Hunt-class

The Hunt class is a series of thirteen mine countermeasure vessels constructed for the Royal Navy between 1978 and 1988. Most units were built by Vosper Thornycroft in Woolston, while two were produced by Yarrow Shipbuilders Limited on the River Clyde. The vessels re-used names from World War II-era Hunt-class destroyers.

The class was designed to consolidate the roles of traditional minesweeping and active minehunting within a single hull, though later modifications resulted in the removal of minesweeping equipment. The ships also fulfill a secondary role as offshore patrol vessels. Upon their introduction in the early 1980s, these were the largest warships constructed from glass-reinforced plastic. Initial propulsion was provided by Napier Deltic diesel engines. Between 2008 and 2018, the eight vessels remaining in Royal Navy service underwent a refurbishment program to replace the original power units with Caterpillar CAT C32 engines, along with new gearboxes, bow thrusters, and control systems.

For mine detection and classification, the ships utilize Sonar Type 2193 and the NAUTIS 3 command system. Mine disposal is conducted using the SeaFox drone system, diver-placed explosive charges, or REMUS 300 autonomous underwater vehicles. Sensors include the Type 1007 I-band or SharpEye navigation radars. Defensive armament consists of a DS30B Mk 1 gun, machine guns, and miniguns.

The first of the class, HMS Brecon, entered service in 1979. While the majority of the fleet served with the Royal Navy, several units were transferred to international operators. The Hellenic Navy acquired the former HMS Bicester and HMS Berkeley; the latter was lost after a collision with a merchant vessel in 2020. The Lithuanian Naval Force operates three units formerly belonging to the Royal Navy. Within British service, units have participated in various international exercises, including Exercise Neptune Warrior. The 2021 defence white paper announced that the remaining Hunt-class vessels would be retired from service between 2029 and 2031, to be replaced by automated mine warfare systems. HMS Chiddingfold was withdrawn early in July 2026 and retained as a source of spares, reducing the Royal Navy's active Hunt force to five.