thanks
to its technological edge and determination. This determination springs from the
United Kingdom's knowledge that, as an island nation, much of its defense lies
in a powerful navy. Indeed, in its past, from defeating the Spanish Armada to
scuttling Germany's planned invasion during the Second World War, the UK's very
existence was saved time and again by the Royal Navy. Never forgetting the
lessons of the Spanish Armada, the UK put its major military effort in
maintaining and advancing the fleet.
In 1905, the HMS Dreadnought, the first modern battleship, set sail. In 1912, from the deck of the HMS Africa, the first ship-borne aircraft took off, ushering in the age of the aircraft carrier. Today a force of thirty-five frigates and destroyers, twelve nuclear powered submarines, and three aircraft carriers bearing such advanced fighters as the Sea Harrier defend the interests of the United Kingdom throughout the world.
Major Combatants
Surface Ships
Sub-Surface AircraftVisit the Homepage of the Royal Navy at http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk