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Military Ships and Naval Vessels

Report
Supporting the Royal Australian Navy's Campaign Plan for Robotics and Autonomous Systems: Enhancing Innovation
The authors describe approaches the Royal Australian Navy might consider for enabling innovation with, and rapid acquisition of, robotics, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence (RAS-AI) in the near and medium terms.
Aug 19, 2022
Tool
Where Has China Sent Weapons and Security Contractors?
China exported weapons to 38 countries from 2018 to 2021. It also exported private security contractors to protect and secure its interests in other countries, such as mining facilities and ports. A map of the exports shows China's expansive influence across Asia and Africa and into Latin America.
Aug 19, 2022
Journal Article
The Imperative to Defend Minefields
Minefields can impede an adversary fleet's ability to sortie from port. But once laid, they must be defended to prevent sweeping operations.
Aug 3, 2022
Commentary
Why It Makes Sense to Keep Mine-Hunting Dolphins on the Navy's Payroll
Mine-hunting dolphins—none of whom have ever been harmed by a mine—make the seas safer for naval ships and other vessels. Yet budget cuts could spell the end of the program that trains them.
Jul 22, 2022
Report
Supporting the Royal Australian Navy's Campaign Plan for Robotics and Autonomous Systems: Human-Machine Teaming and the Future Workforce
The authors provide an overview of the various impacts of robotics, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence (RAS-AI) on the Defence workforce to inform the Royal Australian Navy's ongoing efforts to facilitate RAS-AI integration.
Jul 18, 2022
Commentary
Unblocking the Black Sea for Ukrainian Grain
As Russia has been blockading ports around Odesa, Ukrainian grain exports in May were more than 60 percent lower than a year ago. Global hunger has hit a new high while 22 million tons of grain in Ukraine could rot if not exported soon.
Jun 15, 2022
Report
Supporting a Royal Australian Navy Modelling and Simulation Strategy: A Strategy-to-Task Framework
The authors provide an evidence base for an expanded Modelling and Simulation Strategy for the Royal Australian Navy so that it can better position itself to operate in a high-end warfighting environment.
May 18, 2022
Report
Supporting the Royal Australian Navy's Campaign Plan for Robotics and Autonomous Systems: Emerging Missions and Technology Trends
This report provides a high-level review of the current landscape and future trajectory of robotics, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence from the perspective of maritime missions and enabling technologies.
Apr 4, 2022
Brochure
The Alliance Initiative: RAND's Support for the Australia–United Kingdom–United States (AUKUS) Partnership
RAND is well positioned to support an Australia-United Kingdom-United States security partnership.
Mar 29, 2022
Commentary
Making AUKUS Work
In September 2021, President Biden announced the creation of AUKUS, a trilateral, experimental arrangement among the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom focused on defense technology. The barriers to success are numerous but the partnership could offer significant opportunities.
Mar 22, 2022
Commentary
Ready for Take-Off? The Next Generation of UK Maritime Air Power
The recent deployment of a Carrier Strike Group represents a marked shift in the United Kingdom's ambitions and capabilities for power projection in both the maritime and air domains. The United Kingdom is hoping to work closely with NATO Allies to enhance the Alliance's collective ability to deploy maritime airpower as part of a flexible posture that can deter and respond to threats both close to home and far afield.
Dec 10, 2021
Report
Lessons from COVID-19 Infections on U.S. Navy Ships
The U.S. Navy's handling of the early COVID-19 outbreak on the USS Theodore Roosevelt revealed some cracks in the service's readiness to respond to major medical events. The relative lack of severe consequences in this instance should not prevent the Navy from reviewing those shortfalls and their implications for readiness.
Sep 21, 2021
Report
Supporting the Royal Australian Navy's Strategy for Robotics and Autonomous Systems
The Royal Australian Navy has embarked on an ambitious plan to modernise its maritime capabilities to support Australia's defence strategy. What should the Navy consider when developing its robotics, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence strategy?
Sep 14, 2021
Report
Opportunities for the Brazilian Navy to Employ Additional Unmanned Systems
The Brazilian Navy needs to have both the capabilities and capacity to meet a wide range of demands over vast and diverse geographic areas. What are some of the potential ways the Brazilian Navy could use unmanned systems to improve effectiveness and, potentially, reduce risks and costs?
Aug 10, 2021
Commentary
The Suez Grounding Was an Accident. The Next Blocked Chokepoint Might Not Be
The recent spectacle of a hulking container ship wedged into the Suez Canal is a reminder of how vulnerable maritime transportation is to blocked chokepoints. The fragility of maritime lifelines may encourage the use of this tactic in future conflict.
Mar 30, 2021
Commentary
Australian Naval Shipbuilding: First Things First
Australia will soon begin production of Attack-class submarines and Hunter-class frigates, ostensibly bringing more than $100 billion in new naval ship construction to domestic industry. While many in political and labour circles see this as a boon for Australian companies, actual domestic spending may be far less than imagined.
Jan 22, 2021
Report
Japan's Ability and Willingness to Assist U.S. Forces in the East China Sea
Should a conventional high-end contingency erupt in the East China Sea between the United States and China, Japan could support the U.S. military. But that assistance would be limited, in terms of capabilities, existing legal restrictions, and political realities.
Dec 14, 2020
Report
The United States Needs More Polar Icebreakers
Icebreaking is important for maintaining polar presence amid increasing global interest in the Arctic and Antarctic. Only two U.S. cutters are capable of operating in heavy polar ice, and both have limited life spans. What should the Coast Guard consider as it builds new icebreakers?
Dec 8, 2020
Testimony
Australia’s Naval Shipbuilding Capability
During the past decade, Australia has used research to understand the cost, benefits, and challenges of national shipbuilding strategies and decisions. What recent developments should Australia's policymakers consider when planning naval ship programs?
Nov 12, 2020
Journal Article
Winning Friends and Influencing People: Naval Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics
This report provides an overview of the PLAN's approach to naval diplomacy, focusing on its activity outside maritime East Asia, in what it calls the "far seas."
Sep 11, 2020

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RAND Topic:
Military Ships and Naval Vessels

Research conducted by

Researcher Spotlight

James G. Kallimani

Senior Technical Analyst

James Kallimani (he/him) is a senior technical analyst at the RAND Corporation. He has an engineering and data analytics background, specializing in problem solving and creative thinking for public policy, national security, and government. Since joining RAND in 2005, he has performed projects…
Emma Westerman

Director, Management, Technology, and Capabilities Program, RAND Homeland Security Research Division

Emma Westerman directs the Management, Technology, and Capabilities (MTC) Program within the Homeland Security Research Division (HSRD). She is a mathematician who specializes in requirements, acquisition, logistics, technology, sustainment, cybersecurity, and lifecycle risk management.

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