News, Articles and Comment

Ed. The author examines the state-of-the-art with regard to Polar icebreaker investment and development, and considers the relative cost for future RN procurement in increasingly competitive theatres. A 30 minute read.

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. With insights from Royal Navy training, the author explores how Sweden’s naval role is evolving as it prepares to operate alongside Allied forces and beyond the Baltic Sea. A 25 minute read.

Ed. The author argues against the prevailing binary view of deterrence, favouring instead a grey zone or limited conflict model that places the RN as escalation manager, with nuclear Continuous At-Sea Deterrent (CASD) playing a vital deterrent role. A 15 minute read.

Ed. Our correspondent aboard HMS Prince of Wales reports on the forthcoming CSG deployment for Operation HIGHMAST. A 5 minute read.

Ed. The author examines the impact of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ on Britain’s role as an arbiter of a maritime law, and suggests compelling alternatives for confronting it. A 30 minute read.

Ed. The author brings his trademark counterintuitive approach to the SDR, challenging policymakers to address systemic deficiencies in terms of force structure. A 10 minute read.

Ed. As another Integrated Review (IR) is highly likely to take place after the General Election and the timetable needs to be speedy – I am keen to enable members to have their say via the Forum now.  A suitably edited extract will be passed on to the Naval Staff.

Ed. The second article in the NR’s series featuring BRNC Pellew Division officer cadets. The author here examines the assets Finland and Sweden bring to NATO in the Arctic and Baltic, together representing a significant increase in the Alliance’s regional capability. A 15 minute read.