Royal Navy Type 23 frigate, HMS Lancaster has intercepted a shipment of class A drugs worth approximately £5.4M during an operation in the northern Arabian Sea. Initial detection of suspicious activity was made by the newly acquired Peregrine Rotary Wing Uncrewed Air System (RWUAS) remotely controlled from the ship’s operations room. While under the command| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
This week the Defence Secretary announced a Type 23 frigate will be permanently 'forward deployed' in Bahrain. This presence in the Gulf region and the global reach of the fleet, is certainly an asset to Britain but is the expanding portfolio of demands on the Navy workable and sustainable? The RN has a presence in the| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
As the nation takes time to pay its respects to those who have given their lives in service of their country, here we focus on one example from the thousands of sacrifices made by men of the Royal Navy. In the dark blue waters of the Mediterranean, HMS Turbulent carved out one of the most […] The post Royal Navy remembrance. In focus: HMS Turbulent lost in 1943 first appeared on Navy Lookout.| Navy Lookout
Commandos recently carried out covert boarding operations in the eastern Baltic Sea as they refine specialist maritime skills ahead of joining NATO’s Allied Reaction Force next year. The exercises form part of preparations for the UK’s new Special Operations Maritime Task Group (SOMTG), which will provide the alliance with a rapid-response force capable of seizing […] The post Royal Marines test rapid-response tactics from RFA Lyme Bay in the Baltic Sea first appeared on Navy Lookout.| Navy Lookout
The largest number of UK F-35B Lightning jets yet assembled aboard a Royal Navy aircraft carrier has joined HMS Prince of Wales in the Mediterranean for Italian-led Exercise Falcon Strike. The 18 aircraft from 809 Naval Air Squadron and 617 Squadron already embarked were joined by 6 more jets flown out from the UK to […] The post 24 British F-35 jets now embarked on HMS Prince of Wales first appeared on Navy Lookout.| Navy Lookout
The MoD has published its annual report and accounts for 2024-25. Buried amongst its 250 pages are some details of RN programmes that have been axed or written off. Amongst the more useful information in the document are various claims that “Defence is moving to warfighting readiness, establishing a more lethal force, equipped for the […] The post Sunk costs – MoD accounts reveal cancelled Royal Navy projects first appeared on Navy Lookout.| Navy Lookout
The Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel has arrived in Jamaica to join international relief efforts after the island was devastated by Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm ever recorded to hit the nation. Trent reached the northern Jamaican port of Falmouth on 4 November and immediately put ashore a Crisis Response Troop from 24 Commando Royal […] The post HMS Trent arrives to support Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa first appeared on Navy Lookout.| Navy Lookout
For six months, frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen served as part of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group. The vessel hosted an embarked RN Wildcat helicopter and detachment from 815 Naval Air Squadron, an arrangement that tested full integration of air and ship operations under Norwegian command. The cooperation builds on long-standing joint RN-Royal Norwegian Navy (Sjøforsvaret) […] The post Royal Navy and Norwegian Navy deepen ties during global deployment first appeared on Navy Lookout.| Navy Lookout
The RN is now in a position where ageing frigates are being decommissioned well before the replacements are available. There is little that can be done in the short term, but here we attempt to analyse if and when the situation might be recovered. Type 23s holding on Following our analysis of this issue last […] The post The Royal Navy’s frigate gap – how deep and how long will it last? first appeared on Navy Lookout.| Navy Lookout
Five uncrewed boats remotely piloted from 500 miles away surrounded HMS Tyne during a demonstration of how the RN could integrate autonomous surface vessels into future operations. The three-day exercise off the coast of Scotland simulated an escort mission, testing the coordination of multiple USVs under realistic conditions. The trial, led by the Disruptive Capabilities […] The post Royal Navy tests remote-controlled USV swarm in milestone trial first appeared on Navy Lookout.| Navy Lookout
Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Tidespring has completed her contribution to Operation Highmast, enabling HMS Prince of Wales and allied vessels to operate globally. Since leaving the UK in April, Tidespring has supplied over 30,000 cubic metres of diesel and 4,200 cubic metres of aviation fuel in 79 RAS serials. Her contribution has been vital in| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
The Royal Navy-led Carrier Strike sailed from Singapore on 30th June and sailed around 2,000 nautical miles south towards northern Australia. This photo essay covers the activities of the group during this transit. On 6th July, an engineering team, tools, and spares flown out from the UK finally arrived in India to begin the repair| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
