilient, technology-driven Royal Navy.
The contract will see North design and deliver a comprehensive refresh of the base’s video surveillance estate, including a new secure control centre, network upgrade, and the deployment of advanced cameras with integrated analytics across the base.
The programme will significantly enhance situational awareness, force protection and operational security, creating a safer and more resilient environment for Royal Navy personnel, contractors and visitors at one of the UK’s most strategically important defence locations. Working with KBS Maritime, North will deploy its specialist defence and critical national infrastructure expertise to deliver a solution.
Delivery will be carefully phased to ensure zero downtime, maintaining continuous security operations throughout the upgrade period. The future-proofed infrastructure will integrate multiple systems into a unified platform, providing a robust foundation for ongoing capability evolution.
Commenting on the contract award, Richard Green, Managing Director – Defence & Justice at North, said: “This contract represents a significant milestone for North and reinforces our position as a trusted partner for defence and maritime security programmes”.
“Working alongside KBS Maritime, we are proud to support the Royal Navy by delivering a secure, resilient and future-ready surveillance capability at Portsmouth Naval Base.”
James Davis, Managing Director at KBS Maritime, said: “The upgrade will ensure Portsmouth sets a clear precedent as a secure, high-readiness hub, and which makes best use of advanced technology, providing a replicable model for other MOD sites to meet future threats.”
