
The survivability of the aircraft carrier
Against the backdrop of the ongoing Defence Review and naval air power deployed in the Red Sea, the debate about the viability of aircraft carriers continues. In this guest article, Tim Griffiths considers the remarkable ability of these ships to withstand enemy action and serious accidents.
Current news

AI-enabled underwater gliders could enhance Royal Navy ASW capability
Helsing has unveiled a new uncrewed system for persistent underwater surveillance being offered to the RN. The Lura software platform and SG-1 Fathom autonomous glider have significant anti-submarine warfare potential using mass deployment and AI-enabled acoustic processing.

Royal Navy and Italian Carrier Strike Groups conclude joint exercise in Mediterranean
ITS Cavour and HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike groups have conducted a week of joint operations in the Mediterranean. After the exercise, they were joined by ships of other NATO nations and Standing Maritime Group 2 for a photo exercise (PHOTEX).

HMS Tyne shadows Russian submarine in the English Channel
HMS Tyne has tracked the Russian submarine RFS Krasnodar and the corvette RFS Boikiy during two separate transits through the English Channel.

Punching above its weight – up close with the Singaporean Navy
To mark the 60th Anniversary of Singapore’s independence from Malaysia and Britain, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) sent the frigate RSS Formidable to London. We visited this impressive vessel and here we consider the ship and the naval links between the two nations.

Protecting maritime infrastructure from attack: new technologies and tactics
In this guest article, Kamil Sadowski considers the challenges of protecting the maritime infrastructure which underpins much of Europe’s economic activity and is increasingly seen as a major vulnerability for many NATO nations.

The Carrier Strike Group sails – what it takes to prepare for global deployment
The 7½-month CSG25 deployment begins today with the departure of HMS Prince of Wales from Portsmouth. Last week we spoke to the Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group and some of those deploying about the preparations and the early phases of the voyage.

UK carrier strike – full operating capability on final approach
The UK Carrier Strike capability is nearing a critical milestone. Full Operating Capability (FOC) for the F-35B should be achieved during the forthcoming CSG25 deployment. Here we look at latest progress with the jet and the wider carrier strike capability development.

RFA Proteus begins operations as seabed warfare threats increase
A recent article in the Sunday Times revealed more details about Russian undersea activities directed against UK interests. Here we look in more detail at the specific threats and how RFA Proteus and the Royal Navy are gradually improving seabed warfare (SBW) capabilities.

Pioneering a sovereign solution for Britain’s fast jet trainer requirement
The excellent Hawker Siddeley / BAE Systems Hawk aircraft has been used to train RAF and Royal Navy fast jet pilots since 1976 but is is urgent need of replacement. Here we look at the current situation and a unique British approach that potentially meets the requirement for a modern and affordable replacement.