Royal Navy – A large Royal Navy worldwide exercise, Argonaut 01, has begun, involving HMS Illustrious and HMS Ocean.

• MOD: Mine hunters lead the way on largest Royal Navy deployment since the Falklands

Background – Asia – Asian countries are beginning to align themselves to provide a counterbalance to China.

• Jane’s: Asia’s new power balance

Background – US Defense Review – The UK’s view of the US Defense Review.

• BBC: Stumbling towards Pentagon reform