Editing Royal Navy (section)

==Assets and resources==
{{See also|Future of the Royal Navy}}
===Personnel===
[[File:BRNC-Dartmouth.jpg|thumb|[[Britannia Royal Naval College]] in [[Dartmouth, Devon]]]]
{{HMS|Raleigh|shore establishment|6}} at [[Torpoint, Cornwall]], is the basic training facility for newly enlisted ratings. [[Britannia Royal Naval College]] in [[Dartmouth, Devon]] is the initial officer training establishment for the Royal Navy. Personnel are divided into a [[Officer Corps of the Royal Navy|warfare branch]], which includes Warfare Officers (previously named seamen officers) and [[Fleet Air Arm|Naval Aviators]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/roles-and-specialisations/services/surface-fleet/warfare-officer|title=Welfate Officer|publisher=Royal Navy|access-date=9 May 2020}}</ref> as well other branches including the [[Royal Naval Engineers]], [[Royal Navy Medical Branch]], and [[Logistics Officer]]s (previously named [[Supply Officer]]s). Present-day officers and ratings have several different [[Uniforms of the Royal Navy|uniform]]s; some are designed to be worn aboard ship, others ashore or in ceremonial duties. Women began to join the Royal Navy in 1917 with the formation of the [[Women's Royal Naval Service]] (WRNS), which was disbanded after the end of the First World War in 1919. It was revived in 1939, and the WRNS continued until disbandment in 1993, as a result of the decision to fully integrate women into the structures of the Royal Navy. Women now serve in all sections of the Royal Navy including the [[Royal Marines]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1395974/First-woman-wins-Marines-green-beret.html|title=First woman wins Marines' green beret|date=1 June 2002|newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=30 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809215001/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1395974/First-woman-wins-Marines-green-beret.html|archive-date=9 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2019, the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] published figures showing that the Royal Navy and Royal Marines had 29,090 full-time trained personnel compared with a target of 30,600.<ref>{{cite news | title = Strength of British military falls for ninth year | work = [[BBC News Online]] | date = 16 August 2019 | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-49365599 | access-date = 18 August 2019 }}</ref> In 2023, it was reported that the Royal Navy was experiencing significant recruiting challenges with a net drop of some 1,600 personnel (4 percent of the force) from mid-2022 to mid-2023. This was posing a significant problem in the ability of the navy to meet its commitments.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Royal Navy failing to get enough recruits into basic training |url=https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navy-failing-to-get-enough-recruits-into-basic-training/ |date=2 November 2023 |website=Navy Lookout |language=en|access-date=3 November 2023}}</ref> 

In December 2019 the [[First Sea Lord]], [[Admiral (Royal Navy)|Admiral]] [[Tony Radakin]], outlined a proposal to reduce the number of Rear-Admirals at [[Navy Command (Ministry of Defence)|Navy Command]] by five.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ripley|first=Tim|title=Admirals thrown to sharks as 'top-heavy' navy tries to cut costs|newspaper=[[The Times]]|language=en|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/article/admirals-thrown-to-sharks-as-top-heavy-navy-tries-to-cut-costs-bhwm5d856|access-date=11 May 2020|issn=0140-0460}}</ref> The fighting arms (excluding [[Commandant General Royal Marines]]) would be reduced to [[Commodore (Royal Navy)|commodore]] (1-star) rank and the surface flotillas would be combined. Training would be concentrated under the [[Fleet Commander]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Royal Navy To Cut Back On Senior Personnel|url=https://www.forces.net/news/royal-navy-cut-back-senior-personnel|date=23 December 2019|website=Forces Network|language=en|access-date=30 August 2020}}</ref>

