Our Equipment

Ships

The Royal Navy boasts a formidable fleet of warships and advanced weaponry, ready to confront any adversary or global threat. With aircraft carriers, assault ships, patrol boats, and survey vessels, our ships are equipped to handle diverse challenges.

A selection of ships the RN currently operates are:

• Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carriers – the biggest and most advanced warships ever built for the RN
• Daring Destroyers – specialised for anti-aircraft and antimissile warfare
• Duke Frigates – the workhorse of the fleet, specialised for anti-submarine warfare
• River Offshore Patrol Vessels – defend UK interests at home and abroad

Currently in build for the RN are:

• City Frigates – entering the fleet in the late 2020’s, these global combat ships will provide advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities
• Inspiration Frigates – built to be adaptable for all scenarios, these ships will be used for everything from interception and disruption of those using the seas unlawfully to defence engagement

Submarines

The submarine fleet provides stealth, endurance and flexibility, with world-leading tech & the freedom to lead national, coalition and nuclear deterrent missions. The Royal Navy currently operates two classes of submarine:

• Vanguard – guardian of our nuclear deterrent, armed with Trident missiles and cutting-edge technology they ensure our ultimate defence
• Astute - largest, most advanced and most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy, they are supremacy redefined

Currently in build are:

• Dreadnought - epitome of naval engineering, with the Continuous At Sea Deterrence they provide unrivalled strength and security

Aircraft

The FAA have a unique advantage, as by operating off RN vessels they can open up the reach of the RN.

They fulfil a varied role, from hunting submarines to combat missions. The RN currently operates:

• F35 Joint Strike Fighter – a 5th generation fighter jet, the most advanced fighter plane ever constructed
• Merlin Helicopters – conduct anti-submarine warfare operations from the skies
• Wildcat Helicopters – covers a huge range of activities, from the delivery of missiles to reconnaissance and fast roping