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
Amongst informed defence commentators it has been an open secret for several years, but on 29th January a BBC report finally put the engine problems of the Type 45 destroyers into the public eye. The MoD has consistently played down the seriousness of the issue, that had on occasions resulted in total propulsion and electrical failure, leaving| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
Originally designed with a service life of around 18 years, the RN’s Type 23 Frigates will now have to serve for around 30 years. These vessel are undergoing life extension (LIFEX) refits and an important component of these upgrades is the Power Generation Machinery Upgrade (PGMU) to replace the ships’ four diesel generator sets. The| 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
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
RFA Lyme Bay has arrived at the A&P Tyne shipyard for maintenance, leaving elderly RFA Argus as the sole active amphibious vessel in the fleet| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
RFA Argus arrived in Portsmouth on 8th June, but is now unable to sail to Falmouth for repair as her safety certification has been withdrawn. This means the Royal Navy / RFA currently does not have a single active amphibious vessel. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Lloyds Register (LR) inspect vessels to ensure| Navy Lookout - Independent Royal Navy news and analysis
In two previous articles (written in 2017) we covered the background, procurement, design and equipping of the Poseidon MRA1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft being purchased by the RAF. With two of the nine aircraft having arrived in the UK in so far, here we provide an update on the progress of this project that is critical to UK naval operations.| Navy Lookout
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.| Navy Lookout
There is a growing conventional threat to the UK mainland that has received little attention and for which there is very limited defence. Adversaries are increasing cruise missile numbers and capabilities. Air and surface-launched missiles would be difficult to counter but submarine-launched cruise missiles are particularly potent. Here we consider the threat and how the UK could respond.| Navy Lookout
The oldest of the Royal Navy’s ballistic missile submarines, HMS Vanguard is currently in Devonport undergoing major refit and refuelling. There are strong indications the project is in trouble and she will be unable to return to service at the start of 2020 as originally scheduled, with knock-on effects for the 3 remaining boats that maintain the nuclear deterrent.| Navy Lookout
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 necessary for the other three boats. | Navy Lookout
In the second of a series of articles focussing on the Astute class SSNs, we look at the overall design of the boat, its propulsion and accommodation arrangements.| Navy Lookout
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.| Navy Lookout
Here we focus on how delays in upgrading dockyard facilities have become one of the limiting factors preventing the RN from getting submarines to sea and look at the efforts to resolve the problem.| Navy Lookout
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)).| Navy Lookout
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.| Navy Lookout
During trials off Plymouth in mid-October, BAE Systems’ autonomous RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) was successfully controlled from the operations room of HMS Argyll. Here we look in detail at the development of this system.| Navy Lookout
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.| Navy Lookout
Ahead of the First Sea Lord’s conference for RN personnel held on 10 September, Admiral Tony Radakin posted a series of Tweets highlighting progress in transforming the navy. This is a brief analysis of his messages and the state of the RN right now.| Navy Lookout
In this article, Ioseba Tena, Head of Defence at and Jonathan Davies, Chief Scientist at Sonardyne discuss the trends in allied underwater communication and what collaboration and interoperability really mean for those in charge of naval communications strategy.| Navy Lookout
A new trilateral security partnership between Australia, the UK and the US (AUKUS) was announced yesterday. As part of this new alliance, the US and UK will assist with the construction of up to 8 nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs). In this brief commentary, we outline some of the implications.| Navy Lookout
In early March this year, the First Sea Lord revealed that the RN will receive its first large unmanned submarine. Here we look at the background to this project and how the platform will be used to test technologies and develop doctrine.| Navy Lookout
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 sonars but much of the focus is on improving software, building sensor networks and giving the operators new decision-making tools.| Navy Lookout
The Royal Navy recently announced its ambitious vision for the future underwater domain, stating that it must leverage cutting edge technologies from industry, academia and the RN innovation ecosystem to accelerate and de-risk future capabilities. Here Thomas Rooney, Technical Sales Manager and Jonathan Davies, Chief Scientist, at Sonardyne consider the options.| Navy Lookout
As the first Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance (MROS) ship is formally named and brought into service today, we have compiled a basic guide to the ship and its potential future operations.| Navy Lookout
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
Since the formal announcement in March that Australia would partner with the RN to design and build a new class of SSNs, further details have emerged about how the AUKUS submarine programme will be structured.| Navy Lookout
HMS Diamond returned to Gibraltar on 10th February following two intense months deployed in the Red Sea, including action in combat. Here we summarise her time in Gibraltar and the current situation.| Navy Lookout
The RN has begun pre-procurement engagement with industry for the MRSS project and has offered some initial insights into its requirements. Here we look at the outline specification and the significant challenges that must be overcome to deliver these ships.| Navy Lookout
On 16th April, the forward section of HMS Glasgow was brought out of the Ship Block Outfit Hall in Govan shipyard. This photo essay covers this event as the lead vessel of this global programme makes its first steps towards looking like a warship.| Navy Lookout
A multi-billion pound project to build 8 warships for the Royal Navy is now well underway on the Clyde. Here we look at the Type 26 frigate project in context, its progress to date and the likely future delivery schedule.| 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
Following confirmation that the Royal Navy’s MRSS programme will go ahead, Steller Systems has announced their Fearless concept as an alternative approach to the design and a starting point for discussion.| 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.| Navy Lookout
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