In 1952, Royal Navy ratings belonged to one of eleven branches: Seaman (may specialise as Boom Defence Rating; Gunnery Rating; Physical and Recreational Training Instructor; Quartermaster; Radar Plotter; Sailmaker; Surveying Recorder; Torpedo and Submarine Detection Rating); Naval Aviation (Aircraft Artificer; Aircraft Handler; Aircraft Mechanic (Airframes); Aircraft Mechanic (Engines); Aircraft Mechanic (Ordnance); Meteorological Observer; Photographer; Safety Equipment Rating); Communications (Signalman; Telegraphist); Shipwright (Shipwright Artificer); Electrical (Electrician; Electrician (Air); Electrical Artificer; Electrical Artificer (Air); Radio Electrical Artificer; Radio Electrical Artificer (Air); Radio Electrician; Radio Electrician (Air)); Engineering (Engine Room Artificer; Stoker Mechanic); Ordnance (Ordnance Artificer); Regulating (Master-at-Arms; Patrol Rating); Supply and Secretarial (Cook; Steward; Stores Rating; Writer); Medical (Laboratory Assistant; Operating Room Assistant; Physiotherapist (Masseur); Radiographer; Sanitary Inspector; Sick Berth Attendant); and Dental (Dental Surgery Attendant).<ref name="Chaffe">G. H. Chaffe (ed.), ''Careers Encyclopædia'', Avon Press: London, 1952.</ref>

===Surface fleet===
{{See also|List of active Royal Navy ships}} {{Main|Royal Navy Surface Fleet}}
====Aircraft carriers====
[[File:HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) underway during trials with HMS Sutherland (F81) and HMS Iron Duke (F234) on 28 June 2017 (45162784).jpg|thumb|{{HMS|Queen Elizabeth|R08|6}}, a {{sclass|Queen Elizabeth|aircraft carrier|0}} aircraft carrier, on sea trials in June 2017]]
The Royal Navy has two ''Queen Elizabeth''-class aircraft carriers. Each carrier cost £3.2 billion and has an empty load displacement of {{Convert|65000|t}},<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/equipment/ships/queen-elizabeth-class |title=Queen Elizabeth class |website=Royal Navy|language=en|access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref> rising up to an estimated {{Convert|80600|t}} full load displacement.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Pape |first=Alex|title=Jane's Fighting Ships 2023-2024|date=April 2023 |publisher=Jane's Information Group Limited |isbn=9780710634283 |location=United Kingdom |pages=886 |language=en}}</ref> Both are intended to operate the STOVL variant of the [[F-35 Lightning II]]. The first, {{HMS|Queen Elizabeth|R08|6}}, commenced flight trials in 2018.  ''Queen Elizabeth'' began sea trials in June 2017, was commissioned later that year, and entered service in 2020,<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 June 2020|title=HMS Queen Elizabeth Successfully Completes Operational Sea Training|url=https://www.overtdefense.com/2020/06/25/hms-queen-elizabeth-successfully-completes-operational-sea-training/|access-date=28 January 2021|website=Overt Defense|language=en-CA}}</ref> while the second, {{HMS|Prince of Wales|R09|6}}, began sea trials on 22 September 2019, was commissioned in December 2019 and was declared operational as of October 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/10/royal-navy-declares-aircraft-carrier-hms-prince-of-wales-operational/|title=Royal Navy Declares Aircraft Carrier HMS Prince of Wales Operational|date=2 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Queen Elizabeth Due To Set Sail From Rosyth today|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-40402153|date=26 June 2017|work=BBC News|access-date=26 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626061807/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-40402153|archive-date=26 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="facts">{{cite web |url=http://www.aircraftcarrieralliance.co.uk/~/media/Files/A/Aircraft-Carrier-Alliance-V2/documents/key-facts-v2.pdf |title=Key facts about the Queen Elizabeth Class |publisher=Aircraft Carrier Alliance |access-date=12 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728173319/http://www.aircraftcarrieralliance.co.uk/~/media/Files/A/Aircraft-Carrier-Alliance-V2/documents/key-facts-v2.pdf |archive-date=28 July 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2016/january/13/160113-hms-prince-of-wales-iconic-structure-installed |title=Iconic structure is installed on HMS Prince of Wales |access-date=12 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702112402/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2016/january/13/160113-hms-prince-of-wales-iconic-structure-installed |archive-date=2 July 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2019/december/10/191210-hms-prince-of-wales-commissioning|title=Commissioning day for HMS Prince of Wales|website=Royal Navy|language=en|access-date=2 January 2020}}</ref> The aircraft carriers form a central part of the [[UK Carrier Strike Group]] alongside escorts and support ships.<ref name="assemble">{{cite news |title=UK Carrier Strike Group Assembles for the First Time |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2020/october/05/201005-hms-queen-elizabeth-carrier-strike |access-date=5 November 2020 |agency=Royal Navy |date=5 October 2020}}</ref>

