Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
Can Somalia Find the Will - and the Way - to Fight Its Own Piracy?
My most recent ‘road to Damascus’ experience struck me as I waded through knee-high piles of research material in my office - all part of an on-going search for the raison d'être of Somali Piracy. It was a revelation of sorts as it is one of those questions that only begets more of the same, but it led me down a path we have all, up to this point, tried so hard to avoid:
“Why won’t the outside world fully support legitimate Somalis to fight piracy and terrorism?”
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/cgRy5
“Why won’t the outside world fully support legitimate Somalis to fight piracy and terrorism?”
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/cgRy5
Friday, 6 May 2011
Top Army bomb squad officer who resigned reveals IED training problems
During the week of 17 May, Defence IQ (http://ping.fm/2Chj7) will be airing an exclusive interview with the British Army’s most senior counter-IED operator, Colonel Bob Seddon.
The 45 minute exposé, conducted with Defence IQ’s Senior Editor Robert Densmore, is Colonel Seddon’s first public interview since his retirement took effect on 26 April 2011. Having served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, he became well known for his criticism of MoD provisions for training and recruiting IED operators.
Col Seddon served as principal ammunition technical officer of the Royal Logistics Corps and announced his intention to retire in May of 2010, during which time the MoD stated he could only comment in a limited capacity on IED operations in Afghanistan.
The former IED operator, who appeared dressed in civilian attire, commented in length about how he felt the war in Afghanistan was progressing and how the Taliban’s IED tactics have evolved as well as describing the human cost of IED warfare.
For the first time since initially expressing dissatisfaction over British Army policy, Colonel Seddon opened up in front of the cameras about his experience with the personal cost of the Afghan conflict. The interview can be viewed on demand at www.defenceiq.com beginning 17 May.
Col Seddon will be chairing the 5th Annual Counter-IEDs event, to be held on 20-22 June 2011 at the Royal Aeronautical Society in London. To register, visit www.c-ieds.com.
The 45 minute exposé, conducted with Defence IQ’s Senior Editor Robert Densmore, is Colonel Seddon’s first public interview since his retirement took effect on 26 April 2011. Having served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, he became well known for his criticism of MoD provisions for training and recruiting IED operators.
Col Seddon served as principal ammunition technical officer of the Royal Logistics Corps and announced his intention to retire in May of 2010, during which time the MoD stated he could only comment in a limited capacity on IED operations in Afghanistan.
The former IED operator, who appeared dressed in civilian attire, commented in length about how he felt the war in Afghanistan was progressing and how the Taliban’s IED tactics have evolved as well as describing the human cost of IED warfare.
For the first time since initially expressing dissatisfaction over British Army policy, Colonel Seddon opened up in front of the cameras about his experience with the personal cost of the Afghan conflict. The interview can be viewed on demand at www.defenceiq.com beginning 17 May.
Col Seddon will be chairing the 5th Annual Counter-IEDs event, to be held on 20-22 June 2011 at the Royal Aeronautical Society in London. To register, visit www.c-ieds.com.
Thursday, 5 May 2011
Rule Number One for Effective Information Operations in the Field: Access Equals Power - http://ping.fm/t2NTJ
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Afghans will be ready to take up the IED challenge by 2014 says ISAF
Ahead of the annual Counter IED conference in London this June, the ISAF Counter-IED (improvised explosive device) Chief of Staff has stated that he is confident that Afghan forces will be both trained and equipped to a sufficient standard to take on the role of defeating the insurgent devices when coalition forces are eventually withdrawn from Afghanistan.
In a recent Defence IQ podcast interview, Lt. Col. Martin Gliniecki of the British Armed Forces and head of the strategy at HQ ISAF to counter the ever-present threat of IEDs, forecast the readiness of Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) by 2014.
“The start of the training is overseen by NTMA (NATO Training Mission - Afghanistan), setting the standards required, so only then will we allow either soldiers or a contractor to train against that requirement, and therefore we are pretty confident that they are trained and assessed to the right competencies,” he said.
“Certainly no EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) Afghan will be going out without the right equipment if, we as ISAF, as mentors, are doing our jobs properly.
“In the timeframe of 2014, we should be able to develop, with our current strategy, the right number of EOD teams with the right capabilities and equipment in time. That’s certainly the plan.”
