Naval Defence & Carrier Operations Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group begins second deployment with Thales support

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The Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) has embarked on its second major deployment, demonstrating Britain’s maritime strength and commitment to global security. Supported by Thales, the mission integrates advanced technologies across anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, and electronic defence systems to ensure operational readiness in an increasingly complex threat environment.

Led by the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, the Carrier Strike Group unites an array of ships, submarines and aircraft designed to project power and safeguard the UK’s strategic interests worldwide. The deployment underscores the Royal Navy’s ability to operate as an integrated, technology-driven force—supported by Thales systems that enhance detection, protection and command capabilities.

Thales’ long-standing partnership with the Royal Navy plays a key role in this effort, providing technologies that span multiple warfare domains:

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Thales equips the Type 23 frigates with the Sonar 2087 system, the Royal Navy’s primary tool for detecting and countering underwater threats. The Maritime Sensor Enhancement Team (MSET) ensures next-generation sensor performance and maintenance, strengthening fleet security in contested waters.

Mine Warfare

In March, Thales delivered the world’s first autonomous minehunting system to the Royal Navy as part of the Franco-British MMCM (Maritime Mine Counter Measures) programme, developed under the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR). The system, supported by the Thales Maritime Autonomy Centre in Plymouth, enables safe and efficient clearance operations while removing personnel from hazardous zones.

Mission Systems

The company’s Tacticos Combat Management System equips the new Type 31 frigates, integrating radar and communications technologies for improved situational awareness and interoperability across vessel classes—from minehunters to submarines and aircraft carriers.

Electronic Warfare

Thales’ Vigile D system provides early warning and radar signal detection across congested electromagnetic environments, while submarine electronic warfare suites enhance situational awareness and operational security.

Air Defence and Surveillance

Thales strengthens the combat capability of the Wildcat helicopter with the Martlet light multi-role missile (LMM) and provides short-range air defence with the StarStreak missile system. For airborne surveillance, the Peregrine system—developed in partnership with Schiebel—provides real-time reconnaissance, while the Crowsnest radar system protects carrier groups against low-level and fast-approaching threats.

Optronics and Vehicle Systems

On land, Thales enhances the survivability of the UK’s armoured vehicles through the Panoramic Above Armour Gimbal (PAAG), a 360° optronic system powered by DigitalCrew algorithms to reduce operator workload and improve situational awareness.

Digital Transformation

Thales is also advancing cyber resilience and digital transformation through initiatives such as Digital Twin technologies and the National Digital Exploitation Centre (NDEC) in South Wales, ensuring secure and adaptive systems for future defence operations.

Beyond its military value, the CSG deployment also contributes to the UK’s industrial base, generating jobs and supporting local economies across the maritime and defence sectors. Through partnerships with British SMEs and academic institutions, Thales continues to invest in innovation, skills development, and national resilience.

As HMS Prince of Wales leads the Carrier Strike Group across global waters, the mission represents both continuity and progress: a demonstration of the Royal Navy’s modern capabilities and of Thales’ enduring role in ensuring that the United Kingdom remains a maritime power ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges.