The Royal Navy’s fading presence in the Middle East
Until recently, the RN maintained a meaningful force of at least 6 ships based in Bahrain. For a variety of reasons, this force may soon just comprise of two ships.
Arabian Gulf
How the Royal Navy provides support to merchant shipping under threat around the world
The RN-led UK Maritime Trade Organisation (UKMTO) coordinates the flow of information around commercial shipping sailing in dangerous waters. Here we look at how this valuable service provides reassurance to mariners, improves safety of life at sea and helps reduce their risk of exposure to piracy or attack.
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A naval accident in context – Royal Navy minehunters collide in Bahrain
Here we consider the implications of the unfortunate collision of two Royal Navy ships in Bahrain, seen in the wider context of peacetime naval accidents.
Royal Navy deploys HMS Richmond to bolster UK naval presence in the Gulf region
In a statement to Parliament, the Secretary of State has confirmed that HMS Richmond is heading to the Gulf region in response to the serious maritime security situation in the Red Sea.More
HMS Diamond sent to the Gulf in response to rising tension in the Middle East
HMS Diamond will join US warships deployed in the Persian Gulf region as the risk of conflict and the threat to merchant shipping increases. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has said “it’s critical the UK bolsters our presence in the region”.
Royal Navy autonomous mine hunting at the sharp end
As the RN begins the transition from crewed minehunters to autonomous systems, the first boat has been deployed to Bahrain in the Persian Gulf. This is a small but significant step and much rests upon the success of this vessel in the operational environment.
Risky business? – Royal Navy goes “all in” with autonomous mine warfare
Tony Carruthers spent 8 years as an officer serving in Royal Navy minehunters. Here he articulates some of the concerns about exchanging crewed mine countermeasures vessels for autonomous systems.
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A year in review – the Royal Navy in 2019
In broad terms 2019 was a positive year for the Naval Service, building on the successes of 2018. The political turmoil that enveloped Westminster left significant decisions about the future on hold but, apart from events in the Arabian Gulf, it was mostly business as usual.
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Iran’s illegal seizure of a British tanker – a failure by the Royal Navy or a failure of strategy?
Late in the afternoon of 19th July, in the Straits of Hormuz, Iran sized the unescorted British-owned tanker MV Stena Impero and it remains in their hands. Many have criticised the RN for failure to protect the ship when in fact the blame lies with its political masters. More
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