Merlin helicopters are tasked with anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare as well as troop carrying, casualty evacuation, medium lift and search and rescue duties.

The Government say it will now begin the process of clearing the backlog of licence applications for Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners that has built up since the 20th of June last year.

The comments were made in a discussion regarding the currently suspended competition to build the future Fleet Solid Support Ships, seemingly endorsing keeping the building of these ships in the UK.

Last week, a Sunday Times article reported the 'worst case scenario' list of defence cuts for the upcoming defence review.

The newest section of the first Dreadnought submarine to be built at BAE Systems’ yard in Barrow has been moved, as work on the first of class continues.

A CH-53K King Stallion completed a two-week period of sea trials in the Atlantic last month.

HMS Lancaster entered a period of "extended readiness" in Portsmouth in 2017.

The First Sea Lord advises that 82% of the Surface flotilla is now available, reflecting an arrest of declining numbers, it is also understood that availability is projected to keep increasing over the next 6-12 months. 

In November 2019, the £1.5bn competition to build up to three Fleet Solid Support Ships was suspended, an update is due before the end of this year.

HMS Pembroke recently became the Royal Navy’s most modern Mine Countermeasures Vessel after being equipped with a new mine countermeasures command system.