RFA Argus heads for Baltic Protector 2019
RFA Argus has deployed for Baltic Protector 2019 with Royal Marine helicopter squadrons embarked as part of a Royal Navy amphibious task force.
The deployment, led by flagship HMS Albion, is the first test of the RN-led international Joint Expeditionary Force. With the British amphibious task group at its heart, it also consists of ships, aircraft, helicopter, troops and armour from up to eight other allied nations that have shorelines on either the Baltic or North Seas.
Onboard Argus are the Royal Marines’ Commando Helicopter Force and Merlin Mk4 troop carriers (845 Naval Air Squadron), and reconnaissance/intelligence gathering Wildcats (847 NAS).
As well as conducting exercises and providing training support both for the Fleet Air Arm and military medics, Argus doubles up as a casualty treatment ship with onboard hospital facilities
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment
Australian businesses can now bid to support Virginia-class submarine sustainment in Western Australia, as momentum around the Henderson Defence Precinct also builds.
-
South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest
Washington’s search for a foreign-built frigate could hand South Korea, Japan and Turkey a larger prize than a double-hull order: a foothold inside the US shipbuilding industrial base.
-
Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline
Japan’s FY2027 defence budget backs stand-off strike, a 17-aircraft MQ-9B buy and a declared bid to lead the world in uncrewed maritime assets, alongside new frigates, submarines and support ships.
-
Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand
Ukrainian intelligence has catalogued more than 20 Russian uncrewed surface vessels, revealing a portfolio weighted towards mine warfare and logistics, with implications for Western naval investment.
-
Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones
Ukraine’s UForce unveiled the MV11 uncrewed surface vessel, designed to launch and support other naval drones at sea, fuelling debate over the future of autonomous maritime task groups.