The Halifax-class frigate launched a torpedo on July 7 in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii as part of a simulated combat scenario designed to provide sailors with realistic training in detecting and engaging underwater threats.

The firing also marked an important operational test for the ship’s newly installed Underwater Warfare Suite Upgrade (UWSU), an advanced underwater sensor and processing system developed to enhance the Royal Canadian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

The UWSU upgrade equips Halifax-class frigates with improved sonar technology and enhanced data processing systems, enabling crews to detect and track quieter underwater targets at greater ranges while improving overall underwater situational awareness.

The torpedo firing took place during RIMPAC 2026, which involves 30 nations, more than 30 surface ships, five submarines, over 200 aircraft and approximately 30,000 personnel operating around the Hawaiian Islands from June 24 to July 31.

The exercise provides participating navies with an opportunity to conduct complex maritime operations, strengthen interoperability and refine capabilities required to maintain security across the world’s oceans.

The Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigates are being upgraded through the UWSU program led by General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, in partnership with Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems and Nautel, to deliver a modernized underwater warfare capability for Canada’s fleet.

The successful torpedo firing highlights the continued modernization of the Royal Canadian Navy’s surface combatants and the growing importance of advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities in increasingly contested maritime environments.

Watch the video of HMCS Ottawa conducting the torpedo firing exercise during RIMPAC 2026 here.

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The order comprises equipping the frigates with composite superstructures, 9LV combat systems including the fire control system and combat management system, sensors such as the long-range surveillance radar Sea Giraffe 4A Fixed Face, the lightweight multi-mission surveillance radar Sea Giraffe 1X, as well as passive sensors. 

The frigates will be produced in Germany with TKMS as the prime contractor. The contract also includes an option for integrating and equipping additional frigates.

The contract value is approximately SEK 8.7 billion ($835 million) and Saab’s deliveries to TKMS will take place between 2029 and 2032.

“It is with great pride that we continue to build on our long and strong relationship and commitment to Germany and the Bundeswehr, while together with TKMS strengthening the German Navy. These deliveries will significantly enhance the Navy’s anti-air-, anti-submarine- and anti-surface warfare capabilities,” said Micael Johansson, CEO and President of Saab.

Last week, the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag approved the procurement of four MEKO A-200 DEU-class frigates for the German Navy. The approval also includes an option to procure additional MEKO A-200 DEU-class vessels in the future, providing Germany with the flexibility to further expand its surface fleet as it continues to strengthen its maritime capabilities in response to the evolving security environment.

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The CAMP program accelerates the transition of mature commercial and defense technologies into operational naval capabilities. This collaboration will focus on concept definition, system architecture, and design trade studies, emphasizing modularity, interoperability, and rapid integration.

“KONGSBERG is proud to co-lead this effort with OCEANEERING, combining deep domain expertise to support the U.S. Navy’s vision for scalable and adaptable uncrewed undersea platforms. Together, we are competing to deliver the world’s leading extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle, and I believe our partnership with OCEANEERING is a key strength in achieving that goal,” Rich Patterson, Vice President of Uncrewed Platforms.

“We are pleased to partner with KONGSBERG on this important initiative. Our experience delivering and sustaining subsea systems globally, combined with KONGSBERG’s advanced undersea technologies, has resulted in a highly capable, world-class team ready to work,” Bill Merz, Senior Vice President of Aerospace and Defense Technologies for OCEANEERING, commented.

Both companies have an extensive history supporting commercial offshore and government programs and their complementary strengths promote scale and adaptability while reducing technical and operational risk, it was concluded.

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Under the contract, Exail will integrate its unmanned MCM integrated system (UMIS) technology into 9.5-meter RHIBs, creating compact mine warfare platforms capable of supporting mine identification and disposal missions with a minimal logistical footprint.

Each RHIB will be equipped to deploy a configurable mix of three Seascan mine identification vehicles and K-Ster mine disposal systems, allowing operators to tailor the payload to specific mission requirements.

The boats will also feature a dedicated drone piloting console, a launch-and-recovery station, and Exail’s Gaps ultra-short baseline (USBL) acoustic positioning and communication system.

