A year in review – The Royal Navy in 2023
In this article we look back at the past year, summarising key events and the achievements of the Royal Navy while considering future challenges.
Analysis
Hunting submarines with drones
In this article, Kamil Sadowski considers how Medium Rotary-Wing Uncrewed Air Systems could be employed in anti-submarine warfare operations.
More
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary in 2023
The ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary are a vital part of the UK naval capability but the past year has been a story of very mixed fortunes for the service. Here we look at the current status of the fleet.
Analysis: Royal Navy deploys seven ships on underwater infrastructure patrols
In an announcement made this week, the MoD has said the RN will deploy a substantial force of vessels to patrol areas with vulnerable undersea critical infrastructure in cooperation with other nations. Here we look at the context of this action and what this may mean in practice
Adding firepower to the Type 26 Frigate
BAE Systems recently unveiled a proposal to add additional VLS cells to the Hunter class frigates being built for the Royal Australian Navy. Here we examine the background to the requirement for more missiles and the potential opportunities for Type 26 customer nations.
Portrait of an active fleet – snapshot of the Royal Navy surface fleet today
Despite a slew of concerning news stories about the struggles of the service in the last few months, the RN is currently maintaining a high tempo of ships at sea on operations. Here we summarise the key activities of the surface fleet and the purpose of their deployments.
Royal Navy failing to get enough recruits into basic training
Here we report on serious issues hampering the flow of new sailors into the fleet.
BMT develop second generation ELLIDA multi-role and logistic vessel concept
In 2019 British naval architecture consultancy, BMT announced their ELLIDA Multi-Role Support Ship design. Here we look at the new iteration of this concept developed in anticipation of the RN’s MRSS requirements and for other potential export customers.
More
Killing submarines by drone
In the recent REPMUS exercise held in Portugal, a BAE Systems / Malloy Aeronautics T-600 UAS was used to launch an inert training variant Sting Ray torpedo. Here we look at the background and the future potential of delivering anti-submarine torpedos by uncrewed aerial systems.More