US Coast Guard announces measures to further implement Force Design 2028 strategy
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
Through the many years of Airbus delivering an exceptionally reliable Skynet service the programme has reduced or removed many of the technical and service risks for the MOD. (Photo: UKRN/Crown Copyright)
Airbus has been contracted to deliver the primary satellite communications to the UK Carrier Strike Group 2021 (CSG21), which will continue on its inaugural maritime deployment until the end of the year.
Airbus worked in the lead up to the group’s deployment to ensure the most efficient and effective communication plans were in place to support the UK elements of the task group, including extensive testing.
The UK platforms in the group were provided with the latest communication upgrades available.
One such example is the Airbus Maritime Network Evolution capability, which enables the CSG21 platforms to take advantage of multi-bearers of opportunity including MilSat, ComSat, Ship alongside, Wi-Fi and 5G whilst at sea or in port.
Primary SatCom support for the group is provided over the Skynet 5 satellite constellation anchored above the Airbus UK satellite ground stations at Oakhanger and Colerne and Airbus’s Australian anchor station in Adelaide.
The Skynet 5 programme has provided the UK MoD with a suite of highly robust, reliable and secure military communications services, supporting operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans.
Richard Franklin, managing director of Airbus Defence and Space UK commented: ‘Skynet 6A, now in production, will provide a seamless continuation of the world-class capability’.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
The Royal Australian Navy has finally commissioned the first Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel – more than three years behind schedule – highlighting the programme’s delays, design compromises and ongoing industrial restructuring.
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.
Singapore’s navy has introduced the Combatant Craft Underwater vessel, a multi-mode swimmer delivery vehicle designed to enhance its Naval Diving Unit’s ability to conduct covert maritime special operations.