In 2003 VT Merlin Communications (now Babcock International Group) were awarded the contract to operate the system for a period of fifteen years on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

The system is to be replaced by the Defence Strategic Radio Service (DSRS) also operated by Babcock[1] Prior to the creation of the DHFCS, the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Royal Navy (RN) operated their own independent high frequency (HF) communications systems.

A link with the Australian Defence Force's High Frequency Communications System (HFCS) based in Canberra also exists.

[7][8] The service allows real-time strategic communications between users which comprise ground stations, submarines, surface vessels, fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.

[11] Sites at Anthorn (Formerly HMS Nuthatch) and Skelton in northern England provide a Very Low Frequency (VLF) transmitting capability which is used to send communications to submerged submarines.