




Editorial
The outgoing editor of RUSI Defence Systems writes his valedictory editorial.
Acquisition in a Period of Severe Financial Restraint
The RUSI Acquisition Focus identifies some major issues that will have to be resolved within defence equipment acquisition, including reform at the top of the MoD, management of complexity, MoD’s relationship with industry and improving the early stages of acquisition.
Shaping the Future Defence Programme
Sir Jeremy Blackham states that we must find a new approach to the upcoming Defence Review to ensure that a long-term perspective is maintained.
Rethinking an Indigenous Capability
Air Chief Marshal Sir Brian Burridge comments on the importance rethinking the UK’s indigenous defence industrial capability.
More Tooth, Less Tail
John Dowdy argues that the equipment procurement budget should be maintained
The Sea in a Variably Globalised World
Rear Admiral (ret’d) Chris Parry discusses the need to understand challenges to maritime operations in the future
The Problem with Defence Technology
Graham Jordan discusses how and why current acquisition projects result in cost and time overruns
After The Defence Review: An Operating Model for Integrated Acquisition
Major General (ret’d) David Shouesmith and Dean Gilmore discuss the improvement of the current acquisition model
Is Reform Enough? Assessing the Gap Between Challenges and Response in Defence Acquisition Reform
Dr Ted Bromund considers how far acquisition reform can be effective, and whether a more radical change is required
The Cost of Delay
Professor David Kirkpatrick discusses the costs arising from delays in procurement procedures
A Somewhat Strange Outcome
Sir Jeremy Blackham examines the flaws in UK acquisition policy
Debate: Is Digitisation Dead?
Dr Jim Storr responds to the debates sparked by his October paper, saying that those who do not learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them.
Lessons from the Procurement of Armoured Fighting Vehicles
Peter Flach sets out the reasons that MoD has spent almost £1bn without
a single vehicle to show for it
Lack of Clarity, Urgency and Resources
Sir Robert Hayman-Joyce explores the reasons behind the failures of several procurement programmes
Should all the Blame be Laid at MoD’s Door?
Colonel Neil Polley considers the areas in which the MoD has improved its performance in armoured vehicle procurement
If It Looks Stupid, It Probably Is
Brigadier (retired) Charles McBean suggests ways to ensure the mistakes of the past are not repeated
Just Part of a Flawed Culture
Paul Beaver points to flawed processes as the cause of the UK's armoured vehicle procurement failures
Stealth, Sensor Fusion, Situational Understanding and Precision Attack: Is This the Right Answer to the Balance of Force?
Wing Commander Willy Hackett and Dr Rebecca Grant discuss the Joint Strike Fighter and its place in UK defence
Air Power and Technology: A Tentative Approach to the Year 2025 and Beyond
Colonel Basilio Di Martino considers trends and capabilities significant for the future of air power
UCAVs: A New Kind of Air Power?
Dr Norman Friedman makes the case for the unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) and says that they will cost far less than manned aircraft.
Unmanned Aerial Systems: a Challenge to European Industry?
Keith Hayward examines the European approach to unmanned aerial vehicles
Commercialising Robotic and Unmanned Systems
Dewar Donnithorne-Tait discusses what must be done to allow robotics systems to work alongside those that are manned
Development of UAV Sensors and Information Management
Steve Roberts considers sensors, sensor integration and information management with unmanned vehicles
The Robotic Boat
Keith Henderson discusses the benefits of unmanned maritime and surface vehicles
Network Enabled Capability: A UK Perspective
Iain Standen discusses the future of the UK concept of network-enabled capability (NEC)
NCO in Germany: Still a Long Way to Go
Ina Wiesner discusses network-centric operations in Germany
The Australian Army: Small but Adaptable
Dr Andrew Davies considers the capabilities of the Australian Army and how it hsould approach its next Defence White Paper
Progressing Team Complex Weapons
Steve Wadey reports on the progress made through Team Complex Weapons since 2005
Risk Management in Defence Procurement
Chris Maughan looks at the latest evidence on how risk is being managed in defence procurement and states what still needs to be done.
Organisational Culture And Defence Acquisition: A Key Internal Factor For MoD
Dr Charles Kirke discusses the effect of Minsitry of Defence sub-cultures on approaching system change
Electric Vehicles: Challenges and Solutions
Catherine Hutt discusses the advantage of electric drive for vehicles
The Electric Warship: Using Energy More Efficiently
Professor Chris Hodge examines the benefits of electric drive for ships
Alternative Energy Solutions for the US Army
Tony Bui explains how the US army are using alternative energy sources