The Carrier Strike Group sails – what it takes to prepare for global deployment
The 7½-month CSG25 deployment begins today with the departure of HMS Prince of Wales from Portsmouth. Last week we spoke to the Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group and some of those deploying about the preparations and the early phases of the voyage.
Current news
HMCS Ville de Québec arrives in Plymouth ahead of joining Carrier Strike Group deployment
The Royal Canadian Navy has sent the frigate HMCS Ville de Québec to join with the Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group deployment. The ship sailed from her home port of Halifax, Nova Scotia on 7th April and arrived in Devonport today ahead of the trip to the Indo-Pacific region.
HMS Richmond first Royal Navy frigate to receive Link 16 modernisation
As HMS Richmond prepares to join the UK Carrier Strike Group deployment, she has been equipped with a significant communications upgrade, enhancing her ability to share combat data at speed.
Babcock awarded contract to add upgrades to Type 31 frigates
The MoD has awarded Babcock a £65 million five-ship contract to deliver the Capability Insertion Period (CIP) for the Type 31 frigates. This covers equipment to be fitted, over and above what was specified in the original fixed-price contract.
UK carrier strike – full operating capability on final approach
The UK Carrier Strike capability is nearing a critical milestone. Full Operating Capability (FOC) for the F-35B should be achieved during the forthcoming CSG25 deployment. Here we look at latest progress with the jet and the wider carrier strike capability development.
RFA Proteus begins operations as seabed warfare threats increase
A recent article in the Sunday Times revealed more details about Russian undersea activities directed against UK interests. Here we look in more detail at the specific threats and how RFA Proteus and the Royal Navy are gradually improving seabed warfare (SBW) capabilities.
Pioneering a sovereign solution for Britain’s fast jet trainer requirement
The excellent Hawker Siddeley / BAE Systems Hawk aircraft has been used to train RAF and Royal Navy fast jet pilots since 1976 but is is urgent need of replacement. Here we look at the current situation and a unique British approach that potentially meets the requirement for a modern and affordable replacement.
The rise of the drone carriers
There are now at least three navies that have acquired or are developing ‘flat-top’ carriers designed specifically to carry uncrewed air systems. Here we look at some of these projects and the implications of this trend.
In focus: the Royal Navy’s anti-submarine sentry – the Towed Array Patrol Ship
In this guest article, Lee Pilgrim highlights the work of the Towed Array Patrol Ship (TAPS), the RN’s frigate specifically assigned to the anti-submarine task in UK waters and beyond.
Is the Royal Navy Indo-Pacific ready, or should the carrier strike group stay closer to home?
There has been considerable debate over the prospect of deploying the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG) to the Indo-Pacific region in 2025. Here we look at the outline programme for the deployment and consider the case for and against a change of plan.
