http://rusi.org/ web@rusi.org en-us Copyright 2012 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4F1437ECDEF28/ India is setting its sights on a new medium range combat aircraft from Europe. The competition to sell new aircraft to India is part of an increased engagement by European defence manufacturers in Asia, set against the backdrop of an economic downturn and shifting regional geopolitics. 2012-01-16 15:02:22 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4F0ABF3635036/ President Obama's new defence strategy with its reorientation towards the Pacific is good news for airpower and the US Air Force. Despite proposed budget cuts, there will be a continued reliance on strategic air assets. 2012-01-09 10:23:12 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4EE87ABD77901/ On 16 December Japan will decide the winning aircraft bid for the 'F-X' programme. Along with the usual technical considerations, the bidding process has sparked larger strategic questions for the direction of Japan's national security and could pave the way for greater European involvement in Asia. 2011-12-14 10:33:44 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4ED3BE8824F27/ A look at some of the latest precision airdrop systems on the market 2011-11-28 17:02:49 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4ED3BCA8220CC/ Assessing the impact of the FSTA Voyager tanker's entry into service 2011-11-28 16:55:12 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4ED3B81C43ED4/ An update on development of the Airbus A400M, intended to plug the hole in NATO's tactical/strategic airborne transport capability 2011-11-28 16:43:21 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4E9BFE66A314F/ New historical research on the size and composition of the British nuclear arsenal 2011-10-17 11:07:36 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4E8EE3A30B558/ Western defence ministries are getting better at capability-based planning. But they need to do more 2011-10-07 12:33:58 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E45247A1E7C3/ Alex Drake, RUSI research analyst, highlights the potential of Low-Earth Orbit and stratospheric UAVS for a range of sovereign UK military applications. 2011-08-12 14:03:15 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E452351529D6/ Avnish Patel highlights the end of the long-running saga to supply the US Air Force with a replacement for its fleet of venerable air-to-air refuelling aircraft. 2011-08-12 13:58:09 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E4522691F323/ Ian Frain assesses the state of the shipborne helicopter market and highlights the rationale that lies behind some of the most high-profile programmes 2011-08-12 13:54:13 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E452254C8C53/ Elizabeth Quintana assesses whether the British contribution to operations in Libya has been helped or hindered by the UK Government’s Strategic Defence and Security Review 2011-08-12 13:53:54 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E4521E98A3A0/ William F Owen considers whether the British Army’s post-SDSR configuration of permanently formed multi-role brigades will enable the British Government to prosecute overseas operations with confidence. 2011-08-12 13:52:02 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E451FECC6083/ David M Moore and Peter D Antill from Cranfield University consider the issues and challenges facing the UK in terms of the logistics required for expeditionary operations. 2011-08-12 13:43:49 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E451FAC5D222/ David Shouesmith reveals the underlying essential characteristics required to ensure adequate logistic support for Future Force 2020. 2011-08-12 13:42:58 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E451F565858B/ Toivo Niemi highlights some of the recent experience that the Swedish armed forces have had with Urgent Operational Requirements and reveals some of the consequences. 2011-08-12 13:41:30 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E451D8318F86/ Jeffrey Bradford suggests that the United Kingdom’s military force reductions are of little relevance to the nature of the UK-United States ‘Special Relationship’. 2011-08-12 13:34:19 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4E3ABBDDDF465/ Like the internet, the space domain underpins many essential services to everyday life and is an critical part of the international infrastructure. Its security is threatened by uncoordinated space activity by countries in competition with each other. 2011-08-04 16:37:00 http://rusi.org/news/ref:N4E4BD10DE3591/ In July 2011, RUSI hosted the UK Chief of the Air Staff's Airpower Conference, entitled 'Air Power in an Age of Uncertainty'. 2011-07-17 15:00:00 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4DE787B3C906E/ In an era of constricting defence budgets, air power is once again under scrutiny 2011-06-02 13:53:10 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4DAEB5DD10A7F/ Unmanned Aerial Vehicles have prompted widespread criticism, despite having proven their value in a variety of contexts. In many cases, their use may be the most logical - and safest - option. 2011-04-20 11:35:45 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4DA87193A2966/ The recent Public Accounts Committee report has raised further concerns over the performance of the Typhoon Project citing spares shortages and the lack of a national supply chain. In reality defence funding shortages and poor international contracting arrangements have also contributed. The Committee's proposal to enhance the power of the Senior Responsible Owner for Typhoon would have significant implications for the entire organisation of the Ministry of Defence. 