Undersea data cables are critical to the internet upon which the modern world has come to depend. This hidden network forms the backbone of global communications but is surprisingly vulnerable to interference by hostile actors. Protecting this infrastructure may become an increasingly important remit for the Royal Navy.More
Amongst the announcements about naval construction made in November 2020, the Prime Minister stated the intention to build new “multi-role research vessels”. No further detail about these ships has been given, although more may emerge when the Integrated Review is published. Here we look at the background to this project. More
The number of Russian naval vessels passing close to the UK has climbed steadily in the last 10 years Although most of this activity is lawful and benign, the RN always deploys vessels to closely monitor these movements in the UK area of interest. Here we summarise this activity, its purpose and messaging.
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There is a school of thought that says the Queen Elizabeth class carriers are an ‘over-sized vanity project’ and there are regular complaints that RN should have built smaller ships. In this long-read we analyse the context of their development and the case for and against the procurement of large aircraft carriers.
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The ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary are a critical enabler for the Royal Navy, delivering logistic and operational support worldwide. Here we look at the status of the fleet and how it may be employed this year. More
During the Surface Warships Conference 2021 (held online, 19-21 January) senior officers offered some insight into how the RN is working towards its vision for the future. More
For all the talk of HMS Queen Elizabeth’s warfighting capabilities, the fact remains that for the majority of her service life, she will be a tool of influence, not one of direct action. In this article, Tom Sharpe looks at how this deployment should be communicated so as to maximise its effect.
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2020 has been a memorable year for everyone, mainly for the wrong reasons but the Royal Navy has quietly triumphed in adversity. While existential threats continue to grow and the near term still looks difficult, the Naval Service can perhaps look forward more positively to the future than at the start of the year.More
As part of the Integrated Review announcements on 19th November, the Type 32 frigate concept emerged blinking into the light of public gaze for the first time. In this speculative article, we consider the possible design of this vessel and when it may enter service.