Thinking inside the box – the Royal Navy’s containerised capability concept
At DSEI 2021 the Second Sea Lord revealed the RN’s PODS concept (Persistent Operational Deployment Systems). In simple terms, a move to put equipment into standard-sized modules (ISO shipping containers) to simplify and speed up delivery a variety of capabilities.
Progress report: Manta – the Royal Navy’s experimental autonomous submarine
In Spring 2020 the RN received its first extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV). Here we look at how trials and experimentation with Manta are progressing and some of the wider considerations about bringing uncrewed submarines into frontline service.
Up close with the Royal Navy’s new officer training boats
Atlas Elektronik UK (AEUK) are in the middle of a programme to build and deliver 38 SEA Class workboats used in various roles by RN. In this photo and video essay, we take a look at the Officer Training variant.
Steel cut for first Type 31 frigate – HMS Venturer
At a ceremony in Rosyth today, the Defence Secretary (and ‘shipbuilding Tsar’) Ben Wallace conducted the first steel cutting, signalling the start of the Type 31 frigate construction programme.
Small warships for Ukraine to be built in Scotland
As part of the Ukrainian Naval Capabilities Enhancement Programme (UNCEP) agreement signed with the UK government in October 2020, Babcock will build at least one, probably two Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FIAC) for Ukraine at their Rosyth facility. Here we look at this programme and Babcock’s other moves in the naval export market.
Royal Navy nuclear submarine technology to be shared with Australia
A new trilateral security partnership between Australia, the UK and the US (AUKUS) was announced yesterday. As part of this new alliance, the US and UK will assist with the construction of up to 8 nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs). In this brief commentary, we outline some of the implications.
The First Sea Lord’s upbeat message about the state of the Royal Navy
Ahead of the First Sea Lord’s conference for RN personnel held on 10 September, Admiral Tony Radakin posted a series of Tweets highlighting progress in transforming the navy. This is a brief analysis of his messages and the state of the RN right now.
Photo essay – the Carrier Strike Group – operations in the Pacific
The UK Carrier Strike Group arrived in the North Pacific in early August. This photo and video essay covers the activities of the group during the subsequent 5 weeks.
Royal Navy warships sail for permanent basing in the Indo-Pacific region
Two brand new Offshore Patrol Vessels have sailed for the Indo-Pacific where they are expected to spend the next five years or more. Here we look at the outline plan for this deployment and the wider implications of basing these ships in this vast area.
