Future Commando Force

Last updated

The Future Commando Force (FCF) is an in-progress (as of February 2022) modernisation programme and transformation of the role and operations of the Royal Marines. [1] [2] [3] The FCF essentially retasks 40 Commando and 45 Commando with forming two Littoral Response Groups (LRGs) which will be permanently deployed, [4] though other units from UK Commando Force are also included in the composition of LRGs, as well as changing the role and operations of the Royal Marines and the equipment and tactics they use. [5] [6]

Contents

The FCF concept was created before 2019, when the first exercises and experiments with the FCF began. It was reinforced in the Defence in a Competitive Age command paper, which followed the Integrated Review. [7] [8] [9] The paper describes the Royal Marines as a forward-deployed maritime special operations capable force. [10] The force will relieve United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF), operating in smaller teams within grey zones. [11]

The emphasis on the littoral role of the Royal Marines strongly links the FCF to the Littoral Strike concept, which is being developed and implemented by the LRGs. [12] [13] The FCF is also strongly linked to the "Autonomous Advanced Force" concept by its emphasis on leveraging new technologies to augment commandos on operations. [14] [15] [16] A series of exercises from 2019–present (as of November 2021) have been key to developing the FCF, chiefly with experimentation.

As of late 2024, the future of the Future Commando Force concept was at best uncertain since, in November 2024, the newly elected Labour government indicated that both of the Royal Navy's Albion-class landing platform dock vessels would be removed from service by March 2025. [17] Simultaneously, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary was suffering severe crewing problems, as well as a labour force disruption, meaning that the manning of its Bay-class landing ship dock vessels was facing serious challenges. [18] [19] This made the future of the Future Commando Force concept dependent on the outcome of the British Government's defence policy review, which was due to complete in the first half of 2025, and on decisions regarding the future of the envisaged Multi-role Support Ships and the Royal Marines themselves.

The new Royal Marines uniform introduced as part of the FCF. Royal Marines Commando Uniform 2020 MOD 45166711.jpg
The new Royal Marines uniform introduced as part of the FCF.

Concept

The Royal Navy will invest £40m more over the next four years to develop our Future Commando Force ... to deliver a more agile and lethal littoral strike capability. Forward deployed to respond rapidly to crises, this special operations-capable force will operate alongside our allies and partners in areas of UK interest, ready to strike from the sea, pre-empt and deter sub-threshold activity, and counter state threats.

Defence in a Competitive Age [9]

Given that the FCF programme is ongoing, its form has not been finalised, and is subject to change. Currently, it models the Royal Marines as a new special operations capable maritime force. [20] [9] This force is to be expeditionary, [21] provide a rapid response ability, [22] [23] and able work in littoral zones [24] [25] and grey zones. [26] [11] Moreover, the FCF was created, in part, to counter coastal A2AD systems. [26] [27] [28]

The FCF programme has seen an increased focus on using technology to augment Royal Marine commandos, including tactical tablet kits, [29] drones such as small Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and cargo drones, [30] [31] throwbots, [32] and AI-enabled autonomous systems. Autonomous systems using AI technologies such as computer vision will also connect in mesh networks and MANETs to supply ISTAR to the Royal Marines in a single integrated platform. [33] [34] [35] These new technologies are used to increase the effectivenes and lethality of Royal Marines, [36] while modern C4ISR/C5I equipment is used to enable more agile and decentralised operations and integrated with autonomous systems to inform and assist decision-making and commando operations, in keeping with the Royal Navy's wider Advanced Autonomous Force concept. [14]

The renewal of equipment extends into new clothing and personal weapons for Royal Marines. Furthermore, new vehicles such as quadbikes [37] [38] and ships [39] [40] were trialled in exercises to develop the FCF as well as novel tactics, including an increased use of deception, working in teams of reduced sizes and of different compositions, and operating with greater agility and autonomy. [22] [41]

The FCF is being developed in exercises; see the history section below for a detailed timeline. There have been numerous reports that there is not currently sufficient funding for the programme to be successful. [42] [43] [44] In addition to this, it has been estimated the FCF would have ~4,000 Royal Marines personnel from the existing force of ~7,000. [45] [46]

Structure

The FCF is to form around the LRGs, specialised Royal Navy task groups that provide rapid strike capabilities in littoral zones and to counter grey zone and sub-threshold activity. [12] [13] They were to have been LRG(North), based in Europe and responsible for the Atlantic, Baltic, Arctic Ocean, and Mediterranean (i.e. north of the Suez Canal), and LRG(South), based in Oman and responsible for the Indo-Pacific and Persian Gulf (i.e. south of the Suez). [47] [48] [49] The LRGs were the implementation of the Navy's Littoral Strike concept.

LRG(North) with USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7). UK Littoral Response Group (North), and USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group.jpg
LRG(North) with USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7).

45 Commando and 40 Commando were each to contribute a company to form LRG(North) and LRG(South), [47] respectively, in the form of new Strike Companies in the FCF - hence the name of the Vanguard Strike Company which tested FCF concepts in exercises. [50] Furthermore, the structure of the FCF was outlined in evidence given to the House of Commons Defence Committee report We're going to need a bigger Navy as part of its inquiry The Navy: purpose and procurement:

Future Commando Force is reshaping each Commando into 4 STRIKE Companies, each of which, completed with supports from across 3rd Commando Brigade, makes up a Littoral Strike Unit (LSU), operating dispersed and embarked indicatively on a single ship. Multiple LSUs are meant to form a LRG. A minimum of 2 ships per group is needed; an Albion[-class] plus a [Bay[-class] is a reasonable composition and each Commando (45 Cdo for the North, 40 Cdo for the South) will be able to rotate the 2 forward-deployed companies to sustain the enduring commitment.

— Gabriele Molinelli [51]

Bay-class landing ships, however, are being upgraded and used only temporarily in place of the new Multi-Role Support Ships (MRSS) which are planned to enter service in the 2030s. [52] [53] [54]

The composition of a Littoral Response Group. LRG Composition.svg
The composition of a Littoral Response Group.

