SBS: The Royal Navy's Special Boat Service (2024)

1.0 Introduction

The Special Boat Service (SBS) is the most elite special forces unit of the British Royal Navy. This `Tier 1´ unit is mainly responsible for maritime counter-terrorism (MCT) and amphibious warfare. Much of the information about the SBS is highly classified, and the unit is not commented on by either the British government or the Ministry of Defence (MoD) due to the secrecy and sensitivity of its operations.

The SBS is part of the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF). It is also considered the sister unit of the Army’s Special Air Service (SAS). The SAS specialises in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, direct action, and close protection among others. Both units are directly supported by the Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR) for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes. These units are under the operational command of the Director of Special Forces (DSF).

In this article, we analyse the history of the unit, its purpose and organisation, and its most relevant operations.

2.0 Motto, Symbols and History

2.1 Motto

The SBS’ original motto was “Not By Strength, By Guile”. It was later shortened to just “By Strength and Guile” to compete with the SAS motto “Who Dares Wins”.

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2.2 Symbols

The emblem of the SBS is a shield formed by a knife with a pair of tildes (~) behind it resembling waves of the sea. This indicates its status as a maritime unit, as suggested by its name. Below is the above-mentioned unit motto as well as the name of the unit.

2.3 History

2.3.1 Origins

Nearly all of today’s UK Special Forces have their origins in the commando units created during World War II. During the war, Britain created several special units that undertook a variety of daring operations against the Axis powers. The Royal Navy’s Special Boat Servicetraces its originsback to several units. These undertook raids, sabotage and reconnaissance from small boats, canoes and submarines during WWII.

In mid-1940 Roger Courtney, a British commando, convinced high-ranking officers of the RN to create a maritime commando, the Folboat Troop. Later, in early 1941, he renamed it the No.1 Special Boat Section. In December 1941 Courtney formed No.2 SBS. Meanwhile, No.1 SBS became attached to theSpecial Air Service(SAS) as the Folboat Section.

These units were very active in Greece. Besides the ArmyCommando’sSpecial Boat Section, the UK had other maritime units. Some were the Royal Marines Boom Patrol Detachment (RMBPD) formed in 1942 and theCombined Operations Pilotage Parties. After the war, in 1945, the War Office disbanded most of them, after concluding they did not need them anymore.

Their various functions, along with much of their personnel, were absorbed into the Royal Marines’ Combined Beach and Boat Operations Section (COBBS), created in 1947. This unit was initially commanded by Major Herbert “Blondie” Hasler. The following year, the COBBS formed a new Special Boat Section. In 1951 the name changed to Special Boat Company.

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2.3.2 Expansion

The first SBS missions happened in Palestine and involved the removal of artillery and limpet mines from ships in Haifa. The SBS also participated in the Korean War. They deployed in operations along the North Korean coast, as well as operating behind enemy lines destroying lines of communication and installations and gathering intelligence. During the Korean War, the SBS operated from submarines, like its wartime predecessors.

In 1952, SBS teams stood ready for combat in Egypt in case Gamal Abdel Nasser’s revolution became more violent than it was. The MoD also prepared the SBS during the 1956 Suez crisis and the coup against King Idris I of Libya in 1959, but in both cases, they did not go into action. In 1961, SBS teams conducted reconnaissance missions during the Indonesian Confrontation (Operation Claret). That same year, Iraq threatened to invade Kuwait for the first time, and the SBS placed a detachment in Bahrain.

In 1972, the SBS came into prominence when a team of four disposal experts parachuted into the Atlantic to board the passenger liner “Queen Elizabeth II” following a bomb threat. After inspecting the ship, the team found no bomb, and the FBI arrested the hoaxer (source). The SBS also carried out operations in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, including with submarines. In January 1975, two SBS kayak teams from HMS Cachalot conducted an operation against arms trafficking in the area between Torr Head and Garron. In 1973 the Special Boat Section was renamed Special Boat Squadron.

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2.3.3 SBS in the Falklands

In 1982, following the Argentine invasion of the Falklands, the SBS deployed to South Georgia. Here SBS operatives mostly engaged in locating and clearing Argentine forces when possible, as well as directing artillery fire.

