http://www.rusi.org/ web@rusi.org en-us Copyright 2013 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A5183D384469E9/ Margaret Thatcher’s death, more than twenty years after leaving office, provides an opportunity to reassess her foreign-policy record 2013-05-03 16:11:27 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A5183D2857526D/ As the UK steps up its drone capability, it is changing the RAF’s training programmes for pilots and operators 2013-05-03 16:06:47 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A5183CDED775E1/ The result of the Falkland Islands referendum underscores the growing agency of the local government in the territorial dispute 2013-05-03 15:47:41 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A5183CC4942881/ Despite the challenges, the early stages of the British redeployment from Afghanistan appear to be progressing well 2013-05-03 15:40:40 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A5183C2655109A/ With twenty months left before the departure of ISAF combat troops, the enormous logistical challenge of withdrawal is becoming increasingly clear 2013-05-03 14:58:29 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A517E5DB5CF64F/ Shrinking national defence budgets are forcing defence companies to consider their options if they are to remain viable businesses in a difficult environment 2013-04-29 12:47:04 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C51506B24A254C/ UK defence spending was further squeezed in the 2013 Budget announcement. It is likely to face additional cuts for 2015/16 in the 2015 Spending Review. The defence budget for subsequent years may depend on how the 2015 Spending Review shares the burden of future austerity between expenditure cuts and tax rises. 2013-03-25 15:24:01 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A514077C33D4E6/ If the government’s plans to increase the British Army’s reliance on reservists are to be a success, the concerns of a number of parties – as well as society’s relationship with defence – need to be addressed. (Free access) 2013-03-13 12:58:47 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A513A103878EA9/ In allowing women to serve in ground-combat positions, the US, and other militaries considering following suit, now face the challenge of sustainability. 2013-03-08 16:22:47 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A513A000813DC5/ While the F-35 may be very capable, the UK's inability to withdraw from the programme places the country in a position of dependence on the US. (Free access) 2013-03-08 15:13:21 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A5130A5952A734/ By 2008, it was clear that Britain had got Basra wrong. Ten years on from the invasion, an insider provides a first-hand account of what the mistakes were, and what can be learnt for future operations (Free access) 2013-03-01 12:57:01 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C51093FC497623/ As the UK sends 330 personnel to assist France's military intervention in Mali, there are real concerns that, like Afghanistan, the UK will be mired in another intractable conflict. However, the strategic conditions are very different for this to happen and it is wrong to assume there will be mission creep. 2013-01-30 15:45:33 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A5107F6A177747/ The MBDA Meteor air-to-air missile is a game changer with strategic importance. With this in mind, Rob Hewson, Editor of IHS Jane’s Air-Launched Weapons, looks at the export potential for such a weapon 2013-01-29 16:20:25 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A5107F57B683CB/ Neil Middleton of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory offers an insight into the vital role that the organisation plays in testing armour against ballistic threats 2013-01-29 16:14:55 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A5107F2806800E/ With responsibilities for UK maritime security falling between the Navy, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Police marine units, how well is the UK placed to address seismic changes in its own waters? Guy Whitaker, CEO of UK-based Missionkraft, offers his view and the Missionkraft solution 2013-01-29 16:03:13 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A5107EF876E85D/ Babcock Warship Support Director Chris Tomkins looks at the Surface Ship Support Alliance’s class output management approach, and how it is applied to amphibious vessels 2013-01-29 15:50:31 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A5107E74E8F5C4/ With the UK now facing years in which a comprehensive maritime surveillance and fixed-wing antisubmarine warfare capability is lacking, Lockheed Martin has stepped in to offer its C-130 MPA solution. Simon Michell talks to the company to find out exactly what capabilities are on offer, when they could be delivered and how much they would cost 2013-01-29 15:15:32 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A5107E3D8A2A14/ The London 2012 Olympic Games were a tremendously positive experience for the UK in many ways, reinvigorating a sense of Britishness, of pride in being British and in British values, but also in the country’s institutions like the Armed Forces. RUSI’s Senior Research Fellow of Air Power and Technology, Elizabeth Quintana, looks at the RAF’s contribution to the security of the Games 2013-01-29 15:00:24 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A5107D91BC19CC/ Dr Lee Willett, Senior Research Fellow, Maritime Studies at RUSI offers a review of the maritime debates that circulated through the recent Euronaval exhibition in Paris 2013-01-29 14:14:38 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A5107D46D4C4F1/ Bob Barton, former Managing Director of Niteworks, returns to the vexing theme of change in the MoD, and asks whether its inability to understand the root causes of inefficiency prevents the successful