Summary

Each of the two LRGs were to consist of: [55] [56]

However, in November 2024, it was announced that both Albion-class vessels were to be removed from service by March 2025.

History

Background

In April 2017, the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones, announced that 42 Commando, one of the Commando units of 3 Commando Brigade, would become specialised in maritime operations. [57] [58] [59] The Littoral Strike and FCF concepts were established sometime before 2019, being mentioned in various publications from the British government and armed forces in late 2018. [60] [61] The internal documents Designing for the Future – A Transformational Concept, authored by the Commandant General Royal Marines on March 2, 2018, and Generating and Operating 2 x Littoral Strike Groups, authored more generally within 3 Commando Brigade on December 10, 2018, further detailed the Littoral Strike and FCF concepts, and followed wider discussions on how 40 and 45 Cdo should be restructured that had been ongoing since at least 2017. [62] Further development of both concepts was, in part, likely to help implement Boris Johnson's post-Brexit policy of "Global Britain", given the FCF's nature of forward deployment and special operations capability, the latter of which is pivotal to modern warfare. [63] [64] [65]

2019

On February 11, 2019, then-Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson described upcoming changes to the British Armed Forces, including the FCF, Littoral Strike concept, and LRGs. [66] He also used the speech to announce plans to buy two "Littoral Strike Ships" in support of the LRGs. [67] [68]

In April 2019, A Company, 40 Commando, and 1 Assault Group Royal Marines carried out Exercise Commando Warrior, which trialled the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) in support of a beach assault, and tactical operations as a whole. [69] [70] [71] It involved using integrated data from both systems being monitored remotely to test the "Autonomous Advanced Force" concept. [72] [73] [74]

A Royal Marine using a UAS during Exercise Serpent Rock. Royal Marines on Exercise Serpent Rock 2020 MOD 45167401.jpg
A Royal Marine using a UAS during Exercise Serpent Rock.

In May 2019, members of 40 Commando began to carry out Exercise Commando Warrior Two, in which marines tested further technologies including AI-enabled systems, situational awareness pads, Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) tablets, and new radios. [75] [76] [29] 40 Commando again further developed the FCF during Exercise Talisman Sabre, taking place from June 2019 in Australia, in which they acted as an advanced reconnaissance and raiding force ahead of amphibious landings. [77] [78] [79]

In November 2019, it was reported that the Royal Marines would adopt the C8 SFW, already in service with UKSF, as their standard rifle. [80] [81] During the Autumn of 2019, the Royal Marines further trialled the FCF concept, enabling a larger conventional force from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) during the regular training Exercise Green Dagger. [82] [83] [84]

A Royal Marine from 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines using the L119A1 variant of the C8 in 2014. 43-commando-hr.jpg
A Royal Marine from 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines using the L119A1 variant of the C8 in 2014.

2020

In January 2020, marines of 47 Commando (Raiding Group) Royal Marines and 45 Commando performed exercises including a landing with their Norwegian counterparts and their Skjold-class corvettes, which were found to suit the FCF model, ahead of Exercise Cold Response 20, as well as testing other novel equipment for the FCF in "Project EVE". [85] [86] [87] The exercise was, however, cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [88] In February 2020, marines of A Company, 40 Commando, experimented with Polaris DAGOR vehicles. [89] The DAGOR and Polaris MRZR vehicles were both used in FCF trials.

In March 2020, parts of 47 Commando (Raiding Group) Royal Marines experimented with the use of jet suits for use in ship boarding operations [90] and carried out Exercise Autonomous Advance Force, which used autonomous equipment to test the "Autonomous Advanced Force" concept. [91] [92] The COVID-19 pandemic notably took place during the development of the FCF concept, with the World Health Organization declaring a pandemic on March 11, 2020, and the first UK national lockdown being declared on March 23, 2020. [93] The Royal Marines and British Armed Forces as a whole had to adjust operations in light of the pandemic, which therefore affected the development of the FCF. [94]

On June 5, 2020, The Royal Navy announced it would test a new helmet camera from its MarWorks specialists and Visual Engineering. [95] In late June 2020, it was announced the Royal Marines would be transitioning from their existing Multi-Terrain Pattern uniform to a new MultiCam uniform made by Crye Precision. [96] The new uniform features the White Ensign on its sleeve to signify the connection of the Royal Marines to the Royal Navy for the first time as well as British commando insignia inspired by the original designs made in World War II. [97]

In July 2020, 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines trialled the use of throwbots and handheld drones. [98] [99] [100] On July 6, 2020, it was reported that development on the MarWorks helmet camera was continuing and that 40 Commando were to begin testing prototypes. [101] On July 20, 2020, it was announced that a new Vanguard Strike Company would form to further develop the FCF concept during trials before trials in the remainder of 2020 and would deploy for the first time in 2021. [102]

In September 2020, it was reported that marines from 40 Commando had been experimenting with potential tactics to be used in the FCF, including working in smaller teams of 4, three of which make a troop of 12. [22] [41] Forbes reported the Royal Marines were acquiring an AI-enabled autonomous air system as part of the FCF, aligning with the "Autonomous Advanced Force" concept. [103] In mid-September, the Royal Navy began the Littoral Response Group (Experimentation) (LRG(X)) deployment, which aimed to test the Littoral Strike concept and experiment with tactics for future LRGs. [104] The LRG(X) task group reached Gibraltar by September 21, 2020, where they practised techniques including abseiling and fast roping before the task group moved on. [105] [106] [107]

The LRG(X) task group reached Cyprus by the end of October, where they began experimenting with the use of drones, as part of Autonomous Advance Force 3. [108] The marines of LRG(X) went on to experiment with drones, video links, quadbikes, jet skis, ATAK tablets, and other novel equipment during the exercises in Cyprus, including Exercise Olympus Warrior. [109] Soon after, 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines continued experimentation with throwbots, RPAS, and ATAKs during Exercise Serpent Rock in Gibraltar. [36] [110] Marines from 45 Commando also used drones and ATAKs during training in Wales. [111] [112] [113]

Royal Marines of 40 Commando working with a Malloy T150 cargo drone during Exercise Olympus Warrior. Bravo Company, 40 Commando RM test Heavy Lift Drone MOD 45167322.jpg
Royal Marines of 40 Commando working with a Malloy T150 cargo drone during Exercise Olympus Warrior.

