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.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Inspiration Class (Type 31) (1-5) [UK]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear]()
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
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.
-
![US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes]()
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
-
![Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates]()
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
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 declassifies SEAL Carrier swimmer delivery vehicle for special forces use]()
Singapore declassifies SEAL Carrier swimmer delivery vehicle for special forces use
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.
-
![US Navy foresees additional delays in the Columbia-class programme]()
US Navy foresees additional delays in the Columbia-class programme
After estimating that the first Columbia-class submarine would be delivered 16 months late, the US Navy has recently confirmed that an additional month will be required to complete its construction.