Powered by Exail’s Umisoft mission management software, the system can be operated by a crew of just three personnel. The company said the modular configuration has been specifically developed for very shallow waters and infrastructure-constrained areas where conventional mine countermeasures vessels cannot operate, enabling explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams to rapidly deploy and adapt equipment for different operational scenarios.

“Navies need MCM capabilities that are faster to deploy, easier to operate, and ready for increasingly complex maritime threats. This contract demonstrates the value of our UMIS approach: a modular system tailored to each customer’s operational needs while maintaining the reliability expected from modern mine warfare solutions,” Gregory Leclercq, Business Developer at Exail.

Although not included in the current order, the RHIB-based platform has been designed with growth potential. According to Exail, it can also accommodate additional payloads, including the company’s A9-M autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), R7 remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and small third-party unmanned aerial vehicles.

The award underscores the growing demand for lighter, rapidly deployable mine countermeasures capabilities as navies seek to complement traditional MCM vessels with modular unmanned systems that can operate closer to shore, in ports, and around critical maritime infrastructure.

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For over three decades, the three ships have been at the forefront of maritime security, supporting UK interests around the globe. From countering submarine threats and safeguarding vital shipping routes to humanitarian relief efforts and global maritime security missions, the ships have consistently helped protect the UK’s security, prosperity, and those of its international partners.

“HMS Richmond, HMS Iron Duke and HMS Chiddingfold have each played a key role in safeguarding the UK’s security and interests worldwide. As they are retired from service, their legacy continues through the next generation of warships and advanced autonomous systems. This marks a significant step in the Royal Navy’s evolution towards a Hybrid Navy, combining cutting-edge technology with proven capability to meet future maritime challenges,” said Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse, Fleet Commander.

Most recently, HMS Richmond played an important role in the UK Carrier Strike Group’s deployment to the Indo-Pacific in 2025, providing protection and reassurance alongside HMS Prince of Wales on one of the Royal Navy’s most ambitious global deployments.

HMS Iron Duke also continued to make a vital contribution. Recently, the frigate has been one of the Fleet’s most frequently tasked vessels, conducting repeated operations to monitor and track Russian warships approaching areas of national interest.

Meanwhile, minehunter HMS Chiddingfold has spent much of the past two decades supporting maritime security in the Middle East, operating from Bahrain alongside allies and partners to ensure freedom of navigation through some of the world’s busiest and most strategically important waterways. 

HMS Richmond’s anti-submarine warfare role will be assumed by the next generation of Type 26 City-class frigates, led by HMS Glasgow, providing enhanced capabilities to operate in increasingly contested maritime environments. HMS Iron Duke’s responsibilities will transition to the Type 31 Inspiration-class frigates currently under construction, delivering greater flexibility and increased operational capacity for a wide range of global missions.

For mine warfare, HMS Chiddingfold’s legacy will continue through the Royal Navy’s pioneering autonomous and remotely operated systems. These technologies are already being deployed and tested operationally, enabling mine countermeasure missions to be conducted more effectively while significantly reducing risks to personnel.

The Royal Navy is transitioning toward a Hybrid Navy, supported by the Defence Investment Plan’s £1.3 billion investment in hybrid fleet capabilities and £1.1 billion for the Mine Hunting Capability program. This approach will combine autonomous systems with next-generation warships, aircraft, submarines, and uncrewed platforms to enhance reach, resilience, and operational advantage.

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For the initial production of up to eight LSMs, the Navy will direct the VCM to execute and manage subcontracts with Bollinger Shipyards for the construction of one LSM and Fincantieri Marinette Marine for the construction of four LSMs.

The VCM will have the flexibility to determine the best award strategy for up to three additional vessels.

This contract is expected to maximize commercial practices to accelerate delivery, improve cost discipline, and expand the US shipbuilding industrial base. The first LSM is anticipated for delivery in the fall of 2029.

“The VCM strategy is an innovative shift in Navy shipbuilding. We are changing the way we do business, and leveraging commercial best practices to improve cost, schedule, and performance,” said Will Mahan, performing the duties of assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition.

“With a five-month duration between RFP release and contract award, we achieved a nearly 50% reduction to traditional contracting timelines. This reflects the immediate impact our Portfolio Acquisition Executives are having to accelerate shipbuilding.”

