RUSI – The Indo-Pacific is vital for the UK’s prosperity, but that does not make it the military’s main effort. The military’s craving for relevance in the theatre risks a strategic blunder.

Navy Lookout – HMS Dauntless has completed sea trials as the first ship to undergo a major upgrade to resolve the propulsion problems that have plagued the Type 45 destroyers. As part of our series covering these issues, here we report on progress and some of the technical aspects of the work.

Navy Lookout – Speaking at the Conservative Party conference, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace announced that the first Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship (MROSS) will be purchased this year and be operational next year. A second vessel designed specifically for this task will subsequently be constructed in the UK. Here we take a brief look at the context and implications of this project.

Navy Lookout – It has been revealed that Full Operating Capability for the UK Lightning Force has been delayed by 2 years. Here we look at how UK F-35s numbers are building up, issues that impact the pace of aircraft delivery and how this affects the carrier air group generation.

Navy Lookout – HMS Tamar and HMS Spey sailed from Portsmouth on 7th September 2021 to be forward deployed in the Pacific for at least the next five years. A year on from their departure we look at what has been achieved and the benefits of a permanent Royal Navy presence in the region.

UKDJ – The Type 23 Frigate remains alongside at Rosyth after an emergency drydocking following “a major leak” earlier in the year and a recent “major failure” of her systems, with her becoming a “dead ship” for a short time.

(Thanks to Alain)

Navy Lookout – HMS Lancaster sails from Portsmouth on Monday 15th August and will not return home for three years, being forward-deployed in the Middle East and based in Bahrain.

RUSI – The concept of assured sovereignty could provide the missing link between persistent engagement and desired ends as the Royal Navy looks to build on its presence in the Indo-Pacific.

Daily Mail – Britain is to send a fleet of nuclear submarines to the Pacific in a decisive move to thwart Chinese aggression in the region.The dramatic decision could see UK subs based in Australia until 2040, operating within striking distance of China.

(Thanks to Alain)

Navy Lookout – The XV Patrick Blackett arrived in Portsmouth today. She has been bought for use by the NavyX programme as a platform for trials and experimentation with new technologies.

BBC – A Royal Navy warship has tracked two Russian submarines in the North Sea.

Navy Lookout – Following the news RFA Argus will be extended in service beyond 2030 it has been confirmed she will be upgraded to perform in the Littoral Strike Ship role (LSS). Here we look at the background to the decision and consider the pros and cons of the conversion.

Navy Lookout – Should a submarine get into difficulty, the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) is ready around the clock for deployment to provide assistance. Here we look in detail at the history, capabilities and future of NSRS.

The Guardian – The Royal Navy is threatening to “walk away” from Boris Johnson and Priti Patel’s plan to stem the number of boats carrying asylum seekers across the Channel as official data shows how spectacularly the policy has backfired.

USNI News – A U.S. destroyer assisted the U.K. Royal Navy to seize smuggled Iranian weapons in early 2022, the U.K. announced on Thursday.

Navy Lookout – The acquisition of anti-ship missiles for the RN took another twist yesterday when it was revealed that the project to procure the weapons has been resurrected after it was cancelled in November 2021. 

Navy Lookout – In May 2022 General Atomics announced they had developed a Short-Takeoff and Landing (STOL) option for their MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). This opens up the possibility of operating from aircraft carriers and here we look at this possibility in the context of the RN’s Future Maritime Aviation Force (FMAF) concept.

Navy Lookout – There is a growing concern about the RN surface fleet’s lack of offensive power. Here we look at what might be done to remedy the situation in the medium-long term.

Navy Lookout – HMS Audacious has conducted NATO maritime security patrols in the Mediterranean on her maiden operational deployment.

RUSI – The latest Greening Defence commentary examines how the Royal Navy is quietly but ambitiously setting the conditions for a greener fleet and support infrastructure, both now and in the future. Longer-term, a sustainable source of fuel must be prioritised.

Navy Lookout – With the RN attack submarine fleet down to just 5 boats and the pressure of maintaining the nuclear deterrent unrelenting, initiatives to improve submarine reliability and availability have never been more important. Here we look at what is being done to mitigate chronic legacy issues and increase the time submarines spend at sea.

Navy Lookout – The ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary are critical for the Royal Navy to operate worldwide but despite its excellent capabilities, the service is in slow decline. Here we look at the current status of the fleet.

Navy Lookout – Today the MoD has announced the Tye 45 destroyers will be upgraded to intercept ballistic missiles. The destroyers will be the first European warships with a full sensor-shooter BMD intercept capability.

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.

Navy Lookout – It was revealed yesterday that the MoD is in negotiations with the F-35 Joint Project Office to buy another tranche of F-35 jets. This second batch will consist of 26 aircraft, in addition to the 48 already under contract.