News, Articles and Comment

The author takes to task the need for public engagement by the RN, if a sceptical public is to be convinced of the vital importance of the maritime nature of the British Way of War. A 10 minute read.

The author surveys the Delivering Combined Seapower (DCS) concept, with the goal of moving from interoperable USN-RN operations to a more thoroughly integrated interchangeable dynamic. Credit to the United States Centre for Maritime Strategy, originally published on the Maritime Ops Centre website (https://centerformaritimestrategy.org/publications/strengthening-the-special-relationship-delivering-combined-sea-power/). A 5 minute read.

Vice Admiral Sir Jeremy Blackham considers the future of Britain’s strategic nuclear deterrent, and the difficult choices that will have to be made in an environment of increasing threats, tightening budgets, and relentless price-inflation. Originally published 28 February 2023 by CityForum (https://www.cityforum.co.uk/the-strategic-choices-for-defence-by-sir-jeremy-blackham/). A 20 minute read.

Naval practitioners have previously commented on the mission-focused desirability of warship modularity [NR 111/1, p. 34]. In this article, the author argues in favour of adopting the modular NavyPods technology concept aboard the Royal Navy’s Hunt-class Mine Countermeasure Vessels. A 10 minute read.

As today is World Book day I have grabbed a few of my ‘go to’ favourites to celebrate the joy […]

This essay argues that the Maritime Reserves (MR), despite a well understood requirement and being ideally situated to do so, are currently struggling to provide niche technical enablement to the RN. The author argues that reform of the current branch structure is necessary to allow the MR to make full use
of its nascent Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
expertise and excel in the provision of this much needed capability. A 10 minute read.