First Sea Lord oversees new series of Royal Navy strategic wargaming

First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, was joined by Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Paul Beattie and Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse for the event at the Defence Experimentation Wargaming Hub in Southwick Park - just metres from where the D-Day invasion was directed 80 years ago.

They were assisted by operational commanders as well as representatives from the Army and Royal Air Force and experts from academia and industry who questioned decisions and interactions as scenarios unfolded.

In his opening address, Gen Jenkins said: “Wargaming is what helps us understand how we apply the force we have today to the threats we face today.

“From this wargame we will be able to develop our war-fighting plans to an even greater degree than we already have, so that we can prove our credibility and sustain deterrence for the nation, and we can fulfil our mission and purpose which is to help protect the nation as part of Defence’s integrated force.”

Participants worked in a destabilising geo-political situation, where the Royal Navy were asked to explore their actions alongside NATO in a scenario of rising tensions and escalatory activity.

The establishment of the senior wargaming series is the next step in the First Sea Lord’s drive to growing the Royal Navy warfighting readiness to become a hybrid, technologically advanced warfighting force by 2029.

 A key element of this modernisation is the adoption of uncrewed and autonomous systems and greater digital connectivity to redefine maritime combat power. 

With a focus on innovation, leadership and collaboration with industry, the RN aims to lead NATO in maritime warfare while maintaining its critical role in nuclear deterrence and High North operations, ensuring the UK remains a key player in global security.