The Royal Navy’s Towed Array Patrol Ship (TAPS) plays a crucial role in safeguarding the UK’s waters, specifically tasked with detecting and neutralising the growing threat of Russian submarines in UK waters and beyond. This mission, which involves constant vigilance and cutting-edge technology, is a critical part of the UK’s maritime defence strategy.
TAPS Mission: Guarding the Waters
TAPS duty is assigned to one of the Royal Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates, typically for periods of up to two months. The primary goal is to detect adversary submarines and ensure the waters around the UK remain secure. This task is vital for protecting the movement of the UK’s nuclear deterrent, as well as countering the growing Russian submarine presence in the North Atlantic and beyond.
Operating mainly out of Devonport Naval Base, the six remaining Type 23 frigates (HMS Somerset, Richmond, Portland, St Albans, Sutherland, and Kent) rotate in and out of TAPS duty. One of these ships maintains a constant watch over the seas. Until recently, the TAPS mission was largely unacknowledged publicly, overshadowed by higher-profile tasks such as monitoring Russian surface ships close to the UK.
The TAPS mission, though less glamorous, is no less important. It requires intense focus, patience, and the ability to operate independently in harsh conditions, often in the North Atlantic, the GIUK Gap, the North Sea, and the Norwegian Sea. Despite limited opportunities for shore leave, the TAPS role offers invaluable experience in national security and maritime defence.
The TAPS Platform: High-Tech and Stealthy
The Type 23 frigates, designed during the Cold War, were conceived to counter Soviet nuclear submarines in the North Atlantic. Despite their age, these ships have been significantly upgraded and remain highly effective submarine hunters. Equipped with the Type 2087 Towed Array Sonar system, these frigates are optimised for stealth and high-level anti-submarine capabilities.
The ship’s Combined Diesel-Electric and Gas (CODLAG) propulsion system enables silent running, minimising acoustic signatures that could alert enemy submarines. This stealth mode is crucial when deploying the towed array sonar, which trails up to one and a half kilometres behind the ship, reducing interference from the vessel’s noise.
The Sonar 2087, developed by Thales, is regarded as one of the world’s best sonar systems. Its active/passive capabilities allow for the detection of submarines at great distances, far beyond the range of submarine-launched torpedoes. The frigates also carry a bow-mounted sonar system, useful for closer-range detection of threats such as mines and torpedoes.
A key part of the Type 23’s ASW arsenal is the Merlin HM2 helicopter. This helicopter, equipped with advanced sonar and torpedoes, extends the ship’s sensor range and enhances its ability to track and eliminate targets. When a potential submarine is detected, the Merlin is launched to further refine the target’s position and, if necessary, deliver a torpedo strike.
Operational Challenges and Strain on Resources
The Royal Navy’s surface fleet is under increasing pressure. The 2021 Defence White Paper had anticipated maintaining a fleet of 17 escorts, including six Type 45 destroyers and 11 frigates. However, delays to the Type 26 programme and the premature retirement of Type 23 frigates like HMS Westminster and Northumberland have resulted in a reduced fleet size.
This reduction in available frigates is further compounded by maintenance cycles, crew shortages, and the demand for ships to support multiple operational commitments. The upcoming Carrier Strike Group 25 (CSG25) deployment is expected to stretch resources even further, requiring the Royal Navy to allocate at least one, ideally two, Type 23 frigates as primary ASW pickets.
A Vital Role in National Defence
The TAPS frigates play a pivotal role in maintaining the UK’s nuclear deterrence by ensuring the safety of the SSBNs (Submarine-launched Ballistic Nuclear Submarines) and bolstering the UK’s wider maritime defence. With the Russian submarine threat growing, the importance of the TAPS mission cannot be overstated.
There is a pressing need for more frigates to meet the demands of ASW operations. The Royal Navy is counting on the Type 26 frigates to fill this gap, but with delays in their construction, the situation is becoming increasingly critical. The need for additional resources and personnel is urgent to ensure that the TAPS mission continues to be carried out effectively.
Conclusion: Strengthening the Defences
The Royal Navy’s TAPS mission is a quiet yet essential component of the UK’s maritime defence, contributing directly to national security. The increasing pressure on ASW resources highlights the need for swift delivery of new ships and increased investment in the Royal Navy’s capabilities. Without it, the UK risks weakening its defence against the growing submarine threat, putting both national security and NATO’s collective defence at risk.
