HMS Queen Elizabeth and the UK Carrier Strike Group are due to set sail in late May. Here we outline the geographical and practical aspects of what is known about this landmark, 26,000-mile operational deployment.
Following the publication of the Integrated Review last week which set out strategic context and direction for UK defence, the Command Paper “Defence in a Competitive Age” was published today which provides further details on future force structure. Here we summarise the key implications for the RN.
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As part of the preparations for her maiden operational deployment in May, HMS Queen Elizabeth has made her first visit to the Clyde to embark munitions.
The Integrated Review is due to be published in March 2021. In the next few weeks, rumours of how the review will impact the forces are likely to circulate in the media. An unconfirmed report in the Daily Mail suggests some of the older frigates will be retired early. Here we consider some of the options the RN may have and the implications for the surface escort fleet.
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Today the RN formally declared IOC for the UK Carrier Strike Group which is now at ‘very high readiness’, available to deploy anywhere in the world at five days notice.More
With a no-deal Brexit looking a distinct possibility, conflict over fishing rights looks likely to create a complex enforcement challenge for the Royal Navy’s fishery protection vessels. More
While alongside in Portsmouth recently HMS Prince of Wales suffered at least one major internal flood incident causing damage to the high voltage electrical system that propels the ship. The Sun newspaper has now gone public with the story and it appears the ship will not sail until Spring 2021 at the earliest.More
Last week the US Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 concluded two months of training in the UK which included three weeks of air activities embarked on HMS Queen Elizabeth. Speaking to the media, the commanders of the two squadrons were upbeat about a very successful exercise.More