UK: Royal Navy awards Rohde & Schwarz contract for NAVICS integration in Type 26 frigates.

According to a PR published by Rohde & Schwarz on September 14, 2023, the Royal Navy contracts Rohde & Schwarz for the integration of its NAVICS system into five more Type 26 Global Combat Ships, specifically those in the Batch 2 series (Ships 4-8).
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Future Royal Navy's Type 26 frigate. (Picture source: Rohde & Schwarz)

The NAVICS system plays a central role in the Type 26's communication structure, offering integrated and secure internal and external communications. The system also provides advanced wireless terminals for the naval crew.

About the Type 26

It had a displacement of 6,900 tonnes, but this increased to over 8,000 tonnes when it was fully loaded. Its length was measured at 149.9 meters and it had a beam of 20.8 meters.

Its propulsion system was built on a CODLOG configuration, which included one Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine, four MTU Type 20V 4000 M53B high-speed diesel generators, and two electric motors.

This setup allowed it to move at speeds over 26 knots. Additionally, when using the electric-motor drive, the ship could travel over 7,000 nautical miles without refueling.

It could carry two boats or landing crafts. Its usual crew complement was 157, but it had the capacity to house up to 208 personnel. Among her onboard equipment were the Type 997 Artisan 3D radar, Kelvin Hughes SharpEye navigation radar, Terma SCANTER 6000 2D X-Band navigation radar, and several sonar and satcom systems.

The Type 26 had the capability to carry aircraft, specifically the Wildcat or the AgustaWestland Merlin. Moreover, its aviation facilities could accommodate two helicopters, and it was equipped with a Chinook-capable flight deck, an enclosed hangar, and facilities for UAVs.