Operational activity


Humanitarian assistance

The Royal Navy acts as a force for good the world over if disaster strikes. We provide life-saving support, aid and hands-on capability following natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and epidemics. 

Our ability to overcome adverse conditions means we’re often the first to respond when disaster strikes.

Find out about humanitarian aid

HMS Medway rescues all five crew of stricken Caribbean tug

The Royal Navy rescued all five crew of an ocean-going tug in the Caribbean when the...

07 January 2023

Topic:Operational activityHumanitarian assistance

Storyline: HMS Medway

HMS Medway heads to the Cayman Islands after Hurricane Ian

Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Medway assisted the Cayman Islands after Hurricane Ian...

29 September 2022

Topic:Operational activityHumanitarian assistance

Storyline: HMS Medway

Preventing conflict

The Royal Navy’s presence on the world stage sends a powerful message. We are ready to deploy at a moment’s notice to prevent conflict.

By being there when it matters with a credible and potent naval force, we provide reassurance to other nations and stand as a deterrent to would-be aggressors. This influence safeguards the flow of international trade, helping Britain to thrive.

Find out how we prevent conflict

Carrier Strike Group deployment to visit 40 countries

The UK’s Carrier Strike Group will visit more than one fifth of the world’s nations when...

HMS Blyth goes from hot to cold on chilly NATO mission

After the heat of the Gulf, it’s the cool waters of northern Europe for the next few...

International partnership

As an island nation, the UK relies on strong ties with its allies and trading partners around the globe.

By defending the seaways that underpin the global economy and representing the UK at home and abroad, the Royal Navy plays a crucial role in strengthening those ties and ensuring the continued prosperity of our nation.

Learn more about our international partnerships

HMS Duncan exercises with French carrier in the Mediterranean

Royal Navy warship HMS Duncan has put French aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle...

Royal Navy joins Middle East’s largest naval exercise to push technology and training boundaries

The Royal Navy will push technological boundaries and share its drug-busting and...

Security at sea

A thriving global economy depends on maritime trade – and as an island nation, the UK needs a strong navy to protect its interests on the high seas.

Day after day, the Royal Navy keeps a watchful eye over home and international waters, safeguarding its citizens and allies from pirates, terrorists and criminals, and ensuring that vital trade can continue without interruption.

Find out more on security at sea

Royal Navy’s Gulf forces complete world’s second-largest maritime exercise

The second-largest naval exercise in the world has ended across the Middle East with...

20 March 2023

Topic:Operational activitySecurity at Sea

Storyline: Gulf

HMS Lancaster seizes anti-tank missiles after high-speed chase in Gulf of Oman

The Royal Navy seized anti-tank weapons and ballistic missile components being smuggled...

02 March 2023

Topic:Operational activitySecurity at Sea

Storyline: HMS Lancaster

Protecting our economy

Maritime trade is essential to the British way of life, with a huge 95% of Britain’s economic activity depending on the oceans.

We import goods worth a breathtaking £524 billion every year – including around half of our food and fuel – so freedom of the seas is truly essential to the UK’s continued prosperity and comfort.

Learn more about how we protect the economy

Royal Navy-led task force bags £6.4m drugs in second bust in a month

A Royal Navy-led task force has dealt its second multi-million-pound blow to drug...

Royal Navy-led international force seizes drugs in Gulf of Oman

A task force led by the Royal Navy has made a huge drugs seizure in the Gulf of Oman.

02 February 2023

Topic:Operational activityProtecting the Economy

Storyline: CTF 150