For the first time, the British Navy transferred cargo from ship to ship on the fly — and it did it by drone

Not a helicopter or a boat — the Malloy T-150 took matters into its own hands

For the first time, the British Royal Navy has successfully delivered cargo from one ship to another using a drone. The operation took place in Portsmouth: the drone took off from the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and landed on the destroyer HMS Dauntless, carrying a small but symbolic cargo. It was not just a test, it was the beginning of a new practice that could change logistics at sea.

And all this — without a helicopter, without a boat, without unnecessary risk.

How a drone carried cargo over water between ships

The device used in the operation is Malloy T-150, an octovertolet from the British company Malloy Aeronautics from Maidenhead. It has eight propellers, is stable in the air and is capable of carrying up to 60 kg. In this case, the cargo was much lighter, but it's not about weight, but about the principle: the drone can launch from the deck, fly over the water, land accurately on another ship and deliver the package.

Such a flight is especially difficult due to the pitching, wind and limited space on the deck. But the T-150 did it, with precise navigation and automation.

Why would the navy need such a delivery

Imagine: a ship at sea, it urgently needs a tool, medicines or a replacement part. Previously, either a helicopter or a boat was sent for this purpose — both options are expensive, require a crew and distract from combat missions.

Now you can launch the drone. It's faster, cheaper, and doesn't risk people's lives. This is especially important when ships cannot get close, for example, in a combat situation or in bad weather.

Economy and focus on combat missions

Helicopters are powerful machines, but using them to deliver a bottle of medicine is like firing a cannon at sparrows. The drone solves the same problem with minimal effort. And most importantly, it frees up helicopters and boats for what they are needed for: reconnaissance, evacuation, and anti—submarine warfare.

The Royal Navy hopes that such drones will soon become commonplace, like radio communications or GPS.

Sources

1. FlightGlobal — first successful Malloy T-150 drone resupply between Royal Navy ships
2. Maritime Executive — overview of the ship-to-ship drone delivery operation
3. Forces News — maiden flight between HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Dauntless, future Royal Navy plans
4. Naval Technology — significance of the trial and future drone logistics potential
5. BBC News — official release and video of the Malloy T-150 in service

Aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales arrives in Tokyo on a mission to strengthen ties in Asia

HMS Prince of Wales leads the British aircraft carrier group

The flagship of the Royal Navy of Great Britain, the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, arrived in the port of Tokyo, leading the British aircraft carrier Strike Group (CSG). This visit marks one of the most significant British diplomatic and military presences in East Asia in recent times and highlights London's growing focus on the Indo-Pacific region.

The aircraft carrier, escorted by escort ships and supported by F-35B aircraft, demonstrates the UK's ability to project power and participate in international operations on a global level.

Tokyo visit: from public tours to Security Summit

The Tokyo stop includes a wide range of activities. Guided tours aboard the aircraft carrier are organized for the public — a rare opportunity to see the UK's largest ship building from the inside. In parallel, meetings are being held with senior representatives of the Japanese government, the Ministry of Defense and military leaders.

Special attention is paid to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of security and technology, which is in line with the Global Britain strategy.

Pacific Future Forum as a dialogue center

The central event of the visit will be the Pacific Future Forum, an international summit bringing together experts, politicians and business representatives. The Forum is focused on three key areas:

• Regional security and stability
• Development of advanced technologies, including cybersecurity and AI
• Economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region

The event aims to strengthen partnerships between the UK, Japan and other countries in the region.

The strategic importance of the UK's presence in the region

This visit is part of the UK's long—term strategy to strengthen its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. It demonstrates London's willingness to support rules, freedom of navigation and collective security in the face of growing geopolitical tensions.

Close ties with Japan, one of the UK's key strategic partners in Asia, play an important role in building a sustainable alliance based on shared values and interests.

BMT unveiled the Ellida Strike concept, an amphibious assault ship of the future

The Ellida Strike Concept: from Theory to reality

On the eve of the DSEI 2025 international defense technology exhibition, the British company BMT presented the Ellida Strike concept, the most ambitious project in its line of amphibious assault ships. This multi-purpose attack ship is designed as a possible solution for the recapitalization and modernization of the Royal Navy amphibious fleet, demonstrating a vision for the future of expeditionary naval operations.

