How the Royal Navy provides support to merchant shipping under threat around the world
The RN-led UK Maritime Trade Organisation (UKMTO) coordinates the flow of information around commercial shipping sailing in dangerous waters. Here we look at how this valuable service provides reassurance to mariners, improves safety of life at sea and helps reduce their risk of exposure to piracy or attack.
Adding firepower to the Type 26 Frigate
BAE Systems recently unveiled a proposal to add additional VLS cells to the Hunter class frigates being built for the Royal Australian Navy. Here we examine the background to the requirement for more missiles and the potential opportunities for Type 26 customer nations.
Mojave uncrewed air system successfully flown from HMS Prince of Wales
A General Atomics Mojave Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) drone has taken off and safely landed back on board HMS Prince of Wales in the first trial of its kind conducted off the east coast of the United States on 15th November.
First Sea Lord answers questions about Royal Navy readiness levels
As part of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee enquiry into armed forces readiness, the First Sea Lord, Admiral Ben Key gave some insight into the current availability levels of the RN fleet. Here we consider the discussion and some of the nuances and context that were overlooked.
Photo essay: UK Carrier Strike Group completes second phase of 2023 deployment
The Autumn Carrier Strike Group deployment has now wrapped up with HMS Queen Elizabeth returning to Portsmouth. Here we summarise the activities during the second phase of the deployment.
In focus: CETUS the Royal Navy’s next XLUUV
Following trials with the experimental MANTA extra large uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV), CETUS the RN’s next advanced technology demonstrator has entered the manufacturing phase. Here we provide some more details of the project.
Royal Navy remembrance 2023. We will remember them.
As we pay tribute to those who have given their lives in service of their country, here we look at one example from the thousands of sacrifices made by the sailors of the Royal Navy.
Portrait of an active fleet – snapshot of the Royal Navy surface fleet today
Despite a slew of concerning news stories about the struggles of the service in the last few months, the RN is currently maintaining a high tempo of ships at sea on operations. Here we summarise the key activities of the surface fleet and the purpose of their deployments.
Royal Navy failing to get enough recruits into basic training
Here we report on serious issues hampering the flow of new sailors into the fleet.
