NEWS

NAVIES – P2/3, P4, P6

• Biggest RIMPAC but China is ‘disinvited’
• Australia opts for ‘Hunter Class’ future frigate
• Mexico builds ‘most advanced’ warship in Latin America
• Amphib operation aims to stop threat to shipping
• Ex Swordfish 18 reveals drone threat

VETERAN ROYAL NAVY SSN RETURNS – P7

U-BOAT IS KIEL WEEK STAR – P36

LEARNING THE TRADE OF DISASTER RELIEF – P37

COMMONWEALTH NAVIES JOIN FORCES – P46

COMMENTARIES

ODIN’S EYE – P5
A hard power era demands Tier 1 naval capabilities.

FIRST SEA LORD SAYS UK NEEDS SOVEREIGN AND FULL SPECTRUM CAPABILITIES – P8/9
UK naval news with an accent on politics & strategy, also including ‘defence fudge’ likely, ASW weakness highlighted, Type 45 destroyers.

RAF’s STRIKE CARRIER ‘DIVIDE AND RULE’ – P12/13
A naval fighter pilot suggests fixed-wing rebirth is being hampered by the land-based air arm’s deep involvement.

DISTINCT CASE OF DEJA VU – P38/39
History repeats itself in ‘no jets on UK carriers’ argy-bargy.

FEATURES & ANALYSIS

PUTIN IS TRYING TO ‘SHATTER NATO’ – P10/11
US Defense Secretary feels Russia & China are disruptors.

TYPE 45s STAGE A BIGGER SHOW – P14/15
The saga of poor UK destroyer availability nears its end.

PORTUGAL ASKED TO EXPAND PATROL  – P16
Mothballed USN frigates are being offered to Lisbon.

NAVIES MUST KEEP UP PRESSURE ON N. KOREA – P17/18
Vigilance at sea is needed despite Trump-Kim summit.

USA DOUBLES DOWN ON COUNTERING CHINA – P19/21
No lack of commitment to challenging Beijing at sea.

BALTOPS SEES LONG-RANGE INTERVENTION – P22/23
As Russia watches from the sidelines the USN projects power.

‘BIG LIZZIE’ SIGNALS GLOBAL INTENT – P24/25
The first proper RAS is latest step in RN carrier trials.

JET AGE LOOMS FOR RN FLAGSHIP – P26/27
Preparations for the first F-35B embark are underway.

PERU’S AMPHIBIOUS SHIP MILESTONE – P28/29
South America’s biggest ever ‘home-built’ assault ship.

SMALL WARSHIPS WITH A BIG PUNCH – P30/32
A look at the world’s well-armed corvettes.

BID OFFERS TRIED & TESTED FLEXIBILITY – P33/35
The Babcock-led proposal for the UK’s T31e frigate.

OBITUARIES – P40/42
Last of the U-boat aces, who told Hitler off & Canadian air ace who took on the kamikazes.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – P43/44

BOOK REVIEW – P47