RN embarks on experimental deployment of Littoral Response Group
An RN task group, led by the landing platform dock ship HMS Albion, has departed the UK for a three-month deployment to the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
The Littoral Response Group (Experimentation) deployment also includes the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon and the amphibious support ship RFA Lyme Bay.
This task group, including Royal Marine Commando and intelligence units as well as AW159 Wildcat helicopters from the Commando Helicopter Force RNAS Yeovilton, will test the Littoral Strike Group concept.
It will also shape the Future Commando Force as ‘the evolution of the Royal Marines into a hi-tech raiding and strike force’, the RN announced in a 14 September statement.
On its deployment, the task group will support the NATO Sea Guardian Mediterranean security operation Sea Guardian and conduct exercises in Cyprus.
Backing up the recently sealed training support agreement between the UK and Ukraine, the task group will additionally enter the Black Sea to conduct ‘training exercises and port visits to demonstrate the UK’s support for regional security and freedom of movement’, the RN noted.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Shoreline vulnerability drives Gulf interest in USV networks]()
Shoreline vulnerability drives Gulf interest in USV networks
Ukraine’s combat-proven Magura uncrewed surface vessel is attracting Gulf state interest as the Iran war exposes gaps in layered maritime air defence, raising questions about whether low-cost attritable systems can gain a foothold in a procurement culture historically drawn to high-end Western platforms.
-
![Sweden swayed by speed to capability in French frigate win]()
Sweden swayed by speed to capability in French frigate win
Naval Group has secured a contract to supply four Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention frigates to the Royal Swedish Navy, extending the French naval industry’s reach into Northern Europe and showing why speed to capability has become the defining criterion in today’s defence procurement contests.
-
![SOF Week 2026: US NSW explores 3D-printed USVs for forward-deployed operations]()
SOF Week 2026: US NSW explores 3D-printed USVs for forward-deployed operations
US Naval Special Warfare Command is assessing the feasibility of rapidly producing expendable mid-sized USVs in theatre to support SOF and maritime security missions.
-
![SOF Week 2026: MARSOC selects upgraded Shark Marine dive navigation system]()
SOF Week 2026: MARSOC selects upgraded Shark Marine dive navigation system
MARSOC is procuring the Shark Marine Dive Tablet 2 to address a longstanding combat diver navigation capability gap, improving underwater positioning, situational awareness and integration with existing diver propulsion vehicles.
