News, Articles and Comment

Ed. This speech by the First Sea Lord, envisioning a paradigm shift with regard to uncrewed and autonomous systems in the RN Fleet, was delivered at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition on 9 September 2025. A 10 minute read.

Ed. Our correspondents elaborate on the meaning of intelligent disobedience in the context of staff work, and reconsider a long-held position on nuclear deterrence.

Ed. Our correspondent proposes a challenge for the NR’s readership: The author, who is aged 89 and has contributed many articles over the years to the NR, more in a humorous vein than a serious one, takes a look back at the Royal Navy in war and peace over the past century and ponders some of its lighter social changes. A 5 minute read.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a book which seeks to cover the 40-year story of the Polaris submarine-launched ballistic missile from both the US and British perspectives.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a book charting the development of NATO and Soviet/Warsaw Pact maritime airpower through the Cold War, as well as the resurgence of the Russian threat.

Ed. The author provides a tour d’horizon of the strategic history of the last century, and the implications for understanding the US’s role in the multipolar world. A 15 minute read.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a book providing an account and analysis of the US campaign against Tokyo in the final months of the Second World War.

Ed. The author suggests an alternative pathway forward for UK strategic defence. Article originally published by Warships IFR magazine. A 5 minute read.

Ed. Our correspondent relates the fascinating story of his own involvement in the K219 saga.