HMS Iron Duke class Type 23Britain, relying mainly on nuclear deterrence forces in the event of an open conflict, attaches key importance to the freedom of maneuver of nuclear-weapon-equipped submarines. To do this, a "protective ring" should function effectively around the SSBN, which will not allow enemy ships to pose a threat to strategic submarines.
One of the main forces designed to combat this danger are TAPS – "towed patrol ships" that monitor the activity of submarines, especially in the area of the Clyde base, where the Vanguard SSBNs with Trident II ballistic missiles are located.
- it says in the UK Defense Journal.
HMS Vengeance Vanguard class SSBNSAs indicated, TAPS tasks are performed by 8 Type 23 frigates equipped with Sonar 2087 towed gas engines. These ships are maintained in a state of high alert for their assigned task for 365 days a year, and usually one of them can be found around or near the west coast of Scotland.
- it is noted in the Navy Lookout edition.
The successful completion of the mission by SSBN ships is facilitated by the Integrated Underwater Surveillance System (IUSS), an infrastructure for detecting Russian submarines deployed on the seabed. After receiving data from it, TAPS follows the position where the submarine was approximately spotted. NATO submarines, Merlin helicopters, maritime patrol aircraft and other assets also help ships of this type.
HMS Northumberland Type 23 class (no longer in service)- the publication says.
The Sonar 2087 (a low-frequency active-passive towed sonar station developed by Thales) attached to the ships is the main means of detection.
- explains the author.
As he points out, back in 2021, it was expected that the British Navy would retain at least 17 escort ships (6 Type 45 destroyers and 11 frigates), but delays in the program of new Type 26 frigates do not allow this number to be sustained. As a result, this hits the most painful spot – TAPS ships, as two of them (Westminster and Northumberland) will be decommissioned in the near future.
Sonar 2087- the author writes.
As he notes, the British Navy was primarily an anti-submarine fleet for most of the Cold War period, and this set of special skills must be preserved. In this regard, he points out the need for at least 8 ships equipped with towed gas in service.
- indicates the author.
