More details of the upcoming UK Carrier Strike Group deployment emerge
HMS Queen Elizabeth and the UK Carrier Strike Group are due to set sail in late May. Here we outline the geographical and practical aspects of what is known about this landmark operational deployment.
Cats, traps and UAS – the Royal Navy considers options for carrier-launched drones
It has emerged that the RN is considering fitting catapults and arrestor gear (cats and traps) to the QEC aircraft carriers to enable the operation of Fixed Wing Unmanned Air Systems. (FWUAS) to complement the F-35B Lightning. Here we examine the implications and the considerable challenges involved.
Novel technologies in anti-submarine warfare
The helicopter-dropped torpedo is the primary method employed by navies to prosecute submarine contacts. As underwater threats are increasing and diversifying, at the same time new technology offers alternative ways to counter the submarine. Here we examine some of the options for the Royal Navy.
Up arrows and down arrows – reflecting on the Defence Command Paper
The Defence Command Paper (DCP) published on 22nd March outlining the future UK force structure has received a very mixed reception. Here we examine the context of the document and more specifically, some of the positives and negatives for the Royal Navy.
Duty done – farewell HMS Trenchant
HMS Trenchant returned to Devonport for the final time on 25 March. She will be formally decommissioned before joining the long list of submarines awaiting disposal. Here we take a brief look at her career and the current status of the Royal Navy’s SSN fleet.
First Crowsnest-equipped airborne surveillance and control helicopter goes into service with the Royal Navy
Just in time for the operational Carrier Strike deployment in May, the first Merlin Mk2 aircraft equipped with a Crowsnest kit has gone into service with the RN.
The Defence Command Paper and the future of the Royal Navy
Following the publication of the Integrated Review last week which set out strategic context and direction for UK defence, the Command Paper “Defence in a Competitive Age” was published today which provides further details on future force structure. Here we summarise the key implications for the RN.
When will the Royal Navy have 24 frigates and destroyers?
Answering questions in Parliament in the wake of the Integrated Review announcements yesterday, the Prime Minister said “…we will have, by the end of this decade, 24 frigates as opposed to the 15 today.” Here we unpack that statement and look at the likely shape of the RN’s frigate and destroyer fleet over the next […]
The Integrated Review – a Royal Navy perspective
After more than 3 years in gestation, the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy entitled “Global Britain in a Competitive Age” was published today. This is an ambitious and wide-ranging document that has much merit but for the Armed Forces, the devil will be in the detail that will follow in the […]
