Eric Wertheim

Eric Wertheim is a defense consultant, columnist, and author specializing in naval and maritime affairs. Frequently interviewed by the news media, he has served as a speechwriter for Pentagon officials and a consultant to private industry and the U.S. government. He has been a columnist for Proceedings magazine since 1994. He lives in the Washington D.C. area.

Articles by Eric Wertheim

2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of NATO.

NATO Navies in Review

By Eric Wertheim

May 2024

Alliance military budgets are again increasing as NATO navies prepare for a more dangerous future.

The Marado is pictured here with two Super Lynx and three Seahawk helicopters on the flight deck.

South Korea’s Dokdo-class Amphibious Warfare Helicopter Carriers

By Eric Wertheim

April 2024

These two “big-deck” amphibious assault ships are the largest and among the most flexible surface ships in the South Korean Navy.

‘Black Widow’ Missile Boats for the Russian Fleet

By Eric Wertheim

March 2024

Russia’s Project 22800–class guided-missile patrol combatants are known as the Karakurt class, which translates to Black Widow spider in English.

First in class Kolkata recently deployed on counterpiracy missions in the Arabian Sea along with four sister P-15A/B DDGs.

India’s Project 15A and 15B Destroyers: Blending Capabilities from Across the Globe

By Eric Wertheim

February 2024

India’s Project 15A (P-15A) Kolkata-class and Project 15B (P-15B) Visakhapatnam-class guided-missile destroyers are a remarkable amalgam of indigenous and international technology.

First in her class, the Isaac Peral was launched 7 May 2021. The class operates with a crew of 32 and has additional accommodations for 8 special operations service members.

S-80 Plus Class: Growing Potential for Spain’s Submarine Program

By Eric Wertheim

January 2024

This next-generation class brings promising capabilities to the Armada Española and enhances Spain’s potential maritime contribution to NATO.

The Shahid Soleimani with a helicopter on the flight deck.

Iran’s first VLS missile catamaran

By Eric Wertheim

December 2023

The more conventional Islamic Republic of Iran Navy operates most of Iran’s larger warships and submarines and is responsible for longer range, extended-duration missions.

Egypt’s first Gowind 2500 corvette, the El Fateh.

Gowind-Class Surface Ships: French Innovation Tackles the Export Market

By Eric Wertheim

November 2023

The French Gowind warship program began as a privately funded effort by the French shipbuilder now known as Naval Group.

The Swedish submarine Gotland on sea trials following her 2018 modernization.

Sweden’s Gotland-class Subs: AIP pioneers of the Baltic Sea

By Eric Wertheim

October 2023

Sweden’s march toward full NATO membership brings an impressive naval fleet into the spotlight, exemplified by the Royal Swedish Navy’s Gotland-class (Type A-19) submarines.

The Kumano (pictured) is second in her class but was the first to launch. The Mogami suffered propulsion problems and launched several months later.

Japan’s Multimission Mogami-class Frigates

By Eric Wertheim

September 2023

Japan’s high-technology Mogami-class frigates seek a delicate balance that reduces cost and crew size while providing a modest solution for 21st-century requirements.