Here we summarise the latest activities of the Royal Navy-led Carrier Strike Group as it begins the central phase of the deployment in the Indo-Pacific region. HMS Prince of Wales made a spectacular arrival at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore on 23rd June and has been engaged in defence diplomacy, hosting industry days, local| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
In the first of a series of articles focussing on the Astute class SSNs, we look at the programme's history and how decisions made decades ago continue to impact today's fleet. Background In the late 1960s the RN had decided that it would invest heavily in nuclear attack submarines with a force goal of 20| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
The UK Carrier Strike group will set sail in May 2021 for a 5 or 6-month deployment. It has not been finally confirmed by government as yet but it seems likely the ships will operate for some of the time in the South China Sea. In this 2-part article, we look at the current situation| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
As HMS Richmond prepares to join the UK Carrier Strike Group deployment, she has been equipped with a significant communications upgrade, enhancing her ability to share combat data at speed. Richmond is the first Type 23 to receive the integrated Link 16 Crypto Modernised system. This upgrade enables more secure and faster tactical data sharing| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
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
After a visit to Japan that marked deepening UK-Japanese defence cooperation, HMS Prince of Wales and the UK-led Carrier Strike Group have begun the return leg of their global deployment. Departing Tokyo on 2 September, the group has continued to conduct a succession of multinational exercises. Chinese forces conducted so-called “constructive kill” missile simulations against| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
The Royal Navy has successfully test-fired the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) for the first time, marking a significant step forward in recovering its ability to strike ships and land targets at long range. Type 23 frigate, HMS Somerset, launched the missile during Exercise AEGIR 25 at the Andøya Test Centre in northern Norway in early| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
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
The Future Air Dominance System (FADS) will define the UK’s maritime Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) and Long-Range Precision Strike (LRPS) capability from the late 2030s. Here we look at the latest thinking on this programme and at the Type 83 destroyer, which will be at the heart of this system. The FADS portfolio| 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
Today, King Charles read the commissioning warrant for the 6th Astute-class SSN, HMS Agamemnon, at a ceremony in Barrow. On the same day, the first steel was also cut for the final Dreadnought-class SSBN, HMS King George VI. Six out of seven The king was joined by around 500 guests in the shipyard, including family| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
Following the outline FADS requirement issued by the RN earlier this year, BAE Systems has begun development of its Air Warfare Command Ship solutions and other supporting elements. At DSEI 2025, the company shared their initial design ideas, including increased automation, modularity, and efforts to ensure affordability. The First Sea Lord has signalled a departure| 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
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
In 2021 the Accident Investigation Board - Norway (AIBN) published a detailed report covering the loss of HNoMS Helge Ingstad after she collided with an oil tanker in November 2018. There is much to be learned from this event that is applicable to the RN and global navies. In this in-depth, although far from exhaustive,| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
On the day the new Shipbuilding Hall at Govan was formally opened, we were invited to BAE Systems’ Clyde facilities to visit HMS Glasgow and see the progress resulting from a £300M portfolio of investment in the yards. On board HMS Glasgow is due to begin sea trials this year, although there is clearly still| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
As the first of class, HMS Glasgow prepares to begin the fitting out phase of construction, here we take an overview of the Type 26 frigate design. This is a highly complex warship and it is not possible to cover every aspect of the vessel in a single article but this provides a primer on| 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
HMS Westminster, a Wildcat helicopter and three RAF Typhoon jets launched a variety of weapons, sinking the former USS Boone during exercise Atlantic Thunder held on 7th September. The exercise was a very rare live test of complex weapons against a warship target. HMS Westminster fired two Harpoon anti-ship missiles at the same time as| 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
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
A surfaced Russian submarine transiting through the English Channel has once again prompted a coordinated monitoring effort by the RN. The operation comes as the Russians manage to retain a naval presence in the Mediterranean, following the loss of their base in Syria. In the last few days, OPV HMS Mersey, a Wildcat helicopter from 815| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