2011-04-15 17:29:16 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4DA85C7E0FB14/ Sortie figures show that, whilst NATO is undertaking extensive operations over Libya, it could - and should - be doing more. 2011-04-15 15:58:54 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4D6FAFB3B61EA/ Imposing a No Fly Zone in Libya will be seen as a coercive step that may demand escalation. Western governments must therefore resist calls for a NFZ over Libya until it is clearly and convincingly the correct path to take. 2011-03-03 15:13:57 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4D6E54FB53BA1/ The Pentagon's decision to award a $35 billion tanker contract to Boeing instead of Europe's EADS caused a stir among investors and politicans on both sides of the Atlantic. Professor Trevor Taylor, RUSI Professorial Fellow in Defence Management, analyses the context and assesses the possible implications of the move. 2011-03-02 14:38:48 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4CFE21F0DDEA7/ Could the growth of Asian space programmes herald a new race to the stars? 2010-12-07 12:01:16 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4CFE20BFA74CE/ The UK lags behind European co-operation on space technology. Is it time to take the lead? 2010-12-07 11:55:52 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4CFE1F891D43D/ Britain has relied too much and for too long on allies for its space capability 2010-12-07 11:50:58 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4CBC167439782/ The Royal Air Force will have a vital core role to play in future joint operations 2010-10-18 10:42:24 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C4D826EB58F3/ Brigadier General John Hyten discusses the current and future use of space by the US military, from improving aerospace capabilities to the potential offered by space-based surveillance systems. As the leading space-faring nation, the US is looking to build international cooperation with the aim of maximising expertise and responsible participation in the use of space. 2010-07-26 13:41:56 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4C24757A877C0/ Dr Andrew Davies considers the capabilities of the Australian Army and how it hsould approach its next Defence White Paper 2010-06-25 10:23:14 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4C221B2D3B14B/ Dewar Donnithorne-Tait discusses what must be done to allow robotics systems to work alongside those that are manned 2010-06-23 15:35:12 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4C221844D3C14/ Dr Norman Friedman makes the case for the unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) and says that they will cost far less than manned aircraft. 2010-06-23 15:22:03 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4C221670ABFA3/ Colonel Basilio Di Martino considers trends and capabilities significant for the future of air power 2010-06-23 15:14:04 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4C221511CBE72/ Wing Commander Willy Hackett and Dr Rebecca Grant discuss the Joint Strike Fighter and its place in UK defence 2010-06-23 15:08:44 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4C21D3D74C1DF/ If Britain is to maintain an autonomous operational capability, decisions on ballistic missile defence cannot be postponed during the current defence review 2010-06-23 10:28:57 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C4EA8CFE5A8D/ With the increasingly complex nature of modern warfare, air forces are looking to helicopters to provide adaptability in unpredictable situations. Rear Admiral Johnstone-Burt emphasises the need for rotary wing capability in the British military. 2010-04-05 10:00:00 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4B8F97322CA36/ There is much more work to be done in order for UK forces to integrate air and land assets better 2010-03-04 11:23:44 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4B8F945C9F14D/ When the A400M eventually becomes available, it will be more expensive, delayed and less capable than contractually agreed. The willingness of European Governments, and especially the UK’s, to bail out the programme is troubling. 2010-03-04 11:09:58 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4B8E69D5403CB/ Sir Stephen Dalton was appointed Chief of the Air Staff, UK in July 2009. A fast-jet pilot, he was UK Director of the Eurofighter Programme and later Director General Typhoon. Until his current post, he was Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Personnel. He talked to Bill Kincaid on 5 January 2010. 2010-03-03 13:54:49 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4B7A87F069E3D/ The Obama Administration has outlined a refocusing of the United States missile defence plans, revising the approach previously taken by the Bush White House. Central to the plan is the deployment of more mobile systems that could assuage the once sceptical Russians. 2010-02-16 12:03:47 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4B702AC47A4BF/ The latest Quadrennial Defense Review promises to increase the numbers, sophistication and use of unmanned aerial vehicles, known as drones. Their use has rendered the boundaries of the theatres of war more fluid, requiring the rapid integration of this weapon to be piloted more carefully than ever before. 2010-02-08 15:20:03 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4B6C4E6458A39/ The Green Paper to the Strategic Defence Review highlights strategic premises which should be presented to the public in the run up to the General Election. 2010-02-05 17:02:11 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4B6C2E49D19B4/ The Defence Green Paper hints at more cooperation with Europeans as the way forward, but a need for short-term cuts may damage the coherence of defence outputs before the defence review is completed. 2010-02-05 14:44:03 http://rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4B5ECC22399B6/ The Obama administration’s attempt to find a new location for its missiles will test Ankara’s balancing act as both a member of NATO, and an ally of Iran 2010-01-26 11:05:03 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4B5D811C5B7C2/ Our services must get smarter to cope with today’s threats. Their ability to adapt and maintain their high professionalism and dedication in a range of roles and with a variety of technologies is key to playing to British strengths. 