Displaying items by tag: Defence

The Royal Navy’s flagship, HMS Prince of Wales, has set sail from Portsmouth for an eight-month mission to the Far East as part of Operation Highmast, a major multinational military deployment. Leading a strike group composed of British, Canadian, and Norwegian warships, the carrier will demonstrate the UK's naval strength, support global trade routes, and affirm alliances in the Indo-Pacific region. While the Ministry of Defence has not confirmed whether the fleet will pass through the contested Taiwan Strait, the mission comes amid rising tensions with China over Taiwan and territorial claims in the South China Sea. Commodore James Blackmore affirmed that the task force is prepared for all eventualities and seeks to deter threats through presence and readiness. Families gathered to bid farewell to the 2,500 service members on board. The deployment also serves diplomatic, economic, and symbolic purposes: supporting NATO, promoting UK exports, and showcasing national defence capabilities. This show of force, blending strategy with solidarity, reflects the UK’s commitment to peace, stability, and the rules-based international order.

Four US air force bombers have arrived at RAF Fairford as part of its Bomber Task Force Europe, reinforcing NATO’s deterrence posture amid rising tensions with Russia. The bombers have already participated in joint missions with Finland, France, and Sweden to enhance allied air force interoperability. Major-general Joseph Campo highlighted the mission’s strategic significance, stating that Bomber Task Force missions project US combat power, ensuring lethality and readiness in an evolving security landscape.  Another commander said that training with NATO allies strengthens operational cohesion and enhances the ability to deploy decisive capabilities whenever needed. The bombers will participate in joint exercises across Europe, showcasing agility and rapid-response capabilities. This deployment affirms US commitment to deterring Russian aggression and maintaining a robust defence presence in the region.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of Defence Staff, has warned of a new, more complex nuclear age. He highlighted the growing threats posed by nuclear proliferation and the erosion of global agreements controlling their use. He cited Russia's provocative actions, including simulated nuclear attacks on NATO countries, as well as China's expanding nuclear arsenal, Iran's nuclear ambitions, and North Korea's advancing ballistic missile program. Radakin described the 'third nuclear age' as marked by multiple, concurrent threats and the absence of robust security frameworks. This contrasts with the Cold War's defined blocs and subsequent disarmament efforts. He emphasised the critical role of the UK’s nuclear deterrent, particularly its continuous-at-sea submarines, in influencing Russia's behavior. While stating that a direct Russian attack on the UK or NATO remains unlikely due to effective deterrence, Radakin urged vigilance and strengthened defense strategies. He called for national resolve in confronting these escalating security challenges. See

Sixty British troops have joined the United States Air Force (USAF) to investigate a series of unidentified drones spotted flying over three bases in Suffolk and Norfolk. The incidents have raised concerns about security, although the drones have not been deemed hostile. The bases play crucial roles in US military operations. USAF has confirmed multiple sightings during nighttime hours, but no source or intent has been identified. The Ministry of Defence emphasised robust security measures at all defence sites, and both British and US authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of personnel and infrastructure. Efforts to determine the origin and purpose of the drones continue.

Ukraine has reportedly used British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets in Russia's Kursk region. These long-range missiles, capable of striking targets nearly 200 miles away, mark a significant escalation in Ukraine's defence capabilities. The missiles were supplied under a policy shift allowing the use of British and US military equipment within Russian territory. However, experts warn their impact may be limited due to Ukraine's small stockpile. Military analysts suggest the missiles have already been used for strategic strikes on logistics hubs and ammunition depots. Meanwhile, tensions escalate as Russia lowered its threshold for using nuclear weapons following the US's similar policy shift. Critics fear this could spark wider conflict. On the one thousandth day of Putin’s invasion, the UK announced extra support for Ukraine with funding to provide new drone capabilities. See also and Europe article ‘Biden’s decision on missiles’.

Plans for a network of 27 radar dishes in Pembrokeshire, to protect the UK from potential 'space warfare' will proceed despite local opposition. The dishes, 20 metres high, part of the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (Darc), will be developed at Cawdor barracks by the Ministry of Defence. They will track objects as small as a football up to 22,000 miles away, enhancing the UK’s space defence capabilities. Defence secretary John Healey emphasised its importance for national security and local job creation. He highlighted the critical role of space technology in everyday life and military operations. A space security expert stressed the need for improved space domain awareness due to increasing military activity. The radar system aims to provide detailed intelligence on satellites, whose numbers are expected to rise significantly by 2030. Local campaigners have launched 'Parc Against Darc’, citing health hazards and negative impacts on tourism and the skyline.

A new report, backed by former UK defence and security chiefs, emphasises the need for the Army to genuinely prepare for war to effectively deter threats. Key contributors have warned of the army's diminished credibility due to prolonged reductions in size and capability, risking falling below the national critical mass. The report, responding to concerns over inadequate defence spending and global conflicts like Russia's war in Ukraine, suggests that the UK army is no longer considered a top-level fighting force within NATO. It proposes the formation of a 'New Model Army' that is battle-ready and respected, to demonstrate strength to both adversaries and allies. The document proposes a war-ready command structure in Whitehall and recommends a dedicated task force to facilitate necessary changes, akin to the successful Covid vaccine campaign. The report concludes with a plea for bold and decisive action to restore the army's fighting capability within realistic budget constraints.

Rishi Sunak has expressed willingness to review a report suggesting Northern Ireland should enhance its role in the UK's national security. He did so during Prime Minister’s Questions, where DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson praised Sunak for reviving Stormont's political institutions, strengthening the union, and revitalising Northern Ireland's economy and political landscape. He urged Sunak to consider the Policy Exchange report, which recommends increasing Northern Ireland's contribution to national defence. The report highlights Northern Ireland's strategic importance, advocating for expanded naval and air operations against Russian threats and urging collaboration with regional partners for collective security. Sunak commended Sir Jeffrey's leadership and acknowledged the enhanced union due to the return of devolution.

The European Intervention Initiative (EII), a military coalition ready to react to crises near the continent's borders, was launched in Paris on 7 November amid calls by French president Emmanuel Macron for a ‘real European army’. The French-led initiative would not conflict with the almost 70-year-old US-dominated NATO alliance, proponents say, but reflects concerns about a more isolationist USA under President Trump. The EII took official shape in Paris after months of negotiations with Germany, which France wants at the centre of the force. It will see members collaborate on planning, the analysis of new military and humanitarian crises, and eventual military responses to those crises. ‘In an environment where threats and upheavals nature are multiplying, the EII must send the message that Europe is ready and capable’, a French defence ministry official said.

Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump may bring different expectations to the table at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Vietnam (their last meeting, at Germany’s G20 summit, produced a de-escalation plan for the Syria/Israel border). They are reluctant to comment on whether they will make a thorough review of some equally challenging issues to Russia and the US, but the latest messages from Moscow suggest that the two men are considering a discussion of the Syrian settlement. The Russian ambassador to the USA said that the agenda for their meeting included 1) war on international terrorism; 2) Syrian peace settlement (Jordan and Russia want to end fighting in southwestern Syria as part of border deals between Amman, Washington and Moscow); and 3) North Korea’s nuclear plans. See previous article.