We visited HMS Mersey to speak with the Commanding Officer and learn how this Batch I OPV continues to make a valuable contribution to UK maritime security. Now more than two decades old, Mersey remains an active and adaptable platform, with recent upgrades and new ways of working helping to extend her utility OPV at| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
The Commando Helicopter Force has completed a demanding two-week training evolution in North Yorkshire, flying in contested environments, evading simulated air defences, and conducting complex joint air assaults as part of Exercise Hades Warrior. Based at RAF Leeming, the exercise began on 7th July and brought together Royal Navy, Army and RAF aviators working to| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
Another small milestone was reached in the Type 31 frigate programme with the addition of the ship's foremast on the 31st July. The mast, weighing 24 tonnes, was fabricated in the Venturer Building and then carried to the dockside before being craned onto the ship. HMS Venturer was rolled out of the construction hall on| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
HMS Prince of Wales has concluded a landmark series of joint operations with the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force in the Philippine Sea, the first time a UK jet has landed on a Japanese warship. The exercise, part of Operation HIGHMAST, brought together four powerful multinational task groups. The 9-day exercise saw the UK Carrier Strike| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
The Queen has become the first woman and only the second member of the Royal Family to be appointed Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom, during a visit to HMS Astute at Devonport Naval Base. Her Majesty, Queen Camilla, is the Sponsor of HMS Astute, having been present at her roll-out in 2007 and commissioning| 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
In this guest article, Pete Spayne argues that the UK’s fixation with the latest uncrewed systems, artificial intelligence tools and data projects risks becoming a costly distraction. He argues that without matching investment in training, infrastructure and sustainment, new technology may look impressive on trials day but fails to deliver lasting frontline capability. UK Defence| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
In development since 2018, the Kingfisher munition is a novel and low-cost solution for warships developed by BAE Systems to counter underwater threats, particularly proliferating UUVs. Here we look at this weapon in detail and consider its potential selection by the Royal Navy. Background Kingfisher is a naval gun-launched modular carrier system. This allows a| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
On 12 September, HMS Richmond sailed through international waters that separate China and Taiwan in company with the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Higgins. China responded by dispatching air and naval assets to monitor the passage and predictably accused the two nations of "trouble-making and provocation". The Taiwan Strait is just 80 miles wide at its| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
The new First Sea Lord, General Gwyn Jenkins, used his opening address at DSEI 2025 to set out an uncompromising plan to move the Royal Navy to full war-fighting readiness within four years. He stressed that the era of incremental change is over and that taut delivery timelines must drive every programme from now on.| 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 RN has issued a Request for Information to industry to support exercise Atlantic Thunder 26, which will test anti-ship weapons and uncrewed underwater systems. AT26 will take place in waters off the QinetiQ Hebrides range in North West Scotland between 11–22 May 2026. The event is described as a “multi-domain exercise designed to validate| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
Royal Navy flagship, HMS Prince of Wales, has arrived in Tokyo for a landmark port visit that deepens UK–Japan defence ties. HMS Queen Elizabeth stopped in the Japanese capital in 2021, but the value of the visit was severely limited by COVID restrictions. The visit is the centrepiece defence-diplomacy activity of the deployment and underscores| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
In a modest but significant step for AUKUS collaboration, the RN’s experimental extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle, XV Excalibur, will be remotely operated by Australian Navy personnel from Australia during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, while the vehicle remains in UK waters. The operation is a live demonstration of interoperability in the autonomous undersea domain, linking UK| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
HMS Anson arrived back on the Clyde this morning. This confirms no RN submarine has been deployed in support of the Carrier Strike Group deployment for the Indo-Pacific leg, and there are no RN SSNs at sea for now. The current 5-boat attack submarine force comprises HMS Astute, just about to begin a mid-life refit| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
In this guest article, Tom Rooney considers the impact of uncrewed systems and artificial intelligence on the undersea battle. In the quiet expanse of the North Atlantic, an old strategic contest is being redrawn. Once the domain of Cold War cat-and-mouse games, the world of submarines has re-emerged as a fulcrum of 21st-century power politics.| 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