implementation of new processes and concepts 2013-01-29 13:55:13 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A5107D2DB6B499/ Andrea Gilli, a Visiting Fellow at the European Union Institute for Security Studies (Paris), investigates some of the procurement lessons from the 2011 NATO-led operation against Libyan Government forces, and suggests some possible courses of action 2013-01-29 13:47:55 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A5107D0E30C54D/ Dr Jeffrey Bradford ponders the future of the main battle tank, and suggests that the tank is in real danger of losing its supremacy on the battlefield if it does not incorporate an unmanned aerial vehicle doctrine into its tactics, techniques and procedures 2013-01-29 13:38:49 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A50C76E03E61A1/ As the tenth anniversary of the Iraq War approaches, it is important not to forget the strategic and military lessons of Operation Telic 2012-12-11 17:31:49 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A50C76BEC66926/ A national-security cloud on the horizon? The UK government should take the lead in setting cyber-security standards both within and beyond the UK's borders 2012-12-11 17:22:54 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A50C76B307E080/ The failed BAE Systems-EADS merger demonstrated the possible consequences of confusing corporate and national strategy 2012-12-11 17:19:48 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A50C76A70852AF/ Sovereignty, security and stewardship lie at the core of UK policy towards its South Atlantic Overseas Territories, including the Falklands 2012-12-11 17:16:35 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A50C76989BB79D/ The UK's decision to choose the F-35B variant of the Lightning II may have saddled the military with a more expensive, less effective platform 2012-12-11 17:12:48 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A50C7686D1B74E/ The UK government's decision to revert to the F-35B Lightning II variant for its new aircraft carriers may have the positive (if unintended) outcome of enforcing a re-think in strategy (Free access) 2012-12-11 17:08:01 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C509A95CBEDBC2/ The UK Prime Minister’s visit to the Gulf region was dominated by the need to solidify defence ties and repair recently strained political relations. By Mohammed Shakeel 2012-11-07 17:10:00 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C508E73008FAFE/ For Remembrance Day, we highlight a selection of articles commemorating the fallen, the act of remembrance in Britain today. 2012-10-29 12:19:49 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N507BDE949F81D/ The overall cost of defending an independent Scotland has been estimated to be around £1.8 billion per annum, approximately 1.3 per cent of Scotland's GDP, and around £1.5 billion less than the costs currently paid by Scottish taxpayers as their contribution to the defence of the UK, claims a new Whitehall Report published by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). 2012-10-15 10:59:52 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C5076BBF4D17F2/ The failure to bring the businesses together represents a bitter blow to advocates who sought the creation of a new, European, global aerospace-defence giant, and raises questions about BAE Systems’ future strategy. 2012-10-11 13:32:00 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C50534A0EA81CF/ The proposed merger of BAE Systems and EADS has naturally attracted a number of concerns, from safeguarding sovereign defence industries to job cuts through rationalisation. But are these concerns with foundation? 2012-09-14 16:16:32 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C5052EC895E7AE/ The marriage between EADS and BAE Systems is logical as the defence market shrinks further and the United States pivots towards Asia. The challenge will lie in the governments that influence these two firms. 2012-09-14 09:40:55 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A50461DAF8055B/ To what extent has the British National Security Strategy succeeded in promoting a more integrated approach to national security? 2012-09-04 16:26:42 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N501674F3225F2/ The government has proposed a bold new plan for Defence Equipment and Support to go government owned, contractor operated. But will it work? 2012-07-27 12:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4FD723A8CC151/ What would the implications of Scottish independence be for the defence of the British Isles, and of Scotland in particular? (Free access) 2012-06-12 12:10:42 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4FC4A282ECF82/ At half-time, how is the government's reform of defence acquisition faring? 2012-05-29 11:18:44 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4F8C32D4B9780/ Sustainability has been recognised as a key principle in defence procurement. But now the time has come to ensure its implementation in practice 2012-04-16 15:57:11 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4F8C31AE23297/ As the British government and defence industry seek more collaborative arrangements, they must remember that 'partnership' is more than just a word 2012-04-16 15:52:17 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4F7448C1E02F7/ Michael Codner, senior research fellow and director of Military Sciences at RUSI, commends the UK’s Labour shadow government for its recent report focusing on defence procurement 2012-03-29 12:34:58 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4F74487DD5654/ Bob Barton, former managing director of Niteworks, explains why implementing change at an institution such as the Ministry of Defence is proving to be so challenging 2012-03-29 12:33:41 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4F7448086A9FC/ The RUSI Acquisition Focus Group analyses the British government’s February 2012 Defence White Paper, National Security through Technology 2012-03-29 12:31:50 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4F7447A7054B7/ Professor David Kirkpatrick argues that the economic downturn has made defence exports more important to the United Kingdom’s financial well-being 2012-03-29 12:30:11 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4F71DC7D00C74/ Is the MoD sharing the pain of budget cuts evenly across the civil service and armed forces? 