Royal Navy’s HMSML Gleaner officially retired
The Royal Navy’s smallest survey vessel, HMSML Gleaner, has been officially retired from service and decommissioned at Devonport Naval Base, the navy announced on 19 February.
HMSML Gleaner was in service with the Royal Navy for 35 years. Initially designated an inshore survey vessel for hydrographic survey operations along the south coast of the UK, the vessel later served around the UK and internationally.
Gleaner will be replaced by the 18m HMS Magpie. Magpie will be delivered to the Royal Navy later this year. The new ship is a modern catamaran design which will enable the navy to harness the latest technology and operate a more diverse range of survey equipment, including autonomous underwater vehicles.
In 2016, Gleaner conducted an extensive survey of the Firth of Forth, including accurately measuring the heights of the bridges over the Firth to ensure that the Queen Elizabeth carrier could safely depart Rosyth.
Gleaner’s final survey period was of the approaches to Portsmouth Naval Base, Queen Elizabeth’s new home, where the vessel ensured that the carrier could operate safely.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging]()
As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging
Research programmes and system procurement efforts to counter uncrewed surface and underwater vehicle threats are accelerating as naval drone uptake spreads.
-
![US Coast Guard to receive the first three Offshore Patrol Cutters in FY2026 and FY2027]()
US Coast Guard to receive the first three Offshore Patrol Cutters in FY2026 and FY2027
After recording a nearly six-year delay in the OPC schedule, the USCG intends to advance with the programme, reaching multiple milestones in the short term.
-
![Japan’s first warship sale opens door to future exports but comes with strings attached]()
Japan’s first warship sale opens door to future exports but comes with strings attached
Australia’s selection of an upgraded Mogami-class frigate marks Japan’s first-ever export of a major surface combatant. With an ambitious 2029 delivery target, the deal could open the door to further naval exports – but inexperience and geopolitical friction with China loom large.
