World-class capability
“The successful completion of the Mission and Combat Systems FATs marks another significant step forward for the Type 31 programme and reflects the strength of our collaboration with Thales and our wider industry partners,” said Paul Watson, Arrowhead Managing Director at Babcock.
“Together, we are delivering a world-class capability for the Royal Navy and creating a strong foundation for the future of the Inspiration Class frigates.”
Based on a recognized fire control capability worldwide, TACTICOS integrates a wide range of sensing capability (Radar/EW/EOIR) from own ship level and the Task Group level, with weapon control for operational advantage. It offers new design and functions which are continuous developed to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers, according to Thales.
Automated, rule-based identification and classification capability
TACTICOS offers an automated, state-of-the-art rule-based identification and classification capability, thus reducing the load on the operator. The Tacticos artificial intelligence (AI) core works in automatic, semi-automatic or manual modes for engagement planning and execution. This AI functions at the own ship level and the task group level.
“Working closely with our Royal Navy and Babcock colleagues, we are delighted to have successfully completed this critical stage in the development of the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 frigates,” said Andy Laing, Managing Director, Above Water Systems UK, Thales.
“It represents another demonstration of Thales’s proven ability to deliver integrated naval mission systems to the highest standards.”
Thales revealed that the Mission System FATs were completed at the end of April 2025. Delivered to a high standard by Thales’s international team, in close collaboration with industry partners, this achievement showcases the quality, openness, and technical expertise that have defined Thales’s approach to the Type 31 delivery – earning praise from the Royal Navy.
The Combat System FATs followed at the end of June 2025. Built around Thales’s latest version of its TACTICOS Combat Management System – delivered by Thales in the Netherlands – it includes the latest software release that enables Type 31’s operational capabilities, reinforcing TACTICOS’s position as a leading CMS for next-generation naval platforms, according to a press release.
With all Factory Acceptance Tests now complete, the programme will move onto land-based testing at the Shore Integration Facility, before being installed on board the HMS Venturer, first of the five Type 31 Inspiration-class frigates, the construction of which is underway at Babcock’s Rosyth facility, as per the release.