Royal Air Force and German Air Force personnelwere training to conduct integrated NATO Air Policing mission in Estonia starting first of March.

Prior to the handover of the NATO mission, elements of the RAF detachment were being integrated into the German detachment in Estonia, to fly joint sorties during March.

In April, the German Air Force, who are currently deployed in Estonia will be handing over responsibility for the leadership of the NATO Air Policing mission to RAF.

Once the NATO mission is handed over a German detachment will remain integrated into the now RAF led mission to continue joint sorties throughout April.

“NATO Air Policing is our bread and butter business, but what’s different about this particular deployment is the fact that we are operating as a combined unit with our German counterparts.”

Said Air Marshal Harv Smyth, the RAF’s Deputy Commander Operations. He continued

“Under this construct, we learn from each other more rapidly, and combine our strengths to become greater than the sum of the parts. NATO is the cornerstone of Europe’s defence, and proving our two nations can work seamlessly together in this way, providing essential Control of the Air capabilities on our Eastern Flank, proves to our potential adversaries that the NATO alliance is stronger than ever.”

You can read more here.

Tom Dunlop
Tom Dunlop
Tom has spent the last 13 years working in the defence industry, specifically military and commercial shipbuilding. His work has taken him around Europe and the Far East, he is currently based in Scotland.

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  1. UK set to publish ‘refresh’ of major defence and security review ahead of budget

    “The UK plans to release a “refresh” of a major defence and security review next week ahead of the budget, which is expected to include a modest rise in defence spending, Sky News understands.

    Three sources said they expected the so-called “Integrated Review refresh” to be published on Monday – two days before the chancellor unveils his spending plans on 15 March, but almost a week later than originally anticipated.

    An initial draft of the document apparently had to be reworked because it did not sufficiently reflect the lessons from Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has exposed the urgent need to accelerate plans to rebuild the army’s warfighting capabilities, according to two, separate sources.

    The latest version, though, may still only be a “tweak” of what had been a sweeping review of UK foreign, defence and security policy, published in March 2021, one source said.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak inherited the refresh from Liz Truss.
    She had ordered officials to look again at the Integrated Review, drawn up when Boris Johnson was in charge, to see whether any areas needed updating in the wake of Ukraine and also a hardening of views about the security challenges – or threats – posed by China.

    But Ms Truss had also pledged a significant increase in defence spending, vowing to lift the budget to 3% of GDP by the end of the decade up from 2% – the equivalent to an additional £157billion.

    Mr Sunak, by contrast, has made no such commitment, despite the war in Ukraine revealing the extent to which successive governments have hollowed out the army in particular.

    Sky News revealed in January that a senior US general had privately told Defence Secretary Ben Wallace the British Army is no longer regarded as a top-level fighting force. 

    Defence sources at the time said Mr Sunak risked failing in his role as “wartime prime minister” unless he took urgent action given the growing security threat posed by Russia.

    They claimed this should include increasing the defence budget by at least £3bn a year; halting a plan to shrink the size of the army even further; and easing peacetime procurement rules that obstruct the UK’s ability to buy weapons and ammunition at speed.

    Mr Wallace was thought to have been pushing for up to £11bn extra over the next two years but may only receive less than half of that amount in the spring budget.

    Mr Sunak is expected to make an announcement on UK defence spending during a trip to the United States this weekend.

    The Times quoted the defence secretary as having suggested a modest increase of £4bn to £5bn would be sufficient for the time being, and that the “real battle” for extra support would come after the next election.

    A government spokesperson said: “The Integrated Review refresh is on track to be published in the spring as planned. It will set how the UK’s diplomatic, military and security architecture is keeping pace with evolving global threats.”

    Courtesy Of Sky News

    • Refresh = An excuse for why the defence budget isn’t getting the increase it so obviously needs and our army in particular deserves.

      • The Tories are in electioneering mode…the NI ‘Windsor Framework’, compulsory team building for conservative MPs – held in Windsor with a pub quiz :-), yet another attempt to stop small boats in the channel, ‘defeating inflation ( by defeating NHS staff’. So I think there will be a modest mostly (presentational) increase in the defence budget – its probably worth a few votes if you can link it to Ukraine and ideally UK jobs.

    • I’m sure the Treasury will be looking at dividend possibilities based on the degree of Russian attrition and declaring no need to exceed current land force future plans? That’s how the grey suits work and such thinking does have some substance. The general thinking is Russia will need to buy a considerable number of new weapons from China and North Korea, and at the moment such a deal does not appear to be manifesting in any new equipment on Ukraine soil. To offset Treasury thinking, the MOD has to make the point Putin intends to continue his special operation for as long as it takes, thus the need for the UK to reinstate a more powerful land punch. However, the bum-clenching days that immediately followed the invasion when most experts feared a fast and complete collapse of the Ukrainian Government and a rapid dash for the Polish border, and the stark realisation that the British Army was way off from being a serious deterrent. Thankfully, the real situation is so way off previous thinking in regard to the Russian land threat, that the chances of a mass attack across NATO’s borders are now almost zero. With this in mind, I fear my above Treasury observation may gain support.

