Should the Royal Navy consider an alternative approach to Multi-Role Support Ship design?
In this guest article, Robert Moyse argues that the RN should take inspiration from the US Marine Corps and consider cheaper, smaller and more numerous vessels to meet the MRSS requirement.
Current news
HMS Cardiff joins HMS Glasgow in dry dock fitting out at Scotstoun
The Type 26 frigate programme achieved another milestone last week with two ships now in the fitting out phase. HMS Cardiff joined the first class, HMS Glasgow in dry dock at Scotstoun.
Merlin helicopter ditches while operating from HMS Queen Elizabeth
The RN has confirmed that a Merlin Mk4 helicopter ditched close to HMS Queen Elizabeth while conducting training off Dorset last night around 8.45 pm. Sadly one person died as a result of the incident.
Royal Fleet Auxiliary sailors seeking fair pay hold fifth round of industrial action
Today officers and crew serving in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary are holding further strikes. As previously reported, the RFA that provides the Royal Navy’s critical afloat logistic support is in steep decline as it is increasingly unable to find people to crew its ships.
Constellation-class: the US Navy’s struggle to forge a new generation of frigates
After the perceived failure of the Littoral Combat ship programme, the US Navy has shifted its focus back to building traditional frigates. In this piece, we examine the turbulent beginnings of the Constellation-class (FFG-62) project and look at the wider lessons for those involved in warship design and acquisition.
Setbacks in the Royal Navy’s effort to get newly acquired auxiliary ships into service
Early in 2023, the MoD purchased two former commercial vessels for the Naval Service. Despite their procurement ‘at pace’, RFA Proteus has yet to conduct any useful operations and RFA Stirling Castle is being laid up or ‘paused’ temporarily mainly due to a lack of qualified people to operate her.
Atlas Elektronik UK proposes mid-size USVs as naval force multipliers
Uncrewed Surface Vehicles have already proved able to deliver a basic autonomous mine hunting capability for the Royal Navy. Here we look at proposals by AEUK to expand the role of USVs to act as sensor and weapon platforms.
Royal Navy reveals more details of HMS Diamond’s epic deployment in the Red Sea
Following her return to the UK in July (and some well-deserved leave for her ship’s company), we were invited on board HMS Diamond to speak to the Commanding officer, Cdr Pete Evans. Here provide some more details about what was arguably the RN’s most intense warship deployment in more than a decade.
End in sight for Royal Navy attack submarine woes?
Almost a year ago we reported that none of the RN’s attack submarines (SSNs) were at sea. There has been only limited SSN activity since but here we summarise the current situation and look forward to improving future availability.
Royal Navy frigate strength to get worse before it gets better
The RN’s frigates are supposed to be the backbone of the fleet but it has become increasingly difficult to keep the ageing Type 23s going while their replacements are some years away from commissioning. Here we look at the current situation and the implications for future fleet strength.
