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 issues.
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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 the situation and the options for resolving this crisis.
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.
Could Maritime Protector RPAS operate from Royal Navy aircraft carriers?
In May 2022 General Atomics announced they are developing a Short-Takeoff and Landing (STOL) option for their MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). This opens up the possibility of operating from aircraft carriers and here we examine this in the context of the RN’s Future Maritime Aviation Force (FMAF) concept.
Japanese naval training squadron visits the UK
Two warships of the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) have arrived in the UK at a time when the Anglo-Japanese defence relationship is growing closer.
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Solving the Royal Navy’s lethality problems
There is a growing concern about the RN surface fleet’s lack of offensive power. Here we look at what might be done to remedy the situation in the medium-long term.