By Professor Basil Germond*
The National Security Strategy (NSS), published by His Majesty’s (HM) Government on 24th June, describes threats and opportunities facing the United Kingdom (UK) and suggests a strategic framework built around three pillars: security at home, security abroad, and sovereign capabilities. More than that, the NSS offers an integrated vision which ties together economic security, national resilience and strategic influence – all of which revolve around the sea and maritime power. (From: Britain’s world.)
Maritime strategic prioritisation: Freedom of navigation and economic prosperity
The NSS underlines the imperative of keeping sea lanes free and secure, which is crucial for an island nation whose prosperity depends on unfettered maritime trade. The strategy links economic resilience to maritime security and sea control, ensuring that disruptions – whether through state provocations or hybrid threats – do not undermine domestic prosperity. By safeguarding trade routes and maritime chokepoints (whether in the Indo-Pacific or the Red Sea), the NSS embeds the notion that economic security is inextricably tied to maritime security and naval power.
Naval modernisation: Lethality and operational agility
The NSS makes it clear that defence spending will focus on creating a more agile and technologically advanced force to ensure that Britain can swiftly adapt to a rapidly evolving maritime threat seascape – either when facing technologically sophisticated adversaries or asymmetrical attack vectors.
There is a marked commitment to modernising the Royal Navy, with a focus on integrating digital command and control systems, advanced weapons integration and enhanced sensor networks. The emphasis lies on renewing traditional assets (such as destroyers, frigates and amphibious assault vessels) while also expanding capabilities in next-generation platforms, such as nuclear-powered submarines and autonomous vessels. This is seen as essential for both deterrence and rapid, decisive action in any maritime threat scenario. The NSS makes it clear that defence spending will focus on creating a more agile and technologically advanced force to ensure that Britain can swiftly adapt to a rapidly evolving maritime threat seascape – either when facing technologically sophisticated adversaries or asymmetrical attack vectors.
Revitalising the defence industrial base: Domestic shipbuilding and technological sovereignty
The NSS calls for a robust investment in Britain’s maritime industrial base. The goal is not only to update current naval assets but also to regenerate the shipbuilding sector and related maritime technological base at home. The emphasis on indigenous research and development and technological sovereignty should secure an edge in asymmetric and pioneering technologies, ensuring the Royal Navy can counter threats in both conventional and unconventional ways. This will strengthen sovereign capabilities, reduce dependencies on unpredictable global supply chains and act as a catalyst for regional economic growth – a classic ‘defence dividend’ (i.e., boosting shipbuilding and maritime technology, not only to support naval forces, but also to stimulate wider economic growth).
Maritime deterrence and readiness
Recognising threats which range from state-sponsored sub-threshold activities in the maritime domain to outright acts of sabotage against vital maritime infrastructure or attacks on commercial shipping and maritime logistics, the NSS promotes enhanced surveillance, rapid response protocols and varied deterrence measures. Specific preparations are made for scenarios such as attacks on commercial shipping (e.g., by non-state groups) or deliberate challenges to freedom of navigation by hostile actors. Such readiness not only deters potential aggressors but reassures allies and partners of the UK’s commitment to maintaining a secure maritime order.
Strengthening maritime partnerships
The strategy reaffirms commitment to collective defence frameworks, notably within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and newer arrangements like AUKUS. This is not about acting in isolation; it is a cooperative approach to maritime security where shared resources, intelligence and coordinated operational planning multiply the deterrent effect. Beyond NATO and the core emphasis on the security of the Euro-Atlantic, the NSS encourages deepening links with partners sharing an interest in the maritime domain (such as Japan, Australia and India) to address regional challenges in contested areas such as the Indo-Pacific. This alliance-driven posture seeks to ensure long-term strategic stability and to reinforce the international rules-based order.
Protecting critical maritime infrastructure
By merging traditional naval protection with modern cyber defence tactics, the NSS provides a holistic approach to safeguarding Britain’s lifelines against sophisticated yet unpredictable hybrid attacks.
The strategy highlights the importance of protecting and defending critical maritime infrastructures, such as ports, pipelines, undersea cables and coastal installations, from both physical and cyber-enabled threats. Indeed, the digitalisation of maritime operations means that these infrastructures require equally advanced cyber protection measures. By merging traditional naval protection with modern cyber defence tactics, the NSS provides a holistic approach to safeguarding Britain’s lifelines against sophisticated yet unpredictable hybrid attacks.
Global maritime posture and geostrategic influence
The NSS does not conceive the maritime domain solely as a defensive space. It envisions a force capable of projecting power across global maritime theatres – from the Euro-Atlantic to the Indo-Pacific – thus influencing the balance of power and deterring potential adversaries before conflicts arise. It is about cultivating an agile maritime posture which can adapt to rapid shifts in the international landscape. It is a recognition that the ocean is as much a battleground for ideas, alliances and economic rivalries as for naval engagements.
Conclusion
In sum, the overarching philosophy of the NSS highlights that national security is as much about economic resilience, technological sovereignty and alliance cohesion as it is about traditional military might. As such, it is not surprising to find a strong maritime dimension to the NSS. It complements very well the strategic directions found in the recent Strategic Defence Review. Altogether, these two key strategic documents confirm that the future of UK defence, security and prosperity will depend on naval modernisation, agile naval forces, a strong shipbuilding sector, and stable and credible alliances such as NATO and AUKUS, as well as the capacity to protect sea lanes of communication and critical maritime infrastructure. The strategic vision is clear; its implementation will now depend on forward thinking for budget and financial planning.
*Professor Basil Germond is the Co-Director of Lancaster University’s Security Research Institute and a Professor of International Security in the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion. He is also a Visiting Fellow at the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre.
