, the gap being the open ocean between these three landmasses. The term is typically used in relation to military topics. Importance to Royal Navy The GIUK gap is particularly important to the British Royal Navy, as any attempt by northern European forces to break into the open Atlantic would have to do so either through the heavily defended English Channel which is also the world's busiest shipping lane or through one of the exits on either side of Iceland. When also considering British control… (More on Giuk)