Royal Navy minehunting vessel HMS Ledbury has been in action on the Firth of Clyde this week, conducting explosive disposal training and navigation exercises.
The veteran ship — the oldest of the eight Hunt Class Mine Countermeasures Vessels (MCMVs) — was seen practising maritime explosive disposal techniques, as confirmed by a Royal Navy social media post stating: “(Little) Boom. Early this morning, our Clearance Divers were busy practising maritime explosive disposal techniques.”
(Little) Boom💥
Early this morning, our Clearance Divers were busy practising maritime explosive disposal techniques. 🧨 🤿 #SmallShipsBigImpact pic.twitter.com/Qgo2eaP3oT
— HMS Ledbury (@HMSLedbury) April 20, 2025
HMS Ledbury, launched in December 1979 and commissioned in June 1981, remains a vital part of the Royal Navy’s capability to ensure freedom of navigation and protect international trade routes. Built with a pioneering glass-reinforced plastic hull, Ledbury was, at the time, the most expensive ship per metre ever constructed for the Royal Navy, reflecting the significant investment into mine warfare technologies.
Equipped with advanced sonar, the Seafox Mine Disposal System, and highly trained Clearance Divers, Ledbury can detect and neutralise underwater threats, ranging from modern sea mines to historic unexploded ordnance.
Her crew of 47 specialists work together to keep sea lanes safe, with the ship capable of travelling up to 1,500 nautical miles at a top speed of 17 knots.
The Clyde training comes as part of routine preparations to ensure Royal Navy mine warfare teams remain ready to respond to threats around the world, with the Hunt Class continuing to provide a world-class mine countermeasures capability for the UK.
