Defence Online

Ministry of Defence invests extra £75M in Royal Navy operations

Maritime April 5, 2019

The Ministry of Defence has invested £75 million into Royal Navy operations and mine hunting technologies.

The Defence Secretary has announced an extra £75million for Royal Navy operations. Developments including robotics and mine detecting technology will help improve speed and increase safety.

The mine-hunter vehicles will be operated autonomously and use the latest sonar technology to increase range. They will be remotely operated and form part of a new technology accelerator.

Admiral Sir Philip Jones KCB ADC DL, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, said: “From the invention of the steam catapult and aircraft carrier, to the first use of sonars and torpedoes, the Royal Navy has a strong pedigree in the development, testing and introduction of new technologies that help us keep our country safe.”

“Across the generations, our willingness to embrace innovation has kept us one step ahead of our adversaries, and to assure our continued success on operations into the future it is vital that the Royal Navy continues to be equipped with the latest cutting-edge capabilities we need to address the rapidly evolving challenges that pose a threat to our national interests around the globe.”

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson announced the funding at Portsdown Technology Park, which displayed numerous Navy technological breakthroughs including drones, hoverbikes, and autonomous vehicles. In total, an additional £1.8billion has been secured in funding for the Modernising Defence Programme, which will fast track projects through development to provide the armed forces with the latest technological advancements.

image © Crown Copyright

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autonomous technology. funding Gavin Williamson mine detection Modernising Defence Programme Royal Navy sonar

Post written by: Ciara Houghton