Accelerating innovation, collaboration and delivery in undersea defence
In this guest article, Captain Adrian Pierce RN(Rtd) takes an overview of developments to secure the undersea battlespace.
Anti-Submarine Warfare
The Type 26 Frigate – more than just a submarine hunter
At the recent IMarEST conference, the RN outlined some of its thinking about how the Type 26 frigate’s Mission Bay could be utilised in service. Here we look at these concepts and progress on the road to delivery.
Upgrading Royal Navy anti-submarine weapons
The Sting Ray lightweight anti-submarine torpedo, the RN’s primary ASW weapon, is being upgraded to Mod 2 standard. In this article, we look at this programme and aspirations for various torpedo delivery methods
Up close with HERNE – BAE Systems’ XLUAV concept
BAE Systems has self-funded the development of HERNE – an Extra-Large Uncrewed Autonomous Vehicle (XLUAV). Here we take a detailed look at this adaptable submarine platform intended for a variety of undersea naval missions.
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
Constellation-class: the US Navy’s struggle to forge a new generation of frigates
After the perceived failure of the Littoral Combat ship programme, the US Navy has shifted its focus back to building traditional frigates. In this piece, we examine the turbulent beginnings of the Constellation-class (FFG-62) project and look at the wider lessons for those involved in warship design and acquisition.
Royal Navy frigate strength to get worse before it gets better
The RN’s frigates are supposed to be the backbone of the fleet but it has become increasingly difficult to keep the ageing Type 23s going while their replacements are some years away from commissioning. Here we look at the current situation and the implications for future fleet strength.
Royal Navy considers purchase of vertical launch anti-submarine rocket
The RN has issued a Request for Information (RFI) notice to industry for what it calls a future Long Range Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon (LRAW). Here we consider the options and what the implications would be if this weapon is brought into service.
The Royal Navy’s future vision for the underwater battlespace
Here we look at how the RN is developing its vision for fighting in the increasingly contested undersea domain in the next two decades.
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