The Ministry of Defence has indicated that plans for a second undersea cable protection ship are still under consideration, with final guidance to emerge from the upcoming Strategic Defence Review.
Responding to a question from Lord West of Spithead in the House of Lords on 4 November, Lord Coaker, Minister of State for Defence, highlighted the importance of this review in shaping the Royal Navy’s undersea cable protection strategy.
Lord West asked: “To ask His Majesty’s Government when the second undersea cable protection ship will join the Royal Navy.”
In his response, Lord Coaker stated that RFA Proteus, the first Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance (MROS) ship, is currently operational and actively protecting critical national infrastructure.
However, he noted that the Defence Review will assess how best to “deliver and augment RFA Proteus, taking advantage of the opportunity presented by new technologies.”
Lord Coaker’s comments reflect an intentional to balance current resources with emerging strategic demands, especially concerning the potential vulnerabilities of undersea cables.
These cables support crucial telecommunications and power networks, making them vital to the nation’s security and economy. Protecting this infrastructure has become an increasing priority, with heightened awareness of potential threats from both state and non-state actors.
Lord Coaker suggested that by harnessing advanced capabilities, the MOD seeks to “enhance RFA Proteus’s role in safeguarding our critical infrastructure” while maintaining flexibility to respond to emerging threats.
The future of British seapower lies in ships like RFA Proteus
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to go aboard RFA Proteus, which was docked alongside HMS Belfast in London. The ship’s modern design and advanced technology left a strong impression, especially when compared to the historic Belfast. During my tour with colleagues from other defence publications, we first visited the flight deck, which still reflects its commercial origins. While it’s primarily there for emergency evacuation, its high position atop the ship is notable.
The bridge was particularly striking, divided into two sections: one for standard navigation and the other for controlling remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) during surveillance missions. This setup, with large screens and sophisticated controls, indeed brought to mind the layout of a starship. The ROV bay was another highlight, showcasing the ship’s capabilities in underwater operations, with ample space for equipment and workshops dedicated to maintaining these critical systems.
RFA Proteus, originally built in Norway as an offshore support vessel, now serves as a specialised asset in protecting the UK’s undersea infrastructure. With her rapid procurement and advanced technology, she symbolises a forward-looking approach to maritime security amidst the growing need for resilience in this area, you can read more here.
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MoD = Idiots.
Bring back the Admiralty Board.
The money spent on the MoD would pay for a fleet of, well ….everything including new minesweeper/hunters – remote or manned; while the light blue and grunts could get their kit etc with less of the bureaucratic mess the MoD generates.
You know the Admiralty Board still exists? 😉
The work this ship does is always described in terms of surveillance. But what do they do if they find anything dodgy? Are they equipped to do anything about it (or about whoever is doing it) ? This whole area of undersea warfare remains for me a bit – well – murky
When did you get a tour of a starship?
The 2nd MROSS I believe is planned to be more of a HMS Scott type vessel, so deep water survey and data gathering than just cables.
It is planned to be a new build. Is this actually necessary for Scott’s niche role or could another 2nd hand type like Proteus suffice if it saves some money?