News, Articles and Comment

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a book examining the history and development of naval mine warfare.

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. The Naval Staff Research author argues that the post-Cold War ‘peace dividend’ era has come to an end, necessitating a total reconsideration of defence policy and warfighting doctrine. A 10 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.

Ed. When the 1980s Iran-Iraq War bled into the maritime sphere, the US Navy raced to halt depredations to oil shipments; the mine-warfare factor weighed heavily in the operation and offers lessons for today. Originally published in the USNI’s Proceedings, June 2025. A 15 minute read.

Ed. The authors consider the future of Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST) in an operating environment increasingly defined by autonomous and hybrid systems, and provide recommendations for adaptation. A 15 minute read.

Ed. The author provides a command account of HMS Cattistock’s shadowing of the Russian intelligence ship Yantar in November 2024. A 10 minute read.

Ed. The author considers the rapid progress in drone development, and what challenges will need to be overcome towards maintaining defensive capabilities in an increasingly contested battlespace. A 20 minute read.

Ed. The author presents a broad narrative history of RN and Allied submarine operations in the Mediterranean during the Second World War, showcasing the trade interdiction, mine-laying and surveying, special operations, and re-supply roles submarines assumed in this dynamic and decisive campaign. A 50 minute read.