UK increases NATO maritime commitment
British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has said that the UK will increase its maritime commitment to NATO exercises and activities in 2016. The announcement was made at the NATO Defence Ministerial in Brussels on 10 February.
The plans will see the UK almost double its deployments to NATO at sea in 2016, with two deployments to contribute to NATO’s Standing Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1). These include the deployment of HMS Iron Duke, a Type 23 Frigate, from January to July, operating in the Baltic Sea; and the deployment of a Type 45 Destroyer to the SNMG1 from October to November. About 400 Royal Navy personnel will be involved in the deployments.
In addition, three minesweepers with around 130 navy personnel in total will be deployed for four months each to NATO's standing naval mine counter measure group. The programme will cover the Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, North Atlantic and Baltic Sea.
NATO will also use the UK's Joint Warrior national exercise in North Scotland and the North Atlantic in October for certifying the maritime and air component commanders of the NATO Response Force for their 2017 commitments. In addition, two frigates will be provided for the Dynamic Mongoose anti-submarine warfare exercise.
Fallon said: ‘Increasing our NATO deployments sends a strong message to our enemies that we are ready to respond to any threat, and defend our allies. 2016 will see a particular focus on the Baltic region with our ships sent there as part of the Maritime Group, the Mine Counter Measure Group and the Baltops exercise.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA]()
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
![L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts]()
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
![Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS]()
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
![BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft]()
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
-
![How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions]()
How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions
The FD 2028 strategy intends to reduce the bureaucracy in procurement processes while speeding up the field of assets.
-
![Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA]()
Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA
Miniaturisation of technology opens up radical sensing technologies to smaller navies under submarine threat, according to SEA sonar expert.