      • After 20+ years of failing to invest properly in our armed forces, I see this as a very good opportunity to make up the lost ground and be ready for future conflicts.

        I tend to get the feeling this is only round one and in later years we can expect to see the exact same thing happening again.

        • Bit of a hostage to fortune there. You assume that MoD/Army decision making etc is better now than it has been. Especially at a time when all kinds of lessons are having to be learnt from the war in Ukraine.

          • This is a accurate rendition of one application for strategic spades, there are others, plus the successful use of washing machines, that have been proved to be far superior in State trials to the Syrian barrel bombs due to their concrete balances. For CAS there are also the shorter trench shovels.

            https://i.servimg.com/u/f10/19/89/13/22/fqtqnt10.jpg

          • Better or not, thanks to the Nazi squads under Putin illegally invading a sovereign nation, the issue of defence has become a talking and action point, to be addressed more rapidly by Western nations. Thanks to your nonce mate Putin, he has accelerated defence acquisitions by all NATO countries, stopped the neglect and rot, ensured none aligned countries are joining and showed to the world how the mighty Russian bear is actually a underfed, piss stained, tag nut ridden alley cat which has been knocked over many times. Good old Putin, he has done more for NATO than the previous 60 years.

          • Russia still has the WW1 and 2 warehouses to raid. New cavalry regiments with real horses expected next.
            I was talking to a Russian the other day at the shops, he left when mobilisation started, luckily he had a son who lives here. In November his neighbour who was Checking his house said he had mobilisation papers. He’s 58! He did his conscription for the soviets! Utter madness.

          • They will be going into the old people’s homes and conscripting people in wheelchairs claiming they are now mechanised infantry.

          • Utter old school soviet era madness, mixed in with megalomaniac Nazi thought process, add a touch of Russian peasants, a scattering of egotistic power mad nonces, all stirred together by a Putin spoon equals current modern Russia. Very sad for the people, as no matter what chuff the Russian media spout, and or the sad western apologists, show them a different way and the people would take it! Cheers

          • My airborne brother. Putin is not a Nazi, unless your aim is to simply insult the poisonous little dwarf.

            The KGB/STASI Colonel is a die hard old school soviet. There is little difference in reality for the people who suffer under him. But those little differences do matter when trying to know, understand and defeat the enemy. Remember your Sun Tzu.

            He aims to recreate the old USSR empire but without the smoke and mirror illusion of communism. A façade that nobody actually believed but paid lip service to all the time, comrade. Putin is focusing instead on the true mechanisms that kept the USSR functioning. Intimidation, fear, bribery and corruption. Hence the oligarchy, private armies etc.

          • George I have to disagree! There is very little difference between the old USSR and the Nazis! Communists, fascists, cheeks of the same arse mate! Agreed, Putin wants the resurrect the old Soviet Union, which was very very similar in attitudes, oppression and control as the Nazis!

            I also agree he will want to have a “new” USSR with the same outlook and control as I alluded to, but with a “Peter the Great” type facade, in which he is the hero who set this in motion. In reality mate he is just another oppressive nonce, stealing billions from his own country, who has delusions of grandeur and greatness. Cheers.

    • On a related note. I read in an article regarding Aukas that the U.K. government intends to sell the newest two Astute boats ( currently under construction) to the Australians . That will bring the Hunter killer fleet down to four!!! Which given one babysits the Ballastic sub, at least one babysits the carrier , there is always at least one down for a refit , this is bonkers!!!
      I am all for supporting our antipodean cousins but not at the risk of U.K. defence.

        • In that case stopping building the things. Give the whole fleet to Australia.
          We can shower any potential aggressor with harsh words.
          Job done

          • Don’t underestimate the power of a harshly worded letter, I got B&Q to pay for a new carpet after a new Oli fired radiator spilled oil over it….

            He can have this for free….

            “Dear Mr Putin, you sir are a cad and a bounder, your invasion of Ukraine is both unpleasant and underhanded, you have let the UN assembly down and worse than that, you have let yourself down!

            Please refect on your caddishness and withdraw from Ukraine without delay and formally apologise.

            Yours sincerely Mr Sunak”

            That will fix it, get him to sign and send and it should all be over by Friday.

          • This is why we need more public idiots schoolboys in government that can stand up to the Russian government and tell them to “Shut up and go away” as a certain AFM said previously. Must have had them quaking in their gimp suits.

          • It would need to be before Friday lunchtime.. The Sunaks are flying back home to Singapore for the weekend. They are in desperate need of a break from us crazy Brits.

      • Does anyone know if the dreadnaughts could be used in a hunter killer role? I’m just think even though I doubt they would sell the last two boats of the astute class, but if they did could we order two more dreadnaughts as a replacement but instead if trident tubes they have standard vls? As the dreadnaughts are still stealthy and have torpedo tubes, so could they be used as a hunter killer sub but with more land attack capability?

        • The answer is Yes!!
          That was always the plan that should nuclear war happen ( god forbid) once they had fired off their icbm they would revert to a hunter killer role. However in peacetime we do not have sufficient Boomers to both cover thee at sea deferent and our comment for Fast Attack boats.
          Once the last two Astute are launched we have no capacity to replace them until at least three dreadnoughts are in the water. Then there will be space/ resource to start constructing new Fast attacks .

