Innovative technology that allows Royal Navy to share combat data at speed during operations at sea has been installed on the T23 frigate, HMS Richmond.

Delivered under the DE&S Maritime Multi-Link (MML) programme, the integrated Link 16 Crypto Modernised system will significantly improve the ship’s ability to share tactical situational awareness with other vessels and was installed to support her mission as part of the Carrier Strike Group 25 (CSG25) which recently set sail Pacific Rim.

Commodore James Blackmore, Commander UK Carrier Strike Group who will lead more than 2,000 personnel on the eight-month deployment, said:

“Integration of a modernised Link 16 capability into HMS Richmond is a game-changing enhancement to capability within the UK Carrier Strike Group,”

“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 the global deployment to the Indo-Pacific.”

Samantha Thurlby, DE&S Maritime Multi Link Programme Manager,  “Integrating the system on HMS Richmond was a collaborative effort that embodies the “One Defence” ethos, and I am pleased that DE&S has been part of this innovative programme.

Equipping and supporting our front-line commands so they can protect our interests here and overseas is at the heart of what we do, and I’m thrilled that the Royal Navy will now benefit from vital information sharing on operations.”

The installation on Richmond has been part of a wider drive to deliver essential modernisation and upgrades across the Royal Navy’s surface ship tactical data link capabilities increasing the UK’s ability to work seamlessly with NATO and coalition partners.

Captain Dave Downie, the Senior Responsible Owner for the Maritime Multi Link programme, said: “This is a brilliant collaborative achievement for everyone involved in the MML enterprise, from the HQ team in Navy Command, the Situational Awareness and Command and Control DT in DE&S, the industry teams from BAES and Relay, and the valued support from RCMD’s Ship’s Company.

“Each of these organisations have given 100% effort with many regularly going the extra mile to overcome the obstacles thrown up by delivering a complicated, time-consuming and invasive upgrade into a 30-year-old platform.

“Many great lessons have been learned from this first-of-class embodiment that the team will use to refine the installations of the remaining T23 fleet. Well done all, BZ!”