Russia and Japan have been at odds over the Kuril Islands for decades. After the latest developments, is the archipelago a strategic challenge for Moscow? Situated between the Russian peninsula of Kamchatka and the Japanese island of Hokkaidō, the Kuril Islands form a gateway out into the Pacific and into the Japanese...
With the average age of their mine countermeasure boats at around 30 years, most European navies are replacing existing weapon systems with a mix of mother ships and unmanned plug-and-play systems to manage a full detect-to-engage cycle. The navies of Northern, Western and Southern Europe continue to receive the majority of funding for new build programmes, while the Eastern European navies,...
In recent decades, China has continuously upgraded its navy with strategic foresight. Its democratic neighbour India, on the other hand, has largely failed to build up its maritime capabilities. Now could be the time to change course. The Indians, who have been shocked by the recent images of Chinese navy ships in the harbours of...
In view of the growing threat situation in the region, Japan is modernising its navy. In-house developments are complemented by purchased technology in the best possible way. Japan has the sixth longest coastline and the sixth largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the world. More than 90 per cent of Japan's foreign trade is conducted by sea. The maritime interests and the exposed location of the island state...
Russia's President Putin also adopts an aggressive maritime tone. Does the strength of his fleet justify this behaviour? At this year's Fleet Day, Vladimir Putin presented a new Russian naval doctrine. It is attracting attention less because of its content than because of the aggressive nature of its announcement. The new doctrine is based on the threat...
Boeing's tried-and-tested Poseidon was selected as the successor to the ageing P-3C. The first aircraft is due to fly for the navy in just two years. Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPAs) make a significant contribution to long-range maritime reconnaissance and long-range airborne anti-submarine warfare capabilities and thus remain a vital part of the...
Few ships symbolise a maritime turning point as strikingly as HMS VANGUARD, which came too late for the Second World War and was no longer really needed in the post-war period. The Royal Navy ended the First World War with a sizeable fleet of capital ships, but was now in need of a fundamental renewal in terms of quality,...
South Korea is continuing to work on an ocean-going fleet that can also be used for missions far from home. Aircraft carriers are also on the wish list. Since the 1950s, the South Korean navy has focussed on fending off the immediate threat from North Korea. This is currently changing. Seoul is systematically modernising and expanding its fleet. The goal is...
After numerous purely land-based operations, the British Royal Marines have been undergoing a far-reaching reform process for several years, which is intended to return the force to its maritime roots. "Per mare, per terram" - under this motto, Great Britain has maintained an infantry force under the umbrella of the Royal Navy since 1664 with the Royal...
The partners Germany and Norway have launched the U-212CD project. Initial investments have already been initiated. Norway and Germany are setting new standards in international defence cooperation through the joint procurement and use of identical submarines. The innovative approach will continue the joint strategic cooperation over the next 40 years.
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