All articles tagged with #royal navy
The UK Royal Navy's HMS Prince of Wales has deployed a record 24 British F-35B fighters, the largest number on any ship, as part of Exercise Falcon Strike in the Mediterranean, demonstrating the UK's growing carrier strike capabilities despite ongoing debates over aircraft numbers and program funding.
King Charles is working to strip Prince Andrew of his final honorary military titles at his request, following his loss of other royal privileges and titles amid ongoing scandal related to his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and sexual abuse allegations, which he denies. This move signifies a complete disassociation from his military and royal roles.
A former Royal Navy Commander, Roly Woods, shared his experience of hiding his sexuality during the military's gay ban, which lasted until 2000, and his involvement in the creation of a memorial honoring LGBT+ veterans, highlighting the challenges faced and the progress made in the UK armed forces.
A new photo of Queen Camilla celebrating her 78th birthday has been released, showing her in a colorful rainforest-themed dress at her Wiltshire home. The Queen spent her birthday privately, after a busy period of high-profile engagements including hosting a state visit, attending Trooping the Colour, and visiting a children's hospice and a submarine. She was also appointed Vice Admiral of the UK in recognition of her support for the Royal Navy.
A British F-35B fighter jet is stranded at an airport in Kerala, India, for nearly three weeks due to technical issues after a weather diversion, raising concerns about repair, security, and diplomatic image, with ongoing efforts by UK engineers and authorities to resolve the situation.
A shipwreck off the coast of Scotland has been confirmed as the HMS Hawke, a British cruiser sunk by a German U-boat in 1914 during World War I, killing over 500 sailors. The wreck, found in remarkable condition by divers, was identified through video, photos, and scans. The HMS Hawke was attacked by U-boat ace Otto Weddigen, and sank in less than eight minutes with only 70 survivors. The discovery highlights the efforts of volunteers in preserving naval history and honoring the sacrifices of sailors.
About 600 military vehicles are being shipped from the UK to Germany for the largest Nato military exercise in decades, involving 90,000 troops from Nato countries. The exercise, named Steadfast Defender, aims to test defence plans and foster bonds with Nato partners. In addition to the vehicles, 1,500 troops will conduct exercises across Europe, with the Royal Navy deploying warships and submarines, the British Army deploying troops and equipment across eastern Europe, and the Royal Air Force practicing flying in simulated conflict scenarios.
The British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth will not participate in the largest NATO exercises since the Cold War due to a propeller problem, with the HMS Prince of Wales taking its place. This setback comes after a previous propeller issue with the Prince of Wales in August 2022. The Royal Navy's ability to deploy an aircraft to the Red Sea may be affected, as tensions with Iran-backed Houthi rebels escalate. Additionally, the Royal Navy recently experienced a collision between two warships in Bahrain.
The U.K. Royal Navy's Sea Viper air defense system, used to shoot down Houthi drones, is set to receive a £405 million upgrade to enhance its capabilities against anti-ship ballistic missiles. The upgrade will include modernizing the Aster 30 missile and evaluating a new missile, the Aster 30 Block 1NT, to improve ballistic missile defense. Additionally, the Royal Navy is testing laser weapons and considering installing them on new frigates. These upgrades aim to bolster the Navy's air defense systems against emerging threats, particularly in response to recent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
A Royal Navy minesweeper, HMS Chiddingfold, crashed into another vessel, HMS Bangor, in the Gulf due to a mechanical failure, causing significant damage. This incident adds to a series of embarrassments faced by the Royal Navy, including drastic shortages of sailors and decommissioning of warships due to recruitment challenges. The collision comes at a crucial time as Royal Navy ships are deployed to protect international shipping lanes in the Gulf, which have been targeted by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Two British warships collided in a harbor in Bahrain, causing damage but no injuries, with an investigation underway to determine the cause. The HMS Chiddingfold appeared to reverse into the HMS Bangor while at dock, and the incident occurred as the vessels were based in the Middle East to help protect merchant vessels.
Two Royal Navy warships, HMS Chiddingfold and HMS Bangor, collided at a port in Bahrain, with footage showing the former reversing into the latter. No injuries were reported, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the collision. Both ships are specialized minesweepers, and the Royal Navy emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region. This incident follows a similar collision involving HMS Chiddingfold in 2021, and HMS Bangor is set to be decommissioned next year.
Turkey has blocked two British Royal Navy minehunters from passing through its straits to the Black Sea, citing the 1936 Montreux Convention which restricts warship passage during conflicts. These ships were donated to Ukraine to assist in naval operations against Russia and to secure grain export routes. Despite the blockage, the UK's commitment to Ukraine's naval capabilities remains, with the possibility of training Ukrainian troops on the vessels. The decision reflects Turkey's neutral stance, balancing relations with both Ukraine and Russia amidst the ongoing conflict.
The US and British navies have successfully shot down a total of 15 attack drones over the Red Sea, with the US destroyer USS Carney engaging and destroying 14 drones launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen, and the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Diamond intercepting and destroying another drone targeting commercial ships. The attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels pose a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security, and the US and UK remain committed to protecting the free flow of global trade.
Ukraine will receive two minehunter ships from the UK's Royal Navy to enhance its maritime capabilities and reopen vital export routes. The UK is also forming a maritime coalition with Norway to provide long-term support for Ukraine's naval development. The transfer of the ships was planned before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the Royal Navy has been training Ukrainian crews on their operation. The initiative aims to strengthen Ukraine's Armed Forces, counter the threat of Russian sea mines, and bolster security in the Black Sea.