Thales has been awarded a key contract to provide high-performance mission and combat systems for the Royal Navy’s Type 31 Inspiration-class frigates. The systems package will integrate advanced sensors, effectors, and command-and-control capabilities, ensuring that the five-ship class is equipped for multi-role operations in contested maritime environments.
The Type 31 Programme
The Type 31 frigates, based on Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 design, represent the Royal Navy’s next-generation general-purpose warships. Intended as a cost-effective yet highly capable complement to the Type 26 Global Combat Ships, the Type 31s will focus on:
- Maritime security, escort, and presence missions
- NATO operations and allied naval task groups
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR)
- Scalable combat power with modular mission systems
The programme covers five frigates, with construction ongoing at Babcock’s Rosyth shipyard in Scotland.
Thales Mission & Combat Systems Package
Thales’ role is to deliver an integrated combat system architecture, combining sensors, effectors, and decision-making tools into a unified naval combat suite.
Key elements include:
- TACTICOS Combat Management System (CMS) – Thales’ flagship CMS for threat detection, tracking, and engagement.
- Integrated sensors – including radar, EO/IR, and sonar systems to cover air, surface, and subsurface domains.
- Weapon integration – support for MBDA’s Sea Ceptor (CAMM) air defence missiles, naval guns, and potential future effectors.
- Scalable design – open architecture allowing upgrades and integration of emerging technologies.
This ensures the Type 31s will be interoperable within NATO task forces while retaining flexibility for UK-specific missions.
Strategic Importance for the Royal Navy
The introduction of Type 31 with Thales’ combat systems will significantly enhance the Royal Navy’s force distribution and global presence:
- Fleet balance – allows the high-end Type 26 and Type 45 ships to focus on advanced warfighting, while Type 31 handles security and coalition operations.
- Export potential – the Arrowhead 140 design has already been adopted by Poland (Miecznik) and Indonesia, and Thales’ systems integration strengthens the platform’s export credibility.
- Alliance contribution – interoperability with NATO allies via TACTICOS CMS and Link-16 data links.
Challenges & Risks
Despite strong industrial progress, several challenges remain:
- Cost-control – the Type 31 is positioned as a cost-effective frigate; integration of advanced systems must avoid capability creep.
- Survivability limits – while well-equipped, Type 31s are not designed as high-end AAW platforms like the Type 45.
- Delivery timelines – programme success depends on meeting schedule commitments to avoid fleet gaps.
Key Points
- Thales to provide mission and combat systems for Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates.
- Package includes TACTICOS CMS, advanced sensors, and Sea Ceptor missile integration.
- Type 31 is a multi-role, cost-effective frigate to complement Type 26 and Type 45.
- Enhances NATO interoperability and export potential of the Arrowhead 140 design.
- Supports UK naval modernization strategy and global presence.
