Since 1945

The American fleet emerged as the world's most powerful, although the Soviet Union with the Specialization in submarine warfare which it's geographical situation renders almost inevitable is a serious contender for equality. The future development of naval forces is suggested by the plans of the U.K. in 1967 to have Polaris nucler submarines as the chief strike force; to phase out aircraft carriers and rely instead for support (in the some way as the Army) on R.A.F. landbased aircraft, and to introduce smaller frigates and destroyers, as well as a new class of cruiser, all equipped with surface-to-air guided missiles and helicopters carrying anti-submarine weapons and sonar. But by 1969, the carriers role as base seemed likely to be revieved.

Mr Roger K. Olsson