The UK Royal Navy has contracted Babcock International to support Ardent Wolf, the maritime Communications Electronic Support Measures (CESM) capability for the service’s Type 23 frigates.
The agreement includes the delivery and installation; design and system safety; training, repair, and maintenance; and updates for the program.
“Babcock has a rich history of delivering specialist Communications support to the Royal Navy’s fleet and we are delighted to have been awarded the contract to deliver Ardent Wolf,” Babcock Chief Technology Officer Dr. Richard Drake said.
“Ardent Wolf will significantly enhance the Royal Navy’s CESM capability, and we’re proud to be delivering a robust, UK-developed solution which will act as a pathfinder for future Signal Intelligence programmes.”
CESM in Duke-Class Frigates
Initially built to defend from the early Soviet forces, Duke-class frigates are the UK’s frontline assets in maintaining maritime security in the South Atlantic region.
The frigates use CESM to increase their crews’ safety during operations.
The Ardent Wolf will replace the aging Hammerhead system on the Type 23 vessels. The previous Hammerhead contract was awarded to Babcock in 2013 to replace the older Lighthouse CESM system.
Life Extension
Earlier this year, Babcock announced the post-life extension program for UK Royal Navy’s Duke-class frigates.
The upkeeping initiative focuses on overhauling and modifying the vessels’ crewing and communication capabilities.
