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[Fluff]

Upgrading the Challenger 2, buying the Leopard 2's or ditching main battle tanks altogether – the British Army weighs its options on what to do about its tank fleet (Source, English)

I don't like the idea of an army's ranking general suggesting main battle tanks have become obsolete. Which is particularly odd given the Army's realisation they need a solution was (at least according to the BBC) motivated by the observation that both Britain's allies and potential foes have fielded new tanks as of late. Then again, it is the BBC we're talking about – and they seem to think the Challenger 2 has no future except under museum glass.

I'd love to see Leopards in British colours, though – if only to piss off Nigel Farage.

I'd imagine we will settle to 100 Leo2 with all the bells and whistles. Built in Telford, so all good. Once we get a trade deal, of course....

 

[Connaught Ranger]

Well, that sucks. But what about Micheal Martin in person, didn't he recently make a suggestion to acquire fighter jets for Ireland?

A meaningless gesture from "Me hole" Martin, at this point in time they dont have the cash to keep the Navy at sea full time, at least two ships tied up waiting for maintainance, another held in port due to not enough crew (sailors have left because of poor pay, some reckon Lidl pay more than what they get in the Navy.) Add to that Irish troops being starnded in lebanon because flights home after rotation were not cleared during the COVID-19 pandemic, other bods were left in Africa at the same time.

 

[Connaught Ranger]

Of course storys like this dont give you much faith in the Political/Civil Service/ Dept. of Defence aspects towards the Irish military -

Libyan warlord paid €1.35m for ex-Irish Naval vessel sold by Ireland for €100,000
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/cri...-vessel-sold-by-ireland-for-100-000-1.4112621

 

[Picanha]

The proposal involves replacing spending with capabilities to gauge what each country should be able to contribute if push came to shove. Which actually seems to make a lot of sense, I hasten to add.

Military spending relative to the gross domestic product was pretty much the vaguest benchmark they could've possible come up with in 2002. With the seventh highest defence budget in the world but not the seventh-most potent army, what better country than Germany to illustrate spending doesn't necessarily equal firepower?

Then, think of Switzerland to see a country more militarily potent than many similar-sized NATO countries which spend a higher percentage of their GDP on defence. Organisation is at least as big of a key to producing the desired output, if not a bigger one.

Last but not least, the proposal would allow smaller NATO countries to focus what funds they have on a capability to contribute. For instance, what good does it do if every single one of these smaller states maintains ten to twelve fighter jets and a handful of transports? Why shouldn't they strike an agreement that sees one country provide the former and the other do the latter – to the great fiscal benefit of both?

You mean something like an European army.? In the end its what boiling down to. The most effective use of money. And let's not fool ourselves who's interested and served by a patchwork of tiny incomplete armies?

 

[Cron]

I'd imagine we will settle to 100 Leo2 with all the bells and whistles. Built in Telford, so all good. Once we get a trade deal, of course....

Given the shift in size from the CVR(T) family to the Ajax line, I fully expect that this trend be continued and any replacement for CR2 (assuming LEP gets shitcanned) sees us field a behemoth that rocks in at 6m width and 250 tonnes dry, plus another 25 tonne for the TES fit. But probably only 4 of them (including the driver training tank).

 

[muck]

You mean something like an European army.? In the end its what boiling down to. The most effective use of money. And let's not fool ourselves who's interested and served by a patchwork of tiny incomplete armies?

I don't think we'll see such a thing as an "European Army" anytime soon. A military is the visible embodiement of national sovereignty, rivalling in importance a nation's flag or anthem; and way too diverse interests exist on the continent for so many nations to not only give up that symbol but also pull together strategically.

Not even the two major blocks within NATO seem able to agree on a common strategy.

I do, however, expect a surge in military cooperations such as between Belgium and the Netherlands (BeNeSam). In the long run mergers of entire service branches primarily dedicated to regional defence are also imaginable.

For instance, why shouldn't immediate neighbours Czechia and Slovakia – a middle and a minor power respectively with little interest in projecting aerial might abroad – merge their air defences and profit from considerable synergies?

As for Kramp-Karrenbauer's suggestion; groups of member states with similar requirements already strike specialisation agreements, and that kind of cooperation could be extended to the alliance in its entirety.

Politically such a scheme has much greater majority appeal since it could be implemented both within the framework of multilateral cooperation (see NATO's AWACS wing as an example) and under national authority where that sort of thing seems preferable.

The only air forces within NATO's European part capable of SEAD are Italy's and Germany's, for example Why? Because not everyone needs that capability, and it comes cheaper for the lot of us if e.g. Germany does SEAD and the UK does aerial ASW instead.

 

[Fluff]

I don't think we'll see such a thing as an "European Army" anytime soon. A military is the visible embodiement of national sovereignty, rivalling in importance a nation's flag or anthem; and way too diverse interests exist on the continent for so many nations to not only give up that symbol but also pull together strategically.

