Israeli Navy – The U.S. confirms that Israel’s Dolphin-class submarines are armed with nuclear-tipped Harpoon cruise missiles that serve as a submarine-based strategic deterrent force for Israel.

• The Guardian: Israel deploys nuclear arms in submarine

Royal Navy – The U.K. trims back on its design for its new aircraft carriers.

• The Scotsman: ëCost Cutting has Hit Navyís New Shipsí

Background – Diplomacy – Niall Ferguson asks did the United Kingdom’s influence in its heyday match the United States’ today? Two Hegemonies provides an answer; but “empire” might be the better word.

• Foreign Affairs: Hegemony or Empire?