The European Fighter Cooperation Question: How Many UK F-35s?

Justin Bronk

The ongoing Combat Air Strategy under development within the Ministry of Defence faces a difficult choice, with significant capability, industrial and geopolitical cost trade-offs involved. The F-35 is at the centre of this dilemma.

Before the Brussels Summit: How is the NATO Alliance Doing, Really?

Peter Roberts

The revived Russian threat brings NATO back to its roots at this year’s summit in Brussels, which might be the most important in the Alliance’s recent history.

RUSI Newsbrief Vol. 38, No. 3

This issue of Newsbrief includes articles on China's developments in non-kinetic space technology, the state of Arab youth after the 2011 uprisings, what to expect from Xi Jinping's China, and the competition to provide the US Navy with the MQ-25 unmanned tanker.

A Bridge to Moscow? Bulgarian Policy in the Standoff Between Russia and the West

Dimitar Bechev

Holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU for the first half of 2018, Bulgaria hopes to further its role as a diplomatic conduit between Russia and the West. But is this small country, heavily reliant on both parties, capable of mending strained relations?

After the Ball is Over, After the Break of Morn: What to Expect From the New Era of Xi Jinping

Charles Parton

Amendments to the Chinese constitution in the wake of the recent Party Congress and National People’s Congress reveal eight policy areas on which the Chinese Communist Party, under its leader Xi Jinping, is expected to be active. The West had best be ready.

The lights are going out all over Europe

Joss Meakins

The threat of significant Russian cyberattacks against Western energy infrastructure is an increasingly clear and present danger

The US Navy’s MQ-25 Unmanned Tanker Will Shape the Future of Airpower

Justin Bronk

Three different designs from the contenders for the US Navy’s MQ-25 unmanned tanker contract have now been proposed. Despite the modest ambition behind the MQ-25 requirement set, the eventual selection will have a significant shaping effect on the future of airpower well beyond the context of the US Navy.

The Implications of Chinese Developments in Non-Kinetic Space Technology

Alexandra Stickings and Veerle Nouwens

In pursuit of establishing itself as a global space power, China has been busy developing and operationalising non-kinetic space technology. But in space, where ‘anything can be a weapon’, risks of oblique militarisation raise concerns over Beijing’s activity in the final frontier.

India’s Changing Relationship with Russia: Challenges and Convergences

Vinay Kaura

In navigating its complex geopolitical environment, India should not allow its ties with Russia to weaken.

Lessons of the War: A French Admiral’s Views

Lieutenant C. F. Jepson R.N.

This 1920 article conveys the views of France’s Admiral René Daveluy and how he saw the future of naval warfare in light of the lessons of the First World War.