Gliniecki went on to point out that a decrease in casualties will be an encouragement to Afghan forces when the hand-over takes place.
The overall strategy is being driven by General David Petraeus’s campaign plan, which includes the three elements of protecting the population, supporting the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), and neutralising the insurgent network.
The interview also details the methods that Afghan troops undertake in their training, and elaborated on the process of feeding back frontline information to the commanders formulating strategy and equipment requirements.
Gliniecki will be running a live video stream session from Afghanistan at the 5th Annual Counter IED conference to cover these issues in detail.
The 2011 event, hosted by Defence IQ, is set to present focused sessions that include analysis by the U.K. MoD on staying ahead of the evolving IED capabilities, U.S. Army insight into the use of forensics to trace networks more effectively, and multinational approaches to training and coordination in order to meet national objectives.
The full audio interview can be listened to at http://bit.ly/iS1HC9.
To find out more about the event, which will take place on June 20-22 in London, visit www.c-ieds.com. Alternatively, call +44 (0) 20 7368 9334, or email defence@iqpc.co.uk.
In a recent Defence IQ podcast interview, Lt. Col. Martin Gliniecki of the British Armed Forces and head of the strategy at HQ ISAF to counter the ever-present threat of IEDs, forecast the readiness of Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) by 2014.
“The start of the training is overseen by NTMA (NATO Training Mission - Afghanistan), setting the standards required, so only then will we allow either soldiers or a contractor to train against that requirement, and therefore we are pretty confident that they are trained and assessed to the right competencies,” he said.
“Certainly no EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) Afghan will be going out without the right equipment if, we as ISAF, as mentors, are doing our jobs properly.
“In the timeframe of 2014, we should be able to develop, with our current strategy, the right number of EOD teams with the right capabilities and equipment in time. That’s certainly the plan.”
Gliniecki went on to point out that a decrease in casualties will be an encouragement to Afghan forces when the hand-over takes place.
The overall strategy is being driven by General David Petraeus’s campaign plan, which includes the three elements of protecting the population, supporting the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), and neutralising the insurgent network.
The interview also details the methods that Afghan troops undertake in their training, and elaborated on the process of feeding back frontline information to the commanders formulating strategy and equipment requirements.
Gliniecki will be running a live video stream session from Afghanistan at the 5th Annual Counter IED conference to cover these issues in detail.
The 2011 event, hosted by Defence IQ, is set to present focused sessions that include analysis by the U.K. MoD on staying ahead of the evolving IED capabilities, U.S. Army insight into the use of forensics to trace networks more effectively, and multinational approaches to training and coordination in order to meet national objectives.
The full audio interview can be listened to at http://bit.ly/iS1HC9.
To find out more about the event, which will take place on June 20-22 in London, visit www.c-ieds.com. Alternatively, call +44 (0) 20 7368 9334, or email defence@iqpc.co.uk.
Yankee Military Dollars Trade Up in Global Defence Markets
In the cagey and competitive world of defence spending, the US still stands alone as the key trendsetter. American global dominance in the arena means that all the world’s major military spenders make their decisions with due deference to which direction the stars and stripes are waving. In Germany, the decision to focus on heavy lift capability through the A400M project was taken with at least one eye on the apparent gap left by the US’ strong emphasis on conventional capabilities. In China, defence policy is, nearly without exception, formulated in response to Washington; a recent aerospace conference in Zhuhai boasted a larger-than-life diorama showing a US aircraft carrier patrolling the Yangtze. The importance of the US to global defence purchasing means that sensible predictions about the US’ likely medium-term decisions are a vital tool for policymakers and defence executives alike.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/PKmmM
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/PKmmM
Thursday, 28 April 2011
'Libyanistan': 5 Strategies We Should Have Followed - And Still Aren't
On the morning of September 11, 2001, I was in Boston on advanced consulting training at the corporate headquarters of the business consulting firm I was working for at the time. That day the training was cancelled and we were sent to our hotels rooms. I remember being glued all day to that well-known 24-hours news channel.
