First Sea Lord Jenkins Announces JEF Northern Navies Initiative
- The JEF Northern Navies Initiative agreement was signed at the conference.
- The Royal Navy is undergoing a massive recapitalisation programme involving 450,000 tonnes of steel.
- The 1st Autonomous Squadron is now operational in Portsmouth using Kraken scout vessels.
- A new collaboration with Northrop Grumman will support the TALON demonstrator for Project VANQUISH.
During the conference, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins announced the signing of an agreement for the JEF Northern Navies Initiative.
Defence Secretary sets 1,000-day readiness target
The Defence Secretary has set a requirement for the Royal Navy to be ready to lead, fight, and win within 1,000 days.
Royal Navy shipbuilding and recapitalisation programme
The Royal Navy is undergoing a recapitalisation programme that includes 13 new frigates, 6 Common Combat Vessels, 4 Dreadnought submarines, the completion of the Astute programme, up to a dozen AUKUS attack submarines, 4 amphibious ships, and 4 Fleet Solid Support ships.
The current shipbuilding programme consists of 280,000 tonnes of new steel.
1st Autonomous Squadron and Kraken scout fleet deployment
The Royal Navy commissioned its 1st Autonomous Squadron in Portsmouth last week to provide a permanent operational home for autonomous systems.
This squadron will use a fleet of Kraken scouts for coastal defence, monitoring approaches, protecting critical infrastructure, and responding to hostile activity.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins announced that counter-drone capabilities will be integrated onto the Kraken scout fleet in the new year.
The Hybrid Navy strategy utilises interceptors on Kraken vessels to counter airborne threats, allowing the Royal Navy to save advanced missiles for more critical requirements.
Capability Accelerator Hub and Atlantic Net project
The Royal Navy Capability Accelerator Hub opened in Portsmouth during the week of 4 November 2026. This facility acts as a central facility for industry, engineers, and operators to identify fleet needs and rapidly deploy new technology to the front line.
On 11 November 2026, a government minister announced that the first phase of the Atlantic Bastion project, known as Atlantic Net, will become operational within a few months. This project is a collaboration with Ocean Infinity intended to improve the detection of hostile underwater activity and strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure. Atlantic Net will provide NATO and JEF allies with a clearer understanding of underwater activity.
Future integration of Collaborative Combat Aircraft
The Royal Navy intends to integrate uncrewed jet-powered Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) into its Hybrid Air Wing. These aircraft will operate alongside F-35Bs, Merlins, and Wildcats.
Upcoming Northrop Grumman agreement for Project VANQUISH
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins will sign a statement of intent with Northrop Grumman on 13 November 2026. The signing will take place while the First Sea Lord is aboard a carrier in Oslo.
This agreement is intended to prepare the TALON demonstrator for Royal Navy trials under Project VANQUISH.
First Sea Lord tenure
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins has served as First Sea Lord for 18 months.
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