2012-03-27 16:28:00 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4F71DB8A9FFA0/ Unmanned technology is going to assume an increasingly central role in the delivery of air power, and the UK is also well placed to develop a strong unmanned aerial systems sector 2012-03-27 16:23:57 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4F71DA0B40D43/ The positives and negatives of the recent White Paper 'National Security through Technology: Technology, Equipment and Support for UK Defence and Security' 2012-03-27 16:17:45 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4F43DAC845142/ An insider's account of the SDSR suggests ways forward to ensure better delivery of national security policy 2012-02-21 17:56:27 http://www.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://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4EE21C5A40417/ Would remotely piloted capabilities offer a solution to the pressures placed on the UK defence budget by austerity and inflation? 2011-12-09 14:34:17 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4ED3B40D028FD/ The partnership between the UK Ministry of Defence and industry is transforming the ability to manage logistic information 2011-11-28 16:17:51 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4ED3B332CAD80/ Examining the front-line contractor industry, and its future steps 2011-11-28 16:14:31 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4ED3B27596BA2/ The 'support network’ concept offers a new alternative to traditional, linear supply chain infrastructure 2011-11-28 16:12:05 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4ED3AFDA38338/ A continued failure in European military logistic capabilities could lead to the break-up of the Atlantic Alliance 2011-11-28 16:02:48 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4ED3A551BFA74/ The minister for defence, equipment support and technology explains the role and achievements of the Defence Equipment and Support organisation 2011-11-28 15:15:07 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4ED3A46BF24DB/ The minister for international security strategy outlines the coalition government’s latest work to help cut the deficit through its support to increased defence exports 2011-11-28 15:11:28 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4ED3A25D49085/ Identifying core activities and then allocating them to the best suited supplier offers significant efficiency gains 2011-11-28 15:04:57 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4ED3A0239BCAE/ Recent criticism of the Ministry of Defence’s ability to control the cost of its Equipment Programme may be unfair and misleading 2011-11-28 14:52:24 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4ED39CBAAB192/ How might the SDSR be remedied? 2011-11-28 14:39:11 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4ECD139D0A19D/ The long-awaited White Paper on Defence Equipment, Support and Technology is increasingly unlikely to serve as the reflective and considered statement of government intention and policies so desperately desired by the defence sector. 2011-11-23 15:39:13 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4EC4FDF001171/ The UK's National Audit Office has published its latest report assessing the Major Projects of the Ministry of Defence. The informative document reports only very limited cost overruns, and few of them can be seen as industry's responsibility. It also provokes thoughts about the government's accounting system and the protected position of the Joint Combat Aircraft in the British defence programme. 2011-11-17 12:34:23 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4E9BFA48C7C7A/ As implementation of the Levene Report begins, are a new set of problems being created at the Ministry of Defence? 2011-10-17 11:00:46 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4E8EDFCF63FFF/ The problems the SDSR had to address spanned several governments. But the current administration should have done better 2011-10-07 12:19:23 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4E8EC1B0BAB97/ On Friday 30 September 2011, the Royal Navy announced large personnel cuts as part of the UK's Strategic Defence and Security Review. Dr Lee Willett analyses the implications. 2011-09-30 10:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4E8182FD73716/ The Ministry of Defence (MoD) appears to have balanced the £74 billion* ten-year 'funding gap', but key equipment programmes, such as Trident renewal and Joint Strike Fighter, are still a major source of potential instability to defence budget, highlights a new paper from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). 2011-09-27 09:04:04 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4E81E533902D2/ The Labour Party’s emerging policies for future defence procurement represent a mix of new ideas for the future along with old concepts from the past. It is now the job of Labour to convert procurement 'ideas' into a detailed implementation plan. 2011-09-27 04:15:00 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E4524A501A5C/ Simon Michell asks whether the Royal Navy has been able to maintain its ability to undertake amphibious warfare operations and provide the means for prosecuting an expeditionary campaign from the sea. 2011-08-12 14:03:54 http://www.