The United States has given the green light to a potential $200 million defense sale to the UK, authorizing the delivery of additional Navy Multiband Terminals (NMT) to bolster Britain’s secure strategic communications. The terminals will enhance Royal Navy connectivity through the AEHF satellite network, with RTX Corporation designated as the main contractor.
Britain’s request seeks six more AEHF NMT systems, expanding upon an earlier case that included two terminals worth $41 million. When combined, the UK’s total approved procurement rises to eight advanced communication terminals engineered to deliver hardened, high-bandwidth links for maritime and submarine missions.
According to the US government filing, the package features a full suite of supporting components, including cryptographic equipment, high-data-rate submarine masts, spare parts, documentation, training courses, and integration and sustainment support. These systems are expected to be deployed aboard the Royal Navy’s future Dreadnought-class submarines, improving data flow and interoperability with allied networks in non-contested environments.
The sale underscores the deepening US-UK defense partnership, which has continued to progress through 2024 and 2025. Key milestones include ongoing cooperation on the UK’s E-7 Wedgetail program, expanded sustainment support for the F-35B Lightning II fleet, and US-approved deliveries of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. Washington also maintains active support contracts for the UK’s P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, reinforcing NATO’s collective surveillance and maritime-security capabilities.
