Underwater mobile acoustic targets are to be deployed and maintained for Britain's Ministry of Defense by QinetiQ.

The targets are torpedo-sized systems that simulate the radiated noise and target echo strength of a submarines and are used in the training of submarine crews in detecting and classifying targets and for the firing training torpedoes.

The Ministry of Defense contract is worth nearly $8.9 million and has a five-year period of performance, the company said.

"QinetiQ has a long history of providing a comprehensive range of high quality, value-for-money platform readiness services in support of the Royal Navy," said Tony Rodriguez, the ministry's Trials & Targets manager said. "This track record when combined with their extensive capabilities and knowledgeable and experienced staff gave us the confidence to award them this important service contract."

QinetiQ said its Platform Readiness Services team at the British Underwater Test and Evaluation Center in Scotland will deliver the contracted services.

"We are very pleased to have won this significant contract, further strengthening our extensive and deep working relationship with the MOD and the Royal Navy," said Sarah Kenny, managing director of QinetiQ Maritime.