The Dutch Ministry of Defence has awarded a contract to Thales to supply naval satellite communications (satcom) terminals on the four ocean patrol vessels (OPV), that are being built for the Royal Netherlands Navy.

Under the contract, the company will deliver a complete satcom solution for the OPVs including state-of-the-art dual band stabilised antenna, with civilian satcom Ku-band and military X-band.

The satcom solution incorporates leading-edge multiband and stabilisation capabilities, using multiple transmission systems and ensuring perfect on-board integration.

According to the company this system provides the best trade-off between performances and installation constraints on-board the OPV.

With the naval satellite communications terminals the OPVs will be able to communicate over secure, high-bandwidth satellite links with other national and allied force elements.

The satcom solution is already in service in several Nato countries, including France, Belgium and Norway.