On 22 April 1982, the situation for British troops on South Georgia’s Fortuna Glacier was becoming increasingly dangerous due to the weather. The Fleet Air Arm sent three helicopters to rescue the team, two Westland Wessex HU 5 helicopters from the 845 Naval Air Squadron and a Westland Wessex HAS 3 from the 737 NAS. The difficult conditions caused two of the three helicopters to crash. All occupants survived, although some were injured, and were later rescued successfully (source). On 9 May 1982, two SBS teams raided an Argentine spy ship, the ARA Narwal, which had been tracking the British fleet (source). On 21 May, a force of 25 SBS successfully cleared an Argentine position atop Fanning Head that posed a significant threat to the British landing (source).

2.3.4 SBS and the UKSF

In 1987, an era of change arrived for SBS and SAS. That year, the British Command also created the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF), when the post of Director of the Special Air Service (SAS) became Director of Special Forces (DFS). The UKSF was born when the MoD assigned the DSF control of both the SAS and the Navy’s Special Boat Squadron, which was renamed the Special Boat Service (SBS).

Since then, the directorate has expanded with the creation and unification of new units. In 2001, they created the Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing (JSFAW) which specialises in covertbattlefield insertion andextraction. It consists of the 7th Squadron (RAF) and the 658th Squadron (Army Air Corps). In 2005, the UKSF created the Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR) to support the SAS, alongside the 18th Signal Regiment. In 2006, they created the Special Forces Support Group (SFSG). This unit serves as a quick-reaction force to assist Special Forces missions.This might include large supporting offensives, blocking enemy counter-attacks or guarding areas of operation (source; source).

These new British Special Forces regiments are designed to help in “the long war”. This responded to the need to have special forces made up of small, well-trained, and well-supported units that can act as “force multipliers” (source).

For those of you who want to know more about the UKSF, you can have a look here at the article I recently published about them.

2.3.5 The SBS in the 90s

The role of British special forces has transformed over the years. They have gone from defeating Hitler and fighting insurgencies to their current task, fighting the global war on terror. Over the past two decades, the UKSF has cooperated with SAS the US Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) in building a powerful counter-terrorist force (source).

The SBS in the Middle East

In the Gulf War (1990-91), the SBS did not have an amphibious role. However, the MoD draw an “area of operations line” in central Iraq. The SAS operated to the west and the SBS to the east. In addition to searching for mobile Scud missile launchers, the SBS was in charge of an area with fibre optic cables that provided intelligence to Iraq. Several years later, in September 2000, the SBS and SAS participated in Operation Barras, in Sierra Leone. Here they rescued five captured British soldiers (source).

In November 2001, the C and M Squadrons of the SBS played an extensive role in the invasion of Afghanistan at the beginning of the Afghan war. They were part of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF) during Operation Enduring Freedom. In particular, members of the M Squadron, along with members of the SIS, participated in the battle of Tora Bora. The SBS directly integrated into Task Force Sword (later Task Force 11), a black unit, under the direct command of JSOC. This unit was a “hunter-killer” force dedicated to capturing or killing senior leaders and high-value targets within Al Qaeda and the Taliban (source).

In the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the M Squadron deployed to Jordan as Task Force 7, part of the CJSOTF-West (source). It was tasked with heliborne assaults on several Iraqi oil facilities equipped with desert airstrips. Once captured, they use them as staging areas for SOFs (source). In 2005, the DSF re-balanced British special forces deployments with Afghanistan being the responsibility of the SBS and Iraq of the 22 SAS (source).

2.3.6 The SBS the 21^st Century

On 27 February 2011, during the First Libyan Civil War, the BBC reported that C Squadron assisted in the evacuation of 150 oil workers on three RAF C-130 Hercules flights from an airfield near Zella to Valletta in Malta (source; source).

In 2012, the SBS provided security for the Olympic and Paralympic sailing competitions. It often assists in maritime operations against drug smuggling (source). That same year, a small SBS team attempted to rescue two hostages from Boko Haram in Nigeria. The mission, known as the Sokoto hostage rescue attempt, was unsuccessful as the kidnappers killed both hostages before or during the operation (source).

