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The British Defence Review in an Age of AusterityAn indispensible and indepth analysis of the Government's Strategic Defence and Security Review.
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Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies
Equipment and Capabilities
RUSI explores the equipment and capabilities of each of the three services in the context of recent operational experience, future challenges and technological advances. RUSI's contributions to the evolving debate surrounding Trident, the UK's largest equipment procurement programme, are outlined. The impact of new technologies, including cyberspace and unmanned vehicles, on the armed forces and wider national security is considered in detail.
Background RUSI Analysis
CVF: For the Nation, Not the Navy
The UK’s Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF) programme has come under pressure in the media for cost increases and potential job cuts which may follow its completion. A recent think-tank report has questioned CVF’s future contribution and relevance to potential operations. These reports, however, neglect the demonstrated relevance of aircraft carriers in supporting a range of recent UK operations, and do not appear to appreciate the absolute value of carriers in fighting, and crucially deterring, conflict. (July 2009)
By Lee Willett
Lessons Unlearned: A Former Officer's Perspective on the British Army at War
The British Army’s conformist, orthodox culture has sapped its capacity for reflection and reform. A new ethos of creative tension is needed to reinvigorate the British military. (June 2009)
By Patrick Little
Infantry Equipment: FRES - Alive but not Quite Kicking
Olivier Grouille examines the state of the Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) after the recent announcement by the UK Secretary of State for Defence postponing and re-prioritising the programme. (June 2009)
By Olivier Grouille
The Twenty-First Century Security Environment: Challenges for Joint Forces
The contemporary battlefield requires a balanced joint force able to fight asymmetric warfare and also meet conventional strategic needs. Are we really prepared for a world of globalised insecurity and emergent risks? (Apr 2009)
By Michael Evans
Britain’s New Nuclear Debate: A Credible Road Map for Disarmament
Obama’s call for a nuclear weapon-free world chimes with British policy on deterrence and disarmament. As arms reductions become more likely, is Britain really onboard? (Apr 2009)
By Malcolm Chalmers
Ghostnet: A Wake-up Call for the World of Cyber Operations
A recent report highlighted the shocking penetration of government computer networks by a concerted cyber-attack. Many questions remain unanswered, but the biggest worry is that this extensive operation is but a drop in the ocean of internet espionage. (Apr 2009)
By Alexander Neill
A Nuclear Shadowland: Some Observations
Can Britain act as a world leader with regards to nuclear disarmament? A recent policy information paper from the FCO sets out Britain’s global approach. It could be useful to compare this paper with the 2006 Defence White Paper, considering the role of the UK’s nuclear deterrent. (Mar 2009)
By Michael Codner
Brown’s ‘Grand Global Bargain’ and Reducing UK Nuclear Weapons Levels
In a major policy speech on nuclear issues, Prime Minister Gordon Brown recently suggested that Trident could be placed on the international negotiation table should there be a serious move towards multilateral disarmament. If such a gambit were to succeed, it would require something more than a leap of faith in trust. (March 2009)
By Lee Willett
Britain's National Security: Compulsion and Discretion
Britain’s overall military strategy must be dominated by maritime considerations, and the national security policy that the strategy serves has to remain within reach of, though not always in lock-step with, that of the United States. (Dec 2008)
By Colin S Gray
The Land Environment - Moving Towards 2018
The Chief of the General Staff of the British Army gives an indication as to the direction of travel for the British Army over the next ten years. (Aug 2008)
By Richard Dannatt
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