Viasat to provide UHF SATCOM for Type 31
Secure BLoS communications are on the horizon for future RN frigates
The UK MoD has awarded Viasat UK a contact to supply UHF SATCOM equipment for the RN Type 31 frigate programme.
This capability will provide the Type 31 frigates with a BLoS communications capability, with ‘secure integrated voice and data services for communications between Royal Navy maritime vessels and headquarters’, Viasat noted in a 4 November statement.
Steve Beeching, managing director of government systems at Viasat UK, said: ‘The importance of the UHF SATCOM capability in enabling defence to co-ordinate limited assets, at its disposal, while effectively supporting Allies globally cannot be understated.’
Babcock is leading the effort to build five Type 31 vessels. Shephard reported in October that 73% of subcontracts for the programme have been placed, and the RN seems on track to receive the first vessel in 2024.
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