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://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E4523E809F9E/ The suggestion that the UK Government might in future have access to a French aircraft carrier raised eyebrows on both sides of the Channel. But the programme to build the Queen Elizabeth class of carriers has involved the French for years. 2011-08-12 14:00:47 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E45239504858/ Stephen Gosden, CASE Team Leader with Babcock’s Marine & Technology Division, looks at how the challenge of ensuring cost-effective and efficient delivery of amphibious capability and platform support is being tackled 2011-08-12 13:59:23 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E4522844BD14/ Robert Hewson, editor of Jane’s Air-Launched Weapons, suggests that European missiles such as Storm Shadow and Brimstone have proved to be effective in Libya, but that stocks may have been too low 2011-08-12 13:54:49 http://www.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://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E452206A06D8/ As the British Army’s existing CVR(T)s reach the end of their useful life, Steve Rowbotham assesses the utility of the British Army’s next reconnaissance vehicle. 2011-08-12 13:52:48 http://www.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://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E45207F22B09/ Ian Tibbitt and Andrew Daw discuss how best to provide specialist support to those in the MoD and industry struggling to deliver elements of an overall capability landscape that meets the requirement for ‘effective battle-winning forces’. 2011-08-12 13:46:18 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E452047ED601/ RUSI’s Acquisition Forum makes a robust plea for careful government defence acquisition policy reform and warns of the dangers of any ill-conceived changes. 2011-08-12 13:45:36 http://www.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://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E451F00C11AA/ Michael Codner outlines how important front-line/industry relationships could be reinforced, and single service rivalries prevented from skewing equipment decisions. 2011-08-12 13:39:45 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E451E62A9841/ Mark Phillips assesses the task that lies ahead for the Defence Reform Unit as it prepares to present its report to the government in July 2011. 2011-08-12 13:37:15 http://www.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://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4E36835AE7816/ The UK deployment to Helmand in 2006 has proven highly controversial. But was the decision taken properly? 2011-08-01 11:43:41 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4E04359766ACC/ The Ministry of Defence (MoD) will need clear ministerial, and Defence Board, guidance to introduce revolutionary new ways of working to ensure the department still operates coherently following the proposed major cuts to civil service numbers, according to a joint study by Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and Cranfield University staff. 2011-06-24 08:01:46 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4DF0A2F39DAA2/ The victory of Scottish nationalists in the recent Scottish Parliamentary elections brings closer the possibility of Scotland's independence. With Britain's nuclear arsenal located largely in Scotland, policymakers must now consider what independence would entail for the security of the United Kingdom. 2011-06-10 08:45:00 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4DE78566789B6/ The inherent uncertainty of the international system requires an expeditionary and flexible defence capability 2011-06-02 13:43:26 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4D8A1CEDCB3AC/ Professor Phil Sutton assesses the impact that the SDSR is likely to have on defence research 2011-03-23 16:16:49 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4D8A17EE21F5B/ David Kirkpatrick reviews the causes of inaccuracy and bias in cost and timescale forecasting 2011-03-23 15:55:28 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4D8A1733984CE/ Major General (Rtd) David Shouesmith and PRTM’s Dean Gilmore consider the opportunities hidden in the small print of the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2011-03-23 15:53:40 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4D8A16C2AE287/ Dr Jeffrey Bradford reviews the US approach to reining in acquisition costs in existing procurement programmes 2011-03-23 15:50:29 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4D8A1664E797A/ Alex Ashbourne-Walmsley follows up her prescient Strategic Defence and Security Review forecast with an explanation of the review’s implications 2011-03-23 15:48:58 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4D5BA98245947/ Defence representatives from the main political parties assess the implications of the SDSR 2011-02-16 10:41:03 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4D4C20CB26473/ Footage of JCBs turning Nimrods to scrap metal reflects the drastic nature of recent cuts in the defence budget, but seemingly straightforward changes can have far-reaching implications for UK defence policy. 2011-02-04 16:00:06 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4D2D949519AFD/ Last February, RUSI analysts suggested that Whitehall needed to conduct a nationwide review of the implications of climate change for national security. Almost one year later, is the government considering climate change anything other than a peripheral factor? 2011-01-12 11:47:00 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4D2C5F306334F/ Professor Michael Clarke warns that Ministry of Defence plans to save £4 billion in spending over the next four years is not enough and that further cuts are inevitable. 