On December 21, 2018, SBS personnel resolved a situation by raiding the container ship Grande Tema. Four stowaways hijacked the vessel demanding entry into the UK (source). On October 25, 2020, SBS personnel raided the tanker Nave Andromeda southeast of the Isle of Wight. They suspected that seven Nigerian stowaways seeking asylum in Britain had hijacked the vessel. The SBS eventually handed them to the local authorities (source).

3.0 Purpose

The SBS, along with the other British Special Forces regiments, are designed to help in the “long war” as well as asymmetric war. This responds to the need for special forces of small, well-trained, and well-supported units operating on battlefields where combat lines are poorly defined and enemies mix among friends. These special forces work as “force multipliers”, that is, small teams of operators that achieve results comparable to those of larger forces (source; source).

SBS operators are expert divers. Since its formation during World War II, the unit has used water as a medium for clandestine movements and attacks. SBS tasks include:

• Maritime counter-terrorism (MCT),
• Amphibious Warfare,
• Covert Operations,
• Surveillance Reconnaissance (SR),
• Support and Influence (SI),
• Offensive Action (OA),
• Hostage rescue,
• Submarine infiltration,
• Underwater demolitions,
• Drug interdiction and Anti-shipping tasks,
• Sabotage.

Today, much of the surveillance and reconnaissance function falls to the SRR, a unit formed, organised, and equipped to carry out this activity. This has freed up 22 SAS, the SBS and the Support Group to focus on offensive action alongside influence and support.

Aside from these traditional tasks, the role of British special forces today focuses on waging the global war on terrorism. The SBS, along with the other UKSF, is therefore prepared for irregular and asymmetric combat.

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3.1 SBS Doctrine

The mission of the SBS is quite multifaceted, as its operators are highly skilled in specialised disciplines to carry out different types of very demanding missions. Its competencies are mainly oriented towards maritime counter-terrorism (MCT), hostage rescue and covert raids.

The SBS is also trained in amphibious warfare, underwater demolitions, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as intelligence gathering. For the latter tasks, the SBS receives support from other elite UKSF units, such as the SRR and SFSG. In addition, SBS operators are specially trained to carry out sabotage and offensive actions against high-value targets.

The SBS is also tasked with support operations when necessary, including directing air strikes, artillery and naval gunfire, as well as precision-guided munitions. This highly specialised and secretive unit is renowned for carrying out some of the most dangerous and challenging missions in the world.

The SBS is the equivalent of the DEVGRU, also known as Seal Team 6, of the US JSOC.

(Source)

4.0 SBS Organisation

The SBS is part of the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF), a directorate that manages the assigned joint capabilities of the three-armed services. The SBS is under the operational command of the Director of Special Forces (DSF), a senior role within theMinistry of Defence(MoD). At the same time, the DSF is the head of the UKSF, which reports to the so-called Strategic Command (StratCom), formerly known as Joint Forces Command (JFC). They are governed by the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) which are located at Northwood Headquarters (source).

The SBS regional headquarters (HQ) are located inRM Poole, Dorset, England.

4.1 Command

The SBS is usually commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel with a Major as second in command. Each SBS squadron is commanded by an Officer, usually a Royal Marines Major or Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander.

4.2 Squadrons

The SBS has between 200 and 300 operators according to recent data (source; source). The majority of SBS operators come from the Royal Marines Commandos. The structure consists of the following squadrons and reserves:

• C Squadron
• M Squadron
• X Squadron (created in 2004) (source)
• Z Squadron
• Special Boat Service (Reserve) or SBS(R) (source)

The SBS also has a sub-unit dedicated to operating Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) known as the `SDV Troop´ (source).

The organisation of the Squadrons is as follows:

• Each squadron consists of four 16-man Troops.
  • Troops often consist of 4-man patrols, 2-man canoe teams or 8-man teams (a typical boat-full).

(Source), (source)

4.3 Specialisations

Typically, each squadron specialised in certain roles but today they rotate between roles:

• C and X Squadronare specialists in canoe and small boat operations. They use 2-man klepper canoes and various dinghies for stealth insertion and extraction. They conduct reconnaissance and sabotage missions along coastlines, river networks and up to 40 miles inland.
  
