A new wave of simulation technology is changing the way the RN trains for operations. The BAE Systems’ MIMESIS system maturing and the RN’s SPARTAN programme advances promising to deliver more flexible, realistic and cost-effective training in line with current threats. Virtual training The cornerstone of BAE Systems’ solution to the synthetic naval training requirement| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
BAE Systems recently unveiled a proposal to add additional VLS cells to the Hunter class frigates being built for the Royal Australian Navy. Here we examine the background to the requirement for more missiles and the potential opportunities for Type 26 customer nations. Up arming down under The Australian Defence Strategic Review (DSR) concluded that| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
In the first major naval announcement of the Strategic Defence Review, the Prime Minister has promised to construct up to 12 SSNs (nuclear-powered attack submarines) to replace the Royal Navy's 7 Astute class boats from the late 2030s. Apex predator This aspiration is undoubtedly very good news and is absolutely the correct choice for the| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
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. The Spearfish upgrade project began in 2010 to ensure the primary conventional weapon of the submarine| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
A lightweight towed array sonar developed by SEA has been successfully integrated and trialled with the Manta XLUUV. This combination of technologies has significant implications for anti-submarine warfare, seabed warfare and underwater surveillance capabilities. The 9-metre Manta uncrewed submersible built by MSubs in 2020 has been conducting a series of trials and experiments off Plymouth,| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
The RN has released a short video detailing plans for its first XLUAV, acquired under project CETUS, which has now been launched and named XV Excalibur. Here we summarise the presentation and the future of the programme. Tracking adversary submarines in the North Atlantic remains one of the RN’s most pressing operational imperatives. To achieve| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
In this guest article, David O’Sullivan considers the challenges of the RN's project CABOT that aims to create an anti-submarine barrier in the North Atlantic based predominantly on autonomous platforms. Project CABOT builds on the RN's previous study outputs under Project CHARYBDIS and the UK-led NATO ASW Barrier Smart Defence initiative. Designed to boost maritime| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