2011-01-11 13:48:26 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4D232798CFC94/ The muted reaction to December’s Green Paper reflects the complex nature of the challenges it highlighted 2011-01-04 15:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4CFE1D4717D04/ The affordability of the SDSR may have come at a price 2010-12-07 11:41:16 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4CFE1420F12FD/ The defence review has protected single-service interests rather than conducting a radical overhaul 2010-12-07 11:04:00 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4CCECA5B75AD2/ Citations of RUSI experts, analysis and events in the global media from October 2010 2010-11-01 14:11:09 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4CC93B8360614/ The Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) was a lost opportunity for a radical reassessment of the UK’s position in the world, according to 68% of the defence and security community surveyed by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). 2010-10-28 23:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4CC83D61DBD82/ As the government announced the Strategic Defence and Security Review, RUSI experts offer their initial analysis and explain the Review's implications. 2010-10-20 15:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4CBEB0C09AA22/ As the defence and international security comes to terms with the UK's Defence Review, RUSI.org outlines the initial assessments of RUSI experts. 2010-10-20 10:05:22 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4CBE880DC8385/ For all the arguing and the leaks that have surrounded this Defence Review, there is some clear grand strategy behind it. The Government has decided that Britain will still strive to remain a global player. 2010-10-20 07:12:09 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4CBE8B5AF32D7/ The issues as to whether the Strategic Defence and Security Review was Treasury or policy led and whether it was conducted in too short a time for proper discussion, and consideration are now in the past. It is the implications and the unanswered questions that matter. 2010-10-19 19:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4CBD84EDE6ACB/ The latest National Security Strategy has placed tackling the cyber threat at the top of the government's security agenda - alongside threats from terrorism, war and accidental or natural disaster. In light of the extent of the cyber threat, the Government may not have allocated adequate resources to deal with it. 2010-10-19 12:48:14 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4CBC6D8637AB7/ Now in its third year, the National Security Strategy is even more important as it is a precursor to tomorrow's Strategic Defence and Security Review. The Strategy is an honest attempt to think afresh about British security, with a focus on terrorism and cyber-security. However, it ignores the difficult real-world decisions that must be made to create an effective strategic review. 2010-10-18 16:59:13 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4CBEEEBE4DEB9/ Are the strategic threats and opportunities adequately recognised in the Strategic Defence and Security Review? 2010-10-18 14:00:00 http://www.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://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4CB85480E9BE1/ Single service interests and the funding of the nuclear deterrent have dominated media coverage of the build-up to the Strategic Defence & Security Review (SDSR), whose publication is now expected on 19 October 2010. It can be anticipated that cuts in force structure and abandoned defence equipment projects will draw the headlines and that assessments will be made of the relative pain inflicted on the army, navy and air force. 2010-10-15 14:20:57 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4CAAEFEE4FA17/ There is now a consensus that the Strategic Defence and Security Review is being conducted too fast and without due consideration to strategy. The UK’s Defence and Security cannot be left to one ministry; it is time we empower a Cabinet-level leader to enable defence and security reform across government. 2010-10-05 10:29:35 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4CA4418F2DA69/ Due to the current economic and strategic climate, British and French militaries must co-operate or 'risk ending the current decade amputated and shrunk beyond recognition, argues the latest Future Defence Review Working Paper from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). 2010-09-30 08:54:09 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4CA45BF67DAAC/ The leaked letter from Defence Secretary Liam Fox to Prime Minister David Cameron has outlined in detail some of the cuts now being considered in Britain’s armed forces – sharp reductions in the frigate fleet, the ‘deletion’ of the Royal Navy’s amphibious capability, and the scrapping of the new Nimrod MR4 maritime patrol aircraft (the first of which entered service, at great expense, only this year). 2010-09-29 10:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4CA4618EA3011/ Captain Patrick Hennessey, formerly of the Grenadier Guards and author of The Junior Officers' Reading Club on the challenges to entering and staying in the UK Armed forces. 2010-09-23 11:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C93946D6895F/ The coalition is understandably hesitant about committing to the cost of replacement – but it does affect our deterrent credibility 2010-09-17 17:16:49 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4C93274838C55/ What will the current strategic review mean for UK aid? 2010-09-17 09:31:10 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4C90D249C5B6C/ Professor Malcolm Chalmers believes that, rather than destroying the capabilities of the armed forces, the SDSR could help to create more sustainable armed services. 