In focus: MSI-DS sovereign UK medium calibre gun mount development
MSI Defence Systems has provided the Royal Navy with lightweight, automated weapon mounts that have become a standard feature across much of the fleet. As a sovereign UK capability with a consistent export record, the company provides adaptable gun systems that bridge traditional close-range defence and the growing demands of countering asymmetric and uncrewed threats.
Current news
Russian shadow fleet vessels loiter near UK subsea infrastructure after sanctions enforcement threat
The Prime Minister’s announcement on 25th March that sanctioned Russian tankers in UK waters could be boarded and detained has triggered a visible response at sea. Several shadow fleet vessels have already altered course to avoid the English Channel. The iPaper was first to report that some of these ships are loitering near critical infrastructure […]
Royal Navy in talks to sell Batch I offshore patrol vessels to Uruguay
Local media reports the UK has offered to sell the three River-class Batch I OPVs, HMS Tyne, HMS Mersey and HMS Severn to the Uruguayan Navy when they go out of service in 2028.
HMS Dragon arrives off Cyprus
HMS Dragon arrived off Cyprus this week and is now integrated with the international force providing air defence for the Island.
Royal Navy authorised to step up action against Russian shadow fleet in UK waters
British forces have been ordered to intercept and board suspected Russian shadow fleet vessels in UK waters, as the government moves to tighten enforcement of sanctions. The announcement signals a more assertive maritime posture, with the RN expected to play a central role alongside northern European allies.
Defence funding chaos puts Royal Navy future fleet programmes at risk
The Times reports that the Type 83 destroyer programme could be delayed due to the large funding gap in the MoD’s Equipment Plan. Here, we consider how the RN is likely to face very difficult trade-offs between programmes due to funding constraints.
Forty years of Royal Navy mine warfare in the Gulf
Tensions in the Gulf have prompted the United States to call on allies to help protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian threats, including mines. In this historical overview, Tony Carruthers recalls how the RN responded to a similar request almost forty years ago, deploying a squadron of Hunt-class Mine Counter Measures Vessels.
