Naval Warfare Preview 2025: Billion-dollar programmes will advance but unpredictable forces muddy the waters
A rendering of the Canadian Surface Combatant. (Image: BAE Systems)
Large programmes around the world are likely to be immune to flux, but the impact of geopolitics could be unprecedented in 2025.
If popular science-fiction is to be believed, history consists of two factors: fixed points and fluxing forces.
There are things about which we can be relatively certain. And then there are the wild cards, elements which can be changed, and can change the world around them in a heartbeat.
2025 in the naval domain is likely to be a very historic year.
Naval fixed points are large, expensive programmes that have been promised and budgeted for, often years in advance.
And Naval fluxing forces are geopolitical shifts and technological revolutions that can take the domain in unexpected new directions.
Fixed
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years]()
US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years
The Cutter Storis officially entered service with the Branch on 10 August. The new capability will be operated from Juneau, Alaska.
-
![How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?]()
How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?
Although both countries still operate Cold War-era platforms, they possess capable nuclear-powered and armed submarines and are investing in the development of new, advanced capabilities.
-
![US Coast Guard to invest more than $5 billion in the Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutter]()
US Coast Guard to invest more than $5 billion in the Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutter
From FY2026 to FY2029, the OPC programme will receive funds from the Reconciliation Bill and the Coast Guard annual budget.
-
![Royal Australian Navy’s plan for fleet refresh continues in the face of headwinds]()
Royal Australian Navy’s plan for fleet refresh continues in the face of headwinds
Australia has selected the Mogami-class frigate from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to replace Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac-class frigates. The decision has been made as the RAN pushes to introduce delayed offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), awaits criticised Hunter-class ships and lives in the shadow of threats to the Collins-class submarine replacement efforts.
