Royal Navy frigate programme update
Here we summarise recent news and developments concerning the Royal Navy’s future frigate programmes. More
Future Royal Navy
Autonomous systems – the future of Royal Navy mine warfare
The Integrated Review confirmed what had been rumoured for some time – the RN will gradually replace its remaining 13 minehunters with remotely operated or autonomous systems based on small boats. This in-depth article considers the developments that are underway and the advantage and risks that come with this innovation.
Considerations for the Type 83 destroyer – the Royal Navy’s future anti air warfare combatant
The Defence Command Paper announced the intention to begin the concept and assessment phase for the Type 45 destroyer replacements. These vessels will be delivered in the late 2030s and named the Type 83. In this speculative article, we consider the context and some of the design options for these vessels.
The Defence Command Paper and the future of the Royal Navy
Following the publication of the Integrated Review last week which set out strategic context and direction for UK defence, the Command Paper “Defence in a Competitive Age” was published today which provides further details on future force structure. Here we summarise the key implications for the RN.
More
The Integrated Review – a Royal Navy perspective
After more than 3 years in gestation, the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy entitled “Global Britain in a Competitive Age” was published today. This is an ambitious and wide-ranging document that has much merit but for the Armed Forces, the devil will be in the detail that will follow in the Defence Command Paper published next week.
Context and considerations – new multi-role research vessels for the UK
Amongst the announcements about naval construction made in November 2020, the Prime Minister stated the intention to build new “multi-role research vessels”. No further detail about these ships has been given, although more may emerge when the Integrated Review is published. Here we look at the background to this project. More
The Integrated Review – painful choices for the Royal Navy?
The Integrated Review is due to be published in March 2021. In the next few weeks, rumours of how the review will impact the forces are likely to circulate in the media. An unconfirmed report in the Daily Mail suggests some of the older frigates will be retired early. Here we consider some of the options the RN may have and the implications for the surface escort fleet.
Royal Navy innovation and transformation
During the Surface Warships Conference 2021 (held online, 19-21 January) senior officers offered some insight into how the RN is working towards its vision for the future. More
A year in review – the Royal Navy in 2020
2020 has been a memorable year for everyone, mainly for the wrong reasons but the Royal Navy has quietly triumphed in adversity. While existential threats continue to grow and the near term still looks difficult, the Naval Service can perhaps look forward more positively to the future than at the start of the year.More