Weapons Systems
International Naval Reservists Join Forces within Bell Buoy Exercise
Naval reservists from 10 nations, including the UK, descended on New Zealand to practise their response to natural disasters. Exercise Bell Buoy saw the personnel, who form part of Maritime Trade Operations, rehearse how they would ensure merchant and military shipping could aid a country in the eve
UK: Lusty Gears Up for Cougar 13
Portsmouth helicopter carrier HMS Illustrious is being put through her paces as she prepares for her autumn deployment on Exercise Cougar 13. Since May 20 and until June 13 Lusty has been based in Plymouth with Flag Officer Sea Training staff who are preparing the ship’s company for every possible e
Britain’s Brand New Type 45 Destroyer Ready to Operate Safely at Sea
Britain’s brand new Type 45 Destroyer sailed from Portsmouth for the first time to undertake two days of training and assessment under the supervision of staff from Flag Officer Sea Training organisation. It was also the first time she sailed under the White Ensign. For HMS Duncan, this period of tr
New Round of Sea Trials for UK Navy’s Wildcat
The UK Navy’s next-generation helicopter is undergoing its latest series of trials by practising landing aboard amphibious support ship RFA Mounts Bay. Experts from 700W Naval Air Squadron – formed specially to bring the new helicopter into service – have been flying on and off the deck off the Sout
UK Navy’s Newest Warship Tests Her Combat Readiness
The Royal Navy’s newest warship sailed from her home port of Portsmouth for the first time on June 7. Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan will spend seven days at sea putting her combat systems to the test and will also undertake general sea training. Duncan is the sixth and last of the Navy’s new Type [&h
Top News of the Week June 3 – June 8, 2013
Russian Navy to Recommission Three Submarines by 2014 Three nuclear submarines of the Russian Navy currently under maintenance will be recommissioned by 2014, a Navy spokesman told journalists. The K-410 Smolensk cruise missile submarine, which is undergoing repairs since 2011, will resume its servi
HMS Vigilant Recognized for Being UK Navy’s No.1 Ballistic Missile Sub
The crew of HMS Vigilant received a trophy for being the Navy’s No.1 ballistic missile submarine – as proven by a successful test firing last autumn. The Faslane-based boat was awarded the SSBN Efficiency Trophy at a ceremony in her home port. The first test firing of the Royal Navy’s ultimate weapo
International Reps Mark 71st Anniversary of HMAS Kuttabul’s Sinking
Representatives from Japan, the United States, New Zealand, Britain, the Netherlands and Australia attended a commemorative service at Garden Island, Sydney today to mark the 71st anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Kuttabul. Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Senator David Feeney joined attendees t
Sweden: Saab Wins AUV62 Contract
Defence and security company Saab has signed a contract on delivery of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle systems, AUV62, in training configuration. The order has a total value of MSEK 148 and system deliveries will take place during 2014. The order comprises the supply of AUV62, the latest version of th
UK: HMS Lancaster Deploys
Portsmouth-based Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster left Portsmouth today (Tuesday 28 May) for a six month deployment to the North Atlantic and Caribbean. The Atlantic Patrol will provide a challenging deployment for the ship, where she is scheduled to undertake a range of tasks across the region in supp
Thales UK Closes Major SSOP Deal with Royal Navy
Thales UK has today signed a 10-year contract with the Ministry of Defence (MOD), worth up to £600M, for the in-service support of the Royal Navy’s major sensor systems. The new Sensors Support Optimisation Project (SSOP) builds on the proven success of Thales’s Contractor Logistics Support contract
Top News of the Week May 20 – 25, 2013
US Navy’s Dolphins Discover Howell Torpedo The US Navy’s bottlenose dolphins have discovered the so-called Howell torpedo off Coronado, San Diego County, according to the Los Angeles Times. BRP Ramon Alcaraz Starts Sea Trials The Philippine Navy’s new warship, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, began sea trials
HMS Lancaster to Leave Portsmouth, UK
Portsmouth-based Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster leaves Portsmouth on Tuesday 28 May for a six-month deployment to the North Atlantic and Caribbean. The Atlantic Patrol will provide a challenging deployment for the ship, where she is scheduled to undertake a range of tasks across the region in support
UK: VS Trainees Lend a Hand to Southampton Maritime Festival Realization
Victory Squadron (VS) trainees and staff based at HMS Collingwood, Fareham, supported the inaugural Southampton Maritime Festival that was hosted at the Southampton Docks over the recent Bank Holiday weekend. Warrant Officer 2s Sam Salt and George Boardman took a team of 12 VS Trainees down to South