In a significant step forward for undersea warfare capability, the Royal Navy has successfully launched and recovered an uncrewed underwater vehicle from a submerged submarine during recent trials in the Mediterranean. The breakthrough was achieved as part of Project SCYLLA, which is being delivered under AUKUS Pillar 2 and focuses on developing advanced technologies to| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
In less than three years, Ukraine has achieved staggering successes against the Russian navy in the Black Sea through an agile, low-cost campaign of uncrewed surface vehicles (USV) and drone strikes. Here we look at the details of this campaign and the profound implications for procurement, tactics and doctrine for global navies. The impact has| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
Royal Navy frigate, HMS Lancaster, has reached the end of her life and will return home to be decommissioned later this year. There are no warships available to replace her, and her departure marks the end of a significant RN permanent presence in the Gulf region, at least for now. The Royal Navy has had| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
In March 2014 the MoD admitted there was a minor concern about the integrity of the nuclear reactors which power Vanguard class submarines. As a precaution, HMS Vanguard currently in refit at Devonport has been given a second new reactor core. This week the government quietly announced that technical assessments have now concluded this procedure will not be| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
The MoD has awarded Babcock a £114M contract to prepare for the first nuclear defueling of a decommissioned Royal Navy Trafalgar Class submarine in over 20 years. The contract covers work to remove the fuel from four boats, most likely ex-HMS Trafalgar, Turbulent, Tireless and Torbay - the oldest T-boats in storage at Devonport. It| 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
HMS Victorious arrived in Devonport to begin a multi-year Deep Maintenance Period (DMP) in May 2023. Here we provide a some background and detail about the project. Second of the Vanguard class, HMS Victorious was launched in 1993 and has already exceeded her originally intended 25-year design life by 3 years. The DMP is intended| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
The RN is unlikely to see an increase in its major anti-submarine platforms in the near future. Recognising the danger posed by the continually evolving underwater threat, it has launched ASW Spearhead, an initiative to maximise the effectiveness of the assets its already has. There will be some new hardware, in the form of new| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
In this guest article, Kamil Sadowski considers how navies may employ surface platforms to counter the evolving threat from UUVs. There are many Autonomous/Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV) programs either in development or available today for both military and non-military applications. At present the majority of operational naval UUVs are employed in mine warfare or hydrographic| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
Yesterday the Nuclear Information Service published their report "Trouble ahead risks and rising Costs in the UK nuclear weapons programme”. This is a brief response to some of the points and recommendations made in the report. Although the Nuclear Information Service has an anti-Trident agenda and cannot be seen as an entirely objective source, the| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
Undersea data cables are critical to the internet upon which the modern world has come to depend. This hidden network forms the backbone of global communications but is surprisingly vulnerable to interference by hostile actors. Protecting this infrastructure may become an increasingly important remit for the Royal Navy. Background The first undersea cables were telegraph| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
The delivery of the RN's second aircraft carrier has deservedly been celebrated as a great success for British industry but behind the scenes, in the naval bases and shipyards, all is not well. 2019 has seen a number of important maintenance projects stalled or delayed. Here we summarise the situation. Delays to naval construction and| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
The Royal Marines have been undergoing a rapid transformation in the last 5 years. Here we take an overview of their new operating concepts and the enablers that will be needed to ensure future credibility. Background Now comprising less than 6,000 regular personnel, the RM are a key part of the Royal Navy and deliver| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
The number of Russian naval vessels passing close to the UK has climbed steadily in the last 10 years Although most of this activity is lawful and benign, the RN always deploys vessels to closely monitor these movements in the UK area of interest. Here we summarise this activity, its purpose and messaging.| Navy Lookout
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.| Navy Lookout
Almost a year ago we reported that none of the RN’s attack submarines (SSNs) were at sea. There has been only limited SSN activity since but here we summarise the current situation and look forward to improving future availability.| Navy Lookout
Babcock International has completed a £200M refurbishment of number 9 dry dock used for the deep maintenance of Vanguard-class submarines and the facility is now ready to accept HMS Victorious.| Navy Lookout
