RFA Lyme Bay gets mine hunting tech upgrade

Above: RFA Lyme Bay on exercise in 2025. 
Image courtesy Royal Navy / PO Phot Jim Gibson RNR

The high-tech equipment will be able to detect, identify and neutralise threats and is part of the Royal Navy’s transition to a ‘hybrid navy’.

The move comes after RFA Lyme Bay was brought to heightened readiness several weeks ago.

After being fitted with the technology, Lyme Bay will be able to store, prepare, deploy and recover a variety of autonomous and crewless technology, from underwater drones to mine hunting boats – acting as a crewed ‘mothership’ for drone tech.

First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, said: “RFA Lyme Bay preparing for a possible mine hunting mothership role is a perfect example of how we are building a Hybrid Navy – one where crewed ships and cutting-edge uncrewed systems work together seamlessly to keep our people safe and our seas secure.

“Mine countermeasures have always been vital work, and by harnessing autonomous technology we are ensuring the Royal Navy remains at the forefront of underwater defence. I am proud of everyone involved in making this capability a reality.”

Captain Mark Colley, the Commanding Officer of Lyme Bay, said: "The RFA is a crucial support arm of the Royal Navy and being able to act as an MCM mothership once again shows how we can adapt to the operational demand where needed."

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Bay-class ship will be fitted in Gibraltar to be ready to be the Royal Navy’s mothership for an array of hi-tech mine countermeasures (MCM) kit.

The RFA plays an important role in supporting Royal Navy operations across the globe and turning into a command centre for the innovative technology showcases another way the service can contribute to operations.

With a plug-and-play Command and Control system, the technology can be deployed where needed and the RFA ship makes an ideal base for future MCM operations.

While at the Rock, Lyme Bay will also undergo inspections to ensure she is ready for more time at sea.

Captain Mark Colley, the Commanding Officer of Lyme Bay, added: “The RFA is a crucial support arm of the Royal Navy and being able to act as an MCM mothership once again shows how we can adapt to the operational demand where needed.

“I am proud of the work my ship’s company has done to prepare RFA Lyme Bay and be ready to embark this kit. Having recently returned to high readiness, we have been put through our paces but I know we are ready to support this autonomous uncrewed kit so as to play an important role in its use.”

The Royal Navy’s use of autonomous and uncrewed mine hunting kit comes as it continues to forge ahead with its bold ambitions of a Hybrid Navy – where crewed and uncrewed systems operate seamlessly together on the front line.