Last Updated on April 11, 2026 by allieddispatch | Published: April 11, 2026
DE&S has officially reached the Equipment Delivery Date for Phase 2c of the Maritime Multi-Link (MML) programme. This move will fundamentally change how the Royal Navy shares data across the globe.
In an increasingly contested global environment, the ability to share a “real-time” view of the battlefield isn’t just an advantage; it’s a necessity. This latest milestone marks a major step in ensuring the UK fleet stays ahead of the curve.
What is Maritime Multi-Link (MML)?
At its core, MML is about connectivity. Phase 2c introduces Satellite Tactical Data Link (STDL) and JREAP-C (Joint Range Extension Applications Protocol) to the Royal Navy fleet.
In plain English? It allows Royal Navy ships to communicate tactical data via satellite rather than relying on line-of-sight radio. This means a Task Group can share a common operating picture even when separated by hundreds of miles of ocean.
Tested in the Field: Carrier Strike Group 25
The capability isn’t just theoretical. An early version of the JREAP-C tech was successfully deployed aboard HMS Prince of Wales and her escorts during the Carrier Strike Group 25 (CSG25) deployment.
The trial allowed the carrier and her escorts to maintain a unified view of the operational environment well beyond the horizon, transforming the strike group’s situational awareness and command-and-control capabilities.
Which Ships Are Getting the Upgrade?
With the equipment delivery milestone now met, the rollout will begin across 13 key Royal Navy platforms, including:
- Queen Elizabeth-class Aircraft Carriers
- Type 45 Destroyers
- Type 23 Frigates
The Allied Dispatch View
This upgrade is a direct response to the “complex and contested” environments the Royal Navy now operates in. By moving data link capabilities to satellite, the UK is ensuring that its most capable surface platforms remain “networked” even when operating in remote regions or under heavy electronic interference.
For the naval enthusiast and the defence professional alike, this is a clear signal that the Royal Navy is doubling down on “Information Advantage” as a primary weapon.