Ellida Strike combines advanced technology, flexible architecture and high combat effectiveness, offering an alternative to traditional landing craft.

Multi—purpose applications - from combat to humanitarian missions

One of the key advantages of Ellida Strike is its versatility. The ship is capable of operating effectively both in conditions of intense combat, as well as in peacekeeping and humanitarian aid operations. It can deliver infantry, armored vehicles, and helicopters to shore, providing force projection in coastal areas.

At the same time, if necessary, the vessel can be quickly converted to evacuate civilians, deliver cargo, or provide medical care, making it a valuable asset in crisis situations.

Technological innovation and marine versatility

Ellida Strike is designed using a modular architecture, which allows it to be adapted to various missions. It is expected that the ship will be equipped with modern fire control systems, electronic warfare, network—centric communications and the ability to integrate unmanned systems, both aerial and marine.

The power plant is likely to be hybrid or fully electric, which will increase fuel efficiency and reduce acoustic footprint, improving stealth.

Role in the modernization of the Royal Navy amphibious fleet

The British amphibious fleet is currently facing challenges related to the aging of the fleet and the changing geopolitical situation. The Ellida Strike concept offers a way to create a more flexible, technologically advanced and operationally efficient fleet.

Although it is still a concept, its presentation at DSEI 2025 may attract the attention of the Ministry of Defense and become the basis for a future development and construction contract.

The destroyer HMS Defender has received a new modular missile silo after extensive modernization

The first images of the British Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender, undergoing a deep modernization at the Portsmouth dock, have appeared. The ship, which is scheduled to return to service in the summer of 2026, became the first in the Royal Navy to receive a new modular missile silo. Instead of the original plan to expand the existing Sylver mine in the bow, the engineers abandoned the complex and risky integration on board. Instead, the new section was completely fabricated on land as a ready—made block and then installed on the ship using a heavy crane - this approach reduces work time and increases the accuracy of installation.

The new silo will accommodate additional cells of the universal launcher (VLS), which will significantly increase the ship's ammunition, especially in the context of the future deployment of attack missiles. Previously, there was an empty space three decks deep in the bow of the destroyer, which the team even adapted for a gym. Now it turns out that this place was originally intended to install longer VLS cells capable of carrying long-range cruise missiles, but the project was not implemented then. The current modernization can be a step towards restoring and realizing these capabilities, especially in light of the UK's strategic need to increase the strike potential of its destroyers. The updated HMS Defender will not only strengthen the fleet's air defense, but also gain the potential to conduct offensive operations.

UK-Japan joint exercises: training F-35B pilots to work together in the Indo-Pacific region

 

The Ministry of Defense has updated data on the next step of Operation Highmast, where the Royal Navy's Carrier Strike Group 25 will focus on joint air operations in the Indo-Pacific region. Special attention is being paid to ensuring that British and Japanese forces hone joint operations with F-35B fighters, fifth—generation aircraft with the ability to take off and vertical landing (STOVL).

For the UK, this is a familiar technique: the F-35B has been in service since 2018, and they have a lot of experience using it. But Japan is just beginning to implement this platform in its naval forces and is still in the process of integration. The two countries are currently conducting joint exercises at sea, where pilots and maintenance personnel are training, working together, learning how to work together, and gaining experience for future operations.

These exercises are an important part of strengthening the military partnership between London and Tokyo. They show solidarity and willingness to jointly respond to various challenges in an increasingly strategic region. In addition, such training helps pilots and technicians better understand each other's work so that everything goes smoothly in real combat conditions.

In general, F-35B joint flights are not just a study, but a serious step forward in terms of strengthening security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Indeed, now that the world is becoming more and more complex from a military point of view, it is coherence and willingness to work together that help maintain balance and prevent conflicts.