2010-09-15 15:06:05 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C8F9F4D68955/ On 13 Sept 2010, the Daily Telegraph reported how US defense officials expressed worries to cuts to the UK defence budget. RUSI's Michael Clarke assesses how this will impact on the US-UK relationship. 2010-09-14 17:18:29 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C8DEEC98CC24/ The Strategic Defence and Security Review is being conducted against a backdrop of bitter arguments between the Services and the threats of cuts of up to 20 per cent, yet it is meant to define Britain's place in the world and our foreign policy and defence priorities for decades to come. 2010-09-13 10:30:06 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4CA098E45EAA2/ The UK's capability to promote stability and prevent conflict in fragile states requires significant, cross-government reform according to a new report from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). 2010-08-25 14:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4C6E46F518DAC/ The persistent failure to conceive and study strategy in Britain will undermine its efforts to draft a lasting framework for defence and security from the current SDSR process 2010-08-22 23:45:00 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C6D3ABF2024C/ Learning lessons from past Defence Reviews 2010-08-19 16:12:13 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C6D0795721B3/ Britain's imperialist mentality is outdated and overambitious: viewing the country as a global power is damaging, rather than benefiting, current defence policy. 2010-08-19 12:37:59 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C65600E6FE36/ Following the Secretary of State for Defence’s speech on the future of UK defence, how many more questions have been raised than answered? 2010-08-13 15:11:07 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C6BF9735253F/ RUSI's Michael Codner gives his assessment to the UK Defence Secretary's resolve to reform defence. 2010-08-13 15:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C52F7480348F/ The Chancellor, George Osborne, has announced that funding for the renewal of Britain's nuclear deterrent must come from the Ministry of Defence's core budget. RUSI's Malcolm Chalmers assesses the ramifications of this announcement. 2010-07-30 17:08:12 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4C4ED70C3F1F7/ The UK's current commitment to maintain a nuclear-armed missile submarine on deterrent patrol at all times (Continuous At-Sea Deterrence, or 'CASD'), is driven as much by institutional and political momentum as by strategic necessity, and plans to order a new generation of submarines after 2015 now threatens to be at the expense of further reduction in conventional forces according to a new report from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). 2010-07-28 00:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C4EBAB3454FD/ With defence spending under scrutiny, the spotlight has long since shone on Britain’s nuclear deterrent. But while the costs of replacing Trident are high, the difficulties of creating a new system may be a price we simply cannot afford to pay. 2010-07-27 12:03:01 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C4D61F21F88A/ The recent National Audit Office (NAO) report has once again raised the issue of the affordability of defence and argues for finance to have a louder voice in the Ministry of Defence (MoD). But should fiscal responsibility achieve such prominence when military lives are at risk? 2010-07-26 11:37:04 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C46DBA9A21AB/ Sir Christopher Meyer, former British Ambassador to the United States, reflects on the future prospects for the British national interest. 2010-07-21 12:42:13 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C233A1FC3171/ The first budget of the Coalition government could lead to the core defence budget being cut in real terms by up to 15%, with numbers of military personnel being reduced by around 30,000. 2010-06-24 12:03:09 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C22156114371/ In June, France and Britain commemorated the seventieth anniversary of the British Dunkirk evacuation and French General De Gaulle's 18 June call to arms across BBC airwaves in 1940. The leaders of both countries have indicated that this relationship could move beyond historical bonds of friendship to a more strategic and practical defence partnership. 2010-06-23 17:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4C22022F4BA87/ Graham Jordan discusses how and why current acquisition projects result in cost and time overruns 2010-06-23 13:46:44 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4C21D607E6CD3/ The British military presses ahead with expensive projects that may be of relatively little value in future wars. The UK needs to carefully consider what is needed in-theatre today, and on the battlefield tomorrow 2010-06-23 10:39:25 http://www.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://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4C21D2CCCCBA7/ Engaging in a constantly evolving battlespace, the British Army needs to ensure that its intellectual capacity keeps pace with frontline demand 2010-06-23 10:24:38 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C1E81E1E2A7D/ Every generation or so, the British prime minister is faced with a decisive choice over the direction which the UK should take in world affairs. This time round, economic restraints will also contribute to a fundamental reassessment of grand strategy and defence policy. However, reassessment need not mean retreat and we must maintain an ability to deter so our allies and potential rivals will listen. 2010-06-20 22:04:41 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4C075E3815930/ The deeper the immediate budget cuts that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has to make, the greater the risk of reduced capability without commensurate financial gains, argues the latest Future Defence Review Working Paper from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). 