The Type 31 programme underscores Thales’s long-standing commitment to support the Royal Navy with world-leading maritime technologies, while strengthening UK and European defence capability and industrial resilience
Thales has successfully completed Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) for both the Mission System and the Combat System on the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 Inspiration-class frigates – marking major milestones in one of the UK’s most significant naval programmes.
Working as part of an integrated international team, and in close partnership with Babcock and the Royal Navy, Thales has now completed all core factory-based activity for the programme – further reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in the delivery of complex naval systems for the UK.
Thales’s Combat Management System (CMS), TACTICOS, functions as the operational heart of UK’s Type 31 frigates. It will be the central command and decision-making part of these frigates‘ combat systems. Its function and performance – supporting sensor control, picture compilation, situation assessment, action support and weapon control – are critical to the operational effectiveness of the naval vessel.
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. 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.
Paul Watson, Arrowhead Managing Director at Babcock said: “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. 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.”
Andy Laing, Managing Director, Above Water Systems UK, Thales, added: “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. It represents another demonstration of Thales’s proven ability to deliver integrated naval mission systems to the highest standards.”
