Letter to the Editor: Maritime Defence

Letter to the Editor: Maritime Defence

17 Apr 24
Posted by: Lt Cdr Lester May RN (rtd)
1 minute, 6 seconds read
Message from the Editor

As the perils of global conflict increase, alarm bells ring in defence analysts’ corridors. Concern over immediate deficiencies renew calls for Jeune Ecole and continentalist approaches, when, as Nelson knew, there simply may be no alternative to ‘want of frigates’.

Sir, – The usually excellent Colonel de Bretton-Gordon (Telegraph online, 13 Apr 2024) is critical of ‘single-service’-centric military chiefs, but rather Army-centric in his article. The 2021 Integrated Review was applauded because it recognised that the UK is an island trading nation – a maritime focus for defence is fundamental. Defence of the UK’s 14 Overseas Territories is mostly a Royal Navy responsibility. ‘Global Britain’ is not just a phrase – it is real; protection of British interests worldwide is a significant defence matter. Some 95% by volume of UK trade is by ship an…

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