• Z Squadronspecialises in underwater attack and insertion usingswimmer delivery vehicles.
  
• M Squadrontrains in Maritime Counter-Terrorism (MCT)operations and stays on standby to respond to deal with the threat of terrorism on ferries, cruise ships, hovercraft, oil tankers and oil rigs.
  • M Sqn seems to include the “Black Group”, a counter-terrorist team that specializes in helicopter assault (source).
    
• SBS (R) provides individual reservists to serve with the regular SBS rather than forming independent teams.

In the past, there was an S Squadron. Itspecialised in small water-borne craft and mini-sub operations. However, it seems it was disbanded or reformed into Z Sqn (source).

Currently, SBS squadrons likely rotate into these roles, like the SAS. Each Squadron now rotates through counter-terrorism duties and conventional operations and tasking, probably every 6-month basis.

(Source)

4.4Training Wing

This team conducts all training not covered by the initial continuation training of an SBS recruit with the SAS.

4.5 Operational Research and Development

Similar to the SAS Operational Research Cell, this special subunit of the SBS is responsible for developing and evaluating equipment and procedures related to the SBS role.

4.6 SBS(R)

The SBS receives support from a reserve element, the SBS(R). The SBS(R) augments and supplements the regular SBS squadrons, rather than operating in separate units, as is the case with the 21st and 23rd SAS. Therefore, these individual SBS(R) members integrate into regular SBS formations. Unlike the SAS(R) squadrons, those applying for SBS(R) selection must have previous military experience. Those who have accumulated 2 years of service in the Royal Marines Reserve are also eligible to apply.

Training covers all aspects of the regular SBS mission, except maritime counter-terrorism (MCT) and submarine operations. SBS(R) forces have deployed alongside their regular counterparts in Afghanistan and Iraq and have much to do in the global war on terrorism.

(Source), (source), (source)

5.0 Recruitment and Training

5.1 Recruitment

The UK Joint Special Forces Selection (UKSFS) is the selection and training process for candidates for the UK Special Forces: Special Air Service, Special Boat Service and Special Reconnaissance Regiment. Until the late 1990s, SAS and SBS selection was separated. Since then, SAS and SBS personnel have undergone a joint selection process culminating in the award of a sand-coloured beret to SAS personnel, after which SBS candidates undergo further selection for the title of Canoe Swimmer, and SAS personnel receive additional specialist training. SRR candidates go through the aptitude phase, before moving on to their specialised training in covert surveillance and reconnaissance (source; source).

5.2 Selection

All current members of the UK Armed Forces are eligible for selection into the Special Forces, but the majority of candidates historically come from the Royal Marines or the Parachute Regiment. Selections happen twice a year, once in summer and once in winter.

To be eligible for selection, a candidate must be under 32 years of age (30 for officers) and have served in the military for at least two years. They must also be recommended for service in the UKSF by their commanding officer (CO) (source).

The training and selection process for candidates lasts approximately 32 weeks (6 months). After completing this initial training, candidates join the regiment as troop soldiers, where they receive additional basic training related to their speciality. The entire training process for UKSF personnel can take up to three years, depending on the availability of specialised training programs (source).

Pre-selection Aptitude Test

Before proceeding to the UKSF joint selection, SBS applicants must pass a 2-week proficiency test, which includes the following:

• Boating phase (1 week)
  • Combat fitness test
  • SBS swimming test
    • Swim 600 metres in 15 minutes,
    • Swim 50 metres dressed with a weapon and a belt,
    • Swim 25 metres underwater while holding your breath,
  • Multiple canoe tests including:
    • Carrying a fully loaded folding canoe and bergen for 4.8 km (3 miles),
    • Canoe paddling for 32 km (20 miles),
  • Diving phase (1 week)
    • Complete a series of dives with confidence and willingness,
    • Learn and demonstrate dive drills of sufficient quality.

These tests have since changed, however, there are no open-source updates on this! If the candidate passes the test, then he/she can participate in the Joint Special Forces Selection along with the SAS candidates. This starts with the BAC and continues through several phases.