In early December 2020, marines from 45 Commando further tested quadbikes, using them to move mortars rapidly. [114] [115] On December 4, 2020, HMS Albion and the remainder of the LRG(X) task group arrived back in the UK, finishing the deployment. [116] Later in December, marines from C Company, 40 Commando performed deep penetration missions in the Mojave Desert with a team from United States Army Special Forces working against an opposing force from the USMC and worked in 12-man teams to further experiment with the FCF concept. [117] [118]

2021

In early March, it was reported that marines from A company, 40 Commando, were experimenting with Virtual Reality (VR) technology to augment existing training methods. [119] [120] [121] Soon after, marines from 45 Commando experimented further with Small unit tactics in Norway. [122] [123] On March 18, 2021, Forces News reported that the Vanguard Strike Company, from marines of 40 Commando, had been performing exercises including night-time shooting and experimenting with working in 12-man teams. [50] The Integrated Review was published on March 16, 2021, followed by the corresponding defence command paper Defence in a Competitive Age on March 22, 2021. [8] [124] [125] The latter further described the FCF and Littoral strike concepts and LRGs in greater detail, announced £200 million would be invested into the FCF over the following decade, [126] and, being a command paper, reinforces that they will continue to be developed to completion. [127] [128]

We will also draw on special operations capable forces from an Army Special Operations Brigade, the Future Commando Force and elsewhere in Defence to conduct special operations to train, advise and accompany partners in high threat environments.

Defence in a competitive age [9]

Between May and June, the FCF and LRG concepts were further developed during the Littoral Response Group (North) deployment to Scotland, Norway, and the Baltic. [129] The Army confirmed the contracts for the Challenger 3 were signed on May 7, 2021, and went on to state the new tank would be able to operate with the FCF in littoral and coastal regions. [130] [131] [132]

Later in May, members of 29th Commando Regiment Royal Artillery and 148 (Meiktila) Battery Royal Artillery carried out Exercise Fleet Battle Problem, in which it was examined how artillery fire and airstrikes could be coordinated within the FCF. [133] [134] [135] In late May, the Commando Logistic Regiment carried out Exercise Green Dragon to better understand how members of the FCF would remain supplied on operations. [136] [137] [138]

In July, marines of 40 Commando and 42 Commando performed mock raids using drone "swarms", used to resupply the marines, for the first time as part of Autonomous Advance Force 4.0. [139] [140] Later in July, marines from 40 Commando continued trials of the Polaris MRZR, with potential use to transport "light strike teams". [141] [142] [143] Further, marines from B Company, 40 Commando, took part in Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia, where they continued to practice working in 12-man teams and with drones as they acted as an advance force ahead of the main landings. [144] [145] [146]

Ending in late September, Exercise Dynamic Mariner 21/Joint Warrior 21-2, which saw HMS Prince of Wales being declared fully operational, involved FCF development. [147] [148] [149] In late October, marines from 40 Commando took part in Exercise Green Dagger alongside the USMC, in which they used FCF tactics and explored how small commando teams would be resupplied, as part of the recently created Littoral Response Group (South) of the LRGs. [150] It was reported that the USMC suffered a severe "defeat" to the Royal Marines, [151] however, this is disputed and remains unclear. [152] [153] During the exercise, marines were pictured using the novel NightFighter X counter-UAV system. [154]

We are more sophisticated, more lethal, special operations capable, and will soon be more deployed than ever before. ... We're new, we're different, and we're the future. [155]

In December, a publication from the House of Commons Defence Committee, following its inquiry into the Royal Navy as a whole, expressed concern at insufficient funding for the FCF: "we are concerned that the Future Commando Force and the Littoral Response Groups are not properly resourced to continue amphibious operations". [42] An October publication from King's College London's Centre for Defence Studies detailed how the FCF, if replacing the existing formation of the Royal Marines altogether, would represent a cut in personnel of ~43%: "...if this entails a reduction in size, it also entails a reduction of the one UK force designed explicitly to be expeditionary...". [45]

2022

In February 2022, a troop of new Royal Marines recruits passed training having been exposed to and trained in novel FCF tactics and concepts. [156] [157] Later in February, a report published from the National Audit Office found that "the New Medium Helicopter and Future Commando Force programmes ... are currently underfunded". [43] [44] This added to other reports of underfunding of the FCF programme, as well as other initiatives from the Integrated Review. The government later responded to the National Audit Office, restating the commitment to the FCF and creating LRGs, mentioning investments made into the initiatives and planned upgrades to ships. [158]

It was reported that FCF tactics during Exercise Cold Response 2022, [159] which took place from March to April. [160] [161] [162] In June 2022, Brigadier Mark Totten OBE, the director of the FCF programme, described how the FCF would be made up of ~4,000 marines, focus on both the Arctic and Suez Canal areas, and would work alongside the Navy's UK Carrier Strike Group. [163]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fleet Air Arm</span> Aviation arm of the Royal Navy

The Fleet Air Arm (FAA) is the naval aviation component of the United Kingdom's Royal Navy (RN). The FAA is one of five RN fighting arms. As of 2023 it is a primarily helicopter force, though also operating the F-35 Lightning II carrier-based stealth fighter jointly with the Royal Air Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Marines</span> Maritime land warfare force of the United Kingdom

