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Littoral Response Group

A Littoral Response Group (LRG) is a Royal Navy task group usually consisting of one or two amphibious warfare ships (supported by other Royal Navy elements if required and available), a company of Royal Marines and supporting elements primarily tasked with littoral warfare from the littoral areas. They were first deployed in 2020 and have been described by the Royal Navy as being more flexible and agile compared to previous amphibious task groups with an emphasis on forward-basing, precision strike capabilities, high mobility, modern command and control technology, networked autonomous systems and deception capabilities. Multiple LRGs were to be able to combine to form a more substantial Littoral Strike Group (LSG) and also join a UK Carrier Strike Group to form an Expeditionary Strike Force.[1]

However, as of late 2024, the future of the entire LRG concept was at best uncertain since, in November 2024, the newly elected Labour government indicated that both of the Royal Navy's Albion-class landing platform dock vessels would be removed from service by March 2025.[2] Simultaneously, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary was suffering severe crewing problems, as well as a labour force disruption, meaning the manning of its three Bay-class landing ship dock vessels was facing serious challenges.[3][4][5] This brought into question the entire concept of the navy's ability to deploy two littoral response groups.[6]

Background

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See also: Future Commando Force

The LRG concept responded to a global shift in interstate competition from total wars to persistence through limited positional warfare.[7] It also responded to the proliferation of anti-ship missiles, man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS) and sophisticated ISR[expand acronym] capabilities which have rendered traditional large-scale amphibious assaults increasingly hazardous. This made them an unattractive option to seize and take control of ground in the littoral zone, an area of increased importance due to the rise in population centres and economic interests in those areas.[7]

Whilst the LRG concept was first announced in 2019, the Royal Navy deployed similar task groups over the past decade as part of the Response Force Task Group, Joint Rapid Reaction Force and Joint Expeditionary Force. The LRG, however, is unique in that it had been designed to be forward-based and centred around the Future Commando Force.[1]

The first LRG was deployed on an experimental deployment in September 2020, named LRG(X), which took place in Cyprus. The deployment consisted of the Albion-class landing platform dock HMS Albion, Bay-class landing ship dock RFA Lyme Bay and Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon, along with a company of Royal Marines. The LSG trialed 40 experimental concepts, including the use of drones to resupply equipment to commandos on the ground.[8]

Overview

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A Littoral Response Group is defined as a “bespoke force assigned to a geographic area, that contains dedicated shipping, helicopters and boats".

— Integrated Review: The Defence Tilt to the IndoPacific[9]

Role

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HMS Albion during the LRG(N) deployment Exercise Wader (May 2021)

The LRG concept provided the UK options in an era of sub-threshold competition, a "grey zone" where nation states and actors compete in a hostile manner using tactics below the threshold of war.[10][11] They could also be used to carry out raiding missions, demonstrations of force, evacuations and precision strikes inland from the littoral zone.[12][13]

The Royal United Services Institute provided four example uses for a Royal Navy LRG in its publication, titled Requirements for the UK’s Amphibious Forces in the Future Operating Environment, which are:[14]

Composition

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An LRG typically consisted of an Albion-class landing platform dock and a Bay-class landing ship dock, along with a company of 250 Royal Marines.[13] However, as of 2024, both Albion-class vessels were being maintained in reserve and the MOD's Minister of State, James Cartlidge, stated that it was anticipated that, although HMS Bulwark was to complete a long-term refit in 2024, she would nevertheless only be activated "if required".[15] In late 2024, it was indicated that both Albion-class vessels would be removed from service by March 2025, thus ending this capability in the Royal Navy.

In 2021, the Ministry of Defence announced it would be investing £50 million into upgrading one of the Bay-class landing ship docks to better facilitate its role within the LRG concept, with upgrades to its command and control facilities and the installation of a permanent hangar.[13] This was to have been a stopgap solution until the entry into service of the new Multi-Role Support Ships (MRSS) in the 2030s.[16][13] However, in July 2022, it was reported that the future Littoral Strike role would be assumed by RFA Argus after a refit to convert her.[17] Escort will be provided by at least one frigate or destroyer.[18]

Fixed and rotary-wing remotely-piloted air systems (RPAS) are an integral part of the LRG concept. These systems provide commandos with increased strike, surveillance and logistical options, increasing their lethality, survivability and sustainability.[10]

Operational history

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The Royal Navy has had two operational LRGs: Littoral Response Group (North), which is based in Europe, and Littoral Response Group (South), based in the Indo-Pacific region.