The Ministry of Defense is looking for ideas for its "unmanned partners"

 

The Royal Navy is seeking fresh ideas from industry for the next phase of its Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) program. The goal is to create a new generation of drones that can truly work in a team with manned fighter jets, whether they are fourth—, fifth-, or even sixth-generation models. These unmanned systems should be able to operate synchronously, enhancing the capabilities of their manned "partners". Special attention is being paid to the possibility of working with aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy, which means the need to develop drones capable of taking off and landing from the deck of an aircraft carrier. The Ministry of Defense wants to use the knowledge and experience of industry to properly shape the development of these unmanned systems. It is expected that such platforms will have a high degree of autonomy and will be able to perform complex tasks, including electronic warfare.

Without cover: the British Navy was left without protective submarines for the first time

This week, the British Royal Navy found itself in a delicate situation — it has no submarines left on combat duty at all. After the HMS Anson nuclear attack submarine returned to its base in Scotland last Friday, not a single submarine remained at sea to protect surface ships.

This means that now the British warships patrolling the seas do not have their own underwater cover. And in modern realities, when threats can appear not only from the air or from land, but also from the depths of the ocean, this is a serious failure. Especially considering the activity of Russian submarines in the Atlantic and the North Sea.

One former senior defense official bluntly called what was happening a "disgrace" and "chaos." According to him, the fleet, which should be ready for action 365 days a year, is currently unable to provide even a minimal presence underwater.

The problem is the reduced number of boats, lengthy repairs and technical delays. The UK currently has only seven Astute-class attack submarines, and keeping at least one at sea is constantly becoming more difficult.

So while the navy is proud of its new ships and aircraft carriers, there is nothing underwater. And this, as they say, is not the best place for British defense.

The Dutch Ministry of Defense is purchasing eight V-BAT drones for naval reconnaissance

Shield AI has announced an important step in the development of the capabilities of the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Marine Corps. The country's Defense ministry has acquired eight V-BAT unmanned aerial systems, which will be used to improve maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

What is V-BAT?

The V-BAT is a unique drone with vertical takeoff and landing, capable of staying in the air for a long time and performing complex intelligence gathering tasks. Its versatility and autonomy make it an ideal tool for marine operations where fast response and high accuracy are important.

How will this help the Dutch Navy?

- Improved intelligence: V-BAT will provide more accurate and timely data on the situation at sea and on the coast.

- Enhanced surveillance capabilities: Drones will be able to operate in difficult conditions, ensuring constant control over important areas.

- Marine Corps Support: With its mobility and autonomy, V-BAT will provide operational support to Marine Corps units in the field.

F-35Bs refueled and took off from HMS Prince of Wales for the first time before the Talisman Sabre exercises

In 2025, an important event took place within the framework of international military cooperation: F-35B stealth fighters of the United States Marine Corps successfully completed refueling and takeoff operations from the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales. This was part of his large—scale flagship campaign conducted as part of Operation High Mast, the key aircraft carrier deployment of the British Royal Navy this year.

These operations took place on the eve of one of the largest multinational exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, Talisman Sabre, which underlines the strategic importance of this event. The participation of the F-35B in joint operations with the British flagship demonstrates the high degree of interoperability of the allied forces and the strengthening of their presence in a critically important region.

The British Aircraft Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by HMS Prince of Wales, embarked on an eight-month mission that will take place from the Mediterranean Sea, through the Indian Ocean, and end off the Pacific coast. Such a deeply symbolic and tactically significant deployment is aimed at strengthening defensive ties, demonstrating strength and increasing combat readiness in the face of growing geopolitical challenges.

The participation of American fifth-generation fighters in logistical and combat operations with the British aircraft carrier also serves as a prime example of transatlantic partnership and technological synchronization. The joint actions of the F-35B and HMS Prince of Wales have shown the effectiveness of integrating the advanced systems and capabilities of the two countries into a single combat structure.

Sweden strengthens amphibious forces: Saab will supply an additional 22 CB 90 amphibious assault boats

The Swedish Defense Materials Administration (Försvarets materielverk, FMV) has signed a new contract with Saab for the supply of additional high-speed amphibious assault boats Combat Boat 90 (CB 90) for the amphibious battalion of the Royal Swedish Navy (Royal Swedish Navy, RSwN) . The total value of the contract is about 900 million Swedish kronor, which underlines the country's desire to modernize and strengthen its naval strike capabilities.

