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) [UK]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US lawmakers allocate an additional $1.1 billion for shipbuilding in FY2025]()
US lawmakers allocate an additional $1.1 billion for shipbuilding in FY2025
The fund includes extra money for constructing a third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and a second Virginia-class submarine.
-
![Myanmar launches new FF-135 frigate, the largest ever built in its domestic yards]()
Myanmar launches new FF-135 frigate, the largest ever built in its domestic yards
The launch of the King Thalun marks a high point for shipbuilding in Myanmar.
-
![Latest Virginia-class submarine, the future USS Iowa, delivered to US Navy]()
Latest Virginia-class submarine, the future USS Iowa, delivered to US Navy
The second Virginia-class vessel delivered in 2024, the USS Iowa is also the twelfth battle force vessel added to the US Navy across the year.
-
![China launches Type 076 next-generation amphibious assault vessel]()
China launches Type 076 next-generation amphibious assault vessel
The Type 076, named the Sichuan at launch, is part of a naval arms race with the US Navy.
-
![NATO to strengthen its Baltic Sea presence after new cable cutting incident]()
NATO to strengthen its Baltic Sea presence after new cable cutting incident
The vessel suspected of cutting cables has been boarded by the Finnish Coast Guard, and Estonia has launched naval protection patrols.
-
![How bad management could put the US Navy’s cruiser fleet far behind Chinese capabilities]()
How bad management could put the US Navy’s cruiser fleet far behind Chinese capabilities
While China has been rapidly advancing with the development of the Type 055 class, the US Navy has been struggling to progress with the modernisation of its cruiser fleet.
