Toward a War-Winning Royal Navy: Leveraging Industrial Strategy for Global Defence

As the Royal Navy (RN) faces the harsh reality of operating with its smallest fleet in living memory, incremental improvements are no longer sufficient. This article, part of the UK Defence Review series, makes a bold case for a fundamental rethink of the RN’s force structure, capabilities, and industrial strategy. It argues that to prepare for the next war, industrial strategy must move from the periphery to the core of defence planning, enabling the RN to maintain operational readiness, keep pace with technological advances, and rapidly scale its capabilities when conflict erupts.

The piece explores how the RN can achieve this transformation by embracing economies of scale, mainstreaming uncrewed systems, and making tough but necessary decisions—such as decommissioning aircraft carriers and converging on a single class of frigates. It highlights the strategic advantages of focusing on submarine capabilities, uncrewed vehicles, and modular, rapidly adaptable platforms that can evolve with technological developments and shifting threats.

With threats ranging from the rise of the People’s Republic of China and non-linear warfare to the destabilising effects of the climate crisis, this article presents a provocative vision for the RN’s future. It challenges traditional assumptions, offering a roadmap for a leaner, more agile, and ultimately more effective force that aligns with the UK’s strategic priorities and resource realities. Download the entire article to explore how the RN can leverage industrial strategy to secure its role in an increasingly contested maritime environment.