Ryan Ramsey

Why do we perform Test and Evaluation on submarines? ✅To assure the submarine is safe – during design, manufacture, acceptance and through-life ✅To assure the submarine is contractually compliant ✅To measure elements of the submarine, in order to quantify operational risk In today’s complex operational environment, the safe and successful deployment of a submarine hinges on the undertaking of Test & Evaluation (T&E) activities. Find out more about how we perform underwater T&E through-life in this video: https://lnkd.in/ejaZsqgK #AUKUS #submarines #defence

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The #subsea threat to the UK is very real. Critical infrastructure on the seabed is increasingly being targeted, presenting a clear risk to national security Our blog discusses the need for an integrated approach & provides examples of industry innovation https://ow.ly/b5U330sF4Qm

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https://lnkd.in/dNA6iBdb I highly recommend reading this article, which details the characteristics of the UK’s most modern submarines (Astute Class). These submarines compete technologically with the US Virginia Class. Both submarines and their technology form the foundation for the AUKUS submarines, combining the best technology from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to create the most advanced, lethal, and effective stealth submarines ever designed, all without being at war.”

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BAE pushes to delay Royal Navy frigate to prioritise Norway deal A British bid to sell submarine-hunting warships to Norway cannot go ahead unless the Royal Navy agrees to take late delivery of one of its own vessels, it has emerged. Oslo this month set out plans to buy at least five frigates, starting with at least one for delivery by 2029, as it grapples with an increasingly active Russian presence in the Norwegian and Barents seas. It is thought BAE Systems could be in pole position to supply the vessels, with the UK defence giant currently building a new generation of Type 26 frigates at its Govan shipyard in Glasgow. However, the company is committed to supplying the first eight to the Royal Navy, with the first batch of four currently under construction. It is understood that due to the tight Norwegian timelines, BAE would only be able to supply a frigate to Oslo by its 2029 deadline if the Royal Navy agreed to give up one of the early-stage hulls. The Navy is currently expecting to take delivery of the Type 26 frigates from 2028 to 2035, with the first, HMS Glasgow, currently being outfitted ahead of sea trials planned for 2026. #maritimeconnection #ISeaSMEs #shipbuilding National Shipbuilding Office https://lnkd.in/ecG6Vy8g

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NAVAL GAZING: "The UK Royal Navy (RN), for generations the world’s strongest maritime force, has been in near-precipitous decline for the past 20 years. Underfunding, as successive governments gave increased priority to welfare spending, as well as rampant inflation of the cost of defence equipment, poor strategic decisions, and major recruitment difficulties have all played their part in this decline. "This near-perfect storm of problems has resulted in a force that is a faint echo of its former self, and that struggles to meet the stream of long-term and new operational commitments, many of them centred in or adjacent to the Middle East. "To the utter shame of UK’s recent civil and military leaders, the RN is currently in a wholly unacceptable state. Some remedial action, including the building of two tranches of new frigates, is in hand, but it will be at least three years before any improvement can be effected. The RN is also pouring money into automation and uncrewed vessel projects in an attempt to ameliorate serious crew shortages." Full article link in comments.

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NAVAL GAZING: "The UK Royal Navy (RN), for generations the world’s strongest maritime force, has been in near-precipitous decline for the past 20 years. Underfunding, as successive governments gave increased priority to welfare spending, as well as rampant inflation of the cost of defence equipment, poor strategic decisions, and major recruitment difficulties have all played their part in this decline. "This near-perfect storm of problems has resulted in a force that is a faint echo of its former self, and that struggles to meet the stream of long-term and new operational commitments, many of them centred in or adjacent to the Middle East. "To the utter shame of UK’s recent civil and military leaders, the RN is currently in a wholly unacceptable state. Some remedial action, including the building of two tranches of new frigates, is in hand, but it will be at least three years before any improvement can be effected. The RN is also pouring money into automation and uncrewed vessel projects in an attempt to ameliorate serious crew shortages." Full article link in comments.

