News, Articles and Comment

Ed. The vast population of this ‘sceptred isle’ is ‘sea blind’ or, if you prefer, ‘maritime illiterate’. We should acknowledge this as the steady state and the only thing that could change one’s appreciation would be total war.

Ed. This article explores some of the undiscussed issues and challenges facing the introduction of large-scale autonomous vessels under the ‘hybrid navy’ plan. The aim of this article is not to nay say and stick one’s head in the sand, but rather to identify the very real challenges facing implementation, their limits, and the importance of maintaining capable crewed warships to restore the RN fleet as a capable naval force. A 20 minute read.

Ed. For Bastille Day, the author considers the past and future of the relationship between the Marine Nationale and the Royal Navy, a vital pillar in the European defence architecture. With a foreword by the First Sea Lord. A 20 minute read.

Ed. Two letters reflecting on cultural and doctrinal transformation in the NATO naval realm.

Ed. The outgoing Captain BRNC reflects on the foundational reforms taken to modernise RN Officer Cadet training and education. A 15 minute read.

Ed. By the time you read this in the hardcopy, the NATO Summit in Ankara will have taken place. However, this article by the Naval Review’s Chairman gives a clear indication, and a warning, of the general direction in which the United States wishes to steer the Alliance. A 15 minute read.

Ed. A letter reflecting on the profound transformation taking place in terms of Defence, and the RN’s role therein.

Ed. A balanced and insightful investigation into the iconoclastic leadership style of Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay, master organiser and exacting operational planner. A 45 minute read.

Ed. Rear Admiral James Goldrick AO CSC RAN (Retired) (1958–2023) was a towering figure in Australian and international naval thought – a commander at sea and ashore, a scholar of maritime history, and a teacher whose influence reshaped generations of naval professionals. His life’s work bridged the helm and the classroom, the bridge and the seminar room, the Royal Australian Navy, and its partners around the world. Given the breadth of his influence across command, education, and maritime thought, this volume seeks to consolidate and extend that legacy through critical reflection.