UK Royal Navy presence in Gulf to get unmanned boost
Not two months on from announcing a programme to introduce a new class of Littoral Strike Ships for the Royal Navy, UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson revealed the Senior Service would again be the beneficiary of a funding spree with the intended introduction of two new unmanned MCM vessels.
The announcement, made by Williamson during a visit to a Qinetiq facility in Portsmouth on 1 April, also saw the launch of the ‘NavyX’ initiative, which aims to bring together industry, the civil service and academia to boost innovation in autonomous technologies. The combined investment will total £75 million ($97.8 million).
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![Future of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is still unclear]()
Future of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is still unclear
The Canadian government remains tight-lipped on the timeline and funding required for the next steps of its Canadian Submarine Patrol Project, which should offer improved capabilities for the country’s navy.
-
![Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection]()
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
-
![Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions]()
Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions
The new sonar is designed to equip uncrewed underwater vessels, with the potential to be used by the Royal Navy for its Atlantic Bastion and Atlantic Net missions.
