Sonar 2087 equips eight RN Type 23 frigates. Pictured here is the sonar room of HMS Westminster – the sonar director is nearest to the camera, with the four dual-screen sonar operator consoles ranged behind. (NAVYPIX/Richard Scott)

Thales UK is set to start rolling out a package of enhancements for the Sonar 2087 low-frequency active/passive variable depth sonar equipping the Royal Navy's (RN's) eight anti-submarine warfare (ASW)-optimised Type 23 frigates under a phased capability insertion project (CIP).

Malta's new OPV P71 was commissioned into service on 23 March. (Armed Forces of Malta)

The Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) has commissioned its new offshore patrol vessel (OPV), P71 , into service.

P71 , which is the new flagship of the AFM, officially joined the fleet during a ceremony held at the AFM's Hay Wharf naval base in Floriana, Valetta, on 22 March.

A file image of North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un witnessing a test-firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile in mid-March 2023. North Korea has since test-fired more weapon systems, including what it claims to be an ‘underwater nuclear strategic weapon'. (Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images)

North Korea has tested an unmanned ‘underwater nuclear strategic weapon' system that can inflict ‘radioactive tsunamis' on coastal areas, state news agency Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) announced on 24 March.