Thales UK and BAE Systems have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding that formalises a longstanding partnership to deliver and integrate sonar technology for RN submarines. The agreement will play a fundamental role in enabling the SSN-AUKUS programme and ensuring sovereign sonar development capability is maintained into the future. The deal designates Thales as the| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
BAE Systems unveiled the third iteration of the Herne extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV) at DSEI 2025. This will be available for the Royal Navy or export customers to purchase as an operational platform from the end of 2026. Iterating fast This latest version, ‘Herne Mk 3’, represents continued progress from the prototype shown in| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
Norway has formally announced it will purchase at least 5 Type 26 frigates to be built in the UK. Here we look at the implications of this news. Today’s announcement confirms what has been obvious for some time, but it is only the first step in this momentous programme. The Norwegian and British governments will| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
The MoD has admitted that a ‘Category A’ nuclear safety incident occurred earlier this year at Faslane, home to the RN’s all-nuclear powered submarine flotilla. Category A incidents are defined as having an actual or high potential for the release of radioactive material into the environment. The incident took place between January and April 2025,| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
