Royal Navy Could Have Two-Year "Eye In The Sky" Gap

A warning - the above report contains some flashing images.

The Royal Navy is likely to be without its "eyes in the skies" for up to two years, Forces TV has learnt.

Sea King MK 7s from 849 Naval Air Squadron currently provide airborne surveillance and control, but they could be withdrawn from service before their replacements - Merlin helicopters - are ready to take over. 

The MK 7 is the last Sea King currently flying in British military service.

They're nicknamed "baggers" because of the distinctive bag-shaped pod on their side, containing the Searchwater 2000 radar capable of remarkably accurate detection of surface and air targets.

The Crowsnest system has been announced as Searchwater's replacement and will be fitted to the Merlin MK 2. 

Minister for Defence Procurement, Harriet Baldwin MP, confirmed that £269 million will be spent on the new system which has an in-service date of around 2020. 

But with the Sea King due to leave service in 2018 this could leave a two-year period without airborne surveillance capability. 

Although this currently seems to be the plan there appears to be another option.

Forces TV has been told that the Royal Navy might try and keep the Sea King running a bit longer – to avoid that capability gap.

The feasibility of this move, however, remains to be seen, with the platform already 50 years old.

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