Already one of the finest heavyweight torpedoes in the world, the programme to further enhance the accuracy and lethality of Spearfish is now complete. After extensive development and trials, the weapon has now been declared operational by the RN.
HMS Trenchant returned to Devonport for the final time on 25 March. She will be formally decommissioned before joining the long list of submarines awaiting disposal. Here we take a brief look at her career and the current status of the Royal Navy’s SSN fleet.
The arrival of HMS Talent in Gibraltar in February fitted with additional sensors on her fin has raised the public awareness of non-acoustic submarine detection methods. Sonar remains the primary means of locating submarines but here we examine what is known about other technologies that may be used in the undersea battle to detect and trail adversary boats.
An ambitious plan has been launched to create a new Cold War and Maritime Heritage Museum in Plymouth featuring the retired nuclear submarine, HMS Courageous, as its centrepiece. Here we look at the hurdles that must be overcome to make this exceptional concept a reality
Plans to convert another dry dock in Devonport to refit the Dreadnought class submarines were recently revealed in an outline planning application. Here we examine the context and reasons for the upgrade.
On Saturday 4th April HMS Audacious was moved from Devonshire Dock in Barrow towards Walney Channel. Despite the ongoing pandemic and delays to her construction, it is pleasing to report that today she finally sailed for the first time.
After some optimism last year that the RN would be able to at least partially replace its ageing Harpoon anti-ship missile system, recent statements in Parliament have cast doubt over whether this can be achieved.
On 6th February the Minister for Defence Procurement confirmed in Parliament that all 7 Astute class submarines would be completed by the end of 2026, despite the serious delay to the delivery of HMS Audacious. Here we look at the submarine programme in the medium-long term.
On 16th October the head of the MoD Stephen Lovegrove formally approved a revised schedule for the delivery of the 4th Astute class submarine HMS Audacious. Writing to the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee he admitted publicly for the first time that Audacious will not be handed over to the RN until January 2021.More