The Royal Navy has been showcasing to industrial partners and allies about how the fleet is transforming into a Hybrid Navy where crewed ships, submarines and cutting-edge autonomous systems combine to strengthen the UK’s warfighting capability at the Combined Naval Event.
This year’s event was unique as it’s the first time a serving First Sea Lord delivered a keynote speech.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins updated the packed assembly about the Royal Navy’s progression during his first year in charge.
Speaking to an international audience of naval leaders and industry partners, the First Sea Lord, also Commandant General Royal Marines, reaffirmed the Royal Navy’s focus on readiness and combat effectiveness. He said:
“We are embracing technological change and refocusing the Royal Navy on its fundamental purpose: to be ready to fight and win wars. That is my North star, it is the thing that drives every decision I have made and will make as First Sea Lord.
“The Hybrid Navy restores something the Navy has lacked for decades: rapidly scalable and adaptable mass. And it allows us to increase tempo, to complicate an adversary’s targeting picture, and to impose cost at a pace they cannot match.
“I accept there are still some Hybrid sceptics – but we have no time to pander to cynicism or traditionalists, because autonomy is already demonstrably changing the nature of warfare, as evidenced in Ukraine and in the Middle East.”
Speaking directly to industry and allies the First Sea Lord continued: “The Hybrid Navy restores something the Navy has lacked for decades: rapidly scalable and adaptable mass. And it allows us to increase tempo, to complicate an adversary’s targeting picture, and to impose cost at a pace they cannot match.
“I accept there are still some Hybrid sceptics – but we have no time to pander to cynicism or traditionalists, because autonomy is already demonstrably changing the nature of warfare, as evidenced in Ukraine and in the Middle East.
“Partnerships with industry vital. We must reward and incentivise agility across the supply chain – because the Navy of the 2030s cannot be created using processes from a bygone age.
“Thankfully, this is already starting to happen.
“To give you just one example, a few weeks ago we received our first fleet of uncrewed vessels as part of Project Beehive – marking a significant early milestone in the creation of the Hybrid Navy.
“Through our partnership with Kraken, we now have at our disposal our first 20 boats. They were delivered at remarkable speed – the first 10 were delivered in just six days – and we now expect to reach full operating capability within 12 to 14 weeks of the contract being signed.
“That is the definition of an agile partnership – and it is also why Beehive will be among the first of our Hybrid systems deploying to the Gulf as part of the UK’s contribution to the multinational force tasked with reopening the Strait of Hormuz.”
The Royal Navy is also deepening cooperation with allies through the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), where all 10 nations making up the cooperative have signed a statement of intent to develop a more integrated multinational maritime force across the High North and North Atlantic.
This will focus on improving interoperability, readiness and shared capability development.
Ahead of the next JEF Chiefs of Navy summit next month the First Sea Lord explained how the Royal Navy was leading efforts to deepen the corporation with these nations to counter Russian deterrence in the High North in support of NATO operations.
He said: “The real prize is the creation of a family of Northern Navies – not from scratch, but through a much deeper partnership with the nine like-minded nations that make up the Joint Expeditionary Force.
“Since 2014, we have worked together to ensure we can rapidly respond to emerging threats in the High North, North Atlantic and the Baltic regions.
But we must now go further if we are truly to provide the credible deterrence we need along our open sea border with Russia.
“It would be a force that acts as a Vanguard for NATO, giving us the ability to respond flexibly and immediately to a threat or provocation as the wider alliance takes time to mobilise and determine its own response.”
Another keynote speaker at the three-day Combined Naval Event at Farnborough International Exhibition Centre was Director Submarines Rear Admiral Andy Perks who spoke of his immense pride in the service which is celebrating 125 years.
Speaking to how the Submarine Service will play its part in the Hybrid Navy Rear Admiral Perks said: “The Royal Navy remains fully committed to the submarine as its principal anti-submarine and underwater warfare capability until the 2060s at least.
“We are entering an exciting phase of the Royal Navy’s development, focussed on innovative solutions to deliver the missions demanded of us by the Nation.
“The underwater battlespace will be the battle ground for the Atlantic Bastion element of the Hybrid Navy, set alongside Atlantic Shield providing above water missile and air defence and Atlantic Strike for the ability to deliver effect at range to our opponents. All of these are Hybrid by default and should be considered a model for future RN procurement.”
The Royal Navy has reaffirmed the central role of submarines in maintaining the UK’s underwater advantage. With more than a century of operational experience, submarines will remain the UK’s principal underwater capability for the foreseeable future, with up to 12 new nuclear-powered attack submarines being delivered from 2039, building on the success of the current Astute-Class vessels.
These submarines will operate contemporary environments and as part of an increasingly integrated force, working alongside autonomous systems to deliver enhanced surveillance, protection and strike capability.
As the First Lord concluded:
“In uncertain times and despite significant challenges, we have the clarity of purpose, we have a plan and we have the willingness to change the Royal Navy.”