          • Ah I see, if there was the money I would say extend the life of 2 vanguards and convert dreadnaught boats 2&3 to an attack and cruise missle sub. Then order 2 more bombers to replace the last 2 vanguards. However if there was the money I would have preferred they ordered more astute to begin with and then they could have sold some to Australia without digging into our capability. Just don’t see how Australia is going to get nuclear subs in the short term as both the UK and US sub forces are already to stretched.

          • I see what you are trying to say, but, all that converting 2 x Dreadnoughts would do is delay the arrival of SSN(R), a dedicated attack SM. These will most probably be fitted with VL Tubes to accommodate whatever cruise missile replaces Tomahawk.
            Dreadnought is not really designed as an SSN, far to big and cumbersome, but is still a very able SM.
            Much better to get the four Dreadnoughts built soonest then start on SSN(R) and if possible build more then the 8 1SL has alluded too. 10-12 would be nice.
            To be honest, the Vanguards are all between 25-30 yo now, and will be needed in their current capacity until Dreadnought arrives in some 8 years time. They will be to old for anything then bar de-commissioning Im afraid.

          • Ah fair enough, just wonder how far into the design the ssn(r) are. Could they potentially increase the speed at which the dreadnaughts are being built to start building the ssn(r) if say Australia commits to building a couple in the UK. Are the dreadnaughts being artificially slowed down similar to the type 26 so there’s always something being built in barrow, or are they going full steam ahead due to the delays the astute build caused.

          • Well, depends on what the MOD have in mind for SSN(R)? It would not be unrealistic to assume that it will be based on Dreadnought (perhaps front and back end), with the missile section removed and a redesign to accommodate VL tubes for FCM..
            We could speed up construction of Dreadnought, indeed we probably need too to get SSN(R) into service before 2040, or we will need to start re-fuelling the first 2-3 Astutes, which they are not designed to do.
            Factor in a potential AUS buy, then we will need to get our skates on.

          • That’s what I’m thinking, if Australia buys a couple to be built in the UK whilst they get there yards and infrastructure built up it should hopefully mean barrow won’t go without orders if they speed up the dreadnoughts. Guess we will find out on Monday if that’s when they release a statement. Wouldn’t be surprised of we see some Australian personal on ours and the US subs in the short term to build up there knowledge.

          • These SSNs may be gargantuan (10K-12K tons, 120-130 meters in length). PWR-3 dimensions may prove to be one of the principal design drivers.

            Impressed that very little has leaked into the open press at this point. Presumably, literally thousands of people collectively know the details of the actual plan at this point and no one is releasing any info. May bode well for the longer term.

          • Believe as far as ~ £170M takes one in the design process these days (£85M to BAE, ~85M to RR). Read an account that stated 300-350 people have been assigned to project, (not certain if that was total headcount or at each corporation). ABCRodney seems as though he could supply details, but there may be this pesky document known as ‘Official Secrets Act,’ which may serve as an impediment. 🤔😳😉

          • Is that right? One Vanguard has had a refuelling and the limit on submarines is reactor and divining time.

            By the very operational nature of these subs I would suggest they dive and surface far less than the attack boats!?

          • There are many factors which determine how long a SM stays in service, the main one being usable ‘core life’ and system age (Reactor systems). During refits, not everything is replaced, only really things that need to be, otherwise you would end up installing a new Reactor compartment and associated services every time.

            Diving cycles don’t really impact on SSBN operating limits as such, not just that they operate far less frantically then an SSN, but mainly due to the fact that they spend the majority of their time operating at depths less than 100m, thereby putting the hull/openings under far less pressure. They also run around at much slower speeds, which in turn uses far less ‘core life’ then an equivalent period for a SSN.

            Unfortunately no matter how frantic or not said SM has been used, they all suffer from wear and tear over a prolonged life as the Reactor and associated systems operate under very high pressures. Anything around the 30 year mark is really a good spell from a Nuclear SM, anything more and you are asking for trouble and enter a very expensive world of hurt.

          • Deep,

            Another day, another round of speculation. Several accounts now state an initial buy of 3-5 Virginia class, followed by a complementary number of modified SSN(R), to complete the flotilla. Actually is logical from an Oz perspective; best of both worlds, a deep strike and a true attack capability. Sporting proposition to operate a mixed fleet, almost from a standing start? My mistake was to believe official statements that there will be no reserve build capacity beyond USN requirements to produce Virginia class. Live and learn. 🤔😳🙄😉

          • Yes, I learned that today from someone else, apparently scuttlebut in AUS saying 3 x Virginia class with up to five SSN(R) to follow., with them being assembled in AUS.

            See your point about best of both worlds, but will be a really interesting proposition to operate a mixed fleet with such relatively small numbers! It appears that their need is very great then!

            My info not entirely sure if the Virginia’s will be new build or leased/loaned or something else? We await the announcement to come, might still be a surprise or two, we will see.

      • Hi Michael. I have to be honest, I don’t think that will happen. I think the UK will build all Seven sub’s planned for the Royal Navy. Anything on top of that – ‘All good’. It will take time for the Australians to gain and build all of the capabilities to base and maintain nuclear powered submarines. Also to increase the trained personnel to use the larger sub’s. But that is why I think Aukas will work so well for our different nations. Sharing expertise.. So on.

