UK’s Type 23 frigate receives combat data upgrade

The Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond has received a tech upgrade that will enable it to share “vital combat data faster with other ships” during the UK’s Carrier Strike Group deployment.

The Plymouth-based vessel is the first ship in its class to receive the integrated Link 16 Crypto modernized system, which can improve the ship’s ability to share tactical situational awareness with other units.

The enhancement comes alongside a related upgrade – an interim ‘beyond the line of sight’ capability – commonly referred to as Joint Range Extension Application Protocol – which allows tactical data link information to be passed via satellite.

“The speed of naval combat in the mid-21st century, with engagements lasting just seconds – such as Richmond’s own fight to fend off Houthi drone/missile attacks in the Red Sea 12 months ago – makes the ability to react almost instantaneously crucial,” the Royal Navy noted.

“In a task group, other ships may be in a better position than the one tracking the incoming threat to physically take it out – making the timely ability to share the right data vital.”

This capability has been provided to Richmond ahead of schedule to support her mission as part of the Carrier Strike Group, which sails next week for the Indo-Pacific.

“Integration of a modernised Link 16 capability into HMS Richmond is a game-changing enhancement to capability within the UK Carrier Strike Group,” said Commodore James Blackmore, Commander UK Carrier Strike Group, who will lead more than 2,000 personnel on the eight-month deployment.

“It will provide vastly enhanced situational awareness to ships, aircraft, and the people who operate them while the CSG operates globally, with partners and allies. I am grateful to all who have worked so hard to achieve the integration of this important capability ahead of a global deployment to the Indo-Pacific.”

Captain Dave Downie, the Senior Responsible Owner for the Maritime Multi Link program, said the installation on HMS Richmond was part of a wider drive to deliver essential modernization and upgrades across the Royal Navy’s surface ship tactical data link capabilities, which would enhance shared maritime situational awareness.

The frigate HMS Richmond, a Type 23 or Duke-class frigate, displaces approximately 4,900 tons and has a length of 133 meters. It can achieve a top speed in excess of 28 knots and has a range of 7,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots.

The ship was laid down in February 1992 and launched in April 1993. The frigate was subsequently commissioned into the Royal Navy in June 1995.