News, Articles and Comment

Ed. In this article the expert authors pursue arguments in favour of conventional submarine development in the RN, with the goal of reducing strain on Service personnel and increasing the versatility of submarine operations. A 10 minute read.

Ed. The author contends that anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles, launched from smaller, more cost-efficient and conventionaly-powered submarines, designed and built with Pacific allies in mind, would be an important step towards reaching revitalised maritime goals for the USN. Originally published in the USNI’s Proceedings, October edition. A 15 minute read.

Ed. Our CSG correspondent provides an update on the Task Group’s progress and describes defence engagement in Japan. A 5 minute read.

Ed. With the war in Ukraine escalating into a European ‘grey zone’ conflict, the author considers the First Sea Lord fit to the task of reestablishing Britain’s maritime role in terms of NATO strategy, recognition of a leadership situation different yet similar to that of the early 20th century. A 10 minute read.

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. Reproduced from the NR’s archives for Merchant Navy Day, the author in this article from 1931 [19/4, p. 641] engaged with an ongoing discourse then popular in the NR regarding the future of the Royal Naval Reserve, that Service having been vital to the conduct of the First World War at sea. A 10 minute read.

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.

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. Our correspondent with the UK Carrier Strike Group relays the increasing tempo of joint and multinational operations as HIGHMAST continues. A 5 minute read.