        I did actually read a article recently that suggested the UK would like to build it’s sub fleet back up to 12 Submarines. Not sure if they meant eight SSN and 4 Ballistic missile sub’s or twelve SSN and the four SSBN sub’s. But anyway, that could take many years.

      • Really!

        Given that it would take upwards of 10 years or so(experience at senior levels) to get a proficient Nuclear engineering department up and running, and that the last two Astutes will be with the fleet by 2026, which RAN Engineers are going to man them then? It could only be RN qualified engineers that could currently do that, and we are short of them…
        While you are at it, perhaps you can enlighten us all as to what infrastructure AUS will have in place to accommodate them over in AUS? You cant just base SSNs in a country that has no infrastructure to support them. Its also going to take AUS more then 2/3 years to establish such capabilities.
        We will have 8 SSNs by 2026 (7 x Astute, 1 x T Class) by the time Agincourt is commissioned in 2026, assuming Triumph isnt decommissioned before then.
        Our SSNs do not babysit our SSBNs, there is no need for them too, our SSBNs are more than capable of looking after themselves. Yes a SSN will deploy with a CSG, but that is only currently every other year.

        • I hope you are right.
          I feel for the Australians but to be fair the decision to go nuclear should have been made 20 years ago and the work to get the RAN ready should have started then.
          The Australian government lack of vision should not be paid for by significantly weakening our already under strength submarine force.

          • Fukushima accident stopped that happening. It put the frighteners on government of how public would react to nuclear reactors etc.

          • As someone who works at a high level in both civil and military nuclear industry.
            Fukushima was an accident waiting to happen from its location, to the reactor choice to how it was set up.
            It would never have got through the U.K. modern standards safety case .
            It should never been placed in an area known for Tidal waves. If it had to be there it should have been built with survivability of tidal waves in mind. All the critical infrastructure should have been designed and built with a tidal wave in mind. And the reactor type should have been able to go long periods without electrical power.
            Nuclear is not an unsafe tech. It becomes unsafe when accountants get involved and the legislation is not there to prevent corners being cut.

          • i give way to your nuclear experience. it may have been the wrong place but fukushima survived an earth quake then a tsunami. it was the lack of emergency electrical power to pump the cooling water that sealed its fate. please correct me if i am wrong. think the generators got flooded.

          • Correct.’
            However why choose a reactor design that needed coolant circulation even when shut down?
            Second given how crucial the electrical power was to reactor safety, then the back up generators should have been built/ located to survive a flood.

          • Very worrying at what is happening in Ukraine after last nights missile attack. Zaporizhzhia is back on its emergency diesel generators after its power supply got cut in the raid.

          • The Russians are being very foolish Damage to the power plant will have consequences for Russia as well as Ukraine.

          • Why would the Russians attack the ZNPP when it is in their possession and they control and operate it? On top of that the prevailing winds are towards Russia.

          • I highly doubt the Ukrainians would invite a nuclear disaster on their own soil. Bear in mind they have already had one nuclear disaster already and seen the consequences.
            Unlike Chernobyl the nuclear reactors in ukraine now have western style containment structures round the reactors.

          • I think it’s more a case of Russia damages the power grid which cuts supply.
            I’m assuming the plants reactors aren’t running as could they not just power there own pumps.
            I missed nuclear power plant class at school so bit clueless.

          • Follow-up to DaveyB’s question: what is the presumed worst case scenario if/when the diesel backup generators fail at Zaporizhzhia, after a primary power cut? Chernobyl 2? Fukushima Redux? Understand that all reactors have been shut down; presume that should reduce the catastrophic consequences? 🤔

          • Depends how long the reactor is shut down. The VvER 1000 is water cooled water moderated( not a reactor I know in detail) . The coolant system needs to be run at a low level to remove decay heat.
            The chances of a Chernobyl type accident are zero . Fukushima are also low. Biggest danger is heat build up in the reactor and damage to the core and contamination of the coolant. But that should be contained by the containment structure. Write off the reactor but no environmental safety
            Bigger danger if they have spent fuel on site as the pond needs to be cooled or the water will evaporate and you could get a release from exposed fuel elements .
            The biggest danger imho is an accident deliberate strike on a containment building or a deliberate engineered “ accident”
            I’d screw the core up to full power, disable the emergency shut down systems and disable the cooling circuit and run !!
            But the Russians would be very foolish to do so , deliberately causing an accident in their door step.

          • ‘Going Nuclear, as it were is a huge commitment from any country, and massively expensive too. AUS have started the ball rolling by exploring options and getting first hand information on what is required to set this up and run it. They will know what is involved by now, including likely timescales and what help both UK/US can provide. The decision is now with AUS as to what they want to do, which I believe is due later this week as all three HoS US/UK/AUS are all in Washington.
            I would be absolutely gobsmacked if we sold any of our Astutes to AUS in the current climate, we simply do not have enough to cover our requirements as it is.
            @Former USAF raises a valid point below, in that we may well eventually forward base a Astute in AUS, much like we currently have a T23 out in the Gulf, and rotate crews to man it. This would help to greatly prolong the SMs ‘core life’ as opposed to running them backwards and forwards to AUS.
            We should know in a week or so.

