Naval Warfare magazine: Ship-to-shore connectors, vessel automation, global frigate market and more

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What's inside this edition:

Comment

The COVID-19 pandemic combined with the Integrated Review will likely deal a double blow to the UK RN and might have a lasting impact on the service.

Features include:

TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT?

Close-in weapon systems form the last line of defence for surface combatants, tackling inbound threats that have penetrated the outer layers. Shephard examines how these prevalently gun-based solutions are evolving to remain effective in the contemporary operating environment.

Other features include:

COMBAT CONNECTORS

A key aspect of amphibious assault is getting deployed personnel, their vehicles and equipment ashore quickly and safely. Shephard examines the vital connective craft that fulfil this role with the world’s major navies.

DEGREES OF CONTROL

While mechanical automation has been baked into warship design for decades, saving labour and reducing risk to crew, the integration of more data and higher levels of autonomy could take the basic principle to the next stage of evolution.

OCEANS APART?

The Russian surface combatant fleet is undergoing transformation in order to allow the service to maintain a sufficient blue-water capability in the medium term, but big ambitions for establishing a powerful ocean-going force have so far received limited support.

BALANCED CAPABILITY

A shift towards a mixture of high-end designs and modular, cheaper vessels to maintain fleet numbers is defining the global frigate market for the 2020s. Shephard Defence Insight analyses the key programmes and headline numbers.

ACCESS DENIED?

Modern naval vessels and unmanned maritime systems rely extensively on GPS and other satellite-based navigation aids. But what happens when the signal is lost or disrupted, whether by environmental factors or hostile action?

THE SILENT SERVICE

Despite limited budgets, Latin American nations continue to aspire to field submarine fleets. Shephard investigates the capabilities, mission sets and future of these assets within the region.