Not even the two major blocks within NATO seem able to agree on a common strategy.

I do, however, expect a surge in military cooperations such as between Belgium and the Netherlands (BeNeSam). In the long run mergers of entire service branches primarily dedicated to regional defence are also imaginable.

For instance, why shouldn't immediate neighbours Czechia and Slovakia – a middle and a minor power respectively with little interest in projecting aerial might abroad – merge their air defences and profit from considerable synergies?

As for Kramp-Karrenbauer's suggestion; groups of member states with similar requirements already strike specialisation agreements, and that kind of cooperation could be extended to the alliance in its entirety.

Politically such a scheme has much greater majority appeal since it could be implemented both within the framework of multilateral cooperation (see NATO's AWACS wing as an example) and under national authority where that sort of thing seems preferable.

The only air forces within NATO's European part capable of SEAD are Italy's and Germany's, for example Why? Because not everyone needs that capability, and it comes cheaper for the lot of us if e.g. Germany does SEAD and the UK does aerial ASW instead.

As the wheel of equipment replacement (very) slowly turns, we see standardisation, as many countries lose the facility to design 'best in class' of some system. So UK buys Ajax, and the wheeled thing boxer? but builds them in UK mostly. aircraft are standardising around Typhoon, Gripen and F35, not bad compared to the 70s when you had dozens of models.

surrendering national control is different, EU operations will happen, and probably should, and I'm sure UK will join some of them, but NATO should continue, also.

 

[Picanha]

I know its not going to happen anytime soon. But I wouldn`t rule it out in the far future if we still exist then ?. The whole integration which you also mentioned, points into that direction. And you are right the politic and strategic side are the main issues, who`s commanding it? As long as there are no agreed upon goals and values for example that all nations interests have to be served. E.g also defence of ex territorial possessions. But on teh other hand this would give unprecedented power and credibility (but to whom would you give it??). Sending a strong signal that there is no messing around and no more fragmented weaknesses to exploit. Today NATO still fullfills this role.

 

[Fluff]

I know its not going to happen anytime soon. But I wouldn`t rule it out in the far future if we still exist then ?. The whole integration which you also mentioned, points into that direction. And you are right the politic and strategic side are the main issues, who`s commanding it? As long as there are no agreed upon goals and values for example that all nations interests have to be served. E.g also defence of ex territorial possessions. But on teh other hand this would give unprecedented power and credibility (but to whom would you give it??). Sending a strong signal that there is no messing around and no more fragmented weaknesses to exploit. Today NATO still fullfills this role.

Of course we are going to need to mount an operation in the next few, months, to evacuate the survivors of the great american experiment.

 

[PEMM]

I'd imagine we will settle to 100 Leo2 with all the bells and whistles. Built in Telford, so all good. Once we get a trade deal, of course....

In Finland people often say that we joined EU and should join Nato, so we would get help from the west.

But it's starts to seem that it would be the other way around.

 

[Hiryu2.0]

Greece getting 18 Rafales, 8 are free from France – Alert 5

 

[BravoZulu]

Greece getting 18 Rafales, 8 are free from France – Alert 5

Rafale: New "purchase" of fighter jets from France

Greece and France have reached an agreement for the purchase of 18 Rafale fighter jets.

The newspaper talks about a preliminary agreement for the acquisition of 10 new generation Rafale C F3-R fighters, while the remaining 8 will be of an older version and will come from the stock of the French Air Force.

According to the publication of "Parapolitikon", the eight French versions of the older version will be given to Greece for free and concern the F1 & F2 versions. They can carry out interception missions with the RBE2 radar (Radar à Balayage Electronique 2 plans) PRESA and the MICA EM / IR missiles. The 10 new generation French, as it is claimed, "will make a difference".

These are the Rafale C F3-R that carry RBE2 AA AESA technology and BVR METEOR missiles with a range of 100 km
https://www.pagenews.gr/2020/08/29/ellada/rafale-nea-agora-maxitikon-aeroskafon-apo-ti-gallia/

 

[muck]

The German government will commission a third batch of Brunswick Class anti-surface warfare corvettes rather than temporarily sideline the five oldest vessels for a removal of obsolescences. With the order, Berlin hopes to avoid lengthy shipyard periods that would reduce the number of corvettes available to the German Navy throughout the 2020's without actually extending the type's 30-year hull service life.

Germany owns five corvettes, with another five nearing completion. Launched almost 15 years ago, the oldest vessels will require upgrades by the mid of the decade; but these retrofits would not amortise unless accompanied with a time-consuming hull life extension programme. The continued delivery of further corvettes would be more cost-effective and could double the number of units seaworthy at any given time. (Source, German)

This is good news. And it's ironic Germany of all countries continues to resist the trend of axing defence spending during the recession.

