X-band satellite communications capabilities have been delivered to four British Royal Navy Mine Counter Measure Vessels operating in the Arabian Gulf.

The upgrade by Airbus Defense and Space is comprised of Deployable Maritime Milsat satellite services that use the Skynet 5 satellite constellation.

"Communications and information are critical to warfare," said the commander of HMS Ramsey, Lt. Cmdr. Ashley Spencer. "Not only has the new DMM satcom fit made routine work faster and more efficient, but I am now able to engage effectively at the Task Group level securely and effortlessly.

"My situational awareness tools have been enhanced by the upgrade and my capacity to receive processed intelligence much improved."

Airbus Defense and Space is upgrading two additional ships in Britain with the system and is holding discussions with the Ministry of Defense go upgrade the Royal Navy's entire fleet of Mine Counter Measure Vessels.

"The armed forces in the UK need to have the most advanced capabilities possible, with vessels equipped to play a complete role in future operations," said Colin Paynter, head of U.K. government satellite communications at Airbus Defense and Space. "Airbus Defense and Space has worked closely with the Royal Navy to design, test and deliver this important capability to this MCMV program."