CB 90 boats have long been in service with the Swedish Navy and have proven themselves to be highly maneuverable, reliable and multifunctional vessels. They are used for infantry landings, rapid raid operations, evacuation of personnel and other tasks in the coastal zone. Their key advantages include high speed (up to 40 knots), the ability to transport up to 21 military personnel, and modular combat modules, including machine guns, grenade launchers, and anti—tank missiles.

This order is part of a broader modernization program for the Swedish armed forces, which includes the development of amphibious and coastal forces, especially in the face of the escalating geopolitical situation in the Baltic Sea and the increased activity of NATO and Russia in the region. Given the geographical features of Sweden, with its many islands and fjords cutting deep into the land, an effective amphibious group is of strategic importance for coastal defense and rapid response.

The new boats will be placed at the disposal of the amphibious battalion Amfibieregementet, which is based in Karlskrona and is responsible for carrying out a wide range of operations, including special naval operations and the protection of territorial waters. The delivery of 22 new CB 90 units will significantly enhance the unit's mobility and firepower.

It is also important to note that Saab continues to improve the CB 90 platform, adapting it to modern requirements, including the integration of next-generation communication systems, navigation equipment, and remote fire control capabilities. This makes the boat an important solution not only for Sweden, but also for a number of other countries that already operate this type of vessel.

CB 90HSM

Coordinated deployment of aircraft carriers of Great Britain, France and Italy in the Indo-Pacific region: strengthening the presence of European fleets

In 2025, the Navies of Great Britain, France and Italy announced plans for the coordinated deployment of their aircraft carriers in the Indo-Pacific region, a step that marks the growth of European military interest in this strategically important area. This decision was a response to China's growing influence and increasing pressure from Russia, as well as part of a broader strategy to ensure freedom of navigation and strengthen international order in the Pacific Ocean.

The Royal Navy of Great Britain, the second largest in tonnage in the world, is taking a key role in the new initiative. Despite the fact that only a third of the British navy's destroyers are operational, the country continues to demonstrate activity outside Europe. The British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth is scheduled to be sent to the Indo-Pacific region to participate in joint operations. This will be a logical continuation of recent maneuvers, when British ships were already monitoring Russian maritime activity in May 2025.

In this context, special attention is being paid to the introduction of new technologies, such as the autonomous SWEEP system designed to detect naval mines — this increases the combat stability of the fleet in difficult conditions.

The French Navy, which is actively developing the Vortex hypersonic space aircraft project, also intends to demonstrate its projection of power in the Indo-Pacific region using the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. The move underscores Paris' desire to expand its global influence, especially after massive investments in the defense industry.

Italy, which has experience in operations with the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, has declared its readiness to participate in multinational exercises in the southern waters of the Pacific Ocean. The participation of all three countries in a single deployment indicates increased coordination between the European fleets and their desire to work together in a changing geopolitical environment.

This joint deployment is not just a demonstration of military might, but also a political signal to Moscow and Beijing. It recalls that European Powers remain involved in security issues at the global level, especially in light of the decline in the number of combat vehicles and equipment over the past two decades. In addition, it opens up opportunities for enhanced cooperation with countries such as Japan, South Korea and Australia, which are also concerned about the growing militarization in the region.

Underwater robot for the Royal Navy: new technology to save lives and protect underwater infrastructure

The UK's Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), together with industry partners, has developed and adapted a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) that will soon be able to significantly improve maritime safety for the Royal Navy. This robot is designed to combat the threats of sabotage, as well as to detect and neutralize unexploded ordnance that poses a danger to ships and divers.

The ROV is equipped with advanced systems to detect underwater explosive devices and remotely place explosives for their safe destruction. This technology reduces risks for human personnel by minimizing the need for direct contact of divers with dangerous objects.

In addition, the robot will play a key role in protecting strategically important underwater communications, including cables and pipelines, preventing enemy attempts to disable them through sabotage.

The British aircraft carriers Queen Elizabeth will receive long-range carrier-based missiles and unmanned aircraft systems

As part of the UK's Strategic Defense Review (SDR), it has been confirmed that the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers will undergo a major upgrade, including long-range carrier-based missiles and unmanned aircraft systems. This will significantly expand the strike capabilities of the ships and increase their effectiveness in modern combat conditions.

The Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers are the largest ships in the Royal Navy, with a displacement of about 70,000 tons and an air wing of F-35B Lightning II fighters capable of performing short takeoffs and vertical landings. Previously, these ships were equipped mainly with defensive weapons, including Phalanx anti-aircraft artillery systems and automatic cannons to protect against low-flying targets.

The modernization provides for the integration of long-range deck-based missiles, which will significantly increase the range and accuracy of strikes from the ship, as well as the introduction of unmanned aircraft systems that will expand the capabilities of reconnaissance, targeting and strikes without risk to the crew.

The Royal Navy uses drones for supply in the Indo-Pacific region

 For the first time, the Royal Navy will deploy a fleet of drones to carry out vital ship-to-ship resupply missions during the upcoming deployment of the British Aircraft Carrier Strike Group (CSG) to the Indo-Pacific region.

According to updated Royal Navy news, nine Malloy T-150 octover helicopters will join the HMS Prince of Wales Air group later this month and will carry out missions alongside F-35B aircraft and naval helicopters to transport food, mail and engineering parts throughout the task force.

The goal is to, to free the helicopters from the routine work of supply, freeing them for their main combat and defensive tasks. Drone operations will be conducted by a 12-person team from 700X Naval Air Squadron based at RNAS Culdrose.

The Royal Navy plans to purchase a third Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier

Aircraft carrier type "Queen Elizabeth"

On the eve of the new financial year, an event occurred in the British Defense Ministry that led to talk about a possible expansion of the navy. A consultation document leaked online from the Ministry of Defense appears to confirm the Royal Navy's plans to purchase a third Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier. Sources close to the ministry emphasize that the new vessel, tentatively named HMS Prince Andrew, will be created taking into account the experience gained during the design, construction and operation of its predecessors — HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.

This news came as a surprise even to experienced defense observers, as the scale and ambition of the program look impressive. The document, which is circulating in the Ministry of Defense, says that the new aircraft carrier will be equipped with advanced technologies and systems, which will allow it to perform a wide range of tasks within the framework of the UK's global strategy. 

However, there has been no official confirmation of this information from the authorities yet. The Ministry of Defense does not comment on the leaked document, but sources in the department indicate that the draft is under study and discussion. 

If plans to purchase a third Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier are implemented, it will be an important step in the development of the British Navy and confirmation of its intentions to maintain its status as a leading naval power. 

The Royal Navy of Great Britain tracks Russian ships in the English Channel: alarm off the coast

  

The Royal Navy of Great Britain has been put on high alert again due to the appearance of Russian ships in the English Channel. On Wednesday, March 27, 2025, the minesweeper HMS Cattistock and a Wildcat helicopter were sent to escort the Russian hydrographic vessel Admiral Vladimirsky, which was sailing along the southern coast of the country.  

According to British media, the Admiral Vladimirsky was moving across the English Channel in a northerly direction, which caused an immediate reaction from the Navy. The minesweeper and helicopter conducted continuous surveillance of the vessel, presumably used for reconnaissance. This is not the first case in recent months: in January 2025, similar measures were applied against the Russian ship Yantar, and in March against the frigate Boyky.  

The frequent appearance of Russian vessels near British waters increases tensions in the region. According to experts, such actions may be part of a demonstration of military presence or data collection for future operations. Britain, in turn, is demonstrating its determination to protect its maritime borders by actively using ships and aircraft to intercept suspicious objects.  

From Spitfire to drones: the British Leonardo factory is writing a new chapter of aviation

  

The Proteus autonomous helicopter is being assembled by the Leonardo factory

The Leonardo factory in Yeovil, Somerset, whose history goes back to the era of the Second World War, is now becoming a hub for innovation in the field of unmanned technologies. This company, which produced the legendary *Spitfire* and *Seafire* aircraft, and later *Sea King*, *Lynx* and *Merlin* helicopters, is now developing the revolutionary *Proteus* unmanned helicopter for the Royal Navy of Great Britain.  

