HMS Richmond receives major upgrade to boost combat capability on CSG25
HMS Richmond has received a technical upgrade which will let her share more vital combat data even faster with other ships when she sails with the Carrier Strike Group.
The Type 23 frigate is the first in her class to receive the integrated Link 16 Crypto Modernised system, which significantly improves her ability to share tactical situational awareness with other vessels.
Plymouth-based Richmond also received a related upgrade offering a beyond-line-of-sight capability which allows tactical data link information to be passed via satellite.
Being able to react almost instantaneously is essential considering the speed of naval combat in the mid-21st century, with engagements lasting just seconds.
HMS Richmond's enhanced capabilities will be extremely useful in the task group if other ships are in a better position than the one tracking the incoming threat.
She received the upgrade significantly ahead of schedule to support her upcoming mission to the Indo-Pacific.
Commodore James Blackmore, the Commander the UK Carrier Strike Group, is leading more than 2,000 personnel on the eight-month deployment.
"Integration of a modernised Link 16 capability into HMS Richmond is a game-changing enhancement to capability within the UK Carrier Strike Group," he said.
"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 a global deployment to the Indo-Pacific."
Captain Dave Downie, the Senior Responsible Owner for the Maritime Multi Link programme, said the installation is a part of a wider ambition to modernise and upgrade the Royal Navy.
The efforts aim to enhance shared maritime situational awareness and increase the ability to work seamlessly with Nato and coalition partners.
He's also been impressed by the collective effort to install the system on Richmond – in time for the Carrier Strike Group.
"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 Type 23 fleet. Well done all, BZ!"
For more reports about Carrier Strike Group 25 click here.
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