Commander Tom Sharpe OBE's latest analysis in The Telegraph sheds light on global maritime security and how the Houthis’ attacks have impacted shipping and Freedom of Navigation. The situation in the Red Sea is an example of how geopolitics can impact international shipping and business operations—the kind of expert insight Qorvis provides every day to clients around the globe. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/djfJjDYV Get in touch with us if you need expert guidance on geopolitical risks that could influence your operations and business planning. #QorvisInsights #GeopoliticalInsights #MaritimeSecurity #RiskManagement #GlobalTrade #Qorvis

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“While they are fine boats, their maintenance demands appear to be high with not enough attention paid to through-life sustainment during their design. This has been compounded by a lack of foresight and investment in submarine support infrastructure.” A quote from the recent Navy Lookout article which is attached below. There are no short term solutions to the problems that are impacting the availability of the UK’s submarine fleet, but there are solutions that can be implemented in the longer term, solutions that would be, should be, sustainable over the lives of all the fleets. The core issue here is, as this article (and others) make clear, the lack of investment, in terms of time, management attention, and money, in effective and efficient support systems (support infrastructure) and in effective Support Engineering. Paying off the “Support Debt” in terms of the support infrastructure (and I include all elements of support in this term) will take time; whereas the shortcomings inherent in the Support Engineering processes can be addressed more readily; if the requisite foresight and political will is present. Note that the latter enables the former. This is critical, not just for Vanguard and Astute, but even more so for Dreadnought and AUKUS, whose complexities (technical and contractual) make such change essential. The greatest challenge will be to resist the considerable political pressure to focus on delivering the “shiny pointy things” (or more accurately in this case, “dull, blunt things”) to the detriment of effective support and support engineering; the pressure to focus on the “optics” to the detriment of a true, robust, “capability”. The present situation is not inevitable, with a balanced, systems and systems engineering based approach, acceptable levels of availability can be achieved, in a cost effective manner. …and yes, Aspire can facilitate that achievement, such things are, after all, our raisin d’etre. https://lnkd.in/e8s3-_PV. Aspire Consulting Ltd Lee Fitzsimons

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Royal Navy surface ships powered by nuclear? Greensabre Consulting Ltd and Naval Solutions recently submitted a joint response to the Royal Navy's request for information about powering future RN surface vessels with advanced nuclear power. These proposed Generation 4 power plants have the potential to supply the energy needs of future warships and their weapons systems with a compact, flexible and safe nuclear reactor. There's plenty of work to do to refine the concept and technology, but we look forward to advising on further developments as the maritime nuclear sector expands. Greensabre Consulting Ltd offers strategic advice for new nuclear projects and technology, especially advanced nuclear and SMR. https://lnkd.in/eiHjpppV Naval Solutions Ltd is a systems engineering consultancy providing maritime and nuclear engineering solutions that work. https://lnkd.in/es23MwHg

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SAFER Training is proud to be supporting such a great initiative by the Angus Council and the Montrose Port Authority. The Skills Academy is an initiavtive that will enhance the skill-sets of the Montrose and surrounding communities, giving opportunities to utilise the new technology that is available to the generations of the future. Training safer, greener and smarter by using engaging, fully immersive, learning and development technology that enhances competence and confidence. SAFER Training along with other linked minded organisations are looking forward to this event. There is no limit to what we can achieve using the technology we have available to support the local community and local industry. Highlights include: · Facilities and Apprenticeship/Internship Management System · Augmented Reality Welding · Virtual Reality Classroom · AR Safety Vessel Coxswain Training · VR Wind Turbine Engineer Training · VR Marine Operations - Mooring · VR Working at Heights and Confined Spaces · VR Slinger Banksman – safe cargo lifting and movement · VR Decommissioning · VR Hydrogen Training · Digital Twinning (Facilities, Cities and Ports) · University-accredited Business Development and Sales Programmes · Recruitment Advice – Apprenticeships and Internships, CV writing Angus Council, in partnership with Montrose Port Authority, recognises that a Skills Academy will offer targeted training programmes to develop the necessary competencies, ensuring local workers can meet the current and future needs of employers and the changing economy. The purpose of the Skills Academy, which will be based at Montrose Port, is to address the evolving needs of businesses in the region by providing a up to date, relevant skills for the region’s workforce. By offering world-class training and development opportunities, Angus Council aims to make the Montrose region more attractive for skilled professionals and employers alike. Retaining and building local talent is crucial for fostering long-term economic growth and prosperity in the area. We encourage all interested individuals, businesses, and industry partners to attend the Skills Academy Demonstration Day and explore the diverse range of training and development opportunities available

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Written by Marine Environmental Adviser Dr Michael Clare, ICPC publicly releases the 9th issue of ‘Submarine Cable Protection and the Environment.’ This issue focuses on indirect impacts of human activities in the deep-sea. Read the entire publication here:  https://lnkd.in/exgPEDm4

