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.
The Royal Navy’s HMS Talent has arrived at its new home port at HM Naval Base Clyde.
The Trafalgar-class attack submarine has operated from HM Naval Base Devonport for nearly three decades but has now relocated to Clyde as part of the site’s transformation into the Submarine Centre of Specialisation.
The vessel completed a multi-million pound refit at Devonport in June last year, and now joins Astute-class submarines HMS Astute, HMS Ambush, HMS Artful, and Vanguard-class boats HMS Vanguard, HMS Victorious, HMS Vigilant and HMS Vengeance as part of the Faslane Flotilla at Clyde.
HM Naval Base Clyde will be home to all of the UK’s submarines by 2020. The base, which includes the port at Faslane and RNAD Coulport, is home to the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent, mine counter-measures vessels and patrol boats. It is also home to 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines, the First Mine Countermeasures Squadron, Flag Officer Sea Training North and Northern Diving Group.
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.