The Yeovil plant, formerly associated with Westland Helicopters, played a key role in the production of military equipment. In the 1940s, Spitfire fighters and their Seafire carrier-based version were assembled here, which were completed in January 1949. Later, the company focused on helicopters: in the 1960s, serial production of the Sikorsky S-61 Sea King began, which was supplied not only to Great Britain, but also to Germany, Norway, and India.  In the 1980s, the development of the multipurpose Merlin (EH 101) began, the first prototype of which was presented in 1987.  

The current stage of the plant's development is marked by the Proteus project, an unmanned helicopter being developed by order of the Royal Navy. This demonstration vehicle is expected to become the world's first helicopter capable of flying in fully autonomous mode. The tests are scheduled for the end of 2025, underscoring the UK's desire to strengthen its technological leadership in naval aviation.  

The experience of creating *Sea King* and *Merlin*, known for their reliability, formed the basis of new developments. For example, *Merlin* is still used for search and rescue operations and cargo transportation, and *Proteus* will continue this line by adding autonomy and integration with artificial intelligence systems.  

British Admiral Perry: Vanguard submarines are capable of "incinerating" 40 Russian cities

 

nuclear submarine of the Vanguard type

Chris Perry, a retired rear admiral of the British Royal Navy, said that nuclear submarines of the Vanguard type, equipped with Trident ballistic missiles, are capable of destroying dozens of Russian cities in one strike. This statement, voiced in an interview with the British media, caused a wide response against the background of growing geopolitical tensions.  

According to Perry, each of the four Vanguard-class submarines carries 16 Trident II D5 missiles, which can be equipped with nuclear warheads. "One such submarine is capable of incinerating 40 Russian cities very quickly. This should make any world leader afraid of Britain," he stressed.  

These submarines remain a key element of the United Kingdom's nuclear deterrence. Their main task is covert patrolling in remote areas of the world's oceans, which guarantees a retaliatory strike in case of aggression.  

Perry's statement came amid a discussion in NATO about Russia's deterrence strategy. Experts note that such statements may be part of an information campaign aimed at strengthening the UK's position in negotiations with the EU and the United States. However, the Kremlin has not yet commented on the words of the British admiral.  

Engineers from Somerset create the world's first autonomous helicopter Proteus

 

Proteus Project

Engineers from Somerset, working as part of a research project for the Royal Navy, are building a unique helicopter that will fly independently, without the need for remote control. This project represents a significant step forward in the field of autonomous aviation technology.

The Proteus Project

The experimental Proteus helicopter was developed by the Leonardo Helicopters UK team in Yeovil. Unlike existing unmanned helicopters, which are controlled by pilots from a ship or command base, the Proteus is capable of carrying out missions completely autonomously. This makes it the first helicopter of its kind in the world.

 Advantages of autonomous flight

The Proteus autonomous helicopter has a number of advantages that make it unique and in demand in various fields. Firstly, the absence of the need for remote control significantly reduces reaction time and improves the efficiency of tasks. Secondly, autonomous systems can operate in environments where communication with an operator may be difficult or impossible.

Use in the Royal Navy

The Proteus autonomous helicopter opens up new possibilities for the Royal Navy. It can be used for various missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, patrolling, and even rescue operations. Autonomous helicopters can operate alone or as part of a group, which increases their flexibility and efficiency.

Technological innovation

The development of the Proteus helicopter includes the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. These technologies allow the helicopter to make decisions in real time, adapt to changing conditions and perform complex tasks without human intervention.

The future of autonomous helicopters

The Proteus project is an important step towards the future of autonomous aviation technology. The successful implementation of such helicopters can significantly change approaches to military and civilian missions. Autonomous helicopters can become a key element in the arsenal of the armed forces, ensuring high efficiency and safety.

Number Of British Armed Forces: 127,036 Permanently Trained Military Personnel

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Defense, currently the total number of permanently trained members of the British Armed Forces is 127,036 people.

Distribution of active duty personnel as of January 1, 2025 number of permanently trained personnel (FTTS) The British Armed Forces were as follows for all types of troops:

• Royal Navy and Royal Marines: 28,085 
• Army personnel: 71,151 people
• Royal Air Force: 27,800 personnel 
• Total strength of the armed forces: 127,036 people.

These figures reflect the number of fully trained and capable personnel available for deployment.