Thales Unveils Cutting-Edge Combat Management System for Royal Navy’s T31 Frigate Initiative
Thales and the Ministry of Defence have formalized an agreement that will supply the Royal Navy with a sixth set of T31 mission systems. This will be implemented at Portsdown Technology Park, which serves as the Royal Navy’s land-based integration facility.
The warfare system is designed for pre-emptive software evaluations prior to sea deployment. Access to this facility will guarantee efficient and secure provisioning for the Royal Navy, with the capability to integrate new functionalities onshore throughout the program duration. A ship-set encompasses Tacticos, the combat management framework, Integrated Bridge and Navigation System (IBNS), and an Integrated Communication System (ICS).
This agreement marks a significant progression in Thales’s ambitions to expand its above-water systems sector in the UK. Following its selection to deliver the combat systems in 2019 for the new T31 Frigates, Thales has instituted a new operational unit in Crawley. This division was officially established in 2021 and currently employs over 60 personnel in the UK. The award of this contract has resulted in the creation and maintenance of 30 job positions.
“I’m thrilled to witness this ongoing partnership with the industry, ensuring that the vital combat capabilities of our Type 31 fleet will not only lead globally in functionality but also guarantee safety for our personnel. Type 31 will serve as a pivotal asset for the Royal Navy, and this considerable investment will secure numerous highly-skilled jobs in Crawley, alongside the thousands of additional roles across the entire Type 31 initiative.” James Cartlidge, Minister for Defence Procurement.
“This agreement fortifies the bond between the Royal Navy and Thales. The shore integration facility will enable the Royal Navy to operate their new surface fleet efficiently and effectively. It enhances Thales’ above-water operations in the UK and showcases our aspirations for future naval projects both nationally and internationally.” Gerben Edelijn, head of Thales’ above-water operations.
“This contract award reflects Thales’s dedicated efforts to expand our above-water systems business in the UK. It also fosters and maintains skilled engineering positions, supporting our goal of generating careers and investment for the prosperity of the UK.” Alex Cresswell, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Thales in the UK
The sixth set of Type 31 mission systems will incorporate simulators, allowing for comprehensive testing and evolution in service, both as an individual unit and as a cohesive member of the Royal Navy fleet. This is a crucial component of the Type 31 capability insertion project, enabling the Type 31 platforms to transition from industry to operational service within the Royal Navy.
The initiative will position Thales alongside the Naval Combat Systems Integration Support Services (NCSISS) and the MoD’s Maritime Combat Systems (MCS) teams in Portsmouth as part of the Surface Ships Combat Systems enterprise. It is anticipated that the framework will promote and encompass a variety of integration tasks, trials, and demonstration activities aimed at reaching a validated operational status for the platforms.
