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 outlines the current online Admiralty Interview Board (AIB) format, considered ponderous and impersonal, and proposes a reversion to the pre-Covid method of RN officer selection. A 15 minute read.

Ed. Our correspondent continues his Operation HIGHMAST reporting, with the Carrier Strike Group beginning the return voyage through the Indian Ocean and conducting defence engagement and Joint Operations with the Indian Navy, before turning for Suez. A 5 minute read.

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. Our CSG correspondent provides an update on the Task Group’s progress and describes defence engagement in Japan. A 5 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. Originally published in November 1952 [40/4, p. 373], the author examined the then recent history of destroyer operations and derived far-sighted conclusions that remain relevant today . A 30 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.