====Amphibious warfare====
Until 2024/25, the Royal Navy's amphibious capability consisted of two [[landing platform dock]]s ({{HMS|Albion|L14|6}} and {{HMS|Bulwark|L15|6}}). While their primary role was to conduct amphibious warfare, they were also deployed for [[humanitarian aid]] missions.<ref name="human">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/09/09/royal-navy-arrives-british-virgin-islands-bringing-much-needed/|title=Royal Navy arrives in British Virgin Islands bringing much-needed aid to the Hurricane Irma-ravaged territory|date=9 September 2017|newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=30 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231051449/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/09/09/royal-navy-arrives-british-virgin-islands-bringing-much-needed/|archive-date=31 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Both vessels were in reserve as of 2024<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/hms-bulwark-unlikely-to-return-to-sea-unless-needed/ |title=HMS Bulwark unlikely to return to sea 'unless needed' |website=Navy Lookout |last=Allison |first=George |date=19 March 2024}}</ref> and in November 2024, the newly elected Labour government indicated that they would in fact be retired from service completely by March 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2k0292v0w1o |title=UK to decommission ships, drones and helicopters to save £500m |website=BBC |last=Vock |first=Ido |date=20 November 2024}}</ref> While second-line amphibious capabilities remained within the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the future of the navy's amphibious capability was now in question.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |date=20 November 2024 |title=Royal Navy finished as full-spectrum force as Albion and Bulwark axed |website= Naval News |url=https://www.naval-technology.com/news/royal-navy-finished-as-full-spectrum-force-as-albion-and-bulwark-axed/?cf-view |access-date=21 November 2024 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

====Clearance diving====
The Royal Navy [[clearance divers|clearance diving]] unit, the Fleet Diving Squadron, was reorganised and renamed the Diving and Threat Exploitation Group in 2022. The group consists of five squadrons: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, and Echo.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Royal Navy divers transform to create new elite mission teams |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2022/march/01/220301-divers-transformation |website=Royal Navy |access-date=29 August 2022 |date=1 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Transformation of Fleet Diving Squadron into Diving & Threat Exploitation Group |url=https://www.mcdoa.org.uk/News_Frames.htm |website=Royal Naval Minewarfare and Clearance Diving Officers' Association (MCDOA) |access-date=29 August 2022 |date=1 February 2022}}</ref> The Royal Navy has a separate unit with divers the [[special forces]] unit the [[Special Boat Service]].<ref name="ArmyMuseum">{{cite web |title=Special Boat Service |url=https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/special-boat |website=National Army Museum |access-date=29 August 2022}}</ref>

====Escort fleet====
[[File:Duncan (7899777334).jpg|thumb|{{HMS|Duncan|D37|6}}, the [[Type 45 destroyer|Type 45]] [[guided missile destroyer]]]]
[[File:Type 23 frigate HMS KENT at Sea, south of the Isle of Wight MOD 45158148.jpg|alt=|thumb|{{HMS|Kent|F78|6}}, the [[Type 23 frigate]] designed for anti-submarine warfare]]
The escort fleet comprises [[guided missile destroyer]]s and [[frigates]] and is the traditional workhorse of the Navy.<ref name="MODRNinfo">{{cite web |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/Organisation/KeyFactsAboutDefence/TheRoyalNavy.htm |title=Royal Navy information |publisher=MOD |access-date=10 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070814213023/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/Organisation/KeyFactsAboutDefence/TheRoyalNavy.htm |archive-date=14 August 2007 |url-status=live  }}</ref> {{As of|December 2024}} there are six Type 45 destroyers and eight [[Type 23 frigate]]s in commission. Among their primary roles is to provide escort for the larger capital ships—protecting them from air, surface and subsurface threats. Other duties include undertaking the Royal Navy's [[Standing Royal Navy deployments|standing deployments]] across the globe, which often consists of: counter-narcotics, anti-piracy missions and providing humanitarian aid.<ref name="human" />

