Royal Navy

Latest in Royal Navy

A detail model has provided what’s likely our best idea of how the U.K. Royal Navy’s new Dreadnought class nuclear ballistic submarine, or SSBN will appear. The four Dreadnought ‘bombers’ represent one of the most important U.K. defense programs for many years and it’s notable to see how many advanced features the design includes, as the Royal Navy seeks to find the optimum balance between speed, stealth, and firepower. The four new SSBNs will replace the Vanguard class that entered service in the 1990s.
Sea

Our Best Look Yet At Britain’s New Dreadnought Class Ballistic Missile Submarine Design

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 31, 2025

Royal Navy warships tracked a suspected Russian spy ship as it sailed through waters close to the UK. Yantar, believed to be used by the Russian Navy for intelligence gathering, was shadowed by HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne. Somerset covertly launched her Merlin helicopter, which used its powerful sensors to locate the Russian ship as it made its way north towards the English Channel. The Type 23 frigate closed in on Yantar’s location and intercepted it in the entrance to the Channel – south of the traffic separation scheme at Ushant, near France. The Plymouth-based warship took over monitoring duties from NATO allies after they shadowed Yantar in waters close to France. Somerset used her cutting-edge radars and sensors to report on every move during the operation, as she maintained a close distance to Yantar through the Channel and the Strait of Dover. Patrol ship Tyne was also monitoring the Yantar – last in waters around the UK in November when its activities were monitored by several Royal Navy units.
Sea

Royal Navy Nuclear Submarine Surfaced Next To Russian Spy Ship To Send A Clear Message

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 23, 2025

Pictured is an RAF Chinook (27(R) Squadron) flying in formation with a Puma (230 Squadron) over RAF Cosford. After a 3-year Covid-enforced break, the RAF Cosford Air Show will take place on 12 June 2022. The last RAF-organised air show, it attracts 50,000 people to the airfield and incorporates a flying display, static aircraft displays, STEM displays and vintage villages. The highlights of the flying will be the RAF Red Arrows, BBMF, Typhoon display team, Belgian F16 and French Rafale. The RAF F35B displayed at the air show for the first time.
News & Features

British Defense Cuts Hit All Three Services Hard

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 20, 2024

A fire has ripped through the BAE Systems’ nuclear submarine shipyard in Cumbria, England, where the U.K. Royal Navy’s Dreadnought class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), among others are being built. While the cause of the blaze is yet to be determined, it comes at a time of increasing concern about Russian-inspired sabotage activities across Europe.
Around The Globe

Cause Of Fire At UK’s Critical Nuclear Submarine Shipyard Still Unclear

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 30, 2024

Australia To Help Maintain Visiting U.S. Nuclear Submarine For The First Time
Diesel-Electric Submarines

Australia To Help Maintain Visiting U.S. Nuclear Submarine For The First Time

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 22, 2024

General Atomics has revealed a new fifth member of its Gambit modular drone family that is carrier-capable and that could represent a step forward in a broader naval aviation vision for the United Kingdom and other countries.
Air

New Carrier-Based Version Of The Gambit Family Of Combat Drones Is In The Works

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 23, 2024

The United Kingdom has announced plans to build up to six new Multi Role Support Ships (MRSS), a new class of amphibious warfare vessels that will join an ambitious shipbuilding program that now includes a total of 28 warships and submarines. The new MRSS vessels will also accommodate drones, a growing area of interest for the U.K. Royal Navy.
Sea

Royal Navy To Get Up To Six New Amphibious Warships

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 14, 2024

The UK Ministry of Defense has provided details about how it plans to test its new A21 nuclear warhead without actually detonating one.
Nuclear

How The U.K. Will Test Its New Nuclear Warhead Without Setting One Off

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Mar 25, 2024

US and allied forces shot down at least 28 drones launched by Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen today.
Sea

Red Sea Turkey Shoot: Allied Warships Down Dozens Of Drones Within Hours

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Mar 10, 2024

The Barbados-flagged cargo ship True Confidence has been abandoned in the Gulf of Aden following apparent attack that reportedly left it on fire and with casualties among its crew.
News & Features

Another Burning Cargo Ship Abandoned After Houthi Missile Attack (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Mar 6, 2024

Sea Viper missiles being loaded onto HMS Diamond
Sea

British Destroyer Rearming In Gibraltar, Heading Back To Red Sea

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Feb 26, 2024

Royal Navy Trident Ballistic Missile Fails Test Launch For Second Time In A Row
Sea

Royal Navy Trident Ballistic Missile Fails Test Launch For Second Time In A Row

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Feb 21, 2024

Queen Elizabeth class carrier HMS Prince of Wales departing Portsmouth, February 12, 2024
Sea

Royal Navy Carrier Sails For NATO Exercise Amid Readiness Concerns

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Feb 13, 2024

HMS Diamond's kill markings against drone
Sea

HMS Diamond Sports Kill Markings As It Pulls Into Gibraltar

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Feb 12, 2024

Concept 2 sub-scale model on display at the World Defense Show
Air

This Is BAE Systems’ Reworked, Stealthier Uncrewed Combat Aircraft Concept

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Feb 7, 2024

Pictured is HMS Westminster 30NM off the British coast.
Sea

Royal Navy Forced To Retire Frigates Due To Personnel Shortages: Report

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Jan 6, 2024