New naval support ships RFA Resourceful and Reliant named in bid to secure 'backbone of the Royal Navy'

New ships which will support the Royal Navy on intense deployments have been named amid a major construction milestone.

RFA Reliant and RFA Resourceful have been named as the second and third of the new Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships. The first of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) trio, RFA Resurgent, has had her keel laid.

The ceremony took place at Navantia UK’s Appledore shipyard, which marked the point at which the structure of the ship begins to take shape. Minister of defence readiness and industry, Luke Pollard, said: “The Royal Fleet Auxiliary are the backbone of our Royal Navy and these new ships will keep our navy ready to operate at range for longer.

“Seeing the steel cut for RFA Resurgent last year was a proud moment, and today’s keel laying shows real momentum behind this vital programme. This investment is helping bolster UK shipbuilding, backing thousands of skilled jobs and apprenticeships in Appledore, Belfast and beyond.”

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary is tasked with extending the reach of the Royal Navy. All three FSS ships will be tasked with delivering munitions, spare parts, food, and other essential supplies to warships on deployments. This is particularly relevant to carrier strike group operations involving HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth, where more resources are needed throughout their deployments.

To mark the ceremony, a specially commissioned coin was placed within the ship’s structure. This will be presented to the ship’s Captain and crew when she is ready to sail. Head of the RFA, Commodore Sam Shattock, said: “Today’s keel laying marks another important step in the delivery of RFA Resurgent and the wider Fleet Solid Support programme.

“Seeing construction progress here in Appledore demonstrates the momentum behind a project that will provide the Royal Fleet Auxiliary with world-class capabilities to sustain Royal Navy operations across the globe. The commemorative coin placed beneath the keel continues a proud maritime tradition, linking this modern programme with generations of shipbuilders and seafarers who have gone before us.”

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Each ships will have a core RFA crew of 101. Accommodation will be on board to provide an additional 80 personnel operating helicopters, boats, or performing other roles when required. RFA Resurgent is expected to enter service in the early 2030s. Construction of ship modules is now taking place at Navantia UK’s Appledore yard, along with its Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast and Navantia’s yards in Spain. Final assembly, integration and trials of the ships will take place at their Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast.

Navantia UK CEO Donato Martinez said: “Today’s keel laying marks the formal start of assembly of the first Fleet Solid Support ship and an important moment for Appledore, where shipbuilding has returned to a yard with more than 170 years of history. FSS is rebuilding sovereign industrial capability in the UK, creating skilled jobs, developing apprentices and strengthening the supply chain for future naval programmes, including the autonomous and uncrewed platforms of the future Hybrid Navy.

“This milestone shows what sustained investment and close partnership between government and industry can deliver, and we are focused on maintaining that momentum as the first ship takes shape.”