A long-term project is underway to develop a suite of maritime uncrewed air systems (MUAS) to dramatically enhance the carrier air group and RN air power. Here we look at the latest plans for the Future Maritime Aviation Force (FMAF). Towards IR25 The RN acknowledges that the aircraft carriers will rarely, if ever have the […] The post The Royal Navy has ambitious plans for its Future Maritime Aviation Force first appeared on Navy Lookout ..read more

Unofficial naval sources say that the frigate HMS Westminster has been found to be in such a poor state that it would be difficult to justify the expense of repairs and her refit has been stopped, pending a decision on her future. Westminster was the first Type 23 to have a Life Extension refit, completed […] The post HMS Westminster refit suspended and her return to service in doubt first appeared on Navy Lookout ..read more

HMS Scott will now serve in the Royal Navy for a decade longer than originally planned. Originally scheduled to be withdrawn in 2022 as she reached the end of her intended 25-year lifespan, Scott had been listed for sale by the MoD Defence Equipment Sales Authority. Last year she was given a 12-month extension in […] The post The Royal Navy’s ocean survey vessel HMS Scott life extended until 2033 first appeared on Navy Lookout ..read more

The RN currently has no stock of sea mines or dedicated minelaying platforms. Here we look at whether regenerating this capability would be worthwhile and the options available. Background At the end of the Cold War, the UK rapidly divested its stock of sea mines has not possessed any since 1992 (unless there is an […] The post Should the Royal Navy rebuild its minelaying capability? first appeared on Navy Lookout ..read more

RFA Fort Victoria, the UK’s only vessel capable of providing solid stores logistic support to the Carrier Strike Group has been non-operational since late 2021 with mechanical and crewing issues putting a question mark over her future. Fort Vic returned to the UK from the CSG21 deployment in mid-December 2021. She had served as a […] The post Navy struggling to keep RFA Fort Victoria operational first appeared on Navy Lookout ..read more

Speaking today at the First Sea Lord’s Sea Power Conference, Admiral Sir Ben Key, confirmed the Type 31 Inspiration Class frigates will be equipped with the Mk41 VLS. The Admiral said “…we also need to advance our ability to deliver lethal long-range offensive fires against our adversaries. Hence the decision to ensure the Mark 41 […] The post Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates to be fitted with Mk41 vertical launch system first appeared on Navy Lookout ..read more

In this article, Emma Salisbury takes an overview of the new technologies the RN is striving to embrace while considering the deeper underpinnings needed to ensure they are effective. Britain is a sea power. The maritime domain has always dominated the minds of our military planners, and rightly so – the Royal Navy has for […] The post The future Royal Navy needs more than technology first appeared on Navy Lookout ..read more

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 […] The post HMS Vanguard finally sails from Devonport after refit lasting more than 7 years first appeared on Navy Lookout ..read more

In this article, Christopher Dwulet, author and editor for Ammo.com looks at the 50-calibre gun in use by the RN from the 50 Vickers and up to the 50 Browning Machine Gun still in use today. There’s something special about shooting a 50 calibre. The standard 7.62x51mm NATO is an excellent cartridge that has proven […] The post In focus: the 50 cal heavy machine gun in Royal Navy service first appeared on Navy Lookout ..read more

Exercise Tamber Shield saw four RN Wildcat helicopters deployed in Norway to develop tactics for the use of Martlet and Sea Venom missiles against fast attack craft. The Wildcats from 815 Naval Air Squadron and 90 aircrew and support personnel were dispatched from RNAS Yeovilton to Haakonsvern naval base, southwest of Bergen for a 2-week […] The post Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters develop surface strike tactics in Norway first appeared on Navy Lookout ..read more