The VCM will hold the prime contract with the Navy; therefore, it will hold direct contractual responsibility for issuing and managing shipbuilder subcontracts to construct and deliver LSM vessels.

This prime contract places the VCM in direct contractual control of shipyard performance and leverages commercial practices and flexibilities that, together with a proven design, are expected to reduce cost and schedule risks.

The aim of the LSM is to fill the capability gap between smaller, short-range landing craft and the US Navy’s long-duration, multi-purpose amphibious warfare ships.

It is essential for the maneuver and sustainment of Marine forces, providing the critical littoral mobility required in contested environments.

The program will deliver a 35-ship fleet that enhances expeditionary agility and supports the US Marine Corps’ concept of distributed maneuver and logistics.

To remind, in February this year, the US Navy selected two shipyards that will construct the LSMs, Bollinger Shipyards and Fincantieri Marinette Marine.

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The ten-year program to upgrade the UK’s naval bases delivers directly on the Strategic Defence Review’s commitment to warfighting readiness, and forms part of the Defence Investment Plan’s £298 billion package to transform the UK’s Armed Forces.

Critical naval bases will have new docking ports and refitted buildings, including HMNB Clyde, HMNB Devonport and HMNB Portsmouth.  

The funding is the largest program of naval infrastructure investment since the end of the Cold War, according to the officials. It will transform bases into warfighting-ready facilities that could  improve Royal Navy readiness, availability and lethality.

Upgrades will see waterfront infrastructure modernized, and new single living accommodation built for British Armed Forces. New training facilities, out-of-water engineering infrastructure and research and development capabilities will be provided through the regeneration and upgrade program.

“The threats facing the United Kingdom are real and they are growing. This Government is not waiting — we are acting now to ensure our Royal Navy has the bases and infrastructure it needs to be ready to fight. This £26 billion investment is the largest in our naval bases since the Cold War, and Scotland is central to it,” Minister for Defense Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard, said.

Alongside the naval investment, the Minister also confirmed over £240 million in RAF sustainment contracts benefiting Scotland, supporting more than 380 jobs.

Boeing Defence UK has been awarded a £115.2 million, two-year contract extension to sustain the RAF’s fleet of nine P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft operated from RAF Lossiemouth in Moray.

A separate E-7 Wedgetail sustainment contract worth £127.5 million will sustain approximately 180 jobs, with 60–80 new roles projected and four further apprenticeships created. 

Additionally, the MOD has completed the purchase of Finnart Oil Terminal on the West of Scotland, a multi-million-pound acquisition which expands the Royal Navy’s sovereign fuel-holding capacity and strengthens operational resilience at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty. 

As part of the government’s commitment to backing our key maritime industries on the River Clyde, £20m is being invested in Inchgreen Marine Park to revitalize one of the largest operational dry docks in the UK.

“Scotland is crucial to UK defence and this £15.3 billion UK Government funding for some of our most critical military assets will make Britain safer at home, stronger abroad and deliver a defence dividend for Scottish communities,” Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said.

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The trials validated the seaworthiness of the jointly developed capability demonstrator, known as Ranger, and confirmed the integration and operation of its core systems during at-sea testing. Performance data was collected and verified throughout the trials, completing the proof-of-concept phase of the program.

Designed for launch from a standard 21-inch submarine torpedo tube, the 4.5-meter Ranger is intended to autonomously surface after deployment and carry out covert ISR missions. The platform is equipped with a folding keel and sensor mast, an electric propulsion system, and a configurable payload bay that can be adapted for different missions.

The companies are also developing a one-way attack (OWA) variant, named Strike, while GABLER will lead commercialization, integration with host platforms, and deliveries to naval customers.

According to the partners, submarine-launched autonomous surface systems are expected to play an increasing role in future naval operations by extending the reach of crewed platforms while reducing risk to personnel. Such systems could support missions including intelligence gathering, surveillance, force protection, and other maritime defense tasks.

“The tests confirmed the maturity of the vehicle at this stage of development while demonstrating the excellent progress achieved by the joint team,” said Felix David, TTL USV project lead at GABLER.

