The Type 31 general purpose frigate programme will provide the UK Government with a fleet of five ships, with an in service date set for May 2027.
Thales as part of Babcock Team 31 has been selected to deliver the digital heart of the UK’s next generation frigates. The company will be providing:
TACTICOS combat management system.
Based on a recognized fire control capability worldwide, TACTICOS combines Combat Operations and Maritime Security Operations in one CMS.
TACTICOS technology is used on board more than 160 ships (from small patrol craft to full-size frigates and destroyers) operated by 20 navies.
Thales is announcing the opening of a naval combat management centre of excellence in Crawley this will enable us to develop the TACTICOS naval combat management system. The Royal Navy will join the global community of 25 navies utilising the Thales Tacticos combat management system.
NS series radar & Mirador Mk2 electro optic
The NS series is the latest family or E/F-band AESA radar Thales. The company is the first to introduce a family of E/F-band AESA radars based upon the Dual axis multi-beam processing. This results in significantly increased situational awareness to deal with newest threats in the littoral environment. The combination of Dual axis multi-beam and AESA technology in the NS series creates Multi-capability radar suitable for use across a wide range of naval ships
The Thales MIRADOR is a surveillance, tracking and fire control system of a stealthy design, which will contribute to a ship’s effort to remain undetected. MIRADOR is designed for use on a wide range of platforms, from small patrol craft to large carriers, where it acts as an observation system and fire control director for distant optical investigation, as well as anti-surface and anti-air warfare.
Integrated communications systems (COMTICS & PARTNER-C) and integrated bridge and navigation systems
PARTNER C is a new generation communications management system from Thales, built around an intuitive user interface. COMTICS is a multimedia communication device resembling a smartphone that allows naval personnel permanent shipboard mobility and connectivity with all types of military radios. It is the only product available on the market to offer shipboard on the move multimedia services in a secure environment => naval personnel will have unlimited mobile connectivity at sea thanks to Thales.
About Type 31 Frigate
The Type 31 (Arrowhead 140) will offer the Royal Navy a new class of ship with a proven ability to deliver a range of peacekeeping, humanitarian and warfighting capabilities whilst offering communities and supply chains throughout the UK a wide range of economic and employment opportunities.
The frigates will be assembled at Babcock’s Rosyth facility, and involve supply chains throughout the UK, in line with the UK’s shipbuilding strategy.
Arrowhead 140 will offer the Royal Navy a new class of ship with a proven ability to deliver a range of peacekeeping, humanitarian and warfighting capabilities whilst offering communities and supply chains throughout the UK a wide range of economic and employment opportunities. Arrowhead 140 is based on the proven Iver Huitfeldt-class of frigate of the Royal Danish Navy, designed by OMT, and adapted to Royal Navy requirement by Babcock and BMT. Thales will supply the combat management system of the Type 31.