The Royal Marines, also known as the Royal Marines Commandos, and officially as the Corps of Royal Marines, are the United Kingdom's amphibious special operations capable commando force, one of the five fighting arms of the Royal Navy, and provide a company strength unit to the Special Forces Support Group (SFSG). The Royal Marines trace their origins back to the formation of the "Duke of York and Albany's maritime regiment of Foot" on 28 October 1664, and the first Royal Marines Commando unit was formed at Deal in Kent on 14 February 1942 and designated "The Royal Marine Commando".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Fleet Auxiliary</span> Naval auxiliary fleet which supports the Royal Navy

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) is a naval auxiliary fleet owned by the UK's Ministry of Defence. It is a component of His Majesty's Naval Service and provides logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. The RFA ensures the Royal Navy is supplied and supported by providing fuel and stores through replenishment at sea, transporting Royal Marines and British Army personnel, providing medical care and transporting equipment and essentials around the world. In addition the RFA acts independently providing humanitarian aid, counter piracy and counter narcotic patrols together with assisting the Royal Navy in preventing conflict and securing international trade. They are a uniformed civilian branch of the Royal Navy staffed by British merchant sailors. The RFA is one of five RN fighting arms.

RFA <i>Argus</i> (A135) Aviation Support and Littoral Strike Ship of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

RFA Argus is a ship of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary operated by the Ministry of Defence under the Blue Ensign. Italian-built, Argus was formerly the container ship MVContender Bezant. The ship was requisitioned in 1982 for service in the Falklands War and purchased outright in 1984 for a four-year conversion to an Aviation Training Ship, replacing RFA Engadine. In 1991, during the Gulf War, she was fitted with an extensive and fully functional hospital to assume the additional role of Primary Casualty Receiving Ship. In 2009, the PCRS role became the ship's primary function. Argus is due to remain in service beyond 2030. In July 2022 it was reported that the future Littoral Strike Role would be assumed by Argus after a refit to convert her to this role. As of October 2023, Argus had started her deployment to serve as part of Littoral Response Group (South).

RFA <i>Lyme Bay</i> 2007 Bay-class dock landing ship of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

RFA Lyme Bay is a Bay-class auxiliary dock landing ship of the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA). Ordered from Swan Hunter in 2000, the ship was launched in 2005. However, cost overruns and delays saw the shipbuilder removed from the project, and the incomplete ship was towed to Govan for finishing by BAE Systems Naval Ships. Lyme Bay entered service in late 2007; the last ship of the class to join the RFA.

RFA <i>Cardigan Bay</i> 2006 Bay-class dock landing ship of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

RFA Cardigan Bay is a Bay-class landing ship dock of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA). Built by BAE Systems, the ship was dedicated into the RFA at the end of 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Future of the Royal Navy</span>

Future planning of the Royal Navy's capabilities is set through periodic Defence Reviews carried out by the British Government.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Standing Royal Navy deployments</span>

Standing Royal Navy deployments is a list of operations and commitments undertaken by the United Kingdom's Royal Navy on a worldwide basis. The following list details these commitments and deployments sorted by region and in alphabetical order. Routine deployments made by the Navy's nuclear-powered submarines and their location of operations is classified.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">His Majesty's Naval Service</span> Maritime service of the British Armed Forces

His Majesty's Naval Service is the United Kingdom's naval warfare and maritime service. It consists of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Marines Reserve and Naval Careers Service. The Naval Service as a whole falls under the command of the Navy Board, which is headed by the First Sea Lord. This position is currently held by Admiral Sir Ben Key. The Defence Council delegates administration of the Naval Service to the Admiralty Board, chaired by the Secretary of State for Defence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Commander United Kingdom Strike Force</span> Senior post in the Royal Navy

The Commander United Kingdom Strike Force is a senior post in the Royal Navy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Marines Reserve</span> Volunteer reserve force of the Royal Marines

The Royal Marines Reserve (RMR) is the volunteer reserve force used to augment the regular Royal Marines. The RMR consists of some 600 trained ranks distributed among the four units within the UK. About 10 percent of the force are working with the Regular Corps on long-term attachments in all of the Royal Marines regular units. All the volunteers within the RMR must pass through the same rigorous commando course as the regulars. The former may be civilians with no previous military experience or may be former regular Royal Marines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">845 Naval Air Squadron</span> Flying squadron of the Royal Navys Fleet Air Arm

845 Naval Air Squadron is a squadron of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm. Part of the Commando Helicopter Force, it is a specialist amphibious unit operating the AgustaWestland Commando Merlin HC4 helicopter and provides troop transport and load lifting support to the United Kingdom Commando Force and wider elements of the Royal Marines. In 2012, the squadron celebrated 50 years since it was awarded "commando" status.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Navy Command (Royal Navy)</span> Headquarters of the Royal Navy

The Navy Command is the current headquarters body of the Royal Navy, and as of 2012 its major organisational grouping. It is a hybrid, neither a command, nor simply an installation. Royal Navy official writings describe Navy Command Headquarters both as a physical site, on Whale Island, Hampshire, a collective formed of the most senior RN officers, and as a budgetary grouping.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joint Expeditionary Force (Maritime)</span> Royal Navys contribution to the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force

The Joint Expeditionary Force (Maritime) (or JEF(M)) (formerly the Response Force Task Group (RFTG), and prior to that the Joint Rapid Reaction Force (JRRF)), is the Royal Navy's contribution to the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) maintained at very high-readiness and available at short notice to respond to unexpected global events. In addition to the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines, the JEF(M) also includes elements of the British Army and the Royal Air Force. While it is primarily poised to conduct war-fighting or strike operations, the JEF(M) is capable of undertaking a diverse range of activities such as evacuation operations, disaster relief or humanitarian aid.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Exercise Joint Warrior</span> NATO multi-national military exercise

Exercise Joint Warrior is a major biannual multi-national military exercise which takes place in the United Kingdom, predominately in north west Scotland. It is the successor of the Neptune Warrior exercises and Joint Maritime Course.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Commander United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group</span> Royal Navy unit

The Commander United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group, (COMUKCSG) is a senior British Royal Navy appointment which commands the UK Carrier Strike Group. COMUKCSG, a Commodore, commands a total of 65 personnel, and is headquartered at HMNB Portsmouth.

