HMS Kent is currently operating in the Barents Sea with US Navy warships conducting maritime security operations. This is a significant deployment as officially the US Navy says it has not sent surface ships to the area since the mid-1980s. The task group comprises three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Donald Cook, USS Porter, USS Roosevelt| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
The RN has launched project VANQUISH, seeking proposals from industry for a Fixed-Wing, Short Take Off and Landing, Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP). This is the first step towards meeting the First Sea Lord’s vision for a large technical demonstrator UAS to be flown from an aircraft carrier in a very short timeframe According to the […] The post Royal Navy aims for jet-powered carrier-launched drone at sea within two years first appeared on Navy Lookout.| Navy Lookout
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
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
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
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
On 28th July, the US Navy issued an urgent requirement to industry for a new class of modular, medium to large-sized Uncrewed Surface Vessels. This is not another experimental project but a funded, credible and determined drive to add mass and lethality to an over-stretched fleet. There is growing concern in Washington over the USN's| 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
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.| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
HMS Vanguard, one of the four Trident submarines that maintain the UK's nuclear deterrent, left Devonport yesterday after a very much delayed Long Overhaul Period and Refuel (LOP(R)). When Vanguard arrived in December 2015 for her second (LOP(R)) it was expected to take a maximum of 4 years and cost £200 million. Her three younger| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
The threat of war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, in addition to the ongoing struggle in the Red Sea, is testing the ability of the US and its allies to respond. Here we look at naval dispositions in the region.| Navy Lookout