The Type 45 is primarily designed for anti-aircraft and anti-missile warfare and the Royal Navy describe the destroyer's mission as "to shield the Fleet from air attack".<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/Ships/Destroyers/Type-45-Destroyers Royal Navy: Type 45 Destroyer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504193359/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/Ships/Destroyers/Type-45-Destroyers |date=4 May 2014 }}, 28 January 2014</ref> They are equipped with the [[PAAMS]] (also known as Sea Viper) integrated anti-aircraft warfare system which incorporates the sophisticated [[SAMPSON]] and [[S1850M]] long range radars and the [[Aster (missile family)|Aster 15 and 30]] missiles.<ref name="BAEType45">{{cite web|url=http://www.baesystems.com/ProductsServices/bae_product_type45.html |title=Type 45 Destroyer |publisher=BAE Systems |access-date=2 November 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015030342/http://www.baesystems.com/ProductsServices/bae_product_type45.html |archive-date=15 October 2007 }}</ref>

Sixteen Type 23 frigates were delivered to the Royal Navy, with the final vessel, {{HMS |St Albans|F83|6}}, commissioned in June 2002. However, the 2004 [[Delivering Security in a Changing World]] review announced that three frigates would be [[paid off]] as part of a cost-cutting exercise, and these were subsequently sold to the [[Chilean Navy]].<ref name="SellType23">{{cite web |url=http://www.helis.com/database/sys/469/ |title=Type 23 Duke class – Helicopter Database |publisher=helis.com |access-date=23 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160831042228/http://www.helis.com/database/sys/469/ |archive-date=31 August 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref> The 2010 [[Strategic Defence and Security Review 2010|Strategic Defence and Security Review]] announced that the remaining 13 Type 23 frigates would eventually be replaced by the [[Type 26 Frigate]],<ref>{{cite web |title= Strategic Defence and Security Review – Securing Britain in an Age of Uncertainty |publisher=Ministry of Defence |url=http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_191634.pdf |access-date=1 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222022127/http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/%40dg/%40en/documents/digitalasset/dg_191634.pdf |archive-date=22 December 2010}}</ref> with the incremental retirement of the remaining Type 23s commencing in 2021. The [[Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015]] reduced the procurement of Type 26 to eight with five [[Type 31 frigate|Type 31e frigate]]s also to be procured.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/478933/52309_Cm_9161_NSS_SD_Review_web_only.pdf |title=National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=23 November 2015 |website=gov.uk |publisher=Cabinet Office }}</ref>

====Mine countermeasure vessels (MCMV)====
There are two classes of [[Mine countermeasure vessel|MCMVs]] in the Royal Navy: one {{sclass|Sandown|minehunter}} and six {{sclass2|Hunt|mine countermeasures vessel}}s. All the Sandown-class vessels are to be withdrawn from service by 2025 and are being replaced by autonomous systems, such as the [[Sea-class workboat#Autonomous minehunter|Arcims-class]] and vessels being procured from [[Thales Group|Thales defence systems]], that are planned to operate from a range of vessels, including so-called "motherships" planned for procurement for either the navy or the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The Hunt-class vessels combine the separate roles of the traditional [[minesweeper]] and the active minehunter in one hull. If required, the vessels can take on the role of offshore patrol vessels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navynews.co.uk/ships/echo.asp|title=Echoes of a varied history – HMS Echo, ship of the month May 2004 (archive)|publisher=Navy News|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719190122/http://www.navynews.co.uk/ships/echo.asp|archive-date=19 July 2008|access-date=20 June 2009}}</ref>

====Offshore patrol vessels (OPV)====
A fleet of eight [[River-class offshore patrol vessel|River-class]] offshore patrol vessels are in service with the Royal Navy. The three Batch 1 ships of the class serve in U.K. waters in a sovereignty and fisheries protection role while the five Batch 2 ships are forward-deployed on a long-term basis to Gibraltar, the Caribbean, the [[Falkland Islands]] and the Indo-Pacific region.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/river_class/ | title=River-Class Offshore Patrol Vessels, UK }}</ref> The vessel MV ''Grampian Frontier'' is leased from Scottish-based North Star Shipping for patrol duties around the [[British Indian Ocean Territory]]. However, she is not in commission with the Royal Navy.<ref name="sites.google.com">{{cite web |url=https://sites.google.com/site/thechagosarchipelagofacts/eppz-mpa/patrol-vessel |title=Patrol Vessel |website=The Chagos Archipelago |access-date=18 October 2022}}</ref>