2010-06-03 08:49:44 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C075A0A72D7A/ The deeper the immediate budget cuts that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has to make, the greater the risk of reduced capability without commensurate financial gains, argues the latest Future Defence Review Working Paper from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). 2010-06-03 08:32:39 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4BF55FED8DD60/ The coming UK defence review is a crucial opportunity for the new government to reconsider long-term relations with China 2010-05-20 17:19:22 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4BEBBB0389C5C/ The new Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government must address the most basic question affecting the Defence Review and Britain's position in the world 'how much is the nation prepared to pay for defence?', according to a Future Defence Review Working Paper from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). 2010-05-13 09:42:14 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4BF5632736517/ Britain’s ‘continuous-at-sea nuclear deployment’ – known as CASD – could be downgraded to ‘reduced readiness’ extending the life span of Trident nuclear submarines and reducing overall costs according to an article in the latest Journal of the Royal United Services Institute. 2010-05-06 17:30:00 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4BDAE92F2207C/ Does successful British defence need to maintain a continuous deterrent? A US perspective argues yes 2010-04-30 15:30:37 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4BDAE27E3EF83/ A shifting international environment has rendered continuous British nuclear deterrent obsolete. Instead, the UK now has the opportunity to lead the way in diminishing its nuclear force (Free Download) 2010-04-30 15:05:24 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4BDACDB35404A/ The forthcoming Strategic Defence Review may pave the way for a more co-operative and economical approach to defence policy 2010-04-30 14:01:39 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4BD7D5F88D18A/ From an American perspective, the United Kingdom is uniquely placed to complement US strategy and has a key role in upholding international security. The international community and Americans expect the UK and US to act in concert. Defence reviews on both sides of the Atlantic must be mindful of this consideration. 2010-04-28 07:35:05 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4BD6F0B8B7157/ FREE ACCESS: Leaders of the main British political parties give their views on defence and security going into the general election 2010-04-27 15:16:13 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:N4BCF91A664FB0/ Part Four: Continuing their interview, General Sir Mike Jackson, Air Chief Marshal Sir Brian Burridge and Rear Admiral Chris Parry outline what the defence spending priorities should be for an incoming government on 6 May. 2010-04-20 07:15:00 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:N4BCF945167B75/ Part Six: In the final installment of these interviews, General Sir Mike Jackson, former Chief of the General Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Brian Burridge, former commander of British forces during Operation Telic and Rear Admiral Chris Parry, former Director General, Development, Concepts & Doctrine, offer their headline advice to an incoming government. 2010-04-20 06:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4BC30B2081F61/ After the UK General Elections, the promised Strategic Defence Review needs to be developed on the basis of the likely outcomes in Afghanistan. It may be essential to have a genuinely radical solution to the defence crisis where the three services would each need to commit themselves to a single mission and a unified doctrine. 2010-04-12 13:02:40 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4BBDE3FCD05AA/ The US Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) released at the beginning of April has some significant implications for America’s friends and allies as well as potential adversaries. 2010-04-08 15:14:10 http://www.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://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4BA0C6A6A9145/ With the coming UK defence review, an enhanced Franco-British bilateral relationship may be on the horizon 2010-03-17 12:10:39 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4CA314B39E86D/ On 9 March 2010, the Royal United Services Institute and the Franco-British Council organised a roundtable on future Franco-British defence co-operation. 2010-03-10 11:30:00 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4B7AA93779157/ With the recent publication of a Ministry of Defence (MoD) Green Paper and an upcoming Strategic Defence Review (SDR), the debate over future UK defence reform has been fierce. The international response to the Haitian disaster has proven to be a case study in how important high-end naval assets can be to a wide range of UK national interests. 2010-02-16 14:24:58 http://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4B28F0CD0211A/ Credible deterrence remains the core of Britain's nuclear posture: further cutting resources for this would be self-defeating 2009-12-16 14:38:31 http://www.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://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4B0BC4738718B/ The Gray Report offers one of the most revealing takes on the workings of the MoD available to the public, and expands in detail upon acknowledged problems 2009-11-24 11:34:05 http://www.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://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4AF17089BFE59/ Evidence is emerging from many quarters of a deepening crisis in the MoD. 2009-11-04 12:16:11 http://www.