UK’s Type 31 frigates to get Exail’s inertial navigation systems

Naval navigation provider Exail has been selected by German Anschutz to supply Marins inertial navigation systems (INS) for the Royal Navy’s Type 31 (Inspiration-class) general-purpose frigates.

Exail’s high-end Marins INS will provide the Type 31 frigates with uninterrupted and highly accurate navigation data, regardless of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) availability or external disruptions.

The firm noted that this capability ensures that the frigate crews maintain precise awareness of their location, even in challenging scenarios such as GNSS spoofing or jamming, granting them a crucial navigational advantage for achieving operational success.

“We take great pride in contributing to the Royal Navy’s mission success through the supply of our Marins INS for the T31 frigates. This contract underlines the quality and reliability of Exail navigation systems, which are maintenance-free and fully meet the stringent military requirements of the most modern combat ships,” said Jens Higgen, Regional Sales Director at Exail.

“Through this collaboration, Exail remains dedicated to driving innovation and providing advanced navigation solutions to support the evolving needs of the Royal Navy’s critical missions.”

Exail’s navigation solutions are already deployed on numerous Royal Navy vessels, including the Astute-class nuclear attack submarines, Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, Duke-class frigates, as well as Vanguard-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.

The Type 31 frigates are designed to be agile and versatile. They will replace the Type 23 frigates, to enhance the Royal Navy’s operational capabilities across general-purpose roles.