In December 2019, the modified Batch 1 River-class vessel, {{HMS|Clyde|P257|6}}, was decommissioned, with the Batch 2 {{HMS|Forth|P222|6}} taking over duties as the Falkland Islands patrol ship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forces.net/news/hms-forth-sets-sail-falklands-deployment|title=HMS Forth Sets Sail For Falklands Deployment|date=1 November 2019|website=Forces Network|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2019/december/20/191220-hms-clyde-homecoming|title=HMS Clyde's last drive home for Christmas|website=Royal Navy |language= en|access-date=2 January 2020}}</ref>

====Survey ships====
[[File:HMS Protector Assisting the Antarctic Community. MOD 45156397.jpg|thumb|{{HMS|Protector|A173|6}}, a Royal Navy [[British Antarctica|Antarctic]] [[patrol ship]]]]

{{HMS|Protector|A173|6}} is a dedicated [[Antarctica]] patrol ship that fulfils the nation's mandate to provide support to the [[British Antarctic Survey]] (BAS).<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2011/05/hms-protector-ready/| title=HMS ''Protector'' ready| publisher=Think Defence| date=26 May 2011| access-date=27 September 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213120125/http://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2011/05/hms-protector-ready/| archive-date=13 February 2016| df=dmy-all}}</ref> {{HMS|Scott|H131|6}} is an ocean survey vessel and at 13,500 tonnes is one of the largest ships in the Navy. As of 2018, the newly commissioned {{HMS|Magpie|H130|6}} also undertakes survey duties at sea.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/surface-fleet/survey/coastal-survey-ship/hms-magpie|title=HMS Magpie (H130) {{!}} Royal Navy|website=Royal Navy|language=en|access-date=2 January 2020}}</ref> The Royal Fleet Auxiliary plans to introduce two new [[Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship]]s, in part to protect undersea cables and gas pipelines and partly to compensate for the withdrawal of all ocean-going survey vessels from Royal Navy service.<ref name="MROSS">{{cite news |title=Lima Charlie: New Royal Navy Ship That Will Safeguard The Internet |url=https://www.forces.net/services/navy/lima-charlie-new-royal-navy-ship-will-safeguard-internet |access-date=4 November 2021 |work=[[BFBS]] |date=27 May 2021}}</ref> The first of these vessels, [[RFA Proteus]], entered service in October 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=A guide to RFA Proteus – the UK's new seabed warfare vessel |url=https://www.navylookout.com/a-guide-to-rfa-proteus-the-uks-new-seabed-warfare-vessel/ |access-date=11 October 2023 |work=Navy Lookout |date=10 October 2023}}</ref>

====Royal Fleet Auxiliary====
{{Main|Royal Fleet Auxiliary}}
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) provides support to the Royal Navy at sea in several capacities. For fleet replenishment, it deploys one Fleet Solid Support Ship (in reserve as of late 2024) and four fleet tankers (one of which is maintained in reserve). The RFA also has one aviation training and casualty reception vessel, which also operates as a [[RFA Argus (A135)|Littoral Strike Ship]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/royal-fleet-auxiliary|title=Royal Fleet Auxiliary &#124; Royal Navy|website=Royal Navy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.navylookout.com/the-oldest-ship-in-the-royal-naval-service-to-become-the-new-littoral-strike-ship/|title=The oldest ship in the Royal Naval Service to become the new Littoral Strike Ship &#124; Navy Lookout|date=20 July 2022|newspaper=Navy Lookout &#124; Independent Royal Navy News and Analysis}}</ref>

