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Comment

The European Council has extended Operation Atalanta for another two years, reinforcing its role in the waters off the Horn of Africa. Yet what is the reasoning behind the decision?

Features include:

PACIFIC PROLIFERATION

As more and more countries in Asia-Pacific aim to acquire as well as build submarines and the number of hulls in service keeps rising, commentators are left to wonder whether the region has the potential to become a submarine powerhouse.

Other features include:

TALKING TACTICS

The US is in the process of restructuring its battle force in order to prepare for the potential challenges posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region. An optimal structure for that force, however, is yet to be determined.

ENFORCING LEGITIMACY

Iran’s naval forces, ranging from the asymmetric warfare assets fielded by the revolutionary guard to the ageing surface combatants of the regular navy, continue to present an evolving capability profile to regional actors and great powers alike.

FORM, FIT AND FUNCTION

Often an iterative process, ship design involves many interdependencies and relies heavily on technological development. In order to accommodate future systems and capabilities, a standardised approach to design is becoming increasingly important.

SPECIALISING IN MULTI-MISSION

Programmes such as the Franco-Italian FREMM have shown that interest in multi-mission frigates as opposed to specialised platforms has been on the rise in recent years. Shephard takes a look at the factors driving growth in this sector.

BIOSPHERE OPERATIONS

With the threat of an outbreak at sea creating significant health challenges and potentially opening up an operational gap that could be exploited, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges for navies. How then have they looked to mitigate the risks, ensuring the safety of crews while keeping up the drumbeat of maritime patrol?