          • Ultimately, hopefully, a common, modular design successor SSN class is produced by all AUKUS partners in sufficient quantities to yield meaningful cost savings, thus enabling an increase in fleets. Otherwise, the balance of forces in the SCS may become increasingly unfavorable. 🤔🤞

          • It can’t be right, they would totally destroy the RN’s ability to operate it’s SSN force and as said, Australia wouldn’t be anywhere near capable of operating them anyway.

            It will take years of building up infrastructure and the necessary skill sets.

            That will probably mean laying up Collins boats, to free up personnel for secondment to to the RN and USN SSN force for training.

        • The story comes from sub brief YouTube channel, he says a source of his down under said this but he wasn’t 100%. More likely 2 RN boats be based there joint manned/training or whatever.
          On a positive note his view is that astute are better than Virginia. Being a sonar man his view will be based on that probably.

        • I’m sure Triumph will be gone by by 2025, the pressure to man and maintain the Astutes and the rapidly escalating costs of running on an elderly T class boat will put paid to her I am sure.

          Unless of course funding is increased and threat levels continue to escalate to present levels.

          Then running 8 boats might be possible.

          Would it be possible to reactivate, refuel and refit three Trafalgar class boats I wonder, if crewing and money wasn’t an issue?

          • That is the thorny issue with Triumph. She is needed until the Astutes are on line. Then again so was Talent, but unfortunately she only lasted 18 months from refit before being de-commissioned.
            With the age that they are, it’s not really a good idea, as the systems are old and plain worn out. Years of running just takes its toll, it’s a bit of a false economy to try and keep them running.
            It would be cheaper to have more SMs to start with and run them at a less frantic tempo then to try and keep aged SMs running way past their initial OSD.

          • I’d have thought Talent and Triumph the last 2 T class boats could potential be refitted and given to the Aussies to run alongside the Collins class until SSNr comes online then Australia gets first 3-4 of those built and then switch to Aussie built for the last 4-6 subs. That way UK plc gets something back for supporting AuKUS and the Aussies have a fledgling SSN force with 2x T class boats.
            The T class is still far superior to any PLAN known or forecast SSN.

          • Talent had a refit, but dont believe a re-fuelling was involved, and was still axed early. I suspect that it had a lot to do with her remaining core life, or rather lack of it.
            There comes a time when things are just plain too old to continue/too expensive to justify keeping them going.
            Wont argue as to their capabilities, which are still very good, but you cant flog a dead horse I’m afraid.
            I suspect that Triumph will follow suit and also go early, probably before Agincourt joins the fleet in 2026. Ideally would welcome Triumph serving until at least then, but ‘core life/system life’ will ultimately determine when she departs.

          • Reactivate the old crew as well. I’m sure deep and his mates would be happy to serve on HMS rust bucket, HMS bottom dragger and HMS rescue me. 😂
            There must be scope to speed up the builds and get SSNR in the water quicker.

          • There comes a time in everyone’s life when caution takes precedence over all else! This would be one such occasion.🤔😂. After all, we don’t need a 30 something yo girl to add to any butt clenching adrenaline rush we may or may not have experienced over the course of our service!!! Stories for a different day/venue.
            Back in the late 70’s and 80’s we were commissioning a SSN approx every 2 years, so yes, plenty of scope to increase the build rate. Political will, coherent plan and money are all missing unfortunately.

      • Very doubtful that there would be a sale of any of rhe Astute class to Oz, but quite feasible that two of The Astute class will eventually be stationed at the Fleet West base (near Perth) once necessary infrastructure is available. Anticipate gradual buildup of RAN crewmember participation while still under RN command. These will be the boats responsible for Indo-Pacific theater from Persian Gulf to SCS. Expect a similar deployment scheme from USN to wherever the new Oz east coast submarine base is eventually established. This combination of subs will supplement and eventually supplant the Collins class, until RAN takes possession of a sufficient number of new build successor class. This conjecture should either be confirmed or refuted w/in a week. ,🤔😳😉

        • All I was asking was if anyone could confirm or deny what I had read in the times online.
          It seemed bonkers to me for several reasons but since when did government decisions and logical thinking go in the same sentence.

      • Yeah right… unless any article is quoting a named individual who is actually in a position to know such a decision, then it has zero credibility.
        For all we know it’s an Aussie trying to bounce the U.K. into selling 2 boats… but more likely it’s a ‘quote’ invented by a lazy journalist looking for easy copy.

        • Tut tut tut sir!! Implying that the Times, that bastion of free speech has been infiltrated by an Aussie or lazy journalism .
          Shame on you sir!!!

          • Having dated a Times journalist once, and the stories she told me, finding one that wasn’t lazy would be a major challenge! 😆

      • Jeez, that’s nice for Australia, hope they then get the SSNR brought forward asap for the RN and increased numbers. Hope the UK can also sell some Spearfish torpedos.

      • Your maths is terrible.

        7 Astutes are being/have been built.

        And given the:
        1. Tilt to the Pacific;
        2. Lack of personnel.

