Exercise Albiston Shadow in 2027 will be the largest UK home defence exercise in decades, testing how government responds to hybrid attacks and trying out the refreshed Government War Book, according to an answer given in Parliament.
Stuart Anderson, the Conservative MP for South Shropshire, asked what preparations were underway.
Louise Sandher-Jones, Minister for the Armed Forces, replied:
“The Ministry of Defence is working closely with the Cabinet Office, who are the lead Government department for Exercise ALBISTON SHADOW 2027. ALBISTON SHADOW will be the largest UK Home Defence exercise in decades, and will involve ministers and officials from across Government.
“ALBISTON SHADOW is an important step in enhancing national resilience and preparedness by testing government preparedness for hybrid attacks, through the testing of the refreshed Government War Book, to which Defence is contributing. The Ministry of Defence will participate fully in the exercise, and preparations are underway now, including working with the Cabinet Office in the design and planning of the exercise.”
Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, announced the exercise in July in the government’s first Annual Statement on National Resilience.
Sandher-Jones said in September that the War Books will be rewritten by the end of this year as part of an accelerated Home Defence Programme led by the Cabinet Office.
Better dust off the RSGs! I’m very interested to know who and what elements are taking part.
I presume that the cost will be coming out of the defence budget? A refreshed war book. Does it contain any plans to order anything i wonder.