Royal Navy’s Sea Venom light anti-ship missile full operating capability delayed until 2026
In a Parliamentary answer, it was revealed this week that the RN’s Wildcat helicopter will not be certified to launch the Sea Venom missile until 2026.
News Commentaries
HMS Westminster refit suspended and her return to service in doubt
Unofficial naval sources say that the frigate HMS Westminster has been found to be in such a poor state that it would be difficult to justify the expense of repairs and her refit has been stopped, pending a decision on her future.More
Navy struggling to keep RFA Fort Victoria operational
RFA Fort Victoria, the UK’s only vessel capable of providing solid stores logistic support to the Carrier Strike Group has been non-operational since late 2021 with mechanical and crewing issues putting a question mark over her future.
HMS Vanguard finally sails from Devonport after refit lasting more than 7 years
HMS Vanguard, one of the four Trident submarines that maintain the UK’s nuclear deterrent, left Devonport yesterday after a very much delayed Long Overhaul Period and Refuel (LOP(R)).
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Repairs to HMS Prince of Wales will not prevent return to operations this summer
HMS Prince of Wales’s unfortunate breakdown in August 2022 requiring extended repair work has not enhanced the RN’s image and provided perfect fodder for mainstream media always keen to exaggerate problems with aircraft carriers. Here we provide a brief summary of the situation and the ship’s future programme.
Russian spy ships mapping undersea infrastructure in the North Sea
Investigations by Danish media have discovered that in the past year multiple Russian civilian vessels have been conducting a detailed reconnaissance of offshore wind farms, gas pipes and power cables in the Baltic and North Sea. Here we summarise what is known and the implications.
Type 31 frigate benefits from an international shipbuilding programme
The recent news that some hull blocks for the second Type 31 frigate, HMS Active will be built a Poland has caused some controversy around warship construction work being done overseas. Here we look at this in context and summarise current progress with the Type 31 programme.
Australia to join Royal Navy SSN(R) submarine programme
The leaders of Australia, Britain and the US met today at a summit in San Diego to discuss the AUKUS pact. The centrepiece of the agreement is the deal to supply nuclear-powered submarines to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Here we examine the implications of the announcements and look at the future Anglo-Australian SSN(R) submarine project.
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UK purchases commercial vessel for conversion to ocean surveillance ship
The offshore support vessel, MV Topaz Tangaroa has been purchased by the UK Ministry of Defence for conversion to a Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance (MROS) ship. She will arrive at Cammell Laird shipyard on Merseyside this week for conversion and will serve in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary renamed RFA Proteus.More