2010-01-25 11:37:20 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4B55A28F35339/ Beijing's recent missile test was a prelude to rising US-Chinese tensions over Taiwan - and will re-ignite the strategic debate on space warfare. 2010-01-19 12:19:40 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4B28F1972200C/ The winning entry in the 2009 Trench Gascoigne Essay Prize argues that Britain's future defence policy must look beyond counter-insurgency 2009-12-16 14:41:53 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4B28EFD487DB5/ The US still houses nuclear weapons in allied European non-nuclear states. The relevance of these weapons is now under question 2009-12-16 14:36:09 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4B28B2C882CF9/ Bring on new Chinooks. But the defence budget can't cover the needs of a long-term occupation 2009-12-16 10:15:47 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4AF2BCEC6F087/ While both the Gray report on defence acquisition and the Haddon-Cave report on the Nimrod disaster cover a similar subject, they offer very different visions for future reform in the Ministry of Defence. 2009-11-05 12:11:08 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4AF1A4D95671C/ Inherent differences between the UK's armed services have made Air/Land integration difficult to achieve 2009-11-04 15:59:44 http://rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4AF19CF309D4F/ Significant new approaches to manufacturing the F-35 fighter have yet to be appreciated by the US authorities 2009-11-04 15:26:25 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4AEB23617A11F/ As a defence review approaches, Britain's air power is once again under the microscope. More than even, a joint capacity is vital 2009-10-30 17:33:26 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4AEB2169344F1/ America's cancellation of its 'Third Site' is nevertheless accompanied by sizeable investment in missile defence programmes. Europeans should take note 2009-10-30 17:28:45 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4AEB0E6CCF2C1/ The UK Ministry of Defence's acquisition organisation has an unfair reputation. It delivers first-class equipment to the right place at the right time argues its chief operating officer 2009-10-30 16:04:11 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4A38EE046DCC4/ Bjoern Seibert argues that the United Kingdom should end its involvement in the A400M military transport programme. Operational needs, budgetary shortfalls and existing concerns over the programme means that the UK should opt for alternative viable off-the shelf-solutions. 2009-06-17 14:27:07 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C473B28519C928/ The US Air Force has reacted decisively to the serious failures that allowed the unscheduled flight of six nuclear weapons. Its response has been swift, thorough and multi-faceted. Yet, for all its openness, it still has questions to answer as to the deeper causes of the episode. 2007-11-14 16:57:40 http://rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A473078F47E369/ Historically, and in the case of India, the ‘political’ aspect of military hardware acquisition has played a deterministic role in choosing suppliers. 2007-11-06 14:24:23 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C46EA97F4D15C6/ The 'disappearance' of nuclear weapons, however brief, sat in the realm of fiction, until August 30 that is.... 2007-09-14 15:00:00 http://rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4538E034F182D/ 2006-10-20 15:47:41 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f7ad3f62b/ One of the most striking post-11 September transformations is taking place in the US military. 2004-06-18 12:23:44 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f7b8d6c0b/ David Ian Hall takes a brief canter through what was a rather tempestuous relationship betwee 2004-06-18 12:23:44 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f77a57ccb/ 2004-06-18 12:23:42 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f7651370b/ 2004-06-18 12:23:41 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f75fb221b/ 2004-06-18 12:23:41 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f768d6c0b/ 2004-06-18 12:23:41 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f76757ccb/ 2004-06-18 12:23:41 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f75146b5b/ 2004-06-18 12:23:40 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f75dca8bb/ 2004-06-18 12:23:40 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f75d10ffb/ 2004-06-18 12:23:40 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f75d6dc5b/ 2004-06-18 12:23:40 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f7520c1db/ 2004-06-18 12:23:40 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f75c4b97b/ 2004-06-18 12:23:40 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f7538b11c/ 2004-06-18 12:23:40 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f75ac0c7b/ 2004-06-18 12:23:40 http://rusi.org/publications/monitor/ref:A473AE38D6D578/ Security on commercial flights is being compromised by the vulnerability of air cargo, writes Christopher Boucek. 2003-12-01 12:00:00 http://rusi.org/publications/monitor/ref:A4739C36A226ED/ This article provides a historical background to the latest security challenges facing airports and the wider airline industry. 2003-02-01 15:00:00 http://rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A47596B5974E14/ The US's 'transformational' use of air power in Afghanistan throws up some key lessons for future conflicts. 2002-04-01 15:00:00 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f7681d34b/ 2000-10-18 12:00:00 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f7599e99b/ Air power’s flexibility , paradoxically aided by its impermanence , may well offer the Joint Commander, or more importantly his political masters, the option to apply pressure in a number of ways of varying subtlety. 2000-08-18 12:00:00 http://rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f750814db/ 2000-06-18 12:00:00