The U.S. Department of State approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the United Kingdom, valued at up to $200 million, for Navy Multiband Terminals and associated equipment. As the principal contractor, RTX will supply the advanced communication systems. This strategic sale dramatically strengthens a key NATO ally, enhancing coalition operations and security. The package specifically includes six additional Advanced Extremely High Frequency Navy Multiband Terminal (AEHF NMT) systems, increasing the UK’s total inventory of these critical systems to eight under the existing FMS case.
Details of the Foreign Military Sale
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed the FMS request covers more than just the terminals themselves. The deal incorporates essential communications security devices, submarine high-data-rate masts, ancillary hardware, containers, spare parts, and comprehensive training and logistics support services. By clearing this sale, the U.S. government actively promotes its foreign policy and national security objectives. The transfer of these systems ensures that the UK Ministry of Defence can readily integrate the new hardware without technical difficulty, building on existing operational capabilities.
Enhancing Royal Navy Connectivity
The Royal Navy will install the new terminals aboard its Dreadnought-class submarines. This crucial upgrade provides secure, protected communications over the AEHF constellation, allowing vessels to maintain beyond-line-of-sight connectivity with shore sites in any threat environment. The AEHF NMT acts as the Navy’s next-generation maritime satellite terminal. Its deployment significantly enhances the UK’s strategic deterrent by ensuring resilient and high-capacity data services, thereby bolstering interoperability across joint and allied maritime operations, especially within NATO.
The Technology Behind Secure Comms
The AEHF NMT is specifically designed to deliver secure, resilient, and protected communications capabilities for the Navy. This versatile system supports various platform variants, including ships, shore nodes, and submarines, enabling seamless, high-capacity data exchange. Through this FMS, RTX directly contributes to mission success for the UK’s most critical naval assets, reinforcing the transatlantic security architecture.
