DefenceTalkScanEagle drones have helped tackle drug gangs, people smugglers, and pirates for the past three years of operations. But now the Royal Navy drone program, described by the MoD as “crucial” and “game-changing” when it was launched, is set be retired next year. A contest called Unmanned Warrior, between underwater and air drones from different […]https://www.defencetalk.com/royal-navy-scaneagle-drone-program-axed-67874/

DefenceTalkNew British Prime Minster Theresa May on Monday won her first parliamentary battle when MPs overwhelmingly voted to replace the ageing submarines that carry Britain’s nuclear arsenal. In her first address to the House of Commons since taking office last week following the EU referendum, May warned that the threat from nuclear weapons was increasing […]https://www.defencetalk.com/british-mps-back-new-pm-and-vote-to-update-nuclear-deterrent-67861/

DefenceTalkThe Ministry of Defence (MOD) has confirmed the deal to purchase nine P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) for the Royal Air Force (RAF). The new aircraft, which will be based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, will play a vital role in protecting the UK’s nuclear deterrent and the UK’s two new aircraft carriers. They […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uk-orders-nine-boeing-p-8a-maritime-patrol-aircraft-67820/

DefenceTalkThe Royal Navy has fired a warning shot at a Spanish patrol boat which sailed too close to a US nuclear-powered submarine as it sailed in waters off Gibraltar. Flares were fired across the bow of the Spanish Guardia Civil vessel Rio Cedena as it twice attempted to sail across the front of the ballistic […]https://www.defencetalk.com/royal-navy-warning-shot-at-spanish-boat-in-gibraltar-67405/

DefenceTalkThe Ministry of Defence (MOD) has announced a further £472 million for the Royal Navy’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship program. It will allow the MOD to continue progressing the project’s demonstration phase, with additional investment for detailed design work, the purchase of essential equipment and setting up shore-based testing facilities. This demonstrates an enduring […]https://www.defencetalk.com/major-investment-boost-for-next-generation-royal-navy-ships-67159/

DefenceTalkAstute Class submarine HMS Artful has officially become a Commissioned Warship of the Royal Navy at a ceremony at HM Naval Base Clyde. Guest of honour at the ceremony was the submarine’s sponsor Lady Zambellas, who had named Artful in September 2013, before her launch in May 2014, in Barrow in Furness. Amanda Zambellas was […]https://www.defencetalk.com/royal-navy-commissions-astute-class-submarine-hms-artful-67123/

DefenceTalkThe third of the new Astute Class attack submarines, Artful, has officially been handed over to the Royal Navy. Until now the submarine was owned by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the MOD’s body responsible for procuring and supporting equipment for the Armed Forces. The boat and her crew will now be added to the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/third-astute-submarine-formally-handed-over-to-the-royal-navy-66103/

DefenceTalkTwo Royal Navy nuclear deterrent submarines have reached key program milestones. These will extend their life as the backbone of the UK’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrent. HMS Vengeance has left Devonport dockyard following a Long Overhaul Period (Refuel) and sailed past HMS Vanguard, which is due to start a scheduled Deep Maintenance Period (Refuel). HMS Vengeance […]https://www.defencetalk.com/british-jobs-secured-through-upgrade-to-nuclear-deterrent-65991/

DefenceTalkThe Royal Navy’s newest helicopter wowed as it was tested to the limit in the searing heat of the Gulf. Wildcat – which will provide the aerial eyes and punch of British destroyers and frigates for a generation – spent a fortnight flying in punishing temperatures in the Middle East during key trials with destroyer […]https://www.defencetalk.com/royal-navys-new-wildcat-helicopter-demos-during-gulf-heat-trials-65445/

DefenceTalkThe Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare helicopter, the Merlin Mk2, has achieved Full Operating Capability (FOC), on time and under budget. The significant milestone of the £807 million program has now been met, following the delivery of 24 out of a total of 30 Merlin helicopters to the Royal Navy. The upgraded Merlin Mk2s are the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/royal-navys-next-generation-helicopters-ready-for-action-65392/