News, Articles and Comment

Ed. As the perils of global conflict increase, alarm bells ring in defence analysts’ corridors. Concern over immediate deficiencies renew calls for Jeune Ecole and continentalist approaches, when, as Nelson knew, there simply may be no alternative to ‘want of frigates’.

Ed. The author, a Hudson Fellow at Oxford, answers the Chairman’s call from NR 111/4 to engage with the defence review process, contextualizing here over 70 years of history and lighting the way for the debate on Integrated Review 2025 looming ahead. A 15 minute read.

Ed. The Battle of Taranto of 11-12 November 1940 was an epoch defining event in the history of naval aviation and a decisive moment for the Fleet Air Arm. With the 83^rd anniversary of the battle in mind, we reproduce here an American perspective on the Royal Navy’s pioneering development of aircraft carriers and the lessons for naval doctrine this history demonstrates. Originally published in July 1994 [82/3, p. 260]. A 30 minute read.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. it considers a valuable and timely study of the translation of strategic direction into military capability, and the “reasons why the UK has the military capability that it has”.

Ed. The author highlights the need for digital mastery to protect against the ‘black jellyfish’ of postmodern threats. For the Art of Admiralty to succeed in the information age, it must be extended into the digital realm. A 10 minute read.

Ed. The author takes to task the combination of factors, personnel and hull numbers in particular, that have strained the Submarine Service to meet the demands of ever increasing global commitments.

Ed. The author argues that Britain’s current grand strategy has the hallmarks of uncertainty, having not yet settled on a strictly continentalist, or purely maritime strategy, one way or the other. If the Armed Forces are to be deployed effectively, it is imperative that clarity replace the current strategic ambiguity. Originally published in The Article. A 5 minute read.

Ed. The author argues that, in light of China and Russia’s rising regional influence, the UK needs to review its strategy in the Middle East. The Persian Gulf is sliding down Defence’s priorities, yet there remains a large military commitment, which, the author argues, does not represent a positive balance of investment. Should the MoD consider moving its maritime and air assets out of the Gulf? A 25 minute read.

Ed. The author suggests an expanded international role for the RN’s subsurface surveillance capability, particularly with regard to building capacity to deter PLAN hybrid operations against Taiwan’s communications network. A 10 minute read.