Contents
In the June 2012 issue
- CALCULATING A NEW BALANCE OF TERROR
- FORCE LEVELS IN DECLINE
- DARING IS A COOL CUSTOMER
- HIGH NORTH OFFERS HOPES & FEARS
- CAMERON’S ‘BIG BANG’ NEEDS FRIGATES TOO
- SYMBOLS OF A CREDIBLE NAVY
- BY SEA, LAND AND AIR
- CALL FOR FIRE!
- FATE OF FALKLANDS SHIP SHAMES THE BRITISH NATION
- UK CAN AVOID FAST JETS FIASCO
- MIDDLE EAST MAGNET
CALCULATING A NEW BALANCE OF TERROR
To placate dissenting voices advocating disarmament, successive governments have sought to reduce the numbers of missiles and warheads deployed in UK deterrent force submarines. Dr Dave Sloggett asks if we have departed the era of M.A.D. only to enter a new, even more frightening age.
FORCE LEVELS IN DECLINE
Special Correspondent David Axe reports on how the United States Navy is struggling to maintain adequate numbers of nuclear-powered submarines, a shortfall that could jeopardise its ability to operate in the world’s most dangerous waters.
Photo: US Navy.
DARING IS A COOL CUSTOMER
For her first front line deployment the Daring Class (Type 45) destroyer HMS Daring took over from the Duke Class (Type 23) frigate HMS Argyll, on station in a turbulent Middle East. The new British warship is commanded by Captain Guy Robinson, who is interviewed by Special Correspondent Guy Toremans during a recent alongside stand-down in the Gulf.
Photo: US Navy.
HIGH NORTH OFFERS HOPES & FEARS
Iain Ballantyne reports on the latest developments in the race to exploit a thawing of the Arctic. The objective is to seize and control natural resources that may now be easier to reach, with a whole array of nations seeking to exert a bigger presence.
Photo: US Navy.
CAMERON’S ‘BIG BANG’ NEEDS FRIGATES TOO
Speaking in Plymouth earlier this year Prime Minister David Cameron claimed the Royal Navy “is going to pack a huge punch in the future.” Pete Sandeman concludes his comparison of Cameron hubris against likely reality, suggesting investment frigates and submarines is just as important as carriers.
Photo: BAE Systems.
SYMBOLS OF A CREDIBLE NAVY
Continuing his series on the replenishment vessels of leading navies, WARSHIPS IFR Chief Analyst Usman Ansari examines the ships fielded by three major European fleets, namely Germany, France and Russia.
Photo: US DoD.
BY SEA, LAND AND AIR
Words and pics from Exercise Joint Warrior, which is billed as Europe’s largest joint warfare training event. We report on action off Scotland and also pre-exercise preparation by a US Navy destroyer.
Photo: US Navy.
CALL FOR FIRE!
John Roberts, from Explosion! The Museum of Naval Firepower tells the story of the remarkable 4.5-inch gun, which has equipped the Royal Navy from WW2 to the present day, most recently bombarding targets in Libya.
Photo: Royal Navy.
FATE OF FALKLANDS SHIP SHAMES THE BRITISH NATION
Thirty years ago the frigate HMS Plymouth came through the Falklands War battered but unbowed. Despite huge efforts to find a berth as a permanent memorial to lives sacrificed in the conflict, it was recently revealed she is most likely destined for the scrapyard. In a deeply personal commentary, Andy Hayler, Vice Chairman of the HMS Plymouth Association, bids farewell to his old ship.
UK CAN AVOID FAST JETS FIASCO
As a naval air warfare expert and veteran of air-to-air fast jet combat in the Falklands War, Commander Nigel MacCartan-Ward RN (Retd) is well placed to scrutinise the complex debate over what aircraft the UK should opt for to equip its future strike carriers. He suggests politicians have failed to properly investigate all aspects of the debate.
Photo: US Navy.
MIDDLE EAST MAGNET
Special Correspondent Guy Toremans reports from DIMDEX 2012, which has become a must attend event on the defence industry calendar.
Photo: Guy Toremans.
