Viasat UK, a subsidiary of Viasat Inc., has been awarded a contract to provide Ultra High Frequency (UHF) satellite communications (SATCOM) for the Type 31 frigates. The services will be delivered to the Royal Navy by Babcock Team 31, Viasat reported on Wednesday.
“This UHF SATCOM capability will ensure the Royal Navy Type 31 frigates will have the robust, secure, world-wide UHF voice and data services it needs for modern warfare operations in the current information advantage environment,” said Steve Beeching, managing director, Government Systems, Viasat UK.
UHF SATCOM is a mission-critical capability that will provide the Type 31 frigates with secure integrated voice and data services for communications between Royal Navy maritime vessels and headquarters.
The satellite system will enable commanders to remain informed and aware of the fleet disposition. UHF SATCOM will also allow maritime task group operations to provide secure beyond line of sight (BLOS) communications between ships and mobile units such as sea boats.
In addition, Viasat UK’s support will enable task groups to board teams and helicopters. All of these offerings and advancements will support tactical combat and constabulary maritime operations. The Viasat UHF SATCOM solution will provide reliable BLOS communications for the Royal Navy’s Type 31 vessels.
“We are very proud to be able to supply our world-class technology to the UK Ministry of Defence. 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,” Beeching added.
The Type 31 frigate program has been designed to deliver five flexible and affordable frigates that, alongside the BAE Systems-built Type 26 frigate, to the Royal Navy. The systems will replace the UK’s current Type 23 frigates.
About Viasat UK
Viasat UK Ltd. provides security and communications expertise to rapidly deliver new sovereign technologies to the UK defence and civilian markets. Specific to the UK defence market, Viasat UK Ltd. works closely with Viasat Inc., which has been recognised for developing an expansive portfolio of capabilities across information assurance, cybersecurity, SATCOM and tactical networking.
