UK to test 5,500-ton robot minehunting vessel in underwater operations

The British Royal Navy's new mine-hunting vessel, HMS Stirling Castle, has successfully completed sea trials and arrived at its homeport in Portsmouth. The ship, weighing approximately 5,500 tons, is designed to lead underwater mine countermeasure operations using remotely operated and autonomous systems managed by the Mine Threat Exploitation Group. During trials off the coasts of England and Scotland, the vessel's propulsion, power generation, heavy lift crane, medical, and damage-control systems were rigorously tested to meet demanding operational standards. HMS Stirling Castle will join the Portsmouth-based Mine Countermeasure Squadron 2, complementing smaller Hunt-class minehunters, and contribute to broader maritime security efforts around the UK. The ship’s commanding officer, Commander Phil Harper, highlighted the extensive preparation involved in transitioning the vessel from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary to active Royal Navy service. Moving forward, Stirling Castle will play a pivotal role in advancing minehunting tactics under the Royal Navy’s Mine Hunting Capability Programme, which