 

[Picanha]

Bit of old(er) news

France progressing towards HIL Guépard helicopter development
Airbus Helicopters and the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) are pursuing a new set of studies to further the militarization of the H160 and to define its associated support ecosystem in the context of the Joint Light Helicopter program (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger: HIL).

France progressing towards HIL Guépard helicopter development - Naval News

Airbus Helicopters and the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) are pursuing a new set of studies to further the militarization of the H160 and to define its associated support ecosystem in the context of the Joint Light Helicopter program (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger: HIL).

www.navalnews.com

H160M Mock-up:

 

[Fluff]

Bit of old(er) news

France progressing towards HIL Guépard helicopter development
Airbus Helicopters and the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) are pursuing a new set of studies to further the militarization of the H160 and to define its associated support ecosystem in the context of the Joint Light Helicopter program (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger: HIL).

France progressing towards HIL Guépard helicopter development - Naval News

Airbus Helicopters and the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) are pursuing a new set of studies to further the militarization of the H160 and to define its associated support ecosystem in the context of the Joint Light Helicopter program (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger: HIL).

www.navalnews.com

H160M Mock-up:

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A westland Scout was light. This isnt a light.....

 

[Picanha]

Well ist todays "light"


Royal Air Force To Get New AESA Radars for the Eurofighter Typhoon

Royal Air Force To Get New AESA Radars for the Eurofighter Typhoon

The new radar, called European Common Radar System Mark 2, will enter service in the mid-2020s. The Royal Air Force signed a £ 317 million (about USD 421

theaviationist.com

Now I understand the differences the Mk.0 being the "Export" version
The Mk.1 the version built by Hensoldt.
And the Mk.2 the version built by Leonardo which additionally to the MK1 features an electronic warfare capability.

 

[Fluff]

Well ist todays "light"


Royal Air Force To Get New AESA Radars for the Eurofighter Typhoon

Royal Air Force To Get New AESA Radars for the Eurofighter Typhoon

The new radar, called European Common Radar System Mark 2, will enter service in the mid-2020s. The Royal Air Force signed a £ 317 million (about USD 421

theaviationist.com

Now I understand the differences the Mk.0 being the "Export" version
The Mk.1 the version built by Hensoldt.
And the Mk.2 the version built by Leonardo which additionally to the MK1 features an electronic warfare capability.

Just like this:

Is the new radar to detect dinghy's or french fishermen?

 

[muck]

From one neutral country to another… ?‍

The Irish government has begun to study the feasibility of an interceptor component for the Irish Air Corps which has not had possessed jet-powered combat aircraft since 1999. The formal defence review was commissioned in view of recent geopolitical change, particularly heightened global tensions and the United Kingdom's exit from the EU. Dublin is said to be eying the purchase of a number of Gripen E multi-role fighter jets. (Source, English)

~~~

The Austrian government has announced its intention to accept an offer to sell its fleet of Typhoon multi-role fighter jets to Indonesia. The offer, which had arrived in Vienna earlier this summer, is said to have been approved by the general staff of the Austrian Army. The announcement reignites rumours that the government means to strip the country's military bare of costly weapon systems.

Despite court rulings in favour of the aircraft's manufacturer, Federal Minister of Defence Klaudia Tanner has been accusing Airbus of bribery and is intent on retiring the Typhoon at all costs. It is, however, dubious if Tanner will be able to have her way since the original 2002 contract would require Austria to seek permission from the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain and Italy to actually resell the aircraft. (Source, Austrian)

The Austrian Army deserves a general like France's De Villiers who'd rather resign than see through the moronic policies of that government.

 

[BravoZulu]

Germany has decided to drop the Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft from a list of contenders to replace its P-3 Orion.

Berlin and Paris are shopping for a new aircraft that will enter service in 2025.

This new aircraft will be a stopgap measure until 2035. However, Germany is worried that the P-1 might not be able to obtain a military type certification within five years. This will push the operational date beyond 2025.

 

[muck]

That's a wee bit surprising to hear. My understanding is the P-1 was acknowledged as the best there is and the aircraft the German Navy would buy in a perfect world, but a true contender it has never been. In fact, it never even made the shortlist of potential stop-gap measures (P-8 Poseidon, C-295 MPA, RAS 72) published earlier this year.

The bones of contention cited were the high costs associated with a small-scale production and doubts if the Japanese government would approve the transfer of technology necessitated by Kawaski's perceived inability to support a customer outside Japan. However, France and Germany still seek to cooperate with Japan on their binational MPA due in 2035.

A few weeks ago, the Chief of Naval Aviation on his twitter openly admitted the P-8 is his aircraft of choice due to the greater range. But it'll all boil down to politics. Every notion to buy arms from the current US administration pretty much amounts to political suicide at this point. And obviously, the ongoing crisis of the aviation industry virtually compells buying domestically.