What We Do

Protecting and representing our island nation

In times of peace and conflict, the Royal Navy is key to Britain’s prosperity and success. We help to stabilise the seas, keeping the maritime trade that’s the lifeblood of the UK economy flowing. We act as a guardian and a diplomat, as a humanitarian force for good, and a peacekeeper on the global stage. 

Preventing conflict

The Royal Navy’s presence on the world stage sends a powerful message. We are present, active and able, ready to deploy at a moment’s notice to deter aggressors and prevent conflict.

Preventing conflict

Providing security at sea

The oceans are our gateway to the world – to trade, to supplies, to opportunity. With over 600,000 UK jobs depending on maritime trade, security at sea is vital to our success.

Providing security at sea

International partnerships

As an island nation, the UK relies on strong ties with its allies and trading partners around the globe. The Royal Navy supports these relationships to ensure the prosperity of our nation.

International partnerships

Ready to fight

The Royal Navy is a fighting force. If diplomacy fails, we do what it takes to protect our nation’s interests, support the enforcement of UN resolutions, and aid the UK’s allies.

Ready to fight

Protecting our economy

The UK is dependent on the seas for its prosperity. Discover how we act as a deterrent, protector and enabler of trade, supporting the British economy to survive – and thrive.

Protecting our economy

Providing 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. 

Providing humanitarian assistance

RECENT DEPLOYMENTS

The Royal Navy is active and fully engaged around the world. Our ships, submarines and personnel operate in every ocean and continent, protecting our nation's interests.

Northern Europe and Baltic Sea

Baltic Protector

Baltic Protector marks the first deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Maritime Task Group, with command of the group conducted by HMS Albion. A total of 3,000 military personnel and 17 vessels from nine nations will contribute to the first major maritime training deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) in the coming weeks.

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Arctic Circle

Cold Weather Training

Cold Weather Training is a multinational exercise hosted by the Norwegian Armed Forces. This training brings together the Royal Marines, assault ships and other Fleet assets, and the helicopters of the Fleet Air Arm.

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Indian Ocean

Combined Task Force

CTF 150 operates in an area that spans over two million square miles. This covers the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and the Northern Indian Ocean. The Force was created to counter terrorism, prevent smuggling, create a lawful maritime order and conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) to help develop security in the maritime environment.

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Middle East

Kipion MCMV

In support of wider British efforts in the region, minehunters are providing the capability to conduct route survey, sea-bed clearance, and mine clearance operations all over the Gulf. The operation provides a visible naval presence in a region where stability and good relations with local nations is vital. Much of the UK’s oil and gas, as well as other products, come from the Gulf region and as such these efforts are paramount to our economy.

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Middle East

Kipion

Units of the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary have been on patrol in the Gulf since October 1980, after the Iran/Iraq conflict of that year, and more recently operations have extended further south with the increase in piracy off the Somalia coast. 

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Gibraltar

Gibraltar Squadron

Conducting security patrols within British Gibraltar territorial waters, and providing protection to warships.

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Caribbean

Atlantic Patrol Tasking North

The APT(N) task centres on reassurance to UK overseas dependent territories, providing humanitarian and disaster relief during the main hurricane season (June to November) and conducting counter narcotic patrols as part of the wider international effort.

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Undisclosed, Global

Continuous at Sea Deterrent

2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD). Since April 1969, and the fifth patrol of HMS Resolution, there has always been a Royal Navy Ballistic Missile Submarine at sea, providing the nation’s deterrent and ensuring the UK remains safe.

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Global

Surveying the Ocean

Hydrographic ships work in a variety of sea areas to gather and process hydrographic and oceanographic data for planning and operational purposes. In addition, this data will be dispatched to the UK Hydrographic Office for analysis and inclusion into navigational charts and other navigational safety publications. The ships also closely monitor other vessels whilst deployed and deterring any potential illegal activity.

North Sea

Standing Nato Maritime Group 1

Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 is a multinational, integrated maritime force - made up of vessels from various allied nations, training and operating together as a single team - that is permanently available to NATO to perform a wide range of tasks, from participating in exercises to crisis response and real world operational missions.

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South Atlantic

Atlantic Patrol Tasking South

Ships and units on Atlantic Patrol Tasking provide ongoing protection and reassurance to British interests in the Atlantic, maintaining the continuous Royal Naval presence in the Atlantic. 

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United States of America

Westlant

Operation Westlant is designed to put the Carrier Strike Group through its paces on the USA Eastern Seaboard.

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Our equipment

Our equipment is as diverse as the challenges we face. From deep-diving submarines to speedy RIBs, agile helicopters and adaptable amphibious vehicles, the Royal Navy is driven with some amazing kit.

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Royal Marines

These elite amphibious troops are among the most renowned – and feared – fighting forces in the world. Since 1664, only the toughest have earned the right to wear the Green Beret. The Royal Marines – it’s a state of mind.

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