Read the latest edition of Naval Warfare for free in our app or on your desktop. Register below to be sent the download link and receive future editions direct to your inbox.
Comment
In the same week that the US military stood up its Space Force, concerns elsewhere were firmly concentrated on naval capabilities, threats and opportunities that will have to be faced in the near future.
Features include:
Peer Pressure
USN fleet planning must adapt to face the realities of capable adversaries such as China and Russia. Shephard examines how the service is approaching the challenges ahead.
Strategic balance
The role of the frigate is changing in modern navies, with new threats and missions influencing requirements for this class of warship.
Scratching the surface
While much has been written on the USN’s surface fleet strategy in terms of hull numbers, the service’s willingness to shift towards using unmanned, autonomous surface combatants is equally significant.
Other features include:
Planning ahead
Beijing’s naval ambitions in the South China Sea and further afield have been a cause of concern for some years. Shephard analyses the responses of other regional actors and powers.
New lease of life
Extending the life of surface combatants is often an appealing alternative to procuring new hulls, but changes in budgets and missions, plus delays to upgrade and successor programmes, can disrupt the best intentions.
Coastal command
The doctrinal shift towards preparing for conflicts in contested environments against highly capable adversaries is exemplified by the field of littoral operations.
On the sly
Relied upon to clandestinely insert special reconnaissance teams into an area of operation undetected by enemy forces and indigenous populations, swimmer delivery vehicles remain a mission-critical asset for maritime SOF units around the world.
Taking aim
Navies are on the cusp of a revolution as a first generation of shipborne high-energy laser weapon systems approaches introduction to service. But platform integration challenges remain.
Forming part of the Reconciliation Bill, the funding will support multiple efforts involving autonomous capabilities, interceptors, missiles, rockets and torpedoes.
The delivery acceptance of the future USS Pierre marks the conclusion of the construction phase for the Independence-variant.
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
The nearly $25 billion investment will cover USCG procurement of cutters, aircraft, helicopters, training simulators and Polar capabilities over the next four years.
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
Connect with us on socials