A Littoral Response Group (LRG) is a Royal Navy task group usually consisting of one or two amphibious warfare ships, a company of Royal Marines and supporting elements primarily tasked with littoral warfare from the littoral areas. They were first deployed in 2020 and have been described by the Royal Navy as being more flexible and agile compared to previous amphibious task groups with an emphasis on forward-basing, precision strike capabilities, high mobility, modern command and control technology, networked autonomous systems and deception capabilities. Multiple LRGs were to be able to combine to form a more substantial Littoral Strike Group (LSG) and also join a UK Carrier Strike Group to form an Expeditionary Strike Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Structure of the Royal Marines</span>

The page contains the current Structure of the Corps of Royal Marines.

References

  1. ↑ "Watch: What is the Future Commando Force?". Forces Network. 23 March 2021. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ↑ Abel, Stuart (22 March 2021). "Plymouth Royal Marines to be forged into new commando force". PlymouthLive. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  3. ↑ Cordon, Gavin (22 March 2021). "Royal Marines to form new commando force in armed forces shake-up". www.standard.co.uk. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  4. ↑ "Train Right, Fight Relevant: Does Commando Training prepare Marines for a future operating environment?". Puzzle Palace. 15 May 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
  5. ↑ "Royal Marines Commando unit created to shape the Future Commando Force". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 20 July 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
  6. ↑ Nicholls, Dominic (26 June 2020). "UK's Future Commando Force: a radical and 'lethal' new unit to fight threats across the globe" . The Telegraph . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  7. ↑ Sengupta, Kim (22 March 2021). "Britain's new defence review explained". The Independent. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  8. 1 2 Tobin, James (6 September 2021). "Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy: Future of the Royal Marines". House of Lords Library. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Ministry of Defence (22 March 2021). Defence in a competitive age : presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Defence by command of Her Majesty (PDF). London: Ministry of Defence. pp. 46, 48, 68. ISBN   978-1-5286-2462-6 . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  10. ↑ Ministry of Defence 2021, pp. 46, 48.
  11. 1 2 Brown, Larisa (26 February 2021). "Royal Marine commandos on mission to disrupt and confuse" . The Times . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  12. 1 2 "HMS Albion leads the way as commandos head for the Baltic". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 7 May 2021. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  13. 1 2 Lye, Harry (15 September 2020). "Royal Navy Littoral Response Group experimentation gets underway". Naval Technology. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  14. 1 2 Ebbutt, Giles (3 December 2019). "AAF 2.0: UK advances autonomous platforms in amphibious operations". Janes.com. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
  15. ↑ Allison, George (22 March 2020). "700X Naval Air Squadron reach milestone in drone training" . Retrieved 24 February 2022.
  16. ↑ "Exploring innovative future concepts for the Royal Marines | Navy Lookout". www.navylookout.com. 26 August 2019. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
  17. ↑ Vock, Ido (20 November 2024). "UK to decommission ships, drones and helicopters to save £500m". BBC.
  18. ↑ Sharpe, Tom (26 September 2024). "Hey, Starmer and Reeves. This group of public sector workers really deserves a pay rise". The Telegraph. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  19. ↑ "RFA Fort Victoria to be placed in long-term lay up". Navy Lookout. 2024-10-08. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  20. ↑ Campbell, Rebecca (1 February 2021). "Thoughts on the Future Commando Force" . Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  21. ↑ Nicholls, Dominic (2 November 2021). "Royal Marines force US troops to surrender just days into training exercise". The Telegraph. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  22. 1 2 3 "Royal Marines warm up for Future Commando Force experimentation in Dorset". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 14 September 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  23. ↑ Rosamond, Jon (11 September 2019). "DSEI: Royal Marines Embrace Littoral Strike and Prepare to Forward Deploy". USNI News. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  24. ↑ Lye, Harry (21 November 2019). "RUSI report investigates future UK amphibious forces role". Naval Technology. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  25. ↑ "Royal Navy amphibious warfare capability in flux | Navy Lookout". www.navylookout.com. 15 July 2020. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  26. 1 2 "FCF AND THE GREY ZONE: CREATING AMBIGUITY". Puzzle Palace. 24 January 2020. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  27. ↑ "Royal Navy amphibious warfare capability in flux | Navy Lookout". www.navylookout.com. 15 July 2020. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  28. ↑ "Commando 2035 - Sci-Fi or Reality?". Puzzle Palace. 18 December 2019. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
  29. 1 2 Kumar, Hemanth; Talal, Talal (31 May 2019). "Royal Marines test new technology for UK future commando force". www.naval-technology.com. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  30. ↑ "Royal Navy looks to future following successful technology trials in 2020". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 5 January 2021. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  31. ↑ Williams, Briohny (2 December 2020). "Royal Marines: How Drones Could Transform The Future Commando Force". Forces Network. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  32. ↑ Nicholls, Dominic (16 November 2020). "Royal Marines test 'throwbots' in the tunnels of Gibraltar to develop Future Commando Force". The Telegraph. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  33. ↑ Crouch, Andy. "UK Start-up leading delivery of 5G connectivity at sea" (PDF). p. 44. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  34. ↑ "Royal Navy partners with Anduril for Royal Marines' modernisation". Naval Technology. 11 June 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  35. ↑ Channon, Max (10 June 2019). "Marines get game-changing tech to save lives and win battles". PlymouthLive. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  36. 1 2 "Royal Marines Use New Kit During Exercises In Gibraltar". Forces Network. 13 November 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  37. ↑ "Royal Marines trial new CanAm 6x6 all-terrain vehicles for motor exercises". www.naval-technology.com. 4 December 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  38. ↑ "Royal Marines roll-out new vehicles on mortar exercises". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 3 December 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  39. ↑ Channon, Max (3 February 2020). "Royal Marines and Navy hail stealth ship after raid". PlymouthLive. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  40. ↑ "Commandos raid alongside Norwegian stealth ship in the Arctic". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 31 January 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  41. 1 2 Williams, Briohny (2 September 2020). "Future Commando Force: Royal Marines Trial New Concepts". Forces Network. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  42. 1 2 House of Commons Defence Committee (7 December 2021). We're going to need a bigger Navy. p. 34. Retrieved 21 February 2022. Evidence continues to show that sacrificing the Royal Navy's amphibious capability would be, in the words of our predecessor Committee, "a short-sighted, militarily illiterate manoeuvre totally at odds with strategic reality." Against this background we are concerned that the Future Commando Force and the Littoral Response Groups are not properly resourced to continue amphibious operations. The Department must confirm that it remains committed to retaining the Royal Marines' amphibious capabilities.
