News, Articles and Comment

Ed. The author, previously the navigator on board the USS South Dakota (SSN-790) and New Jersey (SSN-796), currently pursuing a PhD in Political Science at MIT, argues that the USN has drifted into a depleted SSBN force, but prudent reforms may yet carry forward strategic deterrence. Originally published in the USNI’s Proceedings, October 2026. A 15 minute read.

Ed. Two letters addressing the Allied and coalition implications for current and long-term RN transformation.

Ed. By situating the contemporary naval transformation in terms of strategic continuity, the author argues that the Hybrid Navy concept will require organisational transformation and leadership as much as technological innovation. A 30 minute read.

Ed. The author, previously published in the NR [113/3, pg. 424] and now with a new book out on the subject, employs his extensive knowledge of Allied mediterranean submarine operations to tell the story of HMS Seraph, a symbol of Allied resolve, which played a critical role in the TORCH landings. A 15 minute read.

Ed. With the Royal Navy declaredly pushing towards a ‘Hybrid’ fleet utilising several classes of complex ‘ship-like’ uncrewed vessels, the author, Associate Professor of International Security and Strategy at the University of Exeter, identifies key limitations of such autonomous naval systems and proposes that a lean-crewed model may instead offer distinctive advantages. A 25 minute read.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a short history of the US 1983 invasion of Grenada.

Ed. It will come as no surprise to the NR’s readership that Lord Cochrane, when he was faced with an amphibious problem, intended to attack with dogged determination. The author, Master in International Studies at the University of Santiago, Chile, examines two of Cochrane’s amphibious operations during the Chilean campaign of 1820, revealing the diametric results of Cochrane’s method. A 15 minute read.

Ed. Does the RNZN have its sights set on the right future frigate class? The author believes the answer requires asking difficult questions about force structure and doctrine rather than purely technical specifications. A 25 minute read.

Ed. With the precedent of HMS Ocean in mind, the author argues that the RN’s future Amphibious Transport Ships (ATS) should be through-deck and built to a mixed standard. A 30 minute read.