Is the Royal Navy in crisis?
A series of media reports in the first week of this year have brought the Navy’s personnel, funding and support problems into sharp focus. Here we provide some more context to the reports and the potential implications.
Future Royal Navy
First Sea Lord answers questions about Royal Navy readiness levels
As part of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee enquiry into armed forces readiness, the First Sea Lord, Admiral Ben Key gave some insight into the current availability levels of the RN fleet. Here we consider the discussion and some of the nuances and context that were overlooked.
Ukraine war sees uncrewed surface vessels mature into a serious threat
In this initial analysis written in response to unfolding events, we explore some of the potential implications of Ukrainian success in using USVs to attack the Russians in the Black Sea.
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Defence Command Paper 2023 – implications for the Royal Navy
Last week Government finally published the Defence Command Paper (delayed since mid-June) which was supposed to provide more precise detail about the structure and future of the armed forces following the aspirations of the Integrated Review (Refresh) launched in March. Here we take an overview of what the DCP23 says, or does not say, about the future of the Royal Navy.
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Not enough sailors – another Royal Navy personnel crisis is brewing
An increase in resignations and slow down in recruitment in the last 18 months means sailor numbers are declining. Here we look at some of the causes, the long-term effects and potential remedies.
Options for the Royal Navy’s Future Air Dominance System and the Type 83 destroyer
The RN is currently considering how to replace the Type 45 destroyers and is also developing a broader air and missile defence strategy for the fleet. Here we look at some of the thinking underway in the concept phase for the Future Air Dominance System (FADS).More
Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates to be fitted with Mk41 vertical launch system
Speaking today at the First Sea Lord’s Sea Power Conference, Admiral Sir Ben Key, confirmed the Type 31 Inspiration Class frigates will be equipped with the Mk41 VLS.
The future Royal Navy needs more than technology
In this article, Emma Salisbury takes an overview of the new technologies the RN is striving to embrace while considering the deeper underpinnings needed to ensure they are effective.
Why has the Royal Navy decommissioned 6 ships in a year?
In the last 12 months, a significant number of Royal Navy vessels have been retired. Funding shortfalls play a part but the situation is more complex than just cuts to save money. Here we look at the reasoning, the risks involved and the plans to replace the capabilities of these ships.