Jannik Sauer, chief technology officer at FLANQ, said the successful sea trials demonstrated how conventional naval platforms can be combined with autonomous technologies to develop new operational capabilities.

Ranger combines GABLER’s experience in submarine systems and defense manufacturing with FLANQ’s expertise in autonomous maritime systems, mission software, artificial intelligence-enabled autonomy, and open-architecture technologies.

GABLER and FLANQ will now continue development toward an operational capability for naval users.

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The company’s proposed solution would transform merchant ships into floating unmanned aviation bases capable of deploying multiple Hermes™ 650 Spark unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

As maritime operating areas expand and become increasingly difficult to monitor, naval forces are seeking ways to extend their situational awareness beyond the limitations of shipborne sensors, helicopters and smaller drones. Elbit Systems’ concept aims to provide persistent aerial coverage without the cost and complexity associated with operating aircraft carriers.

The Hermes 650 Spark was designed with maritime operations in mind, featuring a front-mounted engine configuration, short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability, two payload bays, satellite communications and compatibility with existing Hermes 900 ground control infrastructure.

According to Elbit Systems, the front-mounted engine provides increased power margins, enabling a wider operational envelope, support for heavier payloads and operations from shorter runways. These characteristics allow the aircraft to be deployed from unconventional platforms, including converted maritime vessels.

Under the concept, a commercial ship could be modified to carry approximately nine to 12 Hermes 650 Spark aircraft, along with deck infrastructure, mission systems and support equipment. The vessel would function as a mobile unmanned aviation hub, launching and recovering aircraft that extend the ship’s surveillance and operational reach far beyond onboard sensors.

Rather than replicating the capabilities of a traditional aircraft carrier, the concept is designed to provide a more accessible form of maritime airpower for countries requiring persistent coverage across large maritime zones.

The Hermes 650 Spark is positioned between conventional shipborne helicopters and smaller vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drones. While helicopters provide significant range and payload capacity, they require substantial manpower, maintenance resources and operating costs. Smaller drones are easier to deploy but typically offer shorter endurance and limited payload capacity.

Elbit Systems said the Hermes 650 Spark is intended to deliver long-endurance missions while maintaining the flexibility required for maritime operations, allowing vessels to operate as remote launch and recovery platforms.

The system could support countries facing extensive maritime security challenges, including monitoring remote waters, protecting economic zones and maintaining awareness across strategically important regions. Elbit highlighted potential relevance for nations such as Japan, Denmark and Germany, where maritime geography and evolving security environments create demand for expanded surveillance capabilities.

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In a statement posted on social media, CENTCOM said the operation involved “multiple one-way attack surface drones” that targeted the naval facility at the strategic Iranian port.

Specifically, the forces struck a submarine and a ship maintenance facility in Iran.

The command noted the strike was intended to reduce Iran’s ability to continue attacks against commercial shipping.

“Three Corsair unmanned surface vessels hit the port at Bandar Abbas Naval Base, marking the first time American forces have employed sea drones in combat operations,” CENTCOM stated.

Located on Iran’s southern coast near the Strait of Hormuz, Bandar Abbas is one of Iran’s most important naval facilities. The port supports operations by the Iranian Navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy and plays a key role in Tehran’s maritime activities in the Persian Gulf region.

The reported operation marks a significant milestone in the US military’s development and deployment of unmanned maritime systems. Unmanned surface vessels have increasingly become a focus of naval modernization efforts, with the US Navy and other services exploring their use for surveillance, mine countermeasures, logistics, electronic warfare and strike missions.

Unlike traditional crewed warships, USVs can operate with reduced risk to personnel while providing additional operational capacity in contested maritime environments.

Corsair USV was built by a US-based autonomous maritime systems company, Saronic. Measuring 24 feet (7.3 meters) in length, the vessel is designed for long-range, high-endurance operations and can carry a payload of up to 1,000 pounds (454 kg) while operating beyond 1,000 nautical miles (1,852 km).

The platform has a top speed of more than 35 knots and is designed to support multi-mission operations, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), logistics and other naval missions. Saronic describes Corsair as a modular and attritable system, allowing it to integrate different payloads and be deployed at scale for high-risk maritime operations.

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