Thales to support UK Royal Navy fleet communications for next 10 years
Fleetwide communication, and communication between ship and shore, are critical in the Royal Navy. (Photo: Royal Navy/Crown copyright)
A new deal gives Thales discretionary powers on equipment replacement in the UK Royal Navy (RN) for a decade, saving an estimated £30 million.
Thales UK has won a contract with the UK's Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) agency to maintain the RN’s internal and external fleet communications and provide global 24/7 support operations for the next 10 years.
The Maritime Communications Capability Support (MCCS) deal amounts to one of the largest investments in naval communications across Europe. It has been estimated that the new contract will save the RN up to £30m (US$37 million) in through-life costs over the next decade.
Communications failures on RN vessels or at shoreside stations can risk their ability to fulfil their mission objectives, ultimately jeopardising strategic defence outcomes. That means the communication systems deployed by the RN are required to be resilient and robust.
Related Articles
UK upgrades threat detection systems on its Royal Navy warships
Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate to use half the crew of the Type 23 and embrace automation
Thales has history in ensuring communications resilience for the RN and it previously delivered fleetwide communications services across RN vessels.
The new contract though replaces the previous fleetwide communications contract, which has been in effect for seven years to date.
The projected £30 million of savings, Thales said, will come from significant reductions in red tape, coming as a result of a new “one defence” approach. That means closer collaboration between the RN, the DE&S, and Thales UK.
Thales will be able to circumvent previous equipment replacement processes in the RN infrastructure in order to sustain communications capability long-term. No exact costs for the 10-year contract were released with the announcement of the deal.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Naval modernisation accelerates amid geopolitical tension and tech evolution]()
Naval modernisation accelerates amid geopolitical tension and tech evolution
The global naval market is undergoing a notable transformation, with growth driven by both escalating geopolitical tensions and the emergence of innovative technologies. Across NATO, but particularly in Europe, navies are accelerating modernisation efforts, spurred by renewed threats and persistent capability gaps.
-
![Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials]()
Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials
The two Logistic Support Ships (LSS), contracted under Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation, (OCCAR), should be commissioned into service later in 2025.
-
![Ireland steps up European defence co-operation in the face of Russian activity]()
Ireland steps up European defence co-operation in the face of Russian activity
Ireland is militarily neutral but has joined a European Union (EU) rapid reaction force and a European information sharing group.
-
![Raytheon’s Barracuda completes anti-mine tests as company looks to expand role]()
Raytheon’s Barracuda completes anti-mine tests as company looks to expand role
Raytheon successfully completed tests in February of the Barracuda uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) mine-neutralisation system which the company is building for the US Navy (USN).
-
![UK Royal Navy Type 31 frigate enters capability insertion period with Babcock]()
UK Royal Navy Type 31 frigate enters capability insertion period with Babcock
The capability insertion phase will upgrade the navy's Type 31 frigates with modern systems in addition to those specified during its design phase.
