UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration
The latest foreign military sales request from the UK has implications for the future of the programme and collaboration between the three nations.
Duke-class Type 23 frigate HMS Somerset. (Photo: UK MoD/ Crown Copyright)
On 29 March, UK shipbuilder Babcock announced it had achieved the ready for sea date for Duke-class Type 23 frigate HMS Somerset at its Devonport site following a lengthy refit.
The frigate began an intensive overhaul at Babcock's facility in Devonport in November 2018, including repairs and updates to the hull and living facilities.
During the overhaul, the ship's Sea Wolf system was replaced with the Sea Ceptor air defence system, and improvements to critical electronic equipment were completed.
The Babcock team also replaced the ship's four diesel generators.
HMS Iron Duke is the next Type 23 frigate scheduled to exit Babcock's Frigate Support Centre and continue overhaul works.
Later this year, two more frigates, Argyll and Westminster, will arrive for refit work.
The latest foreign military sales request from the UK has implications for the future of the programme and collaboration between the three nations.
The USCG plans to award a contract this year for the construction of Homeland Security Cutters. The new vessels will replace the 60-plus-year-old fleet of Light Icebreaking Tugs.
The expansion of the Redstone facility in Alabama will enable Raytheon to increase production of Standard Missiles in the location by 50% and support Washington in refilling stockpiles after recent operations have depleted the Pentagon’s reserves.
Major naval initiatives including the European Patrol Corvette programmes and Norway’s UK partnership-focused purchase of Type 26 frigates point to the growing interest in the advantages of commonality across allied navies.
The UK Royal Navy’s rapid procurement of uncrewed platforms aligns with the force’s strategic shift towards a fleet better equipped to handle modern threats.
The Astute-class submarine’s visit to Australia was the first time maintenance activity on a UK Royal Navy nuclear submarine had been carried out in the country.