HMS Somerset returns to action after post-refit defects finally resolved
HMS Somerset has rejoined the Royal Navy fleet after more than 2 years of post-refit engineering issues restricted her availability.More
Anti ship missiles
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.
Royal Navy to buy the Naval Strike Missile
While meeting with his Norwegian counterpart on board HMS Queen Elizabeth in Oslo today, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has finally confirmed the RN will purchase the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to fulfil the interim anti-ship missile requirement.
Royal Navy participates in SINKEX – destroying a decommissioned US frigate in the North Atlantic.
HMS Westminster, a Wildcat helicopter and three RAF Typhoon jets launched a variety of weapons, sinking the former USS Boone during exercise Atlantic Thunder held on 7th September.
Royal Navy changes course on interim anti-ship missile for a second time
The acquisition of anti-ship missiles for the RN took another twist yesterday when it was revealed that the project to procure the weapons has been resurrected after it was cancelled in November 2021. A wide-ranging and unusually candid Commons Defence Select Committee hearing on 5th July also covered a range of UK shipbuilding and procurement issues.
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Russian cruiser Moskva sunk in the Black Sea – assessing the implications
On 13 April, Ukrainian sources say they struck the Russian cruiser RFS Moskva with two Neptune anti-ship missiles in the Black Sea. The Russian Ministry of Defense subsequently admitted there was a fire on board, crew being evacuated and ultimately the ship had sunk under tow. Here we look at the background and implications of this action.
Can the UK supply anti-ship missiles to Ukraine?
The UK government says it will send further lethal aid to help defend Ukraine from invasion. Various media reports also say Britain will send anti-ship missiles, including the venerable Harpoon system. Here we consider how realistic that may be and other options to hold the Russian navy at risk in the Black Sea.
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Delivery of many critical Royal Navy capabilities still years away
On 21 February the MoD published the Defence Equipment Plan (EP) which focuses on procurement for the next decade. Here we take an overview of some of the implications for naval capability.
Royal Navy rows back on plans to acquire new anti-ship missiles before 2030s
On 2nd November 2021, the House of Commons Defence Select Committee held a session covering a wide range of issues relevant to the current and future state of the Royal Navy. Here we summarise the key issues that were discussed.