News, Articles and Comment

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.

Ed. An investigation into the procurement history of Canada’s troubled F-35 programme, focusing on the prevalence of political intervention and unclear commitments over more than a decade to demonstrate a systemic failure of the Defence procurement process, transcending government administrations. A 20 minute read.

Ed. This article investigates the role of the aircraft carriers and battleships involved in, and otherwise enabling, Operation OVERLORD. The proper application of naval power over the course of the war assured Allied victory, with capital ships and escort forces playing important roles in all theatres. Based on a presentation given to the Lunchtime Lecture Series of the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre, 17 October 2023. A 20 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”.