Three [[amphibious transport dock]]s are also incorporated within its fleet. These are known as the {{sclass2|Bay|landing ship|0}} landing ships, of which four were introduced in 2006–2007, but one was sold to the [[Royal Australian Navy]] in 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au//breaking-news-national/australia-to-buy-used-uk-landing-ship-20110406-1d3ly.html|title=Australia to buy used UK landing ship|date=6 April 2011|work=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=9 September 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009103933/http://www.smh.com.au//breaking-news-national/australia-to-buy-used-uk-landing-ship-20110406-1d3ly.html|archive-date=9 October 2016}}</ref> In November 2006, the First Sea Lord Admiral Sir [[Jonathon Band]] described the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels as "a major uplift in the Royal Navy's war fighting capability".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/RoyalNavyUnveilsNewAmphibiousLandingShip.htm|title=Royal Navy unveils new Amphibious landing ships|date=6 October 2006|publisher=Ministry of Defence|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070815105127/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/RoyalNavyUnveilsNewAmphibiousLandingShip.htm|archive-date=15 August 2007|access-date=10 August 2007}}</ref>

In February 2023, a commercial vessel was also acquired to act as a Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance (MROS) Ship for the protection of critical seabed infrastructure and other tasks. She entered service as RFA ''Proteus''.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.navylookout.com/uk-purchases-commercial-vessel-for-conversion-to-ocean-surveillance-ship/ | title=UK purchases commercial vessel for conversion to ocean surveillance ship; Navy Lookout | newspaper=Navy Lookout &#124; Independent Royal Navy News and Analysis | date=17 January 2023 }}</ref> An additional vessel, {{RFAux|Stirling Castle}}, was acquired in 2023 to act as a [[mothership]] for autonomous minehunting systems.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mothership to support autonomous mine hunting systems arrives in the UK |url=https://www.navylookout.com/mothership-to-support-autonomous-mine-hunting-systems-arrives-in-the-uk/ |access-date=30 January 2023 |work=Navy Lookout |date=30 January 2023}}</ref>

====Other ships====
The Royal Navy also includes a number of smaller non-commissioned assets such as the [[Sea-class workboat]]s. The Fleet Experimentation Squadron, within the Disruptive Capabilities and Technologies Office, operates a number of vessels and systems to trial high technology military capabilities. These include vessels such as XV ''Excalibur'', an Extra Large Uncrewed Submarine christened in 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Royal Navy: Cutting-edge new team forms up with Portsmouth ship to test new weapons and technology |url=https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/defence/royal-navy-new-technology-team-portsmouth-5106571 |last=Webb |first=Freddie |access-date=15 May 2025 |website=The News |date=30 April 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Royal Navy’s first XLUUV formally named XV Excalibur |url=https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navys-first-xluuv-formally-named-xv-excalibur/ |access-date=15 May 2025 |website=Navy Lookout |date=15 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Royal Navy establishes new Disruptive Capabilities and Technologies Office |url=https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navy-establishes-new-disruptive-capabilities-and-technologies-office/ |access-date=15 May 2025 |website=Navy Lookout |date=30 April 2025}}</ref> On 29 July 2022, the Royal Navy christened a new experimental ship, [[XV Patrick Blackett (X01)|XV ''Patrick Blackett'']], which it aims to use as a testbed for autonomous systems. Whilst the ship flies the [[Blue Ensign]], it is crewed by Royal Navy personnel and will participate in Royal Navy and NATO exercises.<ref>{{cite news |title=Debut for UK Royal Navy's new experimental vessel |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/debut-for-uk-royal-navys-new-experimental-vessel |access-date=1 August 2022 |work=[[Jane's Information Group]] |date=29 July 2022}}</ref><ref name="TD1">{{cite news |last1=Parken |first1=Oliver |title=Royal Navy Christens New Experimental Ship, The XV Patrick Blackett |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/royal-navy-christens-new-experimental-ship-the-xv-patrick-blackett |access-date=30 July 2022 |work=The Drive |date=29 July 2022}}</ref>

