The United States government has authorized the potential sale of multiband communications terminals to equip the new Dreadnought-class nuclear ballistic missile submarines of the United Kingdom, which are currently at various stages of construction to serve in the Royal Navy. This is stated in the most recent notification from the U.S. Department of State to Congress, in order to approve the operation under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, valued at US$200 million.
The class, which will consist of four submarines, is intended to replace the current Vanguard-class submarines in service with the Royal Navy. Construction is being carried out at multiple facilities across the United Kingdom, led by BAE Systems.
Among the latest developments are the keel-laying of the first vessel of the class, HMS Dreadnought, in early March, and the start of construction of the fourth, HMS King George VI, on September 23, during an official ceremony in Barrow-in-Furness.
According to a report on November 24 by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the UK government requested from the United States the purchase of six (6) additional Navy Multiband Terminals (NMT) of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) system. This request adds to previous orders of two systems, bringing the total number of communications systems requested for the submarines to eight, with RTX Corporation as the contractor.
The package also includes support equipment such as KGV-136R secure communications systems, masts, containers, installation and integration services, as well as training and manufacturer support.
The Department of State stated: “This proposed sale will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of a key NATO ally that constitutes an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.”
Adding: “The proposed sale will improve the United Kingdom’s ability to address current and future threats by ensuring communications interoperability. The UK will have no difficulty incorporating these items and services into its armed forces. The Royal Navy will install the NMT system aboard the Dreadnought-class submarines to enable AEHF satellite communications between Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence shore sites, as well as with ships and submarines, in a threat-free environment.”
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