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 Lancaster supports British Government in Sudan evacuation

Sailors and Royal Marines on HMS Lancaster have helped hundreds of civilians flee...

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

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

Patrol ship Trent gets into rhythm of African autumn adventure

HMS Trent’s African autumn is well and truly under way after training with and visits to...

25 September 2023

Topic:Operational activityInternational partnership

Storyline: HMS Trent

Spey makes history as first Royal Navy ship in Timor-Leste since independence

Patrol ship HMS Spey became the first Royal Navy warship to visit the Pacific nation of...

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

Strait talking from Royal Navy as it patrols the ‘gateway to the Gulf’

Royal Navy warships have focused efforts safeguarding shipping passing through the...

31 May 2023

Topic:Operational activitySecurity at Sea

Storyline: Gulf

Royal, US and French Navies complete major minehunting workout in Gulf

Cutting-edge and long-standing minehunting methods were tested in the Gulf as the...

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 completes record-breaking drug-busting mission in Gulf

A Royal Navy-led task force has delivered a record-breaking haul of drugs in its six...

21 July 2023

Topic:Operational activityProtecting the Economy

Storyline: Gulf

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...