News, Articles and Comment

Ed. The author provides a biographical history of his father, Lt R S Frost RNR, a consummate professional who served aboard liners in the interwar period and met his fate as a Mediterranean submariner during the Second World War. A 20 minute read.

Ed. Our correspondent defends the value of Initial Sea Training (IST), and argues that reduction of fleet size is the fundamental reason ‘at sea’ training has been discarded for Officer Cadets.

Ed. The author revisits the issue of seablindness [112/2, p. 264], comparing the history of defence unification in the UK and US and taking stock of the situation today. A 30 minute read.

Ed. Taking stock of current challenges, with an eye to the strategic decisions made during the Cold War, the author argues that future RN thought leaders must be cultivated today. A 10 minute read.

Ed. Our correspondent responds to Lt Gen Robert Fry’s recent article, sounding a note of caution and encouragement.

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