The $3.7 billion HMS Queen Elizabeth, the UK's flagship aircraft carrier, had to withdraw from NATO exercises due to a propeller problem, highlighting Britain's struggle to keep up with first-rate navies. The incident comes after similar issues with its sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales, and amid concerns about the UK's naval capabilities being overstretched and underfunded, as well as a shortage of available vessels. Experts warn of a dissonance between the UK's military ambitions and its actual capabilities, posing a strategic weakness.
Retired US Navy Adm. James Stavridis emphasized the need for the US to expand its naval forces and build more ships to keep pace with China, which currently has the world's largest navy with over 355 vessels. Stavridis highlighted the importance of quantity in shipbuilding and suggested that the US Navy should approach 350 ships to match China's capabilities. He also emphasized the strength of US military alliances as a deterrent to a potential Chinese offensive.
The Houthi rebels in Yemen pose a challenge to the US-led maritime coalition in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. While the USS Carney successfully intercepted 14 Houthi drones, experts warn that a swarm of drones could overwhelm the ship's defenses. Greek ship owners have rerouted vessels to avoid Houthi attacks, potentially impacting the global economy. The US-led coalition is limited in its response due to a negotiated ceasefire between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. The Houthis possess an array of military capabilities, including naval mines, surface-to-air and cruise missiles, and UAVs, some of which were developed and produced in Yemen. The Institute for National Security Studies reports that the Houthis have medium- and long-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and a fleet of drones, many of which are supplied by Iran. The maritime threat from the Houthis includes naval missiles and skilled commando forces.
Iran's top naval officer, Admiral Shahram Irani, has traveled to Russia to participate in the Navy Day parade, marking the anniversary of the Russian navy's creation. While the participation is largely symbolic, Iran sees it as an opportunity for maritime diplomacy and potential trade opportunities with Russia. Iran uses its limited naval strength to engage in diplomacy and showcase its new naval capabilities, challenging the US role in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasized the importance of developing the country's naval capabilities following drills conducted by the Pacific Fleet. The exercises involved 25,000 personnel, 89 aircraft and helicopters, as well as 167 warships, including 12 submarines. Putin warned that the fleet "can certainly be used in conflicts in any direction." The drills were seen as routine signaling to consolidate ties with China and send a warning to Japan regarding any potential ambitions to retake the Kuril Islands.