===Submarine Service===
{{main|Royal Navy Submarine Service}}
[[File:HMS Astute Arrives at Faslane for the First Time MOD 45150806.jpg|thumb|{{HMS|Astute|S119|6}}, the first {{sclass|Astute|submarine|0}} [[nuclear submarine]]]]
The Submarine Service is the [[submarine]] based element of the Royal Navy. It is sometimes referred to as the "''Silent Service''",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/Shore-Establishments/HMS-Raleigh/Royal-Navy-Submarine-School |title=Royal Navy Submarine School |publisher=Royal Navy |date=10 April 2012 |access-date=2 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419073443/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/Shore-Establishments/HMS-Raleigh/Royal-Navy-Submarine-School |archive-date=19 April 2012 }}</ref> as the submarines are generally required to operate undetected. Founded in 1901, the service made history in 1982 when, during the Falklands War, {{HMS|Conqueror|S48|6}} became the first nuclear-powered submarine to sink a surface ship, {{ship|ARA|General Belgrano}}. Today, all of the Royal Navy's submarines are [[Nuclear marine propulsion|nuclear-powered]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2013/february/13/130213-submarine-propulsion|title=MOD Awards £800m Contract For Submarine Propulsion Programme|date=13 February 2013|publisher=Royal Navy|access-date=30 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230230222/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2013/february/13/130213-submarine-propulsion|archive-date=30 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Ballistic missile submarines (SSBN)====
The Royal Navy operates four {{sclass|Vanguard|submarine|0}} [[ballistic missile submarine]]s displacing nearly 16,000 tonnes and equipped with Trident II missiles (armed with [[Nuclear weapons and the United Kingdom|nuclear weapons]]) and heavyweight [[Spearfish torpedo]]es, to carry out Operation Relentless, the United Kingdom's Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD). The UK government has committed to replace these submarines with four new {{sclass|Dreadnought|submarine|1}}s, which will enter service in the "early 2030s" to maintain this capability.<ref name="theyworkforyou1">{{cite web|author=a few days |url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2020-01-30.10350.h&s=c |title=HMS Audacious: 6 Feb 2020: Hansard Written Answers |publisher=TheyWorkForYou |date=6 February 2020 |access-date=12 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn10729 |title=UK unveils plans for a new submarine fleet |publisher=New Scientist (Environment) |last=Knight |first=Will |date=5 December 2006 |access-date=10 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208162915/http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn10729 |archive-date=8 December 2008 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

====Fleet submarines (SSN)====
As of May 2025, five [[fleet submarine]]s of the [[Astute-class submarine|''Astute-''class]] are in commission with the previous [[Trafalgar class submarine]]s having been withdrawn from service.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://cumbriacrack.com/2022/08/31/boris-johnson-gives-speech-at-bae-systems-in-barrow/|title=Boris Johnson gives speech at BAE systems in Barrow - cumbriacrack.com|date=31 August 2022}}</ref> Two more ''Astute-''class fleet submarines are scheduled to enter service by the mid-2020s.<ref name="direct.gov.uk">[http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_191634.pdf?CID=PDF&PLA=furl&CRE=sdsr Securing Britain in an Age of Uncertainty: The Strategic Defence and Security Review] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927032808/http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_191634.pdf?CID=PDF&PLA=furl&CRE=sdsr |date=27 September 2012 }} direct.gov.uk</ref>

The ''Astute-''class, at 7,400 tonnes,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.9099 |title=Royal Navy to Get New Attack Submarine |publisher=Royal Navy |date=21 May 2007 |access-date=10 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009072310/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.9099 |archive-date=9 October 2007 }}</ref> carry both [[Tomahawk (missile family)|Tomahawk]] land-attack missiles and [[Spearfish torpedo|Spearfish]] torpedoes. In 2022, {{HMS|Anson|S124|6}} was the most recent ''Astute''-class boat to be commissioned.<ref name="auto1"/>

===Fleet Air Arm===
[[File:UK F-35B Lightning II MOD 45157752.jpg|thumb|[[F-35 Lightning II|F-35B]] aircraft are operated from the [[Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier|''Queen Elizabeth''-class aircraft carrier]]s]]
[[File:Royal Navy Dauphin Helicopter on HMS Monmouth MOD 45153074.jpg|thumb|left|Royal Navy Dauphin helicopter]]
{{Main|Fleet Air Arm}}

The Fleet Air Arm (FAA) is the branch of the Royal Navy responsible for the operation of naval aircraft, it can trace its roots back to 1912 and the formation of the [[Royal Flying Corps]]. The Fleet Air Arm currently operates the [[AgustaWestland AW101|AW-101 Merlin]] HC4 (in support of [[United Kingdom Commando Force|UK Commando Force]]) as the [[Commando Helicopter Force]]; the [[AgustaWestland AW159|AW-159 Wildcat]] HM2; the AW101 Merlin HM2 in the anti-submarine role; and the [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35B Lightning II]] in the carrier strike role.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-uk-fighter-jets-land-onboard-hms-queen-elizabeth|title=First UK fighter jets land onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=13 October 2019|work=UK Ministry of Defence|access-date=14 October 2019}}</ref>

