Naval Warfare magazine: countering China, Asia-Pacific submarines and more
What's inside this edition:
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?
More from Naval Warfare
-
Kongsberg contracted for Dutch and Belgian frigate propellers and drive shafts
In July 2023, Damen and Thales signed contracts to design, build and deliver four new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates for Belgium and the Netherlands.
-
SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy
The UK Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare Spearhead programme, run by the service’s Develop Directorate, has been investigating future and existing technologies with a particular focus on the USV arena.
-
Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD
A new class of General Purpose ‘Tier 2’ frigate will replace the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) Anzac-class frigates, but the selected design options appear to have major issues in terms of compatibility and availability for the future fleet.
-
Norway’s aim to purchase new frigates may impact Royal Navy’s own fleet production
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has only so far confirmed that discussions have been taking place with BAE Systems, but a decision has yet to be made, according to The Telegraph.