Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
The USN's future Constellation-class frigate will be equipped with the NTCDL system. (Photo: USN)
The NTCDL system allows the USN to transmit and receive real-time ISR data from multiple sources simultaneously.
The overall capability allows for exchanging C2 information over multiple data links.
BAE Systems Integrated Communications Solutions director Alan Dewar said transitioning from development to production demonstrated the strength of BAE’s programme performance.
He added: ‘Our NTCDL system provides multiple, simultaneous Common Data Links, which enable greater and faster delivery of tactical communications and information to help our customer maintain its maritime advantage.’
The NTCDLs being built by BAE Systems will be installed on the USN’s aircraft carriers and new Constellation-class frigates.
The company will carry out the work at facilities in New Jersey and New York and partner sites around the US.
Constellation Class - FFG(X) (1-10)
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
Satellite navigation is increasingly critical for global maritime defence, and Low Earth Orbit satellites are rapidly overtaking the traditional and more widely used Medium Earth Orbit option as they are less susceptible to jamming or spoofing.
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
The US Navy is conducting market research to find AI software products for the Collaborative Integrated Air and Missile Defence Planning Programme.