This episode forms part of a new strand of our podcast: Seapower Past and Present which explores seapower as it is understood and practised in the modern world whilst offering a historical perspective on the themes we explore. Each episode is chosen according to a theme or a location – a hotspot in the modern world where seapower has a major influence on geopolitics. So if you enjoy this episode do please seek out others in this strand – you will shortly be able to find episodes on economic warfare, critical national infrastructure, how technology is changing the nature of warfare at sea; and on hugely significant locations in the modern maritime world – the Black Sea, South China Sea, Middle East and Arctic.

To make this series come alive we’ve teamed up with the Royal Navy Strategic Studies centre. In each episode you will hear from at least one historian and from at least one practitioner, a member of the armed forces who has direct first hand, personal experience of the topic being discussed.

This episode explores the relationship between technology and sea power. In an age in which we read in the news about unmanned drones attacking warships at sea and the threat of hypersonic missiles it is particular important that we get to grips with the changes that are happening in our modern world and the historical pathway that has got us to this point.

To find out more Dr Sam Willis spoke with Lieutenant Commander Kit Perry, a serving officer in the Royal Navy who is also studying for a PhD at King’s College in London. Kit’s expertise lies in how new weapon systems, which are underpinned by different types of technological advancements, will change naval warfare. We also hear from

Andrew Lambert, Laughton Professor of Naval History in the Department of War Studies at King's College and recent recipient of the Hattendorf Prize for Distinguished Original Research in Maritime History. As an example of technology dramatically altering naval warfare Andrew explores the development of precision fire on board HMS Excellent in 1850.

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