News, Articles and Comment

Ed. Our correspondent considers some of the formidable challenges the PLAN would need to overcome to make an amphibious invasion of Taiwan a realistic proposition, and the long-term hybrid warfare alternatives to which the PRC may turn. A 10 minute read.

Ed. The author explores the progressive integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) into RN fleet operations. The strategic and operational advantages of UAV and autonomous systems in modern naval warfare are undeniable and will only continue to grow. A 10 minute read.

Ed. The author examines the state of the art with regard to generative AI, contending that human-like complex reasoning functions are necessary to improve AI’s usefulness for the RN, potentially introducing an advisory function for AI in the near future, alongside automating many other tasks and functions. A 15 minute read.

Ed. The fifth article in our series from BRNC Pellew Division officer cadets, here the author considers the advantages of moving to an entirely digital work environment for the RN, future-proofing for talent and inclusion. A 10 minute read.

Ed. In this third article in the NR’s series featuring BRNC Pellew Division officer cadets, the author explores the appeal and consequences of human augmentation and robotics for the Royal Navy, raising important questions about the nature and future of war itself. A 10 minute read.

Ed. A perennial problem is how does Defence encourage originality and innovation? Thinking outside of the box must be an essential prerequisite to success in the 21st century – to accommodate and exploit the explosion in computing capability and the advent of AI. The author explains how the UK predicts and prepares for future conflict, the flaws in this method, and proposes how studying Science Fiction literature could offer military leaders a beneficial fighting edge in a future conflict. A 15 minute read.

Ed. In 2012 [100/2, p. 154] the author considered the history of the Japanese attack on Darwin of 19 February 1942 as a comparison for possible Chinese air operations in the 21^st century. As was the case with Pearl Harbor, a surprise attack by long-range air assets raised questions about the security of bases in the region. A 20 minute read.