News & Views
The latest news and views in the UK Military Maritime Arena.
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 83rd 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.
BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a book exploring the history of the development and operational service of the Royal Navy’s helicopter-based airborne early warning capability, and a look towards the future with Crowsnest and beyond.
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 ensured 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.
Ed. The author revisits the old chestnut of FAA control: should naval aviation, vital to the RN’s strike group doctrine, reside under RAF or RN control?
BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a book examining the largest sea battle in history, the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944.
BRE. The latest book review is now available. it considers a short book exploring German and Italian efforts to develop carrier airpower in the lead up to, and during the Second World War.
BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a book examining the development of the Gaudalcanal-Solomons campaign through March-October 1943 in the southwest Pacific.
BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a book on the Allied campaign in the Second World War to neutralise the Japanese strong point on Rabaul, following on from success at Gaudalcanal.