The Royal Navy’s HMS Tamar has resumed operations in the Indo-Pacific, with its Force Protection team undertaking live-fire drills during the latest leg of its deployment.
The exercise, announced via the ship’s official social media channels on 11 June, showcased the ship’s crew maintaining readiness in a visually striking maritime setting.
In a series of images released alongside the update, Royal Navy personnel can be seen engaging in small arms training on deck, silhouetted against the open sea and a vivid sunset. The post read: “Back to sea and back to work TAMAR’s Force Protection team being put through their paces! Always ready. Not a bad setting for a shoot ”.
HMS Tamar is one of the Royal Navy’s Batch 2 River-class offshore patrol vessels, designed for long-range deployments and capable of sustained operations far from home waters. Equipped for constabulary duties, surveillance, and low-intensity maritime security operations, the vessel plays a key role in the UK’s persistent naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Deployed alongside her sister ship HMS Spey as part of the Royal Navy’s forward-deployed presence, HMS Tamar supports UK strategic aims by conducting joint exercises, port visits, and maritime security operations across a region increasingly characterised by geopolitical competition.
Her current deployment is part of the UK’s Indo-Pacific tilt—an initiative outlined in the Integrated Review to strengthen defence and security ties with regional allies and partners, as well as to uphold freedom of navigation and international maritime law. HMS Tamar is one of five Batch 2 River-class offshore patrol vessels built for the Royal Navy. Designed to deliver forward presence and maritime security tasks, these vessels provide a flexible platform for constabulary duties, including counter-piracy, counter-smuggling, and support to partner nations. Unlike traditional patrol vessels, the Batch 2 class is built to Royal Navy warship standards, allowing for deployments in complex and distant operational environments.
At 90.5 metres in length with a displacement of approximately 2,000 tonnes, HMS Tamar features a flight deck capable of accommodating a Merlin helicopter, though the vessel has no hangar for long-term air operations. The ship’s armament includes a 30mm automatic cannon, supplemented by machine guns and the capacity to embark Royal Marines or other embarked forces. She also carries two Pacific 24 sea boats for boarding operations.
Powered by two MAN diesel engines, HMS Tamar can reach a top speed of around 24 knots and has a range of over 5,000 nautical miles, enabling prolonged deployments with limited logistical support. The ship is crewed by a core complement of around 45 personnel, though it has accommodation for up to 50 additional embarked troops or specialists. The design emphasises efficiency and endurance, suitable for long-distance operations and persistent presence tasks.
Commissioned into the Royal Navy in 2020, HMS Tamar is currently forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific region alongside her sister ship HMS Spey. This deployment forms part of the UK’s strategic commitment to the region, supporting alliances and upholding maritime security in key international waters. As part of this mission, the vessel conducts joint exercises, port visits, and maritime surveillance to promote regional stability and deter illicit activity.
Source: UK Defense Journal/Pacnews
