Details emerge of Team UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship proposal
The consortia competing to build three Fleet Solid Support ships (FSS) have now submitted their detailed bids to the MoD. The winner of this major shipbuilding contract is expected to be announced by the end of March 2023. For the first time, we can reveal some details of the all-British proposal entered by Team UK.
Photo essay: onboard the XV Patrick Blackett
The Royal Navy’s new experimental trials vessel was formally named at a ceremony in Portsmouth on 29th July. In a follow-up to our previous article, we went onboard for a closer look and spoke with her Commanding Officer and head of NavyX.
Royal Navy takes delivery of new experimental vessel
The XV Patrick Blackett arrived in Portsmouth today. She has been bought for use by the NavyX programme as a platform for trials and experimentation with new technologies. Here we look at this vessel in detail.
Royal Navy shadows Russian attack submarines from the Arctic into the North Sea
HMS Portland has been involved in tracking the movements of two Russian attack submarines heading from the Arctic to the Baltic Sea.
The oldest ship in the Royal Naval Service to become the new Littoral Strike Ship
Following the news RFA Argus will be extended in service beyond 2030 it has been confirmed she will be upgraded to perform in the Littoral Strike Ship role (LSS). Here we look at the background to the decision and consider the pros and cons of the conversion.
The submarine rescue service for the Royal Navy
Should a submarine get into difficulty, the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) is ready around the clock for deployment to provide assistance. Here we look in detail at the history, capabilities and future of NSRS.
Royal Navy changes course on interim anti-ship missile for a second time
The acquisition of anti-ship missiles for the RN took another twist yesterday when it was revealed that the project to procure the weapons has been resurrected after it was cancelled in November 2021. A wide-ranging and unusually candid Commons Defence Select Committee hearing on 5th July also covered a range of UK shipbuilding and procurement […]
The Black Sea blockade – can Ukraine resume exports by sea?
Before Russia invaded Ukraine it was considered the ‘breadbasket of Europe’ responsible for about 13% of global grain exports. Russia’s blockade of the Black Sea is preventing this grain from reaching markets all over the world causing global food shortages and price hikes. Various politicians have called for naval intervention and here we look at […]
RFA Argus extended in service beyond 2030
The MoD confirmed this week that RFA Argus will remain in service beyond 2030. Argus was supposed to decommission in 2024 but with no replacement available, this decision will ensure the UK’s afloat medical and aviation training capability is retained.
