The National Shipbuilding Strategy and the future of the Royal Navy
The much-delayed National Shipbuilding Strategy ‘refresh’ document was finally published on 10th March. Here we examine the plan in the context of the future Royal Navy fleet.
Shipbuilding
Transporting military hardware around the world – UK strategic sealift
A Private Finance Initiative provides the UK Ministry of Defence with four roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) ships available to deliver military vehicles and other equipment around the globe. Here we look at these ships, plans to replace them and their tasks, including recent work to reinforce the British Army in Europe.More
How to Build an Aircraft Carrier – Book Review
£20.50 (Hardback) | £12.99 (Kindle) | £8.79 (Paperback – May 2022)
Documentary filmmaker and anthropologist, Chris Terrill’s book, “How to Build an Aircraft Carrier” details the early years of HMS Queen Elizabeth. The author was onboard for her first voyage and sea trials in 2017 and the Westlant 18 deployment the following year.
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.
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A big future for UK shipbuilding
The second iteration of the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSbS) is due to be published soon. Here we consider the ambitions for the long-term naval construction programme and revival of the maritime enterprise.
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Steel cut for first Type 31 frigate – HMS Venturer
At a ceremony in Rosyth today, the Defence Secretary (and ‘shipbuilding Tsar’) Ben Wallace conducted the first steel cutting, signalling the start of the Type 31 frigate construction programme.More
Small warships for Ukraine to be built in Scotland
As part of the Ukrainian Naval Capabilities Enhancement Programme (UNCEP) agreement signed with the UK government in October 2020, Babcock will build at least one, probably two Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FIAC) for Ukraine at their Rosyth facility. Here we look at this programme and Babcock’s other moves in the naval export market.More
Contracts awarded to four consortia to develop bids for the Fleet Solid Support ship competition
The MoD has announced the award of Competitive Procurement Phase (CPP) contracts to bidders to enable them to develop their design and construction proposals for the £1.5Bn Fleet Solid Support ship project.More
Royal Navy frigate programme update
Here we summarise recent news and developments concerning the Royal Navy’s future frigate programmes. More