News & Views
The latest news and views in the UK Military Maritime Arena.
Ed. Originally published in two parts in 1999 [87/1, p. 3 & 87/2, p. 105], the author elaborated with particular clarity the strategic, operational and doctrinal rationale for what is now the current RN carrier aviation capability in the Joint Armed Forces post-Cold War environment. A 50 minute read.
Ed. The author, looking beyond the United States Navy, provides a survey of NATO’s current ambitious shipbuilding projects. Originally published in the USNI’s Proceedings, May 2026. A 15 minute read.
BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers the 2026 edition of the Seaforth World Naval Review.
Ed. If the recent conflict in the Middle East has confirmed anything, it is that sea power remains essential to our nation’s prosperity. Much has been written about Operation EPIC FURY, the rapidly evolving threats we face and our ability to counter them, and how advances in drones, uncrewed and autonomous systems have forever changed the way we fight. But some things remain constant, as evidenced by Iran shutting the Strait of Hormuz, the vital maritime chokepoint through which a fifth of the world’s oil transits.
Ed. As Operation EPIC FURY ebbs and flows, may I propose a new principle of war? Always follow the money.
Ed. The expert authors address the practical side of port infrastructure dual use from the perspective of the Associated British Ports (ABP), providing recommendations for enhanced integration. A 15 minute read.
Ed. The expert author, BMT’s Head of Business Development in the UK and Europe, provides a pathway for actualising the hybrid navy – and modernising RN warship procurement. A 5 minute read.
Ed. The author argues that the RN’s shift toward a ‘hybrid’ model of crewed and autonomous systems is necessary but insufficient. As ministers warn of a worsening strategic environment and the need to be ready to fight, the Royal Navy faces an uncomfortable arithmetic: ambition exceeds resources. A 10 minute read.
Ed. The author takes a closer look at the radical implications for RN personnel branches in the Hybrid Navy model. A 10 minute read.