Littoral Response Group (North)

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Littoral Response Group (North)
HMS Albion preparing for deployment as part of LRG(N) (May 2021)
Founded2021
Country United Kingdom
Branch Royal Navy
TypeLittoral response group
SizeOne Bay-class landing ship; other elements as required
Commanders
Current
commander		Captain Simon Kelly[19]

Littoral Response Group (North) has been the lead formation, based in Europe, with an area of responsibility in the Atlantic, Baltic and Mediterranean. It has included an Albion-class landing platform dock, a Bay-class landing ship dock, a company of 45 Commando Royal Marines and supporting elements. As of 2024, an Albion-class ship would only be made available from reserve "if required", making the group effectively reliant on RFA Mounts Bay on a day-to-day basis.[20] Later in the year, it was indicated that both Albion-class vessels would be retired.

LRG (N) was first deployed in March 2021 on a three-month mission to the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea and took part in NATO's BALTOPS large-scale military exercise. The task group consisted of amphibious warfare ships HMS Albion and RFA Mounts Bay, Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster, AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat helicopters from 847 Naval Air Squadron and Royal Marines from 45 and 30 Commando.[19] In May, the same task group then participated in Exercise Ragnar Viking alongside the US Navy's USS Iwo Jima amphibious ready group in Norway. Prior to this, both groups carried out joint amphibious drills in Scotland as part of Exercise Wader.[21] 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, 24 Commando Royal Engineers and the Commando Logistics Regiment supported this deployment.[22] Both task groups also joined the UK Carrier Strike Group led by the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth for Exercise Strike Warrior. The exercise involved 20 ships, three submarines and 84 aircraft and validated NATO's ability to coordinate a carrier strike group with an amphibious task group.[23]

In September 2022, RFA Argus joined the task group for the first time, joining HMS Albion, RFA Mounts Bay, RFA Tidesurge and HMS Defender in the Mediterranean. Argus provided the task group enhanced medical facilities and a flight deck with Merlin and Wildcat helicopters.[24]

In March 2023, the Royal Navy established a base in Norway for LRG(N) personnel, named Camp Viking. It will be used to respond to emerging crises in Europe.[25]

In March 2024, the task group participated in Nordic Response in Norway. During the exercise, commandos from RFA Mounts Bay located and "destroyed" anti-access/area denial systems which granted NATO forces access to northern Norway.[26]

Littoral Response Group (South)

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Littoral Response Group (South)
RFA Argus, Littoral Strike Ship for LRG (South)
Founded2023
Country United Kingdom
Branch Royal Navy
TypeLittoral response group
SizeRFA Argus, one Bay-class landing ship (when available);[27] other elements as required

Littoral Response Group (South) had been assigned responsibility for operations in the Indo-Pacific, though both ships normally assigned to LRG (S) may not always be available in the region.[28][13]

LRG (S) formed in September 2023 with RFAs Argus and Lyme Bay assigned as its principal vessels.[29] The commando element is provided by 40 Commando Royal Marines who carried out pre-deployment training in the Mojave Desert in October 2021 in order to prepare them for their role. They trained alongside Dutch Marines who will also be providing part of the LRG. The Commando Logistic Regiment, 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group, 24 Commando Royal Engineers and 29 Commando Royal Artillery also provide components as required. In total, the task group will comprise up to 500 British troops and 120 Dutch troops.[30]

On 12 October 2023, the UK deployed LRG(S), consisting of RFAs Argus and Lyme Bay and supported by RAF P-8 Poseidon aircraft operating from RAF Akrotiri, to the Eastern Mediterranean during the 2023 Israel–Hamas war.[31][32]

In January 2024, Lyme Bay stopped at Port Said, Egypt to deliver 70 tonnes of humanitarian aid for Gaza.[33] In March, Argus and Lyme Bay transited the Red Sea amid the Red Sea crisis, escorted by HMS Diamond, and stopped at Kattupalli Shipyard in India for maintenance.[34] In April, the ships participated in a Maritime Partnership Exercise with the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet in the Indian Ocean. The tasks conducted in the exercise included "tactical manoeuvres, boarding ops, surface engagement against simulated asymmetric threats, cross deck visits & cross deck helo ops."[35][36]