(Source)

Briefing Assessment Course (BAC)

This five-day programme tests basic fitness and skills such as swimming and map reading. The swim test consists of a high-water entry (10m) and treading water for 9 minutes. After this, they must do 500m of timed swimming and then a 10m underwater swim to retrieve a small weight from the bottom of the water. Candidates are then interviewed individually about their motivation for joining the UKSF.

Phase 1: Aptitude

The second phase of selection is the endurance or fitness and navigation stage. It is commonly referred to as the “Hills Phase”. The hill stage lasts 4 weeks and takes place in the Brecon Beacons and Black Hills in South Wales. Candidates have to perform increasingly difficult loaded marches, navigating between checkpoints individually using only a compass and hand-drawn sketch map. It is the endurance part of the selection and tests not only the candidate’s physical fitness but also his or her mental toughness. To pass this phase, a high level of determination and self-confidence is vital.

The endurance phase culminates in “the long haul” or “Long Drag”, a 40-mile (64 km) trek carrying a 55-pound (25 kg) bergen, which candidates must complete in less than 20 to 24 hours.Candidates cannot use paths and trails.

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Phase 2: Standard Operating Procedures and Tactics Course

The second phase of selection consists of 14 weeks of training in SF tactics, techniques and procedures, conducted at the candidates’ respective units, Stirling Lines for the SAS, and RM Poole for the SBS. Soldiers learn advanced handling of weapons used by the UKSF, as well as weapons used by foreign armies and adversaries. They also learn exercises in patrolling, ambush, breaking contact, close target reconnaissance, demolitions, vehicle handling, close-quarters battles (CQB), battlefield casualties and dynamic firing. Candidates who cannot assimilate and apply these skills are RTU’d (Returned to Unit) (source).

Phase 3: Jungle Training

After completing the above, the candidates must continue their training in the jungle. The training takes place in Borneo (Brunei) or Belize. The candidates learn the basics of survival and patrolling in harsh conditions. The Directing Staff (DS) watches and assesses them constantly. SBS jungle patrols have to live for weeks behind enemy lines, in 4-man patrols, living on rations. This simulates long-range reconnaissance patrols (LRRP). Jungle training eliminates those who cannot endure the discipline necessary to keep themselves and their equipment in good condition while patrolling long distances in difficult conditions. Again, a mental component is put to the test, not just a physical one.

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Last Phase: Escape & Evasion & Tactical Questioning

The small number of candidates who have passed endurance and jungle training now enter the final phase of selection. For the escape and evasion (E&E) part of the course, candidates receive brief instructions on proper techniques. This may include lectures from former prisoners of war or special forces soldiers who have been in real-world E&E situations. Candidates are then released into the field, dressed in WWII-period coats, with instructions to proceed to a series of waypoints without being captured by the hunting force of other soldiers. This part lasts 3 days, after which, captured or not, all candidates report to the TQ.

Tactical interrogation (TQ) tests the interrogation endurance of SBS trainees. Interrogators treat them roughly, often forcing them to remain in “stress positions” for hours while throwing disorienting white noises at them. When it is their turn to be interrogated, they must only answer with the so-called “Big 4” (name, rank, serial number and date of birth). All other questions must be answered with “I’m sorry, but I can’t answer that question.” Failure to do so will result in failing the course. The interrogators will use all sorts of tricks to try to get a reaction from the candidates.

(Source)

5.3 After Selection

Typically, only 10% of candidates make it through the initial selection process. From a pool of approximately 300 candidates, most will drop out in the first few days, and fewer than 30 will remain at the end (source; source).

5.4 Further Training

5.4.1 Basic Parachute Course

Each operator has to take the Basic Parachute Course unless they are already qualified and lasts four weeks. It includes training in exit, flight, and landing techniques. Trainees must complete four parachute descents, including one at night, to earn their wings. The training is provided by the Parachute Training Squadron,Airborne Delivery Wing(ADW) atRAF Brize Norton (source).

• Training involves:
  
  • Practicing exits from mock C-130 Hercules and Skyvan fuselages.
  • Learning flight drills while suspended from the hangar roof.
  • Mastering emergency procedures such as:
    • Untwisting rigging lines.
    • Taking action on colliding with another parachutist.
    • Landing in water.
      
