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.More
Current News
RFA Wave Knight supports the aid effort following earthquake in Haiti
RFA Wave Knight deployed to the Caribbean in May 2021, primarily to provide aid to overseas territories in the event of natural disasters. Following the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Western Haiti on 14 August, she has now joined the US-led Task Force Bravo relief effort.More
First torpedo dropped by RAF MRA1 Poseidon aircraft
The programme to restore UK maritime patrol aircraft capability reached another milestone on 22nd July with the first weapon release from a British MRA1 Poseidon. The ability to both detect submarine targets and deliver torpedoes without warning at long ranges is one of the key advantages of the aircraft.
Passenger Transfer Boats for HMS Prince of Wales to be delivered this year
AEUK has sub-contracted the construction of three SEA-class Passenger Transfer Boats (PTB) that will equip HMS Prince of Wales to Diverse Marine, based in Cowes on the Isle of Wight and the vessels will be delivered to the RN later this year.
Satellite-based maritime surveillance provided to the Royal Navy by Airbus
After a successful ‘proof of concept’ phase, the Royal Navy has awarded a 12-month contract to Airbus for the provision of satellite-based maritime surveillance services to the Joint Maritime Security Centre (JMSC).
First combat missions flown from HMS Queen Elizabeth
On the morning of Sunday 20th June, two F-35 Jets flying from HMS Queen Elizabeth took off to conduct missions against Daesh in Syria and Iraq. This was the first strike mission from a Royal Navy vessel since the operations against Colonel Gadaffi in Libya during 2011.More
Babcock offers the Arrowhead-140 frigate design to Greek Navy
Babcock has announced it had held talks with officials in Greece proposing the Arrowhead-140 design (the basis for the Royal Navy’s Type 31) as a candidate for the Hellenic Navy’s new frigate modernisation programme.More
Royal Navy formally announces the names of the ‘inspiration class’ Type 31 frigates
Speaking today at the First Sea Lord’s Sea Power Conference, Admiral Tony Radakin announced the names of the five Type 31 frigate being constructed for the Royal Navy in Rosyth; HMS Active, HMS Bulldog, HMS Campbeltown, HMS Formidable and HMS Venturer.
Spearfish Mod 1 torpedo goes into service after final trials by HMS Audacious
Already one of the finest heavyweight torpedoes in the world, the programme to further enhance the accuracy and lethality of Spearfish is now complete. After extensive development and trials, the weapon has now been declared operational by the RN.