Pilots designated for rotary wing service train under [[No. 1 Flying Training School RAF|No. 1 Flying Training School]] (1 FTS)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/north-shropshire/shawbury/2020/02/29/raf-chief-opens-state-of-the-art-helicopter-training-facilities-in-shawbury/|title=RAF chief opens state of the art helicopter training facilities in Shawbury/|date=29 February 2020 |publisher=Shropshire Star|access-date=9 May 2020}}</ref> at RAF Shawbury.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-mod-begins-training-helicopter-acquisition-403559/|title=UK MoD begins training helicopter acquisition|date=10 September 2014|publisher=Flight Global|access-date=30 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230225914/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-mod-begins-training-helicopter-acquisition-403559/|archive-date=30 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Royal Marines===
{{Main|Royal Marines}}
[[File:Royal Marines in Sangin MOD 45151554.jpg|thumb|[[Royal Marines]] in [[Sangin]] in [[Afghanistan]] in 2010]]

The Royal Marines are an amphibious, specialised [[light infantry]] force of [[commandos]], capable of deploying at short notice in support of [[His Majesty's Government]]'s military and diplomatic objectives overseas.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/royalmarines/ Royal Marines home page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606065440/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/royalmarines |date=6 June 2013 }} on Royal Navy website</ref> The Royal Marines are organised into a highly mobile light infantry brigade ([[United Kingdom Commando Force|UK Commando Force]]) and 7 commando units<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/royal-marines|title=Royal Marines|publisher=Royal Navy|access-date=9 May 2020}}</ref> including 47 Commando (Raiding Group) Royal Marines, [[43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines]] and a company strength commitment to the [[Special Forces Support Group]]. The Corps operates in all environments and climates, though particular expertise and training is spent on [[amphibious warfare]], [[Arctic warfare]], [[mountain warfare]], [[expeditionary warfare]] and commitment to the UK's [[Rapid Reaction Force]]. The Royal Marines are also the primary source of personnel for the Royal Navy's special forces unit the Special Boat Service (SBS).<ref>{{cite web |title=Special Boat Service |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/organisation/units-and-squadrons/special-boat-service/special-boat-service |website=Royal Navy |access-date=16 November 2023}}</ref><ref name="ArmyMuseum"/>

The Corps operates its own [[List of active Royal Marines military watercraft|fleet of landing and other craft]], and also incorporates the [[Royal Marines Band Service]], the musical wing of the Royal Navy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/royal-marine-band/|title=The Band of HM Royal Marines Plymouth | publisher=Theatre Royal Plymouth|access-date=26 June 2023}}</ref>

The Royal Marines have seen constant action since they were formed, often fighting beside the British Army; including in the Seven Years' War, the Napoleonic Wars, the [[Crimean War]], World War I and World War II. Most has been offshore away from the United Kingdom. In recent times, the Corps has been deployed in the [[Falklands War]], the [[Gulf War]], the [[Bosnian War]], the [[Kosovo War]], the [[Sierra Leone Civil War]], the [[Iraq War]] and the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)]]. The Royal Marines have international ties with allied marine forces, particularly the [[United States Marine Corps]] and the [[Netherlands Marine Corps]]/Korps Mariniers.<ref name="mod.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/TrainingAndAdventure/RoyalMarinesTrainInCalifornianDesert.htm|title=Royal Marines train in Californian desert|access-date=23 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018173748/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/TrainingAndAdventure/RoyalMarinesTrainInCalifornianDesert.htm|archive-date=18 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="royalnavy.mod.uk">{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/The-Royal-Marines/About-the-Royal-Marines/Royal-Netherlands-Marine-Corps |title=Royal Netherlands Marine Corps {{!}} Royal Navy |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429064753/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/The-Royal-Marines/About-the-Royal-Marines/Royal-Netherlands-Marine-Corps |archive-date=29 April 2012}}</ref>