• Parachute Landing Falls (PLFs) are practiced using:
  
  • Rubber mats.
  • Increasing heights from steps and ramps.
  • A six-sided trapeze for forward, side, and backwards landings.
    
• The fan trainer simulates parachute descent rates by having trainees:
  
  • Jump from a platform near the roof of the hangar.
  • Use a harness connected to a cable wound around a drum with fan blades.
• Descent sequence:
  
  1. First descent from a C-130 or Skyvan with a weighted backpack.
  2. Second descent adds a weapon and a Parachutist Life Preserver.
  3. The third descent includes body armour.
  4. Fourth descent at night with all equipment.

5.4.2 Swimmer Canoeist (SC)

This course is for SBS personnel only and includes training in specialist maritime skills such as diving in all conditions, canoeing, underwater demolitions, beach reconnaissance, submarine infiltration and surveying techniques. This course lasts 8 weeks. Any candidate reaching this stage already belongs to the SBS but is considered probationary and is subject to dismissal (RTU) if it does not meet the standards (source).

5.5 SBS Reserve

For SBS(R) selection, only candidates with previous military experience may enlist. Training takes place in the south of England and candidates must pass the following tests during the four-day initial selection course:

• Combat Fitness Test (CFT): 12.8 km (8 mi) carrying 25 kg (55 lb) in 1 hour and 50 minutes.
• Swimming test: 500 m (1,600 ft) using any stroke in uniform and retrieving an object from 5 m (16 ft).
• Gymnastics and map reading tests.
• Advanced CFT 1: 15 km (9.3 mi) carrying 25 kg (55 lb).
• Advanced CFT 2: 24 km (15 mi) carrying 30 kg (66 lb).

Candidates who pass the initial selection phase move on to continuation training alongside regular SBS trainees.

(Source)

6.0 Equipment

Apart from the standard range of weapons used by the British Navy, SBS men have access to a wider selection of firearms and other weapons than the average British soldier.

6.1 Weapons

Guns

• Glock 17(T)/19; ; local denomination L131A1/L132A1 and L137A1
• SIG Sauer P226R
• HK 911 (underwater pistol)

Shotgun

• Remington 870; local denomination L74A1/A2

Submachine guns

• SIG Rattler

Rifles

• C8SFW; local denomination L119A1/A2 (source)
• M6A2UCIW
• SA80 A2 L85 (standard British Armed Forces rifle)
• HK G3/HK G36

Sniper rifles

• HK417
• AIAW; local denomination L118A1
• Accuracy International AWM; local denomination L115A3/A4
• Accuracy International AX50

Others

• Arwen 37 (tear gas canister launcher)
• Flash-Bang (stun grenade)
• ACOG Sights (rifle scope)
• AN/PEQ-2 (laser attachment)
• Laser Target Designators (LTD)
• Personal Role Radio (PRR)
• FIST Thermal Sight (FTS)

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6.2 Personal Equipment

Not much information is available on the personal equipment of its operators except for photos. Some equipment is likely supplied by the Royal Marines (RM):

Helmet

UKSF forces likely including SBS, use the RM Ops-Core Future Assault Shell Technology (FAST) helmet, also known as the FAST helmet (source).

Combat body armour

The standard Royal Marines combat ballistic/plate-carrying body armour is the C2R CBAV (Commando Ballistic Armour Vest), which forms the core of the Modular Commando Assault System (source).

Respirator

The SBS may use the RM General Service Respirator (GSR) which replaces the old S10 respirator (source).

Uniforms

As part of the Future Commando Force program, the standard uniform for the RM since 2020 is the standard Crye Precision design with a MultiCam camouflage pattern. It replaced the Multi-Terrain Pattern Personal Clothing System uniform (source).

