The UK has announced a 500-million-pound ($666-million) investment to modernize the UK Commando Force for future maritime operations, including the procurement of high-speed boats and strike drones.
Under the refreshed Defence Investment Plan, which prioritizes more immediate capability requirements, the government aims to transform the Commandos into the Future Commando Force, with a greater focus on the High North, given its growing importance to UK and NATO security.
The force will receive a fleet of high-speed Joint Commando Craft to support maritime security, raiding, and other littoral operations, including the seizure of Russian shadow fleet tankers suspected of breaching sanctions.
Additional Elements
The package also allocates 100 million pounds ($133 million) for transformative technologies, including uncrewed vessels, next-generation communications, networked targeting systems, and strike drones.
Additional funding will support the procurement of larger amphibious ships for UK Commando Force operations and the creation of a combined fleet with the Netherlands.
“Our elite Commando Force is respected around the world, conducting operations that help to keep the nation and our allies safe,” UK Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said.
“We’re investing in new lethal strike drones, high-speed boats, and amphibious transport ships to give our Commandos the equipment they need to stay ahead of adversaries and defend us.
The Defence Investment Plan will prioritise getting the latest kit into the hands of our frontline forces, so they can continue their vital work in an increasingly dangerous world.”
Joint Commando Craft
Designed to transport personnel and equipment, the Joint Commando Craft will provide a new surface maneuver capability with improved speed, endurance, survivability, and sea-keeping, allowing commandos to operate from the open sea to very shallow waterways.
Measuring 24 meters (79 feet) in length, the craft will have a 7.5-meter (24.6-foot) beam, a displacement of about 60 tons, and an endurance of several days.
They could also be equipped with an elevated sensor mast or a tethered unmanned aerial system carrying electro-optical/infrared and radio-frequency sensors, extending situational awareness to about 135 kilometers (84 miles).
The government did not disclose how many Joint Commando Craft will be procured under the new investment. Earlier this year, the UK and Norway announced plans to procure up to 30 Joint Commando Craft under a 237-million-pound ($316-million) program spanning seven years.
