No. 356 February 2025

February 2025

Front cover

The Russian Navy Victor Class nuclear-powered attack submarine RFS Tambov in the Baltic, summer 2024. See P26/30.

Photo by Michael Nitz, Naval Press Service

Contents

NAVAL NEWS

UK naval capabilities most prized by US DoD – P2
Destroyers hold the line against Houthis – P3
British military chief urges the UK to be bold – P4
NATO deputy outlines warfare challenges – P4
Colombian frigate project progress – P6
Norwegian submarine visits Kiel – P6
USS Harry S. Truman heads east of Suez – P6
HMS Prince of Wales on the Mersey – P24/25
Drones expand the envelope of ops – P31
USS George Washington back in Japan – P38/39
A triumphant final return – P40
UK naval air-to-air drone killer – P44
Indian & American Special Forces Exercise – P46

 

COMMENTARY

ODIN’S EYE – P5
European NATO is in the last chance saloon to deter future war and be ready to fight if necessary. The UK must show some leadership via its Defence Review.

IF YOU WANT PEACE PREPARE FOR WAR – P8/11
UK Defence Review could be more gruel today with jam tomorrow.

DEFENCE AMBITION COLLIDING WITH FISCAL REALITIES – P12/13
A survey of some of the UK SDR’s tricky aspects

 

FEATURES

THE BATTLE OF SWEDEN’S WIND FARMS – P14/15
Concerns about naval security risks of Baltic renewables.

FIREPOWER BOOST FOR AUSTRALIAN NAVY – P16/17
HMAS Brisbane launches a Tomahawk missile.

FRENCH CARRIER TASK GROUP DEPLOYED – P18/21
Marine Nationale on a far-ranging mission.

RUSSIAN NAVY’S SYRIAN RETREAT – P22/23
Moscow’s forces withdraw and the Syrian Navy is obliterated.

COLD WAR WARRIOR NEARS END OF DAYS – P26/30
A profile of Russia’s Victor Class attack submarines.

PATROL SHIP IS A WORK IN PROGRESS – P32/36
Interview with the captain of ITS Paolo Thaon Di Revel.

NO ALIENS YET IN LATEST UAP REPORT – P41/42
But GREMLIN deployed to clear things up.

BOOK REVIEWS – P47/48