        Would we really miss those subs and if flyboy Rish! inks the deal, he can increase defence spending.

        Winner all round, methinks 😉

        Should there be some long term thinking, if only, it could help begin an increase in ship building tempo at Barrow.

        However, the grown ups will be along shortly to tell me why that’s not possible.

        • Charming post, and who said the art of polite good conversation is dead.
          Ps it is arithmetic not maths!! Your basic understanding of English is terrible!!

          • Maths is as English as arithmetic, its what those classes were called at school. It is ‘math’ that isn’t.

          • When I went to school, not that long ago adding, subtraction, division abd multiplication of known numbers was called arithmetic, not mathematics.
            Mathematics covered algebra, calculus, geometry etc.

          • Heavens, you’re so speschul.

            I had English and Maths at school. I can’t answer for someone like yourself.

            However, you chose to play me and not the ball.

            I was never charming, you were either getting nicked or behaving. Binary.

          • Based on one number you decide that my maths are terrible.

            If you have a different point of view , that is your right but I suggest if you want to post in future, you don’t start by insulting the person you are replying to, if you do, don’t be insult you are l replied to in a similar manner.

      • Bonkers is an understatement. This is what happens when government is permitted to shirk it’s primary function, defence. (Peace dividend my ass.)

        Related, if the RN had a second none nuclear submarine fleet like the Swedish, Norwegian and German navies. We could utilise them for roles other than escorting our carriers. Lets say ten or twelve air independent propulsion boats. It would benefit the submariner community in so many ways. Better promotion prospects, easier staff retention, more varied postings and skill sets etc. It would also permit BAE to open another submarine building/maintenance facility at a different location in GB. Ploughing the money back into the economy via subsidiary orders, jobs and taxes. A win, win, win scenario.

    • How amazing the Tory’s have ascertained that defence spending does not need to go up until after the next election. Honestly the complete distain this government shows to the electorate is incredible. Biggest war being fought in Europe for 80 years. Inflation at at 40 year high and authoritarian governments controlling much of Asia and challenging the western order but apparently defence won’t need much new money until 2026 or 2027. The the same time frame the US estimates Taiwan to be at the highest risk so it’s amazing that our government has concluded everything is fine.

      • Also need to remember it’s not there fault as well its the previous administrations fault, ow wait there the ones been in power for longer than a decade. Its so funny to watch ministers say they are going to finally crack down on this and sort that out even though they have had the past 12 years (I believe) to do all of that. However they are all as bad as each other tbh.

      • There is no spare money. The U.K. is over spending and has been for ages. The interest alone could fill a defence budget.

        • And yet the U.K. Debt to GDP % is lower than any G7 member, bar Germany…. But then Germany has gotten rich off cheap Russian gas and little military spending.

          • we have pretty impressive national debt, fine whilst interest rates were low. plus private debt as many home owners will find out when their mortgages need to be renewed.
            so agree about germany though, cheap energy not even green energy think of the brown coal. two putin pipelines, one was not enough. build a tank but don’t allow their customers to use it. lend money to greece for higher interest return and then blame the borrowers not the german lenders for the default, it has gone well for germany. have not even mentioned diesel gate yet.

          • Yes a pretty impressive national debt, but proportionally smaller than the national debt of Japan, USA, France, Italy, and Canada.

          • Oh well that’s ok then. My mates in much more debt than me and has worse APR. Now where did I put that number that spends the kids inheritance value of my house. 😂

          • In the wacky world of government finance it is ok, because everyone else is in a similar or worse position. If we were an outlier, with the same debt %, then we’d be in trouble because there’s obviously be something wrong specific to us. But because every other country is in the same boat, the gilts markets aren’t spooked by it.

            (Remember Liz Truss’ disaster period. The gilts market freaked out by us doing something very different to everyone else. Financial markets have a herd mentality.)

            As for your kid’s inheritance, well that’s your fault for giving them the impression you’re leaving them anything. Go enjoy your money 🤷🏻‍♂️

          • If our overseas creditors get nervous our interest rate goes up just think what happened with liz trust

          • Almost all UK debt is domestically held primarily by pension funds. It was not overseas creditors shitting themselves over the Lettuce budget but UK pension fund managers.

            They were nervous about a liquidity squeeze and long term borrowing plans to fund tax cuts. Raising taxes to cover expenditure would be completely different.

          • Plus any increase in BoE interest rates reduces the capital value of bonds etc they will be holding thus hitting their asset valuations.

    • Thanks to google translate:
       
      German and British Eurofighters ready for joint action over the Baltic States for the first time
       
      After years of preparation, the German Air Force and the British Royal Air Force are ready for joint armed intercept flights over the Baltic States for the first time. A British contingent was added to the German mission in what is known as NATO air policing over Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. So far, both nations had only completed joint training flights with their Eurofighter combat aircraft.
       
       
       Since the three Baltic states do not have their own fighter jets, other NATO countries have alternately provided aircraft for airspace surveillance since 2004. Since August last year, the Bundeswehr from the Estonian air force base Ämari has been responsible for this again – the 13th mission of the air force and above all the first since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year. The main task is to identify mostly Russian military aircraft that are flying in international airspace over the Baltic Sea, but often neither emit a transponder signal nor cooperate with civil air traffic control in this airspace, which is also used by civilian aircraft.
       