  43. 1 2 National Audit Office (18 February 2022). The Equipment Plan 2021 to 2031. National Audit Office. p. 24. ISBN   9781786044143 . Retrieved 21 February 2022. Similarly, early business cases for the New Medium Helicopter and Future Commando Force programmes show that these programmes are currently underfunded.
  44. 1 2 Sables, Tom. "Defence remains 'over-optimistic' with equipment plans, financial report suggests". Forces Network. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  45. 1 2 Devanny, Joe; John, John (11 October 2021). "The Integrated Review In Context: Defence and Security in Focus" (PDF). Retrieved 26 February 2022. ...the Royal Marines' Future Commando Force, which is projected to have a strength of around 4,000, drawn from the Royal Marines' existing strength of just over 7,000...
  46. ↑ "F012020/08761" (PDF). Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  47. 1 2 "Understanding the Royal Navy's littoral response group concept | Navy Lookout". www.navylookout.com. 17 August 2021. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  48. ↑ "UK Littoral Response Group: the shape of things to come?". IISS. 25 June 2021. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  49. ↑ Allison, George (30 July 2021). "British Littoral Response Group ships to be based in Oman" . Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  50. 1 2 Williams, Briohny (18 March 2021). "Future Commando Force: Marines Undergo Essential Marksmanship Training". Forces Network. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  51. ↑ Molinelli, Gabriele. "NAV0002". UK Parliament Committees. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  52. ↑ "Converting the Bay-class auxiliaries into littoral strike ships". Navy Lookout. 27 July 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  53. ↑ Bentham, Jonathan; Childs, Nick. "UK Littoral Response Group: the shape of things to come?". IISS. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  54. ↑ Allison, George (23 March 2021). "The future Multi Role Support Ships". UK Defence Journal. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  55. ↑ "Understanding the Royal Navy's littoral response group concept | Navy Lookout". www.navylookout.com. 17 August 2021. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
  56. ↑ "Royal Marines Accelerating into the Future" (PDF). Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  57. ↑ Ministry of Defence (11 April 2017). "Royal Marines to be restructured in line with growing Royal Navy". GOV.UK. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  58. ↑ Jones, Sam (11 April 2017). "Royal Marines cut by 200 as armed forces face staffing crisis". Financial Times. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  59. ↑ "Royal Marines to lose 200 posts". The Guardian. 10 April 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  60. ↑ Williamson, Gavin; Ministry of Defence (18 December 2018). "Modernising Defence Programme update". GOV.UK. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  61. ↑ "October 2018 Navy News". Navy News: 4. 29 October 2018. ISSN   0028-1670. OCLC   70249744 . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  62. ↑ "'No Comms, No Bombs': Optimising the Signals Branch for the Future". Puzzle Palace. 25 July 2019. Archived from the original on 23 February 2022. Retrieved 23 February 2022.
  63. ↑ "First Sea Lord talks future operations: Surface Warships 2021". www.naval-technology.com. 22 February 2021. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  64. ↑ Cooper, Charlie (14 January 2021). "The man who knows what 'Global Britain' means". POLITICO. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  65. ↑ McTague, Tom (11 June 2021). "The 'Global Britain' Conundrum". The Atlantic. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  66. ↑ Williamson, Gavin; Ministry of Defence (11 February 2019). "Defence in Global Britain". GOV.UK. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  67. ↑ O'Leary, Miles (11 February 2019). "Government announces deal to build new Royal Marine combat ships". PlymouthLive. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  68. ↑ "Frontline Tech: How Will Littoral Strike Ships Transform The Navy?". Forces Network. 19 February 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  69. ↑ "Royal Marines use autonomous vehicles during Commando Warrior". www.naval-technology.com. 29 Apr 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  70. ↑ "The Royal Navy and NATO continue to rehearse and evolve amphibious capability | Navy Lookout". www.navylookout.com. 4 April 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  71. ↑ Axe, David (24 May 2019). "British Royal Marines just stormed a beach with robot tanks for backup for the first time". Task & Purpose. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  72. ↑ "The Royal Navy and Maritime Autonomous Systems – better late than never | Navy Lookout". www.navylookout.com. 18 April 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  73. ↑ Atkins, Rachael (25 April 2019). "Royal Marines storm Cornwall beach with unmanned vehicles". PlymouthLive. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  74. ↑ Navy Lookout. "Royal Marines - Future Commando Force". YouTube. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  75. ↑ Channon, Max (31 May 2019). "Navy shows off new battlefield tech on stealth mission". PlymouthLive. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  76. ↑ "Royal Marines take big step with new technology | Royal Navy". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 25 April 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  77. ↑ "Royal Marines go behind 'enemy' lines in Australia". 19 July 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  78. ↑ Channon, Max (19 July 2019). "Marines lead 34,000 in biggest beach landing since WWII". PlymouthLive. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  79. ↑ "Royal Marines experiment in Australian outback". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 28 June 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  80. ↑ Fisher, Lucy (4 November 2019). "Green beret is the sole survivor as Royal Marines get a modern makeover". The Times. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  81. ↑ Atlamazoglou, Stavros (13 November 2019). "Royal Marines going back to their Special Operations roots". SOFREP. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  82. ↑ "Commandos are the lethal tip of the spear on desert war games". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 11 November 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  83. ↑ Channon, Max (5 December 2019). "Royal Marines hone future role leading USMC into battle". PlymouthLive. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  84. ↑ Royal Marines. "Royal Marines and Army Commandos | Modern Warfare in the USA". YouTube. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  85. ↑ "Commandos launch surprise raids on Norway coastline". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 16 March 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  86. ↑ "Royal Marines Assault Engineers on explosive Arctic missions". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 24 February 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  87. ↑ Wallace, Ben; Ministry of Defence (25 February 2020). "Over 2,000 UK personnel deploy to Norway for major Arctic warfare exercise". GOV.UK. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  88. ↑ "Exercise Involving UK Personnel Cancelled Over 'Out Of Control' Coronavirus". Forces Network. 11 March 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  89. ↑ "A Coy experiment with our new off-road vehicle". Twitter. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  90. ↑ "Jet suits - Exploring Future Commando Force concept". YouTube. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  91. ↑ "Royal Navy tests unmanned equipment in operational setting". www.naval-technology.com. 9 March 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  92. ↑ "Groundbreaking trials on unmanned equipment in Norway". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 6 March 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  93. ↑ Sample, Ian (11 October 2021). "Covid timeline: the weeks leading up to first UK lockdown". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  94. ↑ Williams, Briohny (25 September 2020). "How Royal Marines Recruits Are Training During Coronavirus Pandemic". Forces Network. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  95. ↑ "Royal Marines to trial new helmet camera for enhanced tactical advantage". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 5 June 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  96. ↑ "New commando uniform for Royal Marines". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 27 June 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  97. ↑ "Royal Marines Commandos Get Brand New Uniform". Forces Network. 26 June 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  98. ↑ Sivills-McCann, David (15 July 2020). "Training With Royal Marines Who Guard The UK's Nuclear Deterrent". Forces Network. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  99. ↑ Channon, Max (21 July 2020). "Royal Marines trial 'Throwbot' that gives them combat edge". PlymouthLive. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  100. ↑ Sabljak, Ema (18 July 2020). "Drones and robots to aid Royal Marines training tested near Glasgow". Glasgow Times. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  101. ↑ Williams, Briohny (6 July 2020). "Could This New Helmet Camera Change The Way Royal Marines Operate?". Forces Network. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  102. ↑ Fiorenza, Nicholas (21 July 2020). "New UK Royal Marines Commando unit being created as part of Future Commando Force". Janes.com. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  103. ↑ Tegler, Eric (11 September 2020). "Anduril's New ISR Drone Looks Like A Helicopter. Not Surprising Since Cofounder Palmer Luckey Flies His Own UH-60 Black Hawk". Forbes. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  104. ↑ "HMS Albion leads UK task group for three-month Med deployment | Royal Navy". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 14 September 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  105. ↑ "Task group arrives in Gibraltar on first stop of deployment". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 21 September 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  106. ↑ "Royal Marines in stunning helicopter abseil assault in Gibraltar". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 23 September 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  107. ↑ "Royal Marines in stunning helicopter abseil assault in Gibraltar". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 24 September 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  108. ↑ "Commandos send in the drones in hi-tech Cyprus workout". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 20 October 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  109. ↑ Ministry of Defence (4 November 2020). "Royal Marines train with cutting-edge autonomous technology in Cyprus". GOV.UK. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  110. ↑ "UK Royal Marines add new technologies during Exercise Serpent Rock". www.naval-technology.com. 16 November 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  111. ↑ "Royal Marines use small drones to aid patrol missions". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 12 October 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  112. ↑ "Royal Marines Use Drones During Training Mission". Forces Network. 14 October 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  113. ↑ Allison, George (14 October 2020). "Royal Marines use drones on patrol in Wales". UK Defence Journal. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  114. ↑ "Light It Up" (PDF). Navy News (February 2021). Ministry of Defence: 20–21. ISSN   0028-1670. OCLC   70249744 . Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  115. ↑ "45 Commando Train on New CanAm 6x6s". Warfare.Today. 10 December 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  116. ↑ "Flagship Albion returns home after landmark experimental deployment". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 4 December 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  117. ↑ "Royal Marines scrutinise new tactics in the Mojave Desert". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 21 December 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  118. ↑ "Hidden in the mountains" (PDF). Navy News (February 2021): 2–3. February 2021. ISSN   0028-1670. OCLC   70249744 . Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  119. ↑ Reporters, Telegraph (15 March 2020). "Army, RAF and Marines to trial Fortnite-like virtual reality training to prepare for battlezones". The Telegraph. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  120. ↑ "Royal Marines trial virtual reality kit". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 4 March 2021. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  121. ↑ Williams, Briohny (3 March 2021). "Royal Marines Test New Virtual Reality Kit". Forces Network. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  122. ↑ "Royal Marines complete Arctic training with intensive combat missions". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 12 March 2021. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  123. ↑ "Royal Marines Complete Arctic Training With Intensive Combat Missions". Forces Network. 15 March 2021. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  124. ↑ "The Integrated Review – a Royal Navy perspective | Navy Lookout". Navy Lookout. 16 March 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  125. ↑ "The Defence Command Paper and the future of the Royal Navy | Navy Lookout". Navy Lookout. 22 March 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  126. ↑ "UK defence cuts show gulf between ambition and action, says Labour". The Guardian. 22 March 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  127. ↑ "Defence review: British army to be cut to 72,500 troops by 2025". BBC News. 22 March 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  128. ↑ Cotterill, Tom (22 March 2021). "Defence shake-up to overhaul Royal Marines and move city warship to Gibraltar". www.portsmouth.co.uk. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  129. ↑ "HMS Albion To Develop Future Commando Force Tactics On First Deployment Of 2021". Forces Network. 5 May 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  130. ↑ Ayush Jain (8 May 2021). "No Challenge To The Challenger: UK Military To Get 'Fully-Digitized' 148 Challenger-3 Main Battle Tanks". Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  131. ↑ Newdick, Thomas (25 March 2022). "British Army's Next-Generation Challenger 3 Tank Is Now Under Construction". The Drive. Retrieved 6 June 2022. Even in its basic form, the Challenger 3 will feature adaptations that should make it better suited to fighting in less-traditional terrain, including littoral environments in support of the Future Commando Force.
