Littoral Response Group

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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 amphibious 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 can combine to form a more substantial Littoral Strike Group (LSG) and they can also join a UK Carrier Strike Group to form an Expeditionary Strike Force.[1]

Background[edit]

See also: Future Commando Force

The LRG concept responds to a global shift in interstate competition from total wars to persistence through limited positional warfare.[2] It also responds to the proliferation of anti-ship missiles, man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS) and sophisticated ISR capabilities which have rendered traditional large-scale amphibious assaults increasingly hazardous. This has 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.[2]

Whilst the LRG concept was first announced in 2019, the Royal Navy has 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 is 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.[3]

Overview[edit]

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[4]

Role[edit]

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

The LRG concept provides 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.[5][6] They can be used to carry out raiding missions, demonstrations of force, evacuations and precision strikes inland from the littoral zone.[7][8]

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:[9]

  • The removal of a Russian force that has landed on the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard to prevent the installation of area denial (A2AD) systems.
  • A reinforcement to prevent the seizure of Gotland, Åland or Bornholm in the Baltic by Russia.
  • The seizure of the Iranian island of Abu Musa in the Strait of Hormuz to prevent mine-laying and attacks on commercial shipping by the Iranians.
  • Intervention in Hodeidah, Yemen to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and reduce the threat to shipping in the Red Sea.

Composition[edit]

An LRG has typically consisted of an Albion-class landing platform dock and a Bay-class landing ship dock, along with a company of 250 Royal Marines.[8] 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".[10]

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 permament hangar.[8] This was to have been a stopgap solution until the entry into service of the new Multi-Role Support Ships (MRSS) in the 2030s.[11][8] 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.[12] Escort will be provided by at least one frigate or destroyer.[13]

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.[5]

Operational history[edit]

The Royal Navy has one operational LRG, Littoral Response Group (North), which is based in Europe. It deployed a second group, LRG (South), to the Indo-Pacific region in early 2024.

Littoral Response Group (North)[edit]

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
SizeAlbion-class assault ship (both ships of the class in reserve); RFA Mounts Bay; other elements as required
Commanders
Current
commander		Captain Simon Kelly[14]

Littoral Response Group (North) is 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.[15]

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.[14] 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.[16] 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, 24 Commando Royal Engineers and the Commando Logistics Regiment supported this deployment.[17] 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.[18]

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.[19]

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.[20]

Littoral Response Group (South)[edit]

Littoral Response Group (South)
RFA Argus, Littoral Strike Ship for LRG (South)
Founded2023
Country United Kingdom
Branch Royal Navy
TypeLittoral response group
SizeRFA Argus, RFA Lyme Bay;[21] other elements as required

Littoral Response Group (South) is forward deployed to the UK Joint Logistics Support Base in Duqm, Oman with responsibility for the Indo-Pacific.[22][8] It formed in September 2023 with RFAs Argus and Lyme Bay assigned as its principal vessels.[23] 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.[24]

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.[25][26]

As of March 2024 the group, escorted by HMS Diamond, had transitted through the Red Sea and was operating in the Indian Ocean having conducted exercises with the Indian Navy. Maintenance of both ships was then undertaken at the Larsen & Toubro shipyard in India.[27]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Understanding the Royal Navy's littoral response group concept". NavyLookout. 17 August 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  2. ^ a b Kaushal, Sidharth; Watling, Jack. "Requirements for the UK's Amphibious Forces in the Future Operating Environment". RUSI. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  3. ^ "Update on Littoral Response Group (Experimentation) (LRG(X))". Warfare.Today. 9 December 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  4. ^ Brooke-Holland, Louisa. "Integrated Review: The defence tilt to the IndoPacific" (PDF). House of Commons Library. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  5. ^ a b "HCDC Inquiry - The Navy: Purpose and Procurement". Parliament. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  6. ^ Skingsley, Juliet (2 December 2020). "Countering Threats Below the Threshold of War". Chatham House. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  7. ^ "Royal Navy amphibious warfare capability in flux". Navy Lookout. 15 July 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  8. ^ a b c d e Bentham, Jonathan; Childs, Nick. "UK Littoral Response Group: the shape of things to come?". IISS. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  9. ^ "Requirements for the UK's Amphibious Forces in the Future Operating Environment" (PDF). RUSI. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  10. ^ Allison, George (19 March 2024). "HMS Bulwark unlikely to return to sea 'unless needed'". Navy Lookout.
  11. ^ "Converting the Bay-class auxiliaries into littoral strike ships". Navy Lookout. 27 July 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  12. ^ "The oldest ship in the Royal Naval Service to become the new Littoral Strike Ship | Navy Lookout". 20 July 2022.
  13. ^ "Defence in a competitive age" (PDF). GOV.UK. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  14. ^ a b "HMS Albion leads the way as commandos head for the Baltic". Royal Navy. 7 May 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  15. ^ Allison, George (19 March 2024). "HMS Bulwark unlikely to return to sea 'unless needed'". Navy Lookout.
  16. ^ "UK and US forces combine on amphibious exercises". Royal Navy. 22 May 2021. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  17. ^ "Royal Marines Practise Storming Beaches Ahead Of European Mission". BFBS. 15 May 2021. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  18. ^ Allison, George (17 May 2021). "HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Albion meet up with USS Iwo Jima". UK Defence Journal. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  19. ^ "More than a thousand sailors and Royal Marines head on Mediterranean mission". Royal Navy. 26 September 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  20. ^ "New Arctic operations base for UK commandos". Royal Navy. 8 March 2023. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  21. ^ Williams, Briohny. "Royal Navy task force gears up for landmark deployment". Forces News. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  22. ^ Allison, George (30 July 2021). "British Littoral Response Group ships to be based in Oman". UK Defence Journal. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  23. ^ Williams, Briohny. "Royal Navy task force gears up for landmark deployment". Forces News. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  24. ^ "Commandos prepare for operations on Mojave Desert training missions". Royal Navy. 26 October 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  25. ^ Sheridan, Danielle (12 October 2023). "Royal Navy to send ships and aircraft to support Israel".
  26. ^ "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.
  27. ^ @NavyLookout (March 26, 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.
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