      British Eurofighters have been integrated into this mission since (today) Monday: As a so-called alarm group in the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA), a German and a British fighter plane are now ready in Ämari to take off within a few minutes and to identify unknown aircraft and intercept them if necessary . The machines of both nations are armed with guided missiles for close and medium combat distances.
       
      According to the Bundeswehr Air Operations Center, the Royal Air Force is providing three Eurofighters in Estonia for this task, two for operations and one as a reserve. The Air Force is present there with five Eurofighters, four for missions and one as a reserve. In April, responsibility for Baltic Air Policing will pass from Germany to Great Britain, after which the Luftwaffe will reduce its aircraft to three and support the British contingent until early May.
       
      Cooperation between the two air forces with the aim of joint operations had been in preparation for years. German and British Eurofighters had already started joint operations in 2019, the cooperation in Estonia was continued in 2020 and also tested in 2021 during a joint air policing operation on NATO’s south-eastern flank in Romania .
       
      The main problems for a joint operation of the Air Force and the Royal Air Force were of an organizational nature: It had to be ensured that the regulations of both countries matched – especially with the technical support of the fighter jets on the ground. Although German technicians are now allowed to work on a British Eurofighter and vice versa, certain work and approvals are reserved for the soldiers of the respective nation according to national regulations.

  4. Our eurofighter is better than yours. The RAF have pirate IRST the Germans do not.
    I wonder if the Germans are going to get it on there batch 3/4 aircraft?

    • Funny you should mention PIRATE;
       
      In the comments of the above article somebody actually mentions it:
      Mike Exner says: 03/06/2023 at 5:55 p.m
      Can someone actually explain to me why the Air Force was the only user who did without the Pirate FLIR? And what is the benefit or why does the Air Force not think they need it? The German IPA have it

    • While the British EF undoubtedly has several areas where it is better, the Iris-T is probably the better missile, and its IR seeker can actually be used when the missile is not fired, so the Pirate capability can partially be obtained by the Iris-T missile.

      The next batches will be interesting to see.

        • As ur in the know, do you think there’s much use for sending old asraam’s to go into NASAMs launchers?
          More thinking options for Ukraine instead of needing to use amraams all the time.

          • Yes, definitely. As per early Sidewinders, the Block 4 ASRAAM requires the seeker to be fed a cooling gas, for it to operate. On aircraft, a gas bottle is held in the launcher. Which is then used to keep the seeker’s temperature at a nominal working temperature.

            On NASAMS, the presumption is that a larger gas bottle is used for the Sidewinder’s seeker cooling. As Sidewinder, IRIS-T and ASRAAM all confer to the same NATO connector standard. In theory both ASRAAM and IRIS-T could be used with NASAMS.

            ASRAAM’s big advantage, even as a Block 4 missile, is that it is significantly faster and has a longer range than both Sidewinder and IRIS-T.

      • Asraam and irst I would class as 2 different kinds of missiles.
        Asraam much longer range allows it to shoot first. Irst has shorter range but more manoeuvrable.
        Then the heads will depend how much of an improvement the new asraam seeker head is over the old one as that’s what irst uses.
        How much use the extra manoeuvrability is i don’t know.
        Personally I would prefer to shoot first and stay outside the enemy’s kill zone.
        Exports seem to favour sidewinder and irst.
        I’m no expert on the topic.
        Have a look at the new mutant missile prototypes with the moving head.

        • Sadly for the UK, Sidewinder has more commercial backing. So the US can offer a more favorable package. Especially when it’s offered as part of a larger package say with a F35.

          ASRAAM has a very good lock-on after launch capability, so it can be fired at targets over the shoulder that are either designated by the pilot’s helmet or in free flight hunt mode. So its very maneuverability though perhaps not as extreme as the IRIS-T. Which is more than enough to out-maneuver manned aircraft.

          IRIS-T has the wide mid-body strakes that add lift. However, they also add a lot of drag, which reduces it kinetic energy and thus its range. Which means if the target is near the end of its effective range and is maneuvering hard. It may miss the target. ASRAAM does not have any mid-body strakes, it instead uses body lift to add lift. Also because it has a much bigger motor, it carries more kinetic energy.

  5. As the next government will most likely be labour. I do not hold out much hope to a return to proper defence spending and an armed forces properly equipped for an increasingly dangerous world.
    They will simply use the past Tory government as cover for further neglect and running down.
    Political theoretic and blame passing does not defend the country.

    • Seems certain it’s going to be an SSN(R) with a US combat information system onboard in line with Collins Class.

      I still think we will see two Astutes forward based in Australia and possibly leased to Australia as it will save the Tory’s money to pump in to this Army we apparently need while looking like they are strong on defence.

      I’m sure we might see a couple of Virginia’s forward deployed to Australia as well.

      • It makes sense to have a couple forward deployed, joint manned, training etc.
        It’s the other side of the world so saves transit times.
        That would leave 4-5 for U.K. side of the world ops.

