HMS Lancaster left Portsmouth today and won’t be back until at least 2025.

Replacing HMS Montrose, HMS Lancaster will become the second major Royal Navy warship to operate out of Bahrain on a three-year security mission. For those wondering how this will work, as with Montrose, crews will be rotated back home, but the ship will stay in the region. She will be ‘forward deployed’.

“From there, she will work with Allies and regional partners, providing security to UK and international shipping, and preventing the proliferation of arms and drugs smuggling which directly impacts the security of the Middle East and Europe.”

Before Lancaster reaches her new operational theatre, she has extensive duties to perform in European and Mediterranean waters with NATO, as well as helping to push the boundaries of naval technology and robot craft.

The Royal Navy say here that she’s due to conduct patrols with two NATO task forces: firstly, Standing Group 1 whose flotilla of mostly frigates and destroyers sails the waters of northern Europe on security missions.

“Later on her journey to the Gulf, Lancaster will take her place in the force’s Mediterranean counterpart, Standing Group 2, which conducts the same mission from the Pillars of Hercules to the Red Sea. The work with the alliance’s two task groups bookend Lancaster’s involvement in NATO’s most important tech trials/exercises of the year: REPMUS and Dynamic Messenger, both staged off the coast of Portugal next month.

More than 40 crewless systems are due to be tested at REPMUS – NATO’s largest autonomous war games – with craft above, on and below the waves all being assessed alongside regular warships such as HMS Lancaster.”

Commanding Officer Commander Tom Johnson was quoted as saying:

“I am immensely proud of everything my ship’s company have achieved to prepare for this deployment. Although our thoughts always turn to our loved ones at home when we depart the UK, we are very much looking forward to working alongside our international partners as part of a NATO Task Group over the coming months.”

You can read more on this here.

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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FormerUSAF
FormerUSAF
1 year ago

May HMS Lancaster have fair seas and following winds.

FormerUSAF
FormerUSAF
1 year ago
Reply to  FormerUSAF

Duh…that would be fair winds and following seas! Sorry Navy, the Air Force tends to lose its’ bearings at sea. 🙄

Dave Wolfy
Dave Wolfy
1 year ago
Reply to  FormerUSAF

Well done.
Us squaddie types are no better.

dan
dan
1 year ago

Would be nice if the Gulf states will all their oil wealth could one day provide for their own defense and not depend on the American and British taxpayers for it….

eclipse
eclipse
1 year ago
Reply to  dan

It’s not quite like that. This is an example of our soft power at work. Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia and many other gulf states are crucial allies because of their massive oil and natural gas productions. If you notice, the majority of the executives and officers of large corporations in the region are Brits or Americans, in addition to local businesspeople. In return for military help and protection, Qatar invests enormous sums in the British economy and stores the majority of its assets in the UK. They also purchase the majority of their military equipment from the Anglo-Americans. Generally, it… Read more »

Last edited 1 year ago by eclipse
Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
1 year ago
Reply to  eclipse

The relationship with Oman is especially close, ever since the 70s. We also have some bases there.

Klonkie
Klonkie
1 year ago

H DM – a quick question. Might you know if the second planed buy of Saudi Typhoons is going ahead? I have been unable to find an update.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
1 year ago
Reply to  Klonkie

Hi mate. I’ve not the foggiest, sorry.

Klonkie
Klonkie
1 year ago

No worries Mate, thanks nonetheless.

Gunbuster
Gunbuster
1 year ago
Reply to  Klonkie

Saudi Typhoons…That has been an ongoing thing for over a decade . They do like their Typhoons and Tonkas though.

Ron
Ron
1 year ago
Reply to  Gunbuster

Morning GB hows the world. A question though slightly off topic but maybe you can help me with VLS. As I was looking into the Mk41 and Sylver VLS I noticed that the Sylver systems are much lighter and have a much smaller footprint than the Mk41 whilst being able to take everything up to Tactom. With that being the case then what or why is there such a diffrence, for example the diffrence in wieght for a nine block load out is about 35 tons and 25sqm of deck space. So I was wondering if you have any knowledge… Read more »

Klonkie
Klonkie
1 year ago
Reply to  Gunbuster

Thanks Gunbuster

Ron
Ron
1 year ago

Yeep, worked for a company based out off Christchurch Dorset and sent to ‘co-operate’ with the Sultan of Omans Armed Forces back in the mid-late 80s. Still trying to work that out on a CV as we were not there. Good fun.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
1 year ago
Reply to  Ron

Lots of forces personnel on exchange there now as well. Either embedded with the Sultanates forces or within our own facilities.

Robert Blay.
Robert Blay.
1 year ago
Reply to  eclipse

Kuwait has also ordered 28 Typhoons. 👍

David Steeper
David Steeper
1 year ago
Reply to  Robert Blay.

