Current RN News and Updates

[Pelican]

Medals and mementos of HMS Hoods last captain go under the hammer

Almost 83 years to the day that he was lost along with more than 1,400 men he led, the medals and naval effects of Ralph Kerr – captain of the Navy’s most famous warship at the time – go under the hammer.
Captain Kerr is best known as Commanding Officer of ‘the mighty Hood’ in her fateful – and fatal – encounter with Bismarck which ended in matter of minutes with the battle-cruiser at the bottom of the Denmark Strait.

But he was also an influential – and popular – figure in the Royal Navy between the wars, especially destroyer operations.

Continues https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-l ... SSmiJiKOPP

[Pelican]

NAVIGATION - Could be developed for marine use?

Quantum physicists designing rival to Sat Nav that can’t be ‘jammed by Russia’

Much like the maps on your phone or the Sat Nav in your car, planes rely on GPS to navigate.
The satellite system uses radio waves to work out where you are and where you’re headed.
Since the start of the Ukraine war, there has been an increase in interference of GPS signals.
To combat interference, scientists in the UK are working to develop a navigation system that doesn’t rely on satellites. Instead, it uses quantum technology inside the plane.
The idea is to make "dead reckoning" navigation super accurate.
Continues https://www.itv.com/news/2024-05-13/qua ... -by-russia

[Pelican]

Navy Lookout
BREAKING:
Royal Navy’s Multi Role Support Ship programme to go ahead.


Royal Navy’s Multi Role Support Ship programme to go ahead

The Defence Secretary will confirm in a speech today that the MRSS programme has been approved and the RN will receive up to 6 amphibious vessels.

The MRSS project will develop a single design to replace the two LPDs HMS Albion and Bulwark, the three LSD(A)s RFA Mounts Bay, Cardigan Bay and Lyme Bay together with RFA Argus.

RN amphibious assets have been almost constantly under threat of being axed for decades. Multiple attempts by governments since before the Falklands War to scale back or decommission landing ships have been planned or rumoured. Recent uncertainty about whether the RN can find sailors to operate at least one of its LPDs has not helped. The ability to reinforce NATO’s Northern flank is one of the key maritime missions that European and JEF nation look to the UK to undertake and this relies on Royal Marines and appropriate shipping.

This announcement ensures the RN will continue to maintain its three core capabilities – the continuous at sea nuclear deterrent, carrier strike and MRSS-enabled littoral strike.

Continues https://navylookout.com/royal-navys-mul ... -go-ahead/

Also https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain ... -warships/

[Pelican]

Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP
Today marks the start of a new golden age of British shipbuilding.
At the First Sea Lord’s Sea Power conference I’ll set out how we’ll build 28 ships & submarines for the Royal Navy in the UK.
Including up to 6 new warships to ensure our Commandos can fight & win for generations.

[Pelican]

Frigate to be moored in Glasgow to teach shipbuilding skills

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps announced today at the First Sea Lord’s Sea Power conference that HMS Argyll, a Type 23 frigate, will be repurposed as a training facility for apprentices in Glasgow.
This is part of a broader strategy to modernise the Royal Navy’s fleet and expand the UK’s shipbuilding capacity.

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/frigate ... edeq7nHjK8

[Pelican]

Navy Lookout
grant shapps said today at #SPC2024 that recommendations of Haythornthwaite review (changes to forces careers, pay and terms of service) are already well into the implementation.
Applications to join the RN are up and recruit training facilities are the busiest they have been in 8 years.
If true, look forward to seeing an improvement in numbers soon.

[Pelican]

Navy Lookout
Video:
Royal Navy invests in advanced simulators for ship-handling training
https://youtube.com/watch?v=0VUm0_onzeU

[Pelican]

Navy Lookout
grant shapps "announced" / reconfirmed today at #SPC2024 that the Type 26 and Type 31 frigates will have land strike capability.
This will be enabled by MK41 VLS cells and the FCASW missile currently under development by MBDA Group.
Entry into service of the Interim - Naval Strike Missile has been delayed by ongoing mechanical problems with HMS Somerset.
Analysis of RN land attack capability here:
https://navylookout.com/what-is-the-sta ... apability/

[Pelican]

Shapps outlines naval modernisation at Seapower Conference

At the First Sea Lord’s Sea Power Conference 2024, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps outlined a comprehensive vision for the future of the Royal Navy, emphasising modernisation, technological advancements, and international collaboration.
Shapps began his speech with references to recent military engagements, underscoring the Royal Navy’s readiness and resilience.

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/shapps- ... onference/

[Pelican]

Britain to arm frigates with land attack missiles

At the First Sea Lord’s Sea Power Conference 2024, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed that plans are now underway to equip the Royal Navy’s Type 26 and Type 31 frigates with land attack missiles.
Speaking at the conference, Shapps emphasised the importance of this upgrade.

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain ... -missiles/