  7. The prints say the AUKUS announcement is on Monday 13th: batten down the hatches for the tidal wave of bullsh.

  8. Is it not time we started taking Baltic pilots and training them up on F16s? Create a Baltic Airforce that can take on this role?

    How many years has it been?

    • A long time. There is very little in the way of air forces in the Baltics, a few helicopters and AN-2 and that seems to be it. The last fighters on order were Hurricanes, that were not delivered as they were overrun by Soviets. It would have to be a ground up creation.

    • Yes it’s possible. It’s basically sorting out having the aircraft’s mission computer talk to the missile over its Soviet made databus and vice versa.

      The main issue would be the relatively poor performance of the Mig-29’s radar. The Su-27 could also be included, but its radar is more powerful. The issue is that depending on which version of AMRAAM they are looking at. The two later versions will outrange the radar’s performance. So the Mig-29 especially will not get the full benefit. The Su-27 should be ok though.

        • I don’t believe so. The problem is they no longer have access to newer Russian avionics for the Mig-29/35. According to reports the latest Mig-29M avionics wise is a completely new aircraft. Which means it’s unlikely the Zhuk-ME radar that it uses would be a quick fit, requiring a host of modifications.

          The Mig-29s that Poland and Slovakia may give Ukraine still have their original radars I believe. They had NATO compatible radios and IFF fitted, sadly not the 1553 databus for weapons.

          The aircraft that would be better suited for AMRAAM is their Su-27s.

          For full AMRAAM off the shelf capability they really would need a Western fighter, such as a F16C/D, F18C/D, Gripen C/D or a Tranche 1 Typhoon. Sadly the Mirage 2000 never integrated AMRAAM as far as I’m aware. Plus I doubt the US would give them F15C/Ds.

          • The Mig-29 already has the S-31E2 KOLS IRST. Which is a first generation system. The PIRATE used on the Typhoon is a second generation sensor.

            Again, you will need a western databus to operate PIRATE, that let its imagery be displayed on a multifunction screen. Yet alone having the data talk to a mission computer, for calculating the missile shot.

            This will take time and money to modify a Mig-29 so it can use PIRATE. Do Ukraine have enough airframes that they can miss having aircraft bring modified. Which will take several months of non stop work to complete?

            Rumania were looking at getting their Mig-29s modernized to a Western standard. I think DASA were the overall integrator for coordinating the work. They were subcontracting the avionics to Elbit, but more importantly installing the 1553/1760 as the weapons databus. It was modified to use a new Elbit radar, but wasn’t fitted. Russia were a pissed at the idea another Country was going to modernize their aircraft. So they wouldn’t sanction or certify any modifications. Which killed off the program.

            ASRAAM could certainly be made to work from a Mig-29 or the Su-27. But would face similar hurdles to getting full capability, especially lock-on after launch. Lock-on before launch shouldn’t be a problem though.

          • Not sure on that because Russia upgraded the Slovak Migs from Sliac…

            And the person I know is way too high to comment.

  10. Has the time come to start protecting the skies over Ukrain?

    Each time we are rolling a dice’ – IAEA’s Grossi
    “More strong quotes from Rafael Grossi, the head of the IAEA, who says the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was again forced to run in emergency mode following the latest Russian strikes.

    In his statement to his board of governors earlier, he added: “I am astonished by the complacency – what are we doing to prevent this happening? We are the IAEA, we are meant to care about nuclear safety.

    “Each time we are rolling a dice. And if we allow this to continue time after time, then one day our luck will run out.

    “I call on everyone in this room today and elsewhere – we must commit to protect the safety and security of the plant. And we need to commit NOW. What we need is action.”

    https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/BlankSiteASPX/media/WNNImported/mainimagelibrary/plants/Zaporizhzhya_Energoatom_730x411.jpg?ext=.jpg

        • Don’t make the mistake of discounting Russia through complacency and its current ineptitude!

          Russia could quite easily fully mobilize its population. Which would give it a huge numerical infantry advantage. Even without fully equipped armoured battalions, that would be used in an infantry support role. If they fully mobilized they could literally swamp an area with personnel. Sure they will loose thousands. But they would overwhelm Ukraines defences.

          Ukraine are fully aware of this, hence the big push for NATO owned armour plus more artillery systems and shells. But I do wonder if Ukraine will then use cluster munitions. As I don’t believe they signed up to the treaty banning them. Besides if your Country and very way of life is at threat. Will you worry over using banned weapons? I wonder if they can get their hands on some grid square removal system M26 rockets?

  11. We must get rid of the overseas aid budget and spend the entire thing on defence. Along with scrapping useless and none functioning government bodies such as the “border force” etc. Plough the money into defence as a matter of some urgency. It is Afterall the primary function of our government.
    Then increase the defence budget to 10% to reflect the current and future threats we face.

    Seeking compensation from the CCP and the US for the damage done by the Wuhan lab initiated pandemic, would be a good idea too. (Another “I told you so” moment.)

    Take part payment in military hardware if necessary. Just saying.

  12. It would help if the Estonians had more aircraft than a few (3) old Aero L39 trainers. I think it is true to say, they have more old soviet era military airfields than fixed wing aircraft to utilise them.

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