Yes but from the Italians. We dropped out in favour of them being in the lead in order for Typhoon to stand a chance.

David Steeper
David Steeper
1 year ago
Reply to  eclipse

The GCC is our fastest growing trading partner. It’s on the cards that they’ll be our next free trade deal.

Paul T
Paul T
1 year ago
Reply to  eclipse

Kuwait has a major relationship with the UK, it has done for a long time.

Dead1
Dead1
1 year ago
Reply to  eclipse

KSA, UAE and Qatar are brutal Islamo-fascist dictatorships whose partnership with west show how rotten and corrupted we have become in the west. KSA et al do same as Russians in Ukraine but they get western support for doing it.

Monkey spanker
Monkey spanker
1 year ago
Reply to  dan

They do provide their own defence forces. The navy has always had a presence in areas around the world and will hopefully continue to do so for a long time to come.

Simon
Simon
1 year ago
Reply to  dan

Saudi Arabia has the 8th highest defence budget in the world

Sean
Sean
1 year ago
Reply to  dan

She’s not going there to defend these nations. Her role is primarily to safeguard freedom of navigation on the high seas. As an island nation that has always depended on the free flow of goods around the globe it is in our interests to ensure trade routes are not threatened.

Monkey spanker
Monkey spanker
1 year ago

Good luck to her. I think she’s taking some new stuff with her to test out. Nice warm deployment coming up for quite a few sailors over the next 3 years. Now the interesting thing will be what happens with Montrose when she gets back.
Great to see the navy keeping the sea lanes safe and free to navigate.

Paul T
Paul T
1 year ago
Reply to  Monkey spanker

The plan for HMS Montrose is Decommissioning sadly.

Monkey spanker
Monkey spanker
1 year ago
Reply to  Paul T

So she will go before the type 26/31 enter service. That’s a shame.
I was thinking earlier if it’s the General Purpose type 23 that get retired first and type 26 are replacing the numbers will that lead to more towed arrays on ships? I can’t remember if the towed arrays are being stripped from the type 23 to go on type 26 or new sets are being ordered.
I do need to look at the dates so could be wrong

Gunbuster
Gunbuster
1 year ago
Reply to  Monkey spanker

Montrose doesn’t have a tail.
She would need an extensive refit when she gets back which would take her out of use for at least 2 years.
It’s simply not worth the time or effort with the new builds coming on line.
She has delivered the most time at sea and unheard of availability rates while out here but that kind of hard running exacts a toll on machinery.

FormerUSAF
FormerUSAF
1 year ago
Reply to  Gunbuster

Yes, but a wager whether the Chileans will submit a bid for her regardless?

Richard Beedall
Richard Beedall
1 year ago
Reply to  FormerUSAF

They didn’t for Monmouth. They got a bargain with the 10 years old Grafton, but Montrose is a worn out geriatric that has already served 10 years beyond her original design life. Chilean newspapers were reporting last year that the Amrada de Chile was asking for funds to buy a couple of new Type 31’s, a much better option for everyone.

Monkey spanker
Monkey spanker
1 year ago
Reply to  Gunbuster

Yeah Montrose has done a great service out there. 2023 seems to be what the out of service date is on some sources. What I was meaning is the ASW type 23 will be going to serve the longest so are the 8 tail equipped 23 going to still be in service as a few type 26 are in service. So In reality there are going to be more than 8 tail equipped ships in service at one time? I couldn’t find if the tails from the type 23 are getting moved to the type 26 or if new systems… Read more »

Paul T
Paul T
1 year ago
Reply to  Gunbuster

Correct as usual GB,Montrose has been worked very hard,but could the same not be said for Argyll,even a makeover for export might make sense https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navy-frigate-hms-argyll-first-to-have-post-lifex-upkeep-period/

Gunbuster
Gunbuster
1 year ago
Reply to  Paul T

Montrose may get extended she may not…From what I have heard anything is possible but it would be a big job to Lifex her.

Richard Beedall
Richard Beedall
1 year ago
Reply to  Gunbuster

Agreed, you can’t work a 28 year-old warship as hard as she’s been unless it’s either her swansong before decommissioning, or she’s scheduled to get a major refit. The MOD decided in 2020/21 the later was too expensive, and they would get better value by instead spending the money on other ships in better condition. In particular Argyll will no longer decommission next year, but is likely to serve another 4 or 5 years. Interesting to see Lancaster deploying with a full set of eight Harpoon’s – a vary rare sight these days. Presumably they will be removed before OSD… Read more »

Last edited 1 year ago by Richard Beedall
Paul.P
Paul.P
1 year ago
Reply to  Monkey spanker

Sad to see any reduction in frigate numbers but made possible by the River 2s like HMS Medway ….currently cruising off Oranjestad in the Caribbean 🙂

Gunbuster
Gunbuster
1 year ago
Reply to  Monkey spanker

MS, It gets down to 9 degrees in the winter! Positively chilly. I even wear a fleece in the morning going to work…not in the afternoon because it climbs up to the low to mid 20s
The temp swing during the day is extreme!

