The all-rounder – the 30mm Automated Small Calibre Gun in focus
The 30mm Automated Small Calibre Gun is carried by the majority of vessels of the RN surface fleet. Here we look in detail at this ubiquitous weapon system.More
Air defence
Last ditch defence – the Phalanx close-in weapon system in focus
The ubiquitous Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS) provides warships a last line of defence against missiles, aircraft and small boats. Upgraded over time, it has been in service for 38 years with the Royal Navy. Here we look at the history, design and capabilities of this system.
From Sea Dart to Sea Viper – area air defence for the Royal Navy
In this article, we consider the highly regarded Sea Viper missile carried by the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers and its predecessor, the Sea Dart missile system.
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From Sea Wolf to Sea Ceptor – the Royal Navy’s defensive shield
In this article, we look at the Sea Wolf missile, and its successor, Sea Ceptor which was formally accepted into RN service in 2018.
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Should HMS Queen Elizabeth be fitted with her own missile defences?
In an earlier article, we considered how the RN would use layered defence to protect the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. There has been particular concern about the lack of defensive missiles fitted to the ship themselves and here we focus on the advantages and disadvantages of fitting the CAMM(M) Sea Ceptor system.
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.More
Royal Navy aircraft carriers – vulnerable or fit for the fight?
There have been frequent suggestions that aircraft carriers are inherently vulnerable and have been rendered obsolete by a new generation of weaponry. Here we look the range of conventional threats the carriers might face in a high-end conflict and how the RN and the Queen Elizabeth Class are configured to deal with them.More