Avnish Patel
Position: Project Manager, Military Sciences
Avnish Patel received a BSc (Hons) in Politics from the University of Bristol and went on to postgraduate study at the University of Warwick, where he received a Masters in International Relations. His thesis examined Britain's role in the Post Cold War Security Environment. Prior to joining RUSI he worked for a US Congressman, an NGO dealing with global security issues and for a Member of Parliament.
RUSI articles and analysis by this author
Missile Defence Pivots Away from Europe?
25 Mar 2013
The Obama Administration has announced a shift in emphasis for missile defence capabilities away from Europe to the US mainland. While this could help allay Russian concerns about the NATO system, Moscow's leaders may require more confidence-building measures.
South Korea's Emergent Missile Defence Capabilities
12 Mar 2013
The continuing development of North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities is testing the readiness and long-term planning of South Korea's missile defences. The plans will undoubtedly be overshadowed by Chinese concerns.
Beyond the Iron Dome: Placing Missile Defence in its Regional Context
23 Nov 2012
The latest crisis between Israel and Palestine highlighted the utility of the Israel Defence Force’s Iron Dome system. It emphasises once again the importance of missile defence and has gained the attention of the United States. Still deemed as a key US priority, it sees cooperation with Israel as integral to developing future capabilities.
Airborne Kinetic Effect
18 Sep 2012
Avnish Patel assesses some of the latest fighter-jet contract bids, including the way forward for Eurofighter and recent developments in China’s capabilities and export market
London 2012: A Glittering Legacy?
26 Jul 2012
Despite the Olympic Charter's commitment to internationalism and neutrality, the history of the Olympic Games reveals that what happens both on and off the field is shaped by political considerations.
UAVs and the Counter-IED Campaign
29 Mar 2012
Avnish Patel, military sciences project manager at RUSI, assesses a selection of the latest unmanned aerial vehicle counter-improvised explosive device technology
The Airbus Military A400M
28 Nov 2011
An update on development of the Airbus A400M, intended to plug the hole in NATO's tactical/strategic airborne transport capability
US Air Tanker: A Done Deal
12 Aug 2011
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.
Ashes and Imperialism
2 Dec 2010
The Ashes represents one of the greatest sporting rivalries in the world. The shared Imperial history between England and Australia creates a political undercurrent that adds a certain frisson to the contest. This represents cricket's unique ability to transcend the boundaries of the field and influence a nation's politics and culture.
NATO’s New Strategic Concept and Missile Defence
2 Nov 2010
As the Lisbon Summit approaches, momentum is gathering on the adoption of NATO’s new Strategic Concept and the prospect of making missile defence one of its core missions. Whilst the United States and NATO are close to reaching a consensus on missile defence, Russia and Turkey’s concerns with hosting a radar site still need to be addressed more fully.
The US Administration’s new Missile Defence plans
16 Feb 2010
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.
After Mumbai - India's Response
25 Nov 2009
The Mumbai attacks in November 2008 revealed deep and inherent flaws in India's national security. A year on, and after several far-reaching reforms, India still looks vulnerable but may well be equipped to respond swiftly and decisively.
Enhancing Indian Counter-Terror efforts after Mumbai
4 Dec 2008
India’s internal security reforms have not matched the pace of the liberalisation of its economy. Counter-terrorism forces lack a unified command, adequate training or resources to meet domestic and cross-border threats. In order to develop a coherent counter-terror doctrine, security reforms must enhance co-ordination between security agencies and government whilst transcending party politics.