News, Articles and Comment

Ed. Our correspondent defends the value of Initial Sea Training (IST), and argues that reduction of fleet size is the fundamental reason ‘at sea’ training has been discarded for Officer Cadets.

Ed. The author revisits the issue of seablindness [112/2, p. 264], comparing the history of defence unification in the UK and US and taking stock of the situation today. A 30 minute read.

Ed. Taking stock of current challenges, with an eye to the strategic decisions made during the Cold War, the author argues that future RN thought leaders must be cultivated today. A 10 minute read.

Ed. The author contends that anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles, launched from smaller, more cost-efficient and conventionaly-powered submarines, designed and built with Pacific allies in mind, would be an important step towards reaching revitalised maritime goals for the USN. Originally published in the USNI’s Proceedings, October edition. A 15 minute read.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers an important and timely book examining the development of Russian military thought.

Ed. With the war in Ukraine escalating into a European ‘grey zone’ conflict, the author considers the First Sea Lord fit to the task of reestablishing Britain’s maritime role in terms of NATO strategy, recognition of a leadership situation different yet similar to that of the early 20th century. 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.

Ed. Originally published in November 1952 [40/4, p. 373], the author examined the then recent history of destroyer operations and derived far-sighted conclusions that remain relevant today . A 30 minute read.

Ed. The author, professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, employs historical analogy and common sense to solidify the case for totally autonomous naval platforms. Originally published in the USNI’s Proceedings, September edition. A 15 minute read.