News, Articles and Comment

Ed. The author presents a cautionary note as the Royal Navy becomes increasingly reliant on technological developments: the RN’s technological modernisation must be balanced with the enduring principles of resilience, redundancy, and adaptability, which will shape the future course of British maritime power. A 20 minute read.

Ed. The expert author examines the emerging technological risks to aircraft carriers in the drone age. Originally published in the USNI’s Proceedings, February edition. A 15 minute read.

Ed. The author considers the past century of technological innovation in the USN, its impact on the Service’s officer corps and naval leadership, and proposes several possible outcomes with regard to AI integration. Originally published in the USNI’s Proceedings, December edition. A 15 minute read.

Ed. The author considers the lessons of the late-19^th century Jeune École, a historical cautionary tale reflective of the introduction of naval drone warfare. A 10 minute read.

Ed. This speech by the First Sea Lord, envisioning a paradigm shift with regard to uncrewed and autonomous systems in the RN Fleet, was delivered at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition on 9 September 2025. A 10 minute read.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers an online report examining the development of AI tactics in naval combat.

Ed. Our correspondent returns to the question of fatigue management, arguing that, particularly in the case of submarines, watchkeeping reform should be a priority.

Ed. The author argues for a nuanced approach to modernising Command and Control (C2) in search of a NATO ‘match fit’ – while avoiding the pitfalls of restrictive doctrine and over-reliance on technology. A 20 minute read.

Ed. The author reviews potential solutions for the RN’s fleet size and procurement limitations. A 50 minute read.