UK risks loss of influence should MCM capability slip
Senior former UK defence officials have said that the country should renew its MCM fleet once the current Hunt and Sandown classes leave service, given the importance of their role in the Arabian Gulf and offering a key capability that its US ally relies heavily upon.
The RN operates two Hunt-class and two Sandown-class (foreground of picture) MCM vessels in the Gulf with the primary role of defeating any attempted mining of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which much of the world’s oil is carried. This is a crucial task, given the UK’s demand for resources and the 39 million
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy receives final Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship
The delivery acceptance of the future USS Pierre marks the conclusion of the construction phase for the Independence-variant.
-
RTX Raytheon advances with the development of new Barracuda mine neutraliser
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
-
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.