DefenceSynergia’s Input to the Mini SDSR Process and the HoCDC

National Defence & Strategy Research Group
Exposing the incoherence and weakness in the United Kingdom’s
Defence and Security Strategies

 

 

 

 

DefenceSynergia’s Input to the Mini SDSR Process and the HoCDC
September 2017

Winston Churchill was once asked by a new MP what he considered an MP’s most important quality. The great man replied ‘Courage’.

The MP was a little surprised, perhaps thinking that qualities such as loyalty, integrity or some such more likely; so, he asked ‘Why is that?’. Churchill replied ‘It is the quality that guarantees all the others’.

So it is with defence: the government responsibility that guarantees all the others can be delivered. (more…)

Royal Navy Cuts Impact on Delivery of UK Amphibious Force Capability – Logical Re-Balance or Lamentable Removal of UK’s Critical Amphibious Power Capability?

DefenceSynergia (DS) is deeply concerned about the apparently stovepiped RN savings options being offered during the current mini-SDSR. If true, in particular, the reported agreed and proposed Royal Navy (RN) cuts to the Royal Marines (RM) and supporting naval and aviation Capabilities appears to be in danger of neutering the globally respected 3 Commando Brigade to little more than a coastal policing Unit. (more…)

ARE INCOHERENT AND SELF-INFLICTED MINI-SDSR CUT OPTIONS HOLING THE ROYAL NAVY BELOW THE WATERLINE AND SINKING THE SENIOR SERVICE?

ARE INCOHERENT AND SELF-INFLICTED MINI-SDSR CUT OPTIONS HOLING THE ROYAL NAVY BELOW THE WATERLINE AND SINKING THE SENIOR SERVICE?

DefenceSynergia (DS) is deeply concerned about the apparently random stovepiped savings options being offered during the current mini-SDSR. In particular, the Royal Navy appears to be floundering and in danger of sinking itself via a series of self-inflicted self-harm cost and equipment reduction options that undermine core Capabilities. One has to question the strategic thinking and logic of the First Sea Lord and his HQ staff. (more…)

First Sea Lord outlines the Royal Navy’s requirements for the Type 31e frigate

DS is pleased to publish the First Sea Lord’s requirements for the Type 31e frigate which comes in the wake of the MOD announcement of its National Warship Build Strategy (NSBS).  If we in DS have a reservation it would only be that the First Sea Lord seems reluctant to mention in his speech that a desired effect of the new warship build strategy is for the Royal Navy’s escort fleet to grow beyond 19 destroyers and frigates by around 2030. Perhaps this is an oversight, let’s hope so. 

(The NSBS and a Graphical Fact sheet can be found in a link within the 1SL’s speech).

(more…)

Ambitious future for Naval Shipbuilding in the UK

Mod have announced that: Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has unveiled an ambitious new National Shipbuilding Strategy which meets the challenge set by Sir John Parker last November and sets out plans for the first batch of Type 31e frigates.  

(more…)

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