Naval Warfare magazine: Arctic security, countering future weapons and more

What’s inside this edition:

Comment

As the UK grapples with a COVID-19-induced recession and awaits the Integrated Review, analysts are left to wonder where the RN stands with regard to the exponentially expanding economic chasm.

Features include:

NEW THREATS, NEW DEFENCES

In order to counter the evolving threat posed to the fleet by lasers and hypersonic missiles, the US is considering multiple innovative approaches to disrupt a future weapon’s kill chain.

Other features include:

POLAR OPPOSITION

Due to its strategic location and abundance of natural resources, the Arctic region is becoming increasingly congested with navies looking to advance their respective national interests.

TWIN PILLARS

As the USN focuses on modernisation and its goal of achieving a truly hybrid fleet, the service is relying on two key pillars – a revamped acquisition strategy and unmanned surface systems.

TALKING POLITICS

Military equipment transfers inevitably have an international relations aspect and countries often use the second-hand market to spread their influence. Pre-owned vessels often have more political than monetary value, and governments have been quick on the uptake.

COVERING ALL THE BASES

Technology has become an essential part of modern naval bases, gathering information and facilitating predictive maintenance. Yet greater connectivity and data processing capabilities bring fresh challenges.

WILL PASSIVE BE MASSIVE?

Passive radar is emerging as a useful technology to bolster maritime surveillance applications, particularly for cash-strapped nations.