Viasat to provide UHF SATCOM for Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates

Viasat UK Ltd., part of global communications company Viasat Inc., has been awarded a contract to provide Ultra High Frequency (UHF) satellite communications (SATCOM) for the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 frigates.

As explained, 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.

It allows commanders to remain informed and aware of the fleet disposition. It is also a vital component to enable maritime task group operations, extensively providing secure beyond line of sight (BLOS) communications between ships and mobile units such as sea boats, boarding teams and helicopters, which are all key elements of tactical combat and constabulary maritime operations.

“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,”  Steve Beeching, managing director, Government Systems, Viasat UK, commented.

Babcock Team 31 will deliver five frigates under the Type 31 frigate programme.

Alongside the BAE Systems-built Type 26 frigate, the vessels will replace the UK’s current Type 23 frigates.