Ron
Ron
1 year ago
Reply to  Gunbuster

Thank god there is another one, I thought I was the only ‘fool’ that needed a wooly pully in the evening or morning in the middle of the Saudi desert.

Gunbuster
Gunbuster
1 year ago
Reply to  Ron

when I worked my last RN job it was in KSA. Winter is relatively cold . People forget that the temp swing is 15-20 degrees in the winter and you are not used to it.
Drive to work sandles , shorts , T-shirt , Fleece…A lot of the locals had wooly hats , puffer jackets, scarves, gloves, ear warmers!
The lads I work with now still wrap up in winter …which lasts for all of 3 weeks!

ChariotRider
ChariotRider
1 year ago
Reply to  Gunbuster

3 weeks! Poor souls how do you cope!

Hope all is well with you GB.

It’s been hotter in parts of SE England than the Sahara recently. A nice comfortable low 20’s today – thank goodness.

Cheers CR
PS Funny how we Brits always get around to the weather eventually.

Gunbuster
Gunbuster
1 year ago
Reply to  ChariotRider

Yesterday at our waterfront it was 46 Degs, 48% humidity apparently it felt like 52 Degs.
I spent most of it in a red hot engine room ( 57 degs!) trying to set to work a Main Propulsion Diesel Engine that refused to cooperate and start. More Diagnostics today.

ChariotRider
ChariotRider
1 year ago
Reply to  Gunbuster

Sounds horrendous.

Stay safe in those temperatures, mate.

Cheers CR

Gunbuster
Gunbuster
1 year ago
Reply to  ChariotRider

And the engine started! Broken control wire in a cable loom.
18hrs wasted and a load of weight gone

ChariotRider
ChariotRider
1 year ago
Reply to  Gunbuster

Congratulations on finding the issue!!!

Cables, pain in the ….!

I used to do experimental work in typical British Heath Robinson style and broken cables or connectors were a common cause of lots of standing around by the trials team while you know who struggled to find the problem… Thankfully, never in 50+ degrees of heat!

I do not envy you one bit, mate, and I hope you get to time recover properly.

Take care

CR

Monkey spanker
Monkey spanker
1 year ago
Reply to  Gunbuster

9 degrees. Crikey that’s tops off weather in Scotland 😂😂😂

Tom Keane
Tom Keane
1 year ago

I’ve always thought the Type 23 Frigate is a formidable but very majestic looking warship.

David Steeper
David Steeper
1 year ago
Reply to  Tom Keane

Plus an excellent one. I know there are a lot who’d argue for the Leanders but for me they’re the most successful post war escort class. So far !

Monkey spanker
Monkey spanker
1 year ago
Reply to  David Steeper

Yes type 23 or type 22 batch 3. Let’s hope the type 26 and type 31 live up to the high standards.

David Steeper
David Steeper
1 year ago
Reply to  Monkey spanker

Agreed. We’ll know in 30 years time though ! Hopefully i’ll still be around. 😀

tdoc
tdoc
1 year ago

Fare well HMS Lancaster, well said Commander 👏

Last edited 1 year ago by tdoc
Airborne
Airborne
1 year ago

Well done, good job all tound, yet again the RN carrying on with its ongoing deployments. An example to the Army how to run an organisation.

Monkey spanker
Monkey spanker
1 year ago
Reply to  Airborne

Better get those snorkels fitted to the vehicles if they are to follow the navy on the high seas. 😂 The navy have a permanent role to do, keeping the seas safe so that seems to keep them busy. The airforce have to scare of Russian bombers, defend nato airspace and transport stuff around. The army seem to lunge between conflicts and then nothing. Hopefully Ukraine will help focus the minds on what the army needs. I know it has loads more roles all around the world it does but I think most people don’t realise or care that’s is… Read more »

Graham Moore
Graham Moore
1 year ago
Reply to  Monkey spanker

Of course we all know that the army does not ‘do nothing’ between conflicts, but maybe the public does? The public probably are unsighted about eFP and training the Ukrainians and all the other stuff on the army deployed operations webpage – https://www.army.mod.uk/deployments/

…and may think the army just helped the NHS to deal with Covid and help out during floods etc.

I fully agree that the army has just got to be absorbing all the lessons from the Ukraine conflict as relate to equipment, doctrine, structures and TTP.

Graham Moore
Graham Moore
1 year ago

How often will the RN rotate crews? Us Pongos did 6 months on an op tour.