The Royal Navy in Scotland
The Royal Navy in Scotland is responsible for operating the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent, protecting home waters, supporting international maritime security, and providing bomb disposal expertise across Scotland and northern England.
HM Naval Base Clyde
HM Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde at Faslane is the home of the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent, which has been safely and securely delivered for over 55 years.
This longest ongoing UK military operation keeps the nation and its allies safe from the most extreme threats to our national security.
As one of Scotland’s largest employers, HMNB Clyde is growing from 6,800 to 8,200 personnel as it becomes the Single Integrated Operating Base for the entire Submarine Service.
The base will welcome four new Dreadnought class nuclear-powered ballistic submarines to replace the current Vanguard class, with the first entering service in the early 2030s.
Units currently based at HMNB Clyde include:
- Vanguard Class deterrent submarines
- Astute Class attack submarines
- Mining and Threat Exploitation Group – Zulu Squadron
- Coastal Forces Squadron
- 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines
- Fleet Operational Standards and Training (Submarines)
- Diving and Threat Exploitation Group-Charlie Squadron
- NATO Submarine Rescue Service
Other facilities and units
45 Commando Royal Marines is based in Arbroath and delivers the Littoral Response Group (North), responsible for operations alongside NATO partners in the High North and Baltic.
HMS Caledonia in Rosyth serves as a regional headquarters coordinating engagement activities across Scotland. It is also a base for personnel bringing the new Type 31 Frigate into service and a team of RN sailors in Glasgow performs a similar function for the Clyde-built Type 26 Frigates.
HMS Gannet in Prestwick is a crucial Fleet Air Arm operating hub, from where aircraft fly sorties in support of key maritime missions.
The Royal Naval Reserve operates HMS Dalriada in Glasgow and HMS Scotia in Rosyth and Dundee.
Royal Marines Reserve Scotland is headquartered in Rosyth with detachments across Scotland and northern England.
The Royal Navy’s presence in Scotland is a vital part of the Atlantic Bastion strategy, which uses an integrated network of sensors and capabilities to secure the North Atlantic against underwater threats, working alongside NATO allies.
More information
Find out more about defence and security in Scotland.