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://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4AD59CAEC9506/ The future mission of Britain’s armed forces may lie in assisting and reforming multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and NATO, according to a new report published by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). 2009-10-14 10:45:11 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4AC4CB762216E/ The major political parties need to present a clear long-term vision of the United Kingdom's standing in the world at the next general election; regardless of whether the defence budget is cut, the nation faces hard strategic choices in the immediate future, according to a Future Defence Review Working Paper from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). 2009-10-02 00:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4A96780774EB3/ The Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) equipment acquisition system has come under increasing fire over the last decade. And not without reason: huge effort, continuous change and much MoD hype has not brought improvement in delivery terms that we need. 2009-08-27 13:18:25 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4A955F53C97AD/ Strategic nuclear deterrence may have worked well during the Cold War, but the proliferation of small power arsenals means a re-think is required about the future role of nuclear weapons. 2009-08-26 17:14:18 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4A5733CE5557C/ The announcement of the next Future Defence Review to be carried out by a new Parliament marks the official beginning of a long process of discussions about the state of the Armed Forces, but the review of strategy has been going on for a long time before. 2009-07-10 13:29:57 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4A534954B1256/ Professor Michael Clarke, Director of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), welcomes the Ministry of Defence statement announcing a Defence Green Paper and forthcoming Strategic Defence Review 2009-07-07 14:12:13 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4A4DEB373BC51/ The UK’s Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF) programme has come under pressure in the media for cost increases and potential job cuts which may follow its completion. A recent think-tank report has questioned CVF’s future contribution and relevance to potential operations. These reports, however, neglect the demonstrated relevance of aircraft carriers in supporting a range of recent UK operations, and do not appear to appreciate the absolute value of carriers in fighting, and crucially deterring, conflict. 2009-07-03 12:40:18 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4A4CA63D8E455/ A new RUSI report declares the MoD faces a budget cut of around 10-15 per cent in real terms between 2010 and 2016 2009-07-02 13:26:54 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4A37B57E17C6E/ David Kirkpatrick examines the reports of the MoD’s major projects and pulls out the issues and deficiencies behind the headline figures. 2009-06-16 16:08:48 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4A37B4DBB152F/ This article argues that an integrated acquisition system could save up to 40% through productivity savings, and illustrates this point by considering three different industrial case histories. 2009-06-16 16:06:08 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4A37B40E62396/ Professor Karen Carr asks why MoD is not good at learning lessons from operations, looks at the current problems, and then discusses what can be done to improve matters. 2009-06-16 16:02:43 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4A379EFE9C1BA/ Graeme Davis reviews AirLand Battle21:Transformational Concepts for Integrating Twenty-First Century Air and Ground Forces by Ellwood P Hinman IV, Thomas E. Jahn and James G Jinnette. 2009-06-16 14:32:51 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4A379D9658FF0/ Comment from Bill Kincaid's programme on funding and defence acquisition for BBC Radio 4's The World Tonight. 2009-06-16 14:26:48 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4A379B293A660/ Graham Jordan examines the MoD's Defence Technology Plan, produced in February 2009, and finds many real disappointments in it. 2009-06-16 14:19:28 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4A379678AA082/ Four leading experts examine the question of defence inflation and debate the extent of higher defence inflation in relation to non-defence sectors. The effects of productivity improvements and the credit crunch on defence spending and inflation are considered. 2009-06-16 13:57:02 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C49CCCAF89EFD0/ In a major policy speech on nuclear issues, Prime Minister Gordon Brown recently suggested that Trident could be placed on the international negotiation table should there be a serious move towards multilateral disarmament. If such a gambit were to succeed, it would require something more than a leap of faith in trust. 2009-03-27 12:53:28 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4738298C88C99/ There is an absolute need for a further, and significant, increase in the defence budget. 2007-11-12 10:30:33 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A453F4BB6E78B1/ A National Theatre of Scotland production. Written by Gregory Burke, Directed by John Tiffany. Currently touring Scotland and coming to London in 2007. 2006-10-25 12:38:35 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4BA24C8E6762F/ In advance of the General Election in May 2005, The Hon. Nicholas Soames MP, Conservative Party Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, outlined his party's policies on defence. 2005-04-04 13:00:00