BAE Systems has self-funded the development of HERNE – an Extra-Large Uncrewed Autonomous Vehicle (XLUAV). Here we take a detailed look at this adaptable submarine platform intended for a variety of undersea naval missions.| Navy Lookout
In Spring 2020 the RN received its first extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV). Here we look at how trials and experimentation with Manta are progressing and some of the wider considerations about bringing uncrewed submarines into frontline service.| Navy Lookout
Following trials with the experimental MANTA extra large uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV), CETUS the RN’s next advanced technology demonstrator has entered the manufacturing phase. Here we provide some more details of the project.| Navy Lookout
Many in Britain think we could simply move the deterrent from Scotland. Here we look at Scottish infrastructure supporting Trident and limited options for moving| Navy Lookout | Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
2019 is a landmark year in the history of the Royal Navy. For fifty years submarines have conducted Operation Relentless, carrying the UK’s nuclear deterrent to sea. To mark the achievement a series of high-profile public events will be held this year.| Navy Lookout
The first of Britain’s new nuclear deterrent submarines, HMS Dreadnought has now been under construction for over 4 years. Although still relatively early days and available information is inevitably limited, some further details of the boat’s design and progress on this vast project have emerged since our first article on the subject in 2017.| Navy Lookout
The notorious Russian ‘research vessel’ Yantar is currently in the Irish Sea. Yesterday she briefly made her presence public by turning on her Automatic Identification System (AIS) in an obvious messaging operation.| Navy Lookout
HMS Iron Duke and RFA Tideforce escorted the new Russian frigate RFS Admiral Golovko and supporting ships passing westward through the English Channel today.| Navy Lookout
Another Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker has joined Royal Navy vessels monitoring Russian warships and merchant ships transiting close to the UK.| Navy Lookout
Babcock International has started the first upkeep period of a Type 23 frigate that has already undergone a major life-extension (LIFEX) refit.| Navy Lookout
Royal Navy Astute-class submarine, HMS Audacious was taken into number 15 dry dock in Devonport today. She arrived in Plymouth on 1st April 2023 for a refit that necessitates work on her hull, which could not begin until facilities had been upgraded.| Navy Lookout
The Integrated Review promised Royal Navy’s future amphibious capability would be built around two Littoral Response Groups (LRG). Here we look at how this will be delivered, the strategic questions raised.| Navy Lookout
Government is seriously considering axing HMS Albion and Bulwark, severely curtailing UK amphibious capability. Recent reports suggest the new defence secretary is resisting the cuts and is in a battle with the Treasury for new funding. If the Treasury needs reminding, speaking before the House of Commons Defence Select Committee this week, the former First Sea Lord Admiral Zambellas said: “Nobody in the world of complex warfare thinks a reduction in sophisticated amphibiosity is a good ide...| Navy Lookout
On 20th November 2024, the Defence Secretary announced that HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark would be decommissioned. Here we look at the context, justifications and potential consequences of this decision.| Navy Lookout
On 23rd October, HMS Sutherland returned to Devonport for the last time before entering major refit. Although just one of 13 similar vessels in service with the RN, the activities of this ship in the last three years provides an informative snapshot of the hard-run Type 23 frigates at work.| Navy Lookout
Royal Navy frigate, HMS Iron Duke was the sole surviving Type 23 based in Portsmouth but from 2025, her home will be Devonport Naval Base.| Navy Lookout
When the first Type 26 frigate becomes operational it will introduce another gun type to Royal Navy service. BAE Systems’ renowned Mk 45 127mm (5-inch) gun is already proven with navies worldwide and will be a considerable upgrade on the existing medium calibre gun. Here we look at this weapon in detail.| Navy Lookout
At a ceremony held at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Govan, Glasgow today, work began on the fifth Type 26 frigate. According to current scheduling, HMS Sheffield is likely to enter service sometime in 2031.| Navy Lookout
HMS Cardiff, the second of eight Type 26 City Class frigates being constructed by BAE Systems for the Royal Navy has left the shipyard at Govan and will be lowered into the water in the next few days.| Navy Lookout
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
In January 2023 the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) launched the Novel Amphibious Craft competition as a prelude to replacing the Royal Marines' small landing craft. Here we look at one of the potential solutions – Steller Systems' Offshore Insertion Craft concept. Making it to the beach For some time it has been obvious that| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
In a statement to Parliament, the Secretary of State has confirmed that HMS Richmond is heading to the Gulf region in response to the serious maritime security situation in the Red Sea.| Navy Lookout
