Britain’s flagship fended off waves of air attacks as French fast jets honed their skills. Eight French Rafale strike fighters pounced on Plymouth-based HMS Albion just a day after leaving home waters, as her task group passed the Brittany peninsula, allowing pilots to practise tactics – and the Brits to practise their response to being buzzed by fourth-generation combat … [Read more...] about Rafale prize for HMS Albion as flagship fends off French jets
Navy News
Navy’s new torpedo on cusp of front-line service after trials in Scotland
The world’s most advanced torpedo is on the cusp of entering service with the Royal Navy after extensive trials in Scotland. The upgraded Spearfish – the principal weapon of the UK’s Submarine Flotilla against enemy ships and submarines – was ‘fired’ repeatedly at frigate HMS Sutherland as scientists, engineers and sailors study its performance. Over four days on special … [Read more...] about Navy’s new torpedo on cusp of front-line service after trials in Scotland
HMS Albion leads UK task group for three-month Med deployment
More than 1,000 sailors and Royal Marines have sailed on a three-month mission to the Mediterranean to forge the commando forces of tomorrow. UK flagship HMS Albion has left the UK, heading a force which will visit numerous partner nations across the Mediterranean and Black Sea as the UK’s Armed Forces nurtures new friendships and cements traditional alliances. As … [Read more...] about HMS Albion leads UK task group for three-month Med deployment
Royal Navy monitor heightened Russian activity in waters close the UK
The Royal Navy and NATO allies have escorted nine Russian Navy warships during heightened levels of activity in the waters close to the UK. Offshore Patrol Vessels HMS Mersey and HMS Tyne joined Type 23 frigate HMS Westminster in an operation that saw allied ships monitor every movement of three Steregushchiy-class corvettes, three Ropucha-class landing ships and the same … [Read more...] about Royal Navy monitor heightened Russian activity in waters close the UK
Navy Officers and ratings make history at unique parade
For the first time in the history of the Royal Navy sailors and officers today passed out side-by-side. The parade ground at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth – the spiritual home of the officer cadre for the past 115 years – witnessed a unique ceremony as 34 ratings and 130 officers completed their training. Britain’s most senior sailor, First Sea Lord Admiral … [Read more...] about Navy Officers and ratings make history at unique parade
Royal Marines Commando unit created to shape the Future Commando Force
A select group of commandos will form a new Vanguard Strike Company to shape how the Royal Marines Commandos of the future will operate around the globe. These trailblazers will have access to game-changing technology and weaponry as they head on their first deployment next year. The Royal Marines are currently undergoing a bold modernisation project – known as the Future … [Read more...] about Royal Marines Commando unit created to shape the Future Commando Force
HMS Forth flexes her embarked forces muscle in Falklands exercise
HMS Forth joined the Army and RAF in a combined exercise in one of the most remote – and less populated – islands in the Falklands. After a busy ‘remembrance season’ in the South Atlantic, which saw the patrol ship retrace the route of ships and troops involved in the 1982 conflict, the second-generation River-class vessel knuckled down to more regular military … [Read more...] about HMS Forth flexes her embarked forces muscle in Falklands exercise
HMS Kent helps carrier Queen Elizabeth deal with any foe
The seas around Britain’s biggest warship churned red as the Navy developed tactics to protect HMS Queen Elizabeth from all manner of attacks. For five days, the Portsmouth-based carrier worked side-by-side with frigate HMS Kent and her Merlin helicopter as every perceivable threat – air attack, submarine, surface fleet and terrorist strike – to ready the future flagship for … [Read more...] about HMS Kent helps carrier Queen Elizabeth deal with any foe
Royal Navy launches Pacific 24 ‘smart boat’ for Fleet of tomorrow
The first crewless boat for general duties with the Royal Navy has been launched, ready for trials to see how it – and similar craft – might fit into the ‘fleet of tomorrow’. More than £3m is being invested in the crewless Pacific 24 boat – and other autonomous small craft technology. The boats could operate individually – or in groups – racing over the ocean at speeds of … [Read more...] about Royal Navy launches Pacific 24 ‘smart boat’ for Fleet of tomorrow
UK’s operational F-35 jets mark first landing on HMS Queen Elizabeth
The decks of HMS Queen Elizabeth are roaring with the sound of F-35 Lightning jets as the famous Dambusters squadron landed on the aircraft carrier for the first time today. Pilots, engineers, cyberspace and mission support staff from 617 Squadron, the UK’s operational strike squadron, embarked the carrier over the weekend during a quick stop in Portsmouth for supplies … [Read more...] about UK’s operational F-35 jets mark first landing on HMS Queen Elizabeth