  132. ↑ "Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank (MBT), UK". Army Technology. 27 April 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2022. Designed to handle multi-domain warfare, the tank retains its ability to operate in coastal environments to support Future Commando Force of the Royal Marines.
  133. ↑ "Elite commando gunners head on experimental missions with US Marines". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 14 May 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  134. ↑ "Stealthy Army Commandos win the Fight in UK-US Exercise". www.army.mod.uk. 25 May 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  135. ↑ Allison, George (17 May 2021). "Commandos rain down artillery in Western Scotland" . Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  136. ↑ "Commando logisticians test new ways of operating". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 27 May 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  137. ↑ "UK Royal Marines participate in Exercise Green Dragon at Dartmoor". www.naval-technology.com. 6 July 2018. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  138. ↑ Ricks, Rebecca (26 June 2018). "Royal Marines Test Their Ability To Deploy At Short Notice". Forces Network. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  139. ↑ "Royal Marines seek 'battlefield advantage' as they train with drone swarms in UK first". Sky News. 17 July 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  140. ↑ "Drone swarms support Commando Forces trials in a first for the UK's armed forces". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 17 July 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  141. ↑ "New lightweight vehicles tested by Royal Marines". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 23 July 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  142. ↑ Adams, Briohny Williams Harry (26 July 2021). "Amazing first-hand views as Royal Marines learn to drive MRZR Light Strike Vehicle". Forces Network. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  143. ↑ "Royal Marines test MRZR-D4 off-roader and other lightweight vehicles". www.naval-technology.com. 23 July 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  144. ↑ "Royal Marines To Join Giant Australian Bilateral Defence Exercise". Forces Network. 22 June 2021. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  145. ↑ "Royal Marines head on training raids in Australia". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 9 July 2021. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  146. ↑ "40 Commando RM On TALISMAN SABRE 2021". Joint Forces News. 31 July 2021. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  147. ↑ "HMS Prince of Wales ready for global missions as international exercise ends off Scotland". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 1 October 2021. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  148. ↑ Allison, George (5 October 2021). "Exercise Joint Warrior concludes off Scottish coast". UK Defence Journal. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  149. ↑ "Second UK aircraft carrier declared operational after major drill". Defense Brief. 1 October 2021. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  150. ↑ "Royal Marines complete Mojave Desert exercises with fiery five-day battle". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 3 November 2021. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  151. ↑ "Royal Marines Commandos force US Marine Corps troops to surrender in training exercise". Sky News. November 2021. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  152. ↑ Milburn, Andrew (9 November 2021). "No 'surrender' — What really happened between US and British Marines at a training exercise". Task & Purpose. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  153. ↑ Gladwell, Dustin (6 November 2021). "New Facts Emerge in the Claim That US Marines Surrendered to UK Royal Marines". SOFREP. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  154. ↑ Walters, Alex (5 November 2021). "NightFighter X: The Royal Marines' new counter-UAV system". Forces Network. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  155. ↑ Lt Col Andy Dow RM (3 Nov 2021). Commandos in the Desert. Royal Marines. Event occurs at 0:16. Retrieved 20 Feb 2022. We are more sophisticated, more lethal, special operations capable, and will soon be more deployed than ever before. ... We're new, we're different, and we're the future.
  156. ↑ "Royal Marines welcome 24 new green berets to the commando family". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 8 February 2022. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  157. ↑ Ball, Elliot (9 February 2022). "Royal Marines pass '36 week job application'". PlymouthLive. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  158. ↑ Defence Committee (25 February 2022). ""We're going to need a bigger Navy": Government Response to the Committee's Third Report". UK Parliament. Retrieved 26 February 2022. Conclusion 11. We are concerned that the Future Commando Force and the Littoral Response Groups are not properly resourced to continue amphibious operations. The Department must confirm that it remains committed to retaining the Royal Marines' amphibious capabilities. (Paragraph 86) Response: The Department remains committed to maintaining and modernising the UK's amphibious capabilities. The IR allocated £278 million over the next ten years to transform our Commando Forces that deliver our Littoral Strike capability. In tandem with this investment, the RN continues to identify areas where its existing resources can be re-prioritised to support development of Littoral Strike. As well as the existing Landing Platform Dock (LPD) and Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary) (LSD(A)) ships, which are specifically designed for amphibious operations, other warships and auxiliaries may support the LRGs, augmented by commercial shipping, to enable the movement of material and personnel during routine operations. Up to six MRSS, which will replace both the LPD and LSD(A) vessels currently in service, were announced in the IR to enter service in the early 2030s. This demonstrates the Department's enduring commitment to amphibious capabilities. To augment these vessels, and the associated aircraft, the UK Commando Forces programme is also exploring options for development of new, modernised, fast landing craft to speed up the movement of forces from sea to land, thereby increasing amphibious operational responsiveness.
  159. ↑ Callingham, Fiona (11 April 2022). "HMS Prince of Wales leads more than 3,000 sailors and Royal Marines deployed within the Arctic Circle". www.portsmouth.co.uk. Retrieved 8 June 2022. ...and develop new tactics alongside the Future Commando Force...
  160. ↑ "Exercise Cold Response 2022 – NATO and partner forces face the freeze in Norway". NATO. 7 March 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022. WHEN: March-April 2022
  161. ↑ "Royal Marines head 'behind enemy lines' on fjord raids". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 22 February 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022. ...in March and April...
  162. ↑ "Royal Navy completes largest Arctic defence exercise since the Cold War". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 11 April 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  163. ↑ Correll, Diana Stancy (13 May 2022). "New commando force leads Britain's military in Arctic operations". Marine Corps Times. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.