Why has the Royal Navy deployed an air defence destroyer to the Caribbean?
Amid some adverse comment questioning why the Royal Navy sending one of its few high-end air defence platforms to the region, HMS Dauntless is about to begin operations in the Caribbean. Here we outline the sound reasons for this unusual deployment.
It's time for an honest conversation about the future of the Royal Navy
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has repeatedly stated that we have a “growing Royal Navy”. The facts do not support this claim and it is simply untrue. Worse still, there are now strong indications of another round of cuts to RN strength.
Sustaining Royal Navy manpower – the greatest challenge
Despite his usual upbeat tone, the First Sea Lord recently admitted the RN still faces manpower challenges. Here we look at some of the serious on-going manpower issues and how they might be addressed. (In this context “manpower” is shorthand for a diverse mix of men and women).
The Royal Navy's part in the UK response to Hurricane Irma
There has been considerable criticism of the UK’s response to provide aid to the British territories in the Caribbean after being hit by the most severe hurricane in a generation. This is entirely unfair. Naval assets were already pre-positioned in the region for just such an eventuality and are now part of a considerable tri-service […]
HMS Prince of Wales formally named – another step towards renewing aircraft carrier capability
HMS Prince of Wales was officially named today during a ceremony in Rosyth, Scotland. The ship’s sponsor, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Rothesay, followed Royal Navy tradition by triggering the release of a bottle of 10-year-old whiskey to smash against the ship’s hull. It’s been a busy summer for the RN. In August HMS Queen Elizabeth arrived […]
Babcock announces 'Arrowhead' – another option for the Type 31 frigate competition
Babcock International has just revealed their concept for the Type 31e Frigate competition. Arrowhead is the latest design to emerge from a British naval design house and will be formally unveiled at DSEI next week.
Royal Navy issues outline specification for the Type 31 Frigate to industry
At an event held in London today for industry, Defence Procurement Minister Harriett Baldwin launched plans for the procurement of the Royal Navy’s new Type 31e frigates. The competition was unveiled by senior leaders from the Ministry of Defence, Royal Navy and Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S).
Shipbuilding Strategy for the Type 31 Frigate announced – a great day for the Royal Navy?
After much delay, the Defence Secretary today outlined the National Shipbuilding Strategy, specifically the intention to build at least five Type 31e frigates for the Royal Navy.
HMS Argyll successfully test-fires the Royal Navy’s new Sea Ceptor missile
On 22nd July HMS Argyll successfully test-fired several Sea Ceptor missiles at the Outer Hebredies test range. This short-range air defence missile is replacing the Sea Wolf missile system on the RN’s Type 23 frigates and will also be fitted to the Type 26 frigates.