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Big news for the UK's naval strength: Devonport's largest dry dock has just reopened after a £200 million upgrade! 🚢 The refurbished 9 Dock means our Vanguard Class submarines can undergo maintenance more efficiently, allowing them to redeploy faster and keep the nation safe. This investment not only bolsters our Continuous-At-Sea Nuclear Deterrent but also boosts the local economy by supporting thousands of jobs and hundreds of businesses in Plymouth. With such advancements enhancing both security and industry, how do you think this will impact the UK's strategic position on the global stage? 👉 https://lnkd.in/gqsYYG58 #DefenceNews #Defence #Procurement #Equipment #DefenceInnovation #DefenceSpending #MilitaryBudget

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The #subsea threat to the UK is very real – and growing. Critical infrastructure on the seabed is increasingly being targeted, presenting a clear risk to national security. But how is this threat evolving and how can industry respond to give the UK and its allies the subsea intelligence advantage? Our Defence Business Development Director Chris Cook answers both of these questions in his latest blog, highlighting the need for an integrated approach and providing examples of industry innovation. Read the full blog here ➡️http://baes.co/ujLY50SEsjQ #DataIntelligence #DataFabric

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https://lnkd.in/d2gHWtRf This is another great result from the UK Ministry of Defence Police(MDP) Crime Command, a quirky group of CIVILIAN police officers and staff working within the UK Ministry of Defence Sgt Charlot, who was attached to the 6 Armoured Close Support Battalion of the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers - REME working from Tidworth Barracks, pleaded guilty to Fraud by abusing his position to steal £900,000 from the UK Ministry of Defence. The investigation was complex and required true investigative resilience, not least to work through the machinations of Defence's over complicated structures, insular and reputation protection first practices. I will look forward to hearing the sentencing at Salisbury Crown Court on 13th December, and and the follow on Proceeds of Crime hearings. It is worthy of highlighting the UK Ministry of Defence intent to disband the MDP Crime Command, the ONLY UK Ministry of Defence capability that has the lawful powers to investigate and prosecute any military personnel, MOD civilian, contractor or member of the public; none of the arms of the military police have such powers. The MDP Crime Command has and continues to identify internal and external threats to the MOD's people, assets and estates, and bring them to justice, whilst saving Defence millions closing risks and changing practices throughnlessons learnt. The removal of this independent civilian policing capability will support those within Defence, both military and senior civil servants, who seek to reduce independent transparency and scrutiny to sections of it when allegations or intelligence of criminality arises. The disbandment or reduction of the MDP Crime Command will only increase risks to UK Ministry of Defence from insider and external threat actors. Suggestions that the MDP Crime Command role can be filled by military police or a counter fraud capability, neither of which have the legislative framework to do so is at best naive and at worst helps the bad actors to continue to compromise the MOD's capabilities. For now, we'll done to those in Crime Command for securing overwhelming evidence that led to this criminal having no choice but to enter a guilty plea. Thank you for being the UK Ministry of Defence investigative capability and carry on going after those threats that others won't! #policing #operationalindependence #military British Army Civilian Workforce #transparency #duediligenge #Defence

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A successful operation in the Baltic demonstrating clearly the utility of Maritime Uncrewed Systems (MUS) for mine countermeasures.

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UK Set To Kick Off Industry Engagement For Commando Insertion Craft The UK Ministry of Defence is planning to brief industry in early June on its plans to acquire a next-generation Commando Insertion Craft (CIC) to replace the Royal Marines’ current Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP) MK 5. Addressing the Defence Leaders Combined Naval Event (CNE) 2024 in Farnborough on 22 May, Captain Nick Unwin, Commando Force programme director, said a CIC industry day was scheduled to take place on 4 June to outline the plan for programme delivery, and provide new clarity on requirements. The Commando Force programme is designed to transform UK amphibious forces into a more agile and lethal capability optimised for persistent forward deployment in a range of combat and non-combat roles. Key to this is a recapitalisation programme intended to bring new equipment and shipping into service in support of littoral strike operations. As part of this investment plan, the CIC programme is intended to deliver a new high-speed, low-signature craft that can deliver Royal Marine Commando teams and their equipment from ships positioned some distance offshore. The MoD’s procurement pipeline document last year indicated a requirement for around 20 CIC craft, with a budget of just over £190 million earmarked to cover design, manufacture, and support. Top-level CIC requirements previously promulgated by the MoD call for a medium-lift craft that can carry a strike team and a small vehicle to the shore from a stand-off range (circa 150 nautical miles) at high speed (25+ knots) with a low probability of detection. One major design consideration is the ability to transport marines in an environment where they land on shore ‘fit to fight’. #shipbuilding #ISeaSMEs National Shipbuilding Office #defence Royal Navy #smes https://lnkd.in/edu3yfPn

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Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) to be developed at ex Pembrokeshire army barracks

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