Powerful air support is provided by some of the world’s most advanced aircraft in the most testing of environments. P.S. Able to travel at 300 knots, the vessel can swiftly cover large distance before switching for low speed, silent manoeuvring as it approaches its insertion point. Supporting them in the run up to Christmas could be the difference between them being here next year or not.
Theoretically, a controller in the UK could conduct a minehunting operation in the Northern Gulf using MAS launched from the mothership 30 miles away from the minefield. Royal Marines are known for their abilities to operate in all climates and use landing craft or helicopters to get there.
However, for anti-piracy or force protection against nations operating swarming tactics they may not be great.
The new Ocean Reconnaissance Combat Architecture (ORCA) will be fitted between 2019-22. The receiver and transmitter are lowered below the ship by cable so it can penetrate oceanic temperature layers. There is also a reduced sense of ownership and pride in being part of a particular shipâs crew if frequently rotated on an off.
I believe there will always be a case for manned vessels. Mines are an attractive asymmetric weapon, particularly for weaker naval powers, they can be laid relatively easily and the technology continues to develop. More than just a minehunter, HMS Hurworth shadows the Russian ship Yuri Ivanov, through the English Channel, August 2018. Six vessels – since then reduced to four – were acquired under a private finance initiative in the 2000s and are operated privately by Foreland Shipping and crewed by Royal Navy Sponsored Reservists that could be called into government service at short notice to take part in sealift operations. The technology is evolving fast and there is flexibility to bring forward or defer purchases, depending on the maturity and effectiveness of each solution. A carrier would sail with 6 to 8 of these, with pairs fitted with AAW, ASW and ASM modules. T45 also needs some investment since it’s introduction the US have fielded the SM6 and hypersonic weapons are now a reality, plus it is expected to carry out ABM duties, it is capable, but has a rather limited weapons load out.
On the plus side, the first of the new P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft should start to become operational, plugging a serious gap in the protection of the deterrent boats. MASTT personnel also embarked in HMS Enterprise during her deployment as the Command Ship for NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 in 2017 and developed procedures for launching, recovering and operating the REMUS 600 UUV. The Army has a significant commitment to CTAS 40mm so adding an RN commitment could help drive down ammo and other costs plus give a very worthwhile uplift for RFA vessels’ self defence vs the current DS30s plus improvements for River, T45, T23, T26, QEC and any other class that currently use DS30.
(You can follow the work of MAAST on Twitter: @MASTT12 ). (Photo: Steve Wenham).
I would concentrate on getting effective small vertical and conventional UAVs and small protective USVs UUVs into service first. We have been on patrol in the Gulf since 1980, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to peace and stability. They will have a greater role in supporting special forces, spend more time at sea and have a greater emphasis on using new technology on the battlefield. Too many time we treat the loved ones of those who serve as secondary and this needs to change. Rebalance the fleet 2. Now, a Royal Navy spokesperson said: "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. Whether it be in the heat of the desert or ice of the Antarctic, we are ready for action in the most extreme environments on earth. The enduring requirement to maintain to nuclear deterrent will continue in much the same way and the next big change, when the first Dreadnought submarine commissions, will not happen until Radakinâs successorâs successor is in post. A consortium led by Thales Underwater Systems and BAE Systems and including ECA (France) and ASV, Wood & Douglas and SAAB (UK) were awarded the contract in 2016. Vessel of similar design may be ideal potential MCM motherships.
role becoming AAW for carrier and amphibious operations I don’t see a need to add ASM or land attack missiles. Limited escort numbers offer limited choices but the RN is moving towards a new manning model which may get more from the same number of hulls. Do we have enough personnel to meet current and future commitments – answer = no. Until unmanned vehicles (aircraft, ships, submersibles) can be proven to be reliable and robust. The Royal Navy Mining Unit (RNMU) is integrated into MASTT. Ex-HMS Atherstone awaits her fate in Portsmouth, August 2018. You’re talking a lot of sense there Simon. Since I left in 1974 it’s become as fearsome as a lion without teeth, claws and legs and if half the tales I have heard about the new so called weapons I shudder at the thought that an enemy with large brown paper bags will defeat the once mighty Royal Navy in a very short battle one afternoon.
The site is run on a voluntary basis.
This would cost a fraction against what we have spent in this one when you add up T26, carriers, T31, tides, Fsss etc. "This will give the UK a more agile and lethal capability, ready for missions anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice, whether that’s for war-fighting, specific combat missions such as commando raids, or providing humanitarian assistance. Not fishery protection, counter narcotics, immigration etc. SSN (9) 7. (Images: AEUK). Discover the key services available to serving personnel and access the Defence Gateway, where you can contact a range of external organisations.
The ST2093 CSP will help the SRMH match the Hunt’s performance but in deeper waters. Protecting our nation’s interests: guardian, diplomat and humanitarian force for good.
I was always taught that if you have nothing sensible to say then keep quiet – that definitely applies in your case! Crew rotation for ships on long deployments is also a possibility. The RN is there to fight wars and deal with Russian incursions etc.
The rifle combines both conventional rounds and a directed energy (laser) weapon system. The 13 Royal Navy mine countermeasures vessels (MCMV) that remain active are ageing ships but a series of ongoing incremental upgrades will ensure they are able to remain in service into the early 2030s. The Marines will, of course, retain their core amphibious assault role but the approach to beach landings may have to evolve to survive in contested environments. What do anti-aircraft defences have to do with the developments in unmanned Minehunting?
This unexciting sounding ‘maritime support vessel’ is capable of embarking 200 special forces personnel, and has been modified to house manned and unmanned aviation assets in a hangar bay.
Earlier this year the UK announced the accelerated development of a new Future Littoral Strike Ship concept for the Royal Navy, a globally deployable class of ships capable of operations from crisis support to full-on combat.
When not in use, the vessels carry out regular cargo-carrying duties across the globe. Working with Prevail Partners is Houlder, which designed and delivered this RO-RO solution and is now also working with the MoD as a technical advisor on the Type 31e Frigate.
What I mean by this is the USN Arleigh Burke destroyers look to continue for some time, so there is a possibility that the next T45 could be a T45 (if it’s not broke don’t fix it), however, industry will push for an entirely new design to demonstrate their newest 3d modelling etc.
These vessels also provide an important platform in the development of young officers, for whom an MCMV will probably be their first major sea going-command opportunity.
The third issue is to take a good hard look at the T45’s missile inventory.