In July 2024, Lyme Bay, Argus and troops from 40 Commando deployed to Australia for exercise "Predators Run" involving US and Australian forces.[37] In September 2024, Argus returned to the U.K. via Cape Town.[38]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Understanding the Royal Navy's littoral response group concept". NavyLookout. 17 August 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  2. ^ Vock, Ido (20 November 2024). "UK to decommission ships, drones and helicopters to save £500m". BBC.
  3. ^ Sharpe, Tom (26 September 2024). "Hey, Starmer and Reeves. This group of public sector workers really deserves a pay rise". The Telegraph. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  4. ^ "RFA Fort Victoria to be placed in long-term lay up". Navy Lookout. 2024-10-08. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  5. ^ "The Royal Navy's fading presence in the Middle East". Navy Lookout. 16 December 2024. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  6. ^ "Royal Navy finished as full-spectrum force as Albion and Bulwark axed". Naval News. 2024-11-20. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  7. ^ a b Kaushal, Sidharth; Watling, Jack. "Requirements for the UK's Amphibious Forces in the Future Operating Environment". RUSI. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  8. ^ "Update on Littoral Response Group (Experimentation) (LRG(X))". Warfare.Today. 9 December 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  9. ^ Brooke-Holland, Louisa. "Integrated Review: The defence tilt to the IndoPacific" (PDF). House of Commons Library. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  10. ^ a b "HCDC Inquiry - The Navy: Purpose and Procurement". Parliament. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  11. ^ Skingsley, Juliet (2 December 2020). "Countering Threats Below the Threshold of War". Chatham House. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  12. ^ "Royal Navy amphibious warfare capability in flux". Navy Lookout. 15 July 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  13. ^ a b c d e Bentham, Jonathan; Childs, Nick. "UK Littoral Response Group: the shape of things to come?". IISS. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  14. ^ "Requirements for the UK's Amphibious Forces in the Future Operating Environment" (PDF). RUSI. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  15. ^ Allison, George (19 March 2024). "HMS Bulwark unlikely to return to sea 'unless needed'". Navy Lookout.
  16. ^ "Converting the Bay-class auxiliaries into littoral strike ships". Navy Lookout. 27 July 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  17. ^ "The oldest ship in the Royal Naval Service to become the new Littoral Strike Ship | Navy Lookout". 20 July 2022.
  18. ^ "Defence in a competitive age" (PDF). GOV.UK. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  19. ^ a b "HMS Albion leads the way as commandos head for the Baltic". Royal Navy. 7 May 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  20. ^ Allison, George (19 March 2024). "HMS Bulwark unlikely to return to sea 'unless needed'". Navy Lookout.
  21. ^ "UK and US forces combine on amphibious exercises". Royal Navy. 22 May 2021. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  22. ^ "Royal Marines Practise Storming Beaches Ahead Of European Mission". BFBS. 15 May 2021. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  23. ^ Allison, George (17 May 2021). "HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Albion meet up with USS Iwo Jima". UK Defence Journal. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  24. ^ "More than a thousand sailors and Royal Marines head on Mediterranean mission". Royal Navy. 26 September 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  25. ^ "New Arctic operations base for UK commandos". Royal Navy. 8 March 2023. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  26. ^ "Royal Marines at the tip of the NATO spear on major Arctic exercise". Royal Navy. 14 March 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  27. ^ Williams, Briohny. "Royal Navy task force gears up for landmark deployment". Forces News. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  28. ^ Allison, George (30 July 2021). "British Littoral Response Group ships to be based in Oman". UK Defence Journal. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  29. ^ Williams, Briohny. "Royal Navy task force gears up for landmark deployment". Forces News. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  30. ^ "Commandos prepare for operations on Mojave Desert training missions". Royal Navy. 26 October 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  31. ^ Sheridan, Danielle (12 October 2023). "Royal Navy to send ships and aircraft to support Israel".
  32. ^ "Royal Navy aircraft carrier will not be deployed to the Mediterranean but other options are open". Navy Lookout. 12 October 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  33. ^ "RFA Lyme Bay delivers tonnes of humanitarian aid for Gaza". Royal Navy. 2 January 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  34. ^ @NavyLookout (26 March 2024). "@NavyLookout The Littoral Response Group (LRG (South)) @RFAArgus and @RFALymeBay have arrived at the Larsen & Toubro shipyard in Kattupalli 🇮🇳India for maintenance following exercises with the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea" (Tweet). Retrieved 26 March 2024 – via Twitter.
  35. ^ ANI (2024-04-26). "Indian Navy Participates in Maritime Partnership Exercise with UK's Littoral Response Group". ThePrint. Retrieved 2024-04-28.
  36. ^ @SpokespersonNavy (25 April 2024). "#IndianNavy's indigenous stealth frigate #INSSahyadri participated in Maritime Partnership Exercise with UK Littoral Response Group South (LRGS) comprising #RoyalNavy ships @RFAArgus & @RFALymeBay..." (Tweet). Retrieved 28 April 2024 – via Twitter.
  37. ^ "ROyal Marines load Lightweight vehicles onto Osprey for the First Time". Royal Navy. 2024-07-09. Retrieved 2024-07-19.
  38. ^ @NavyLookout (13 September 2024). "@NavyLookout No Red Sea transit for @RFAArgus ... On her way home to the UK - off Cape Town, 🇿🇦South Africa today" (Tweet). Retrieved 13 September 2024 – via Twitter.