6.3 Vehicles

The SBS uses mostly fast vessels, most of them surface crafts, but also submersibles such as:

• Rebreathers
  • Dräger LAR-V
    
• Klepper Canoes
  • Klepper Aerius folding canoes
    
• Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIB)
  • VT Halmatic Arctic
    
• Inflatable Raiding Crafts (IRC)
  • Avon Searider
    
• Long Range Interceptor Crafts (LRIC)
  • VT Halmatic
  • FB Mil-50P
    
• Fast Interceptor Crafts (FIC)
  • Rigid Raider(RRC)
  • Stealth Boats
    
• Very Slender Vessels (VSV)
• Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDV)
  • 3x Mk8 Mod 1
  • Mk8 to be replaced with 3x Mk11SWCS (Shallow Water Combat Submersible)

(Source), (source), (source), (source)

7.0Notable Operations

The SBS and other British special forces conducted covert operations in 19 countries in the last decade. Due to the secret nature of its mission, its activity inside and outside the country is rarely public.

The following is a list of the most important SAS operations after WWII:

7.1 From 1945 to 1991

• 1945-48. Palestine.
  • SBS teams remove limpet mines from British ships in Haifa harbour.
• 1950-53. Korean War.
  • The SBS conduct sabotage missions along the Korean coast, launching raids from submarines and warships that damage the North Korean and Chinese lines of supply and communications.
• 1963-66. Indonesian Confrontation.
  • SBS teams carry out reconnaissance missions and amphibious raids across the border in Indonesian Kalimantan.
• 1969-2007. The Troubles.
  • The SBS carried out several missions, including covert surveillance and an anti-gun running operation by two kayak teams near Torr Head and Garron in 1975.
• 1982. Falklands War.
  • The SBS carry out covert reconnaissance weeks ahead of the arrival of the main task force and helps clear enemy troops from San Carlos Bay the night before the main landings.
• 1990-91. Gulf War.
  • The SBS helped search and destroy mobile scud missiles, sabotaged the Iraqi fibre optics communications network and secured the British Embassy in Kuwait.

(Source)

7.1 From1991 to Today

• 2000. Sierra Leone.
  • The SBS along with the SAS participated in Operation Barras, a hostage rescue operation in Sierra Leone where they rescued five captured British soldiers.
• 2001-14. War in Afghanistan.
  • The SBS target the Taliban in a series of successful operations, again often working with the SAS. The SBS integrated into Task Force Sword, under JSOC. The SBS participated in the Battle of Tora Bora.
• 2003-11. Invasion of Iraq.
  • An SBS teams scout and help secure the beaches on the Al Faw Peninsula, paving the way for the initial amphibious landings. Other SBS personnel capture the nearby oil fields.
• 2011. First Libyan Civil War.
  • An SBS team reportedly assisted in the evacuation of 150 oil workers.
• 2012. Sokoto hostage rescue attempt.
  • A small SBS teamattempted to rescuetwo hostages held byBoko Haramin Nigeria. The captors killed both hostages before or during the rescue attempt.
• 2018. Container Grande Tema.
  • On 21 December 2018, SBS personnel stormed the container shipGrande Temawhere four stowaways hijacked the ship, demanding to enter the UK.
• 2020. Tanker Nave Andromeda.
  • On 25 October 2020, SBS personnelstormed the oil tankerNave Andromedasoutheast of theIsle of Wight. The vessel was hijacked by seven Nigerian stowaways seeking asylum in Britain.

(Source), (source)

8.0 Summary

The SBS arose during World War II from the need for a small but well-trained and highly mobile assault and reconnaissance force. Its success led the British authorities to consider such a unit as a useful tool to be deployed quickly and safely around the globe. However, with the passage of time and the emergence of new threats, the SBS has constantly evolved, adapting to modern times. Since the 1970s, the SBS has specialised in maritime counter-terrorism, being primarily responsible for protecting ports, ships and other maritime infrastructure. In addition, they have also developed a high capacity for hostage rescue in all these environments. This is how the SBS, like the UK Special Forces Directorate, is now an expert at responding to the threat of terrorism.

The SBS remains today a lethal and flexible force on the battlefield and one of the spearheads of the elite units of the British Armed Forces. Its history, training and weaponry make this unit highly effective and efficient in its field. For this reason, the British military and political authorities entrust it with the most dangerous and sensitive missions. In an increasingly hostile world, and given the continuing need to respond to threats, the SBS is more than likely to play an important role wherever British and allied interests meet.