RN Carrier Strike Group embarks on 2ndDeployment

• The Crowsnest system is essential for the protection of carrier strike groups
• Our collaborations with local industries reinforce regional economies, ensuring that communities benefit from the innovation and skills cultivated within the defence sector.
• Thales enhances information superiority across multiple domains.

Thales is honoured to support the Royal Navy's deployment of the Carrier Strike Group (CSG), offering a comprehensive range of solutions that enhance not only the operational capabilities of the Royal Navy but also those of the UK Armed Forces and allied nations committed to national security.

The Carrier Strike Group exemplifies the strength of the United Kingdom's naval forces, comprising a sophisticated collection of ships, submarines, and aircraft that serve to project power and safeguard the nation’s interests both domestically and internationally. Central to this operation is HMS Prince of Wales, a state-of-the-art aircraft carrier outfitted with advanced technologies, including systems provided by Thales, which are integral to its operational effectiveness.

By incorporating innovative assets and technologies, the CSG is adept at addressing complex global security challenges, thereby maintaining the Royal Navy's esteemed reputation for operational readiness. Thales functions as the "eyes and ears" of the Royal Navy's submarine fleet, delivering critical capabilities that enhance maritime security.

Through the Maritime Sensor Enhancement Team (MSET), we provide and sustain next-generation maritime sensors, significantly improving submarine detection capabilities and ensuring the safety of naval operations at sea. In March, Thales achieved a landmark milestone by delivering the world's first autonomous mine hunting system to the Royal Navy, developed under the Franco-British Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) project in collaboration with OCCAR.

The Maritime Autonomy Centre in Plymouth plays a crucial role in supporting the Royal Navy's mission to protect the UK and secure vital maritime routes through partnerships with small and medium-sized enterprises and academic institutions. Additionally, we enhance the capabilities of the Type 31 frigate by incorporating integrated mission systems designed for combat effectiveness, including the Tacticos Combat Management System that integrates advanced naval radar systems, improving situational awareness.

Thales solutions are deployed across navies worldwide and across all classes of vessels in the Royal Navy, providing critical information advantages and early warning through advanced electronic warfare solutions. The Thales Vigile D system allows for the early detection and identification of radar signals in congested radio frequencies, while our submarine electronic warfare systems ensure heightened situational awareness and reduced vulnerabilities.

Furthermore, we are enhancing the combat effectiveness of the Wildcat Helicopter by equipping it with advanced defensive systems, such as the Martlet lightweight multi-role missile, and by providing ground-breaking air defence capabilities like StarStreak, recognised as the fastest Very Short-Range Air Defence missile in the world.

Thales enhances information superiority across multiple domains. In partnership with Schiebel, the Peregrine system, now operational with the Royal Navy, serves as a vital aerial surveillance tool, providing critical intelligence.

The Crowsnest system is essential for the protection of carrier strike groups against low-flying threats, missiles, and fast attack craft in complex operational environments, enabling proactive threat identification and swift response capabilities.

Improving the survivability of the United Kingdom's armoured vehicles is paramount. Our innovative solutions, including the Panoramic Above Armour Gimbal (PAAG), provide superior battlefield awareness. This technology reflects our expertise in optronics and visual systems, particularly for the UK’s submarine fleet, combined with our DigitalCrew® algorithms, which facilitate the deployment of artificial intelligence at the operational edge, resulting in a diminished cognitive load for operators and enhanced situational awareness.

Thales is committed to increasing the efficiency of aircrews through our advanced avionics and simulation technologies. Our capabilities integrate sophisticated avionic systems for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations, along with specialised training for both land and maritime environments, collectively improving crew preparedness.

Driving digital transformation and enhancing resilience are central to our mission. We are leading initiatives such as Digital Twins and cybersecurity resilience strategies, exemplified by the establishment of the National Digital Exploitation Centre (NDEC) in South Wales. These advancements foster trust in our defence programs, safeguarding against cyber threats while adapting to the evolving landscape of warfare.

As the Carrier Strike Group embarks on its mission, it signifies more than defence and security; it also fosters economic growth. The CSG is essential in generating new employment opportunities across the United Kingdom, stimulating growth within the maritime sector and beyond. Our collaborations with local industries reinforce regional economies, ensuring that communities benefit from the innovation and skills cultivated within the defence sector.