UK Integrated Review: still on the right path?

UK Integrated Review: still on the right path? Hide

How has the war in Ukraine changed the British Army’s strategy?

The service has been giving signs that it intends to redirect its strategy to succeed on tomorrow’s battlefield. From focusing on technology, the British Army is now preparing for a multi-domain and combat-mass scenario.
Mosquito remarks bite for RAF

The rip-roaring assessment of Project Mosquito was one of the most interesting takeaways from Mike Wigston's DSEI 2021 speech, but so short-lived was the programme that a physical demonstrator was never built.

Defence Notes

Multi-domain integration: Is Britain ready for the future?

Multi-domain integration and the importance of novel approaches were the main motifs of DSEI 2021. The UK Strategic Command reiterated the theme outlined in the Integrated Review: more is not always better. Can the UK compensate for the loss of numbers and capabilities?

Naval Warfare

Podding along: Is the Royal Navy doing enough to move forward?

At DSEI in 2021, Then Second Sea Lord VAdm Nick Hine spoke of the importance of the Royal Navy thinking differently as he outlined the Navy PODS concept and said the service needed to further in its transformation. One year on, has that happened?

Defence Notes

The Disintegrated Review - Is the UK's defence and security strategy on the right path (podcast)

So much has changed — domestically and in the world at large — since the UK government released the Integrated Review and MoD Command Paper in early 2021.

Defence Notes

UK economic emergency sets stage for strong words and hollow actions on defence

Much as UK Prime Minister Liz Truss wants to project strong British power on the global stage, investment in much-needed capabilities is jeopardised by the fragile economic situation.

Defence Notes

UK defence strategy since the Integrated Review: the view from Washington

26th September 2022

What do US policymakers make of UK strategic thinking in the wake of the Integrated Review, and how could subsequent events affect the transatlantic defence relationship?
Defence Notes

UK to press on with defence budget hike despite affordability concerns

26th September 2022

The UK government appears determined to double defence spending by 2030, but it cannot simply wish away the sizeable economic obstacles in the way.
Land Warfare

Geopolitical context may force the British Army to revisit the decisions taken under the IR

26th September 2022

Lessons learned from the war in Ukraine have been putting in check decisions taken under Integrated Review.
Defence Notes

External crises may prompt revision of Integrated Review, Command Paper (Opinion)

26th September 2022

While the Integrated Review was broadly correct in some of its assumptions, events in Ukraine have challenged the thinking behind cuts to UK capability.
Training

British Army faces critical digitisation and modernisation challenges

23rd September 2022

The UK Integrated Review outlined how the UK plans to compensate for the loss of numbers with more advanced technologies, novel training solutions and the acceleration of digitisation across all forces. A year on, it is still unclear how the British Army will reach the desired sophistication and readiness levels.
Training

Royal Air Force modernisation and training experience a plunge

23rd September 2022

Along with the British Army, the Royal Air Force has lost out on the Integrated Review and the UK MoD has taken risky bets. It is in need of an honest review and ministers should accept that wrong assumptions were made.
Naval Warfare

Maritime first is the right defence posture for the UK

22nd September 2022

The RN seemed the apparent winner when the Integrated Review was first published. Despite the war in Ukraine reminding the West of the importance of solid land and air capabilities, a maritime or navy-first defence posture is still the best option for the UK.
Air Warfare

Reduced fleet size and weapons integration issues put squeeze on future RAF air combat missions

22nd September 2022

As the RAF manages NATO missions and faces increased pressure from Russia, defence experts argue that additional fighter jet deployments to the Asia-Pacific to maintain leading strategic ambitions signposted by the UK's Integrated Review looks to be out of the question.
Defence Notes

How sustainable is Global Britain’s presence in Asia?

21st September 2022

The UK is talking the talk when it comes to the Indo-Pacific region, but will its military be able to walk the walk in the longer term?
Defence Notes

The Disintegrating Review: where next for the UK?

21st September 2022

The UK is not short of strategic documents outlining ambitious plans for its armed forces, but the ever-changing threat landscape poses a different set of questions.
Land Warfare

British Army progresses with Boxer and Challenger 3 while Ajax’s fate remains uncertain

21st September 2022

The UK has been increasing efforts to improve the British Army's armoured fleet and has been progressing with the Boxer and Challenger 3 programmes — but Ajax casts a long shadow.
Land Warfare

UK artillery seeks greater range and accuracy

21st September 2022

The Integrated Review and MoD Command Paper underlined the value of improving the British Army’s artillery capabilities — but the UK will have to break a trend of failed procurements to succeed in future.
Land Warfare

Has the British Army been learning from its mistakes?

20th September 2022

Although it seems that the British Army and the MoD have learned some lessons, several adjustments must be taken in order to prepare troops and equipment for future warfare.
Defence Notes

Integrated Review needs to be revisited in every aspect, says Ellwood

20th September 2022

MP and Chair of the Defence Select Committee Tobias Ellwood told Shephard the UK's 2021 Integrated Review needed to be revisited in 'every aspect' as the world has changed fundamentally.