The genesis of anti-Al Qaeda warfare
After the initial shock, the training resumed later that week. Once the course was completed, I rented a car and made the long drive home to Montreal, as airlines were still grounded across the US. This five-hour drive gave me time to think, as a senior Canadian Army officer in Reserves, about where this could lead us to be involved in. Afghanistan, where Al Qaeda had sanctuary by the Taliban, was soon identified as a target. I never thought when it started that we would still be there 10 years later.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/3Vq1R
The genesis of anti-Al Qaeda warfare
After the initial shock, the training resumed later that week. Once the course was completed, I rented a car and made the long drive home to Montreal, as airlines were still grounded across the US. This five-hour drive gave me time to think, as a senior Canadian Army officer in Reserves, about where this could lead us to be involved in. Afghanistan, where Al Qaeda had sanctuary by the Taliban, was soon identified as a target. I never thought when it started that we would still be there 10 years later.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/3Vq1R
Friday, 15 April 2011
Rapidly Evolving Cyber Warfare Threats to be discussed at Defence IQ's Cyber Warfare Online
As cyber warfare threats continue to evolve at a rapid rate, senior representatives from the US Cyber Command, NATO and EU will discuss cyber warfare strategies, tactics and practices at Defence IQ’s Cyber Warfare Online Event.
In an interview with Defence IQ at Cyber Warfare Europe 2011, Lieutenant Colonel William Hagestead, USMC, contends that cyber vector threats will ‘change so rapidly that we won’t even know they’re there.’
From STUXNET to Wikileaks, recent attacks on critical infrastructure and information security lapses, have thrown cyber warfare into mainstream headlines and made military bodies such as the US Army and US Marine Corps, which are traditionally focussed on kinetic warfare, move onto the cyber security domain.
In order to address the strategic and tactical challenges faced by cyber professionals within military bodies, cyber security companies and intelligence agencies, Defence IQ will be holding Cyber Warfare Online 2011.
The virtual summit, which includes a keynote speech from Brigadier General John Davis, the Director of Current Operations for US Cyber Command, will keep cyber professionals up-to-date with the latest developments in battle management, command and control and defensive counter-cyber strategies.
It will also be a prime opportunity for cyber warfare and cyber security experts to see how military bodies are developing their exploit and attack capabilities in conjunction with government and intelligence agencies. Given the transmogrifying nature of cyber warfare threats, forums such as Cyber Warfare Online play a pivotal role in developing and understanding effective cyber warfare and security strategies.
In spite of the fast-evolving nature of cyber warfare threats, Lieutenant Colonel Hagestead, who will be speaking at the event, suggests that cyber warfare incidents can be far from typical and that while ‘there may be cyber battles but there will not be full scale cyber warfare’.
He also notes that the curious character of cyber threats is that they are more likely to be internal, not external. ‘If one looks at the recent case with the wikileaks example…it’s purported that the majority of the data was leaked from an internal source. That goes to show that the majority major threats are going to be internal, not external.’
To listen to the full interview with Lieutenant Colonel William Hagestad II, Force Movement Control, US Marine Corps on 'Transmogrification': US Marine Corps Cyber Officer Stares Down a Rapidly Changing Threat’ visit http://www.blogger.com/www.defenceiq.com. For more information about Cyber Warfare Online or to get involved, please visit www.cyberwarfareonline.com.
Typhoon joins Tornado in Libya ground attack operations
Typhoon jets are providing a ground attack capability in addition to Tornado GR4 aircraft as British forces continue to support NATO operations in Libya.
Speaking to the media in London, Air Vice-Marshal Phil Osborn, Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group, said that the use of Typhoon in a multi-role fit, combined with Tornado, provides a highly responsive and balanced capability while maintaining the deployed force at the most efficient level.
The Typhoons are carrying Enhanced Paveway II bombs for the operation, complementing the ordnance carried by the GR4s and increasing the variety of precision-guided weapons available to NATO.
Air Vice-Marshal Osborn revealed that yesterday evening a Typhoon patrolling with a Tornado over western Libya was able to positively identify regime main battle tanks (MBTs) to the south of Misurata. The two aircraft attacked and the Typhoon successfully engaged two MBTs with Enhanced Paveway II bombs, while the Tornado hit another MBT with Paveway IV.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/0alaw
Speaking to the media in London, Air Vice-Marshal Phil Osborn, Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group, said that the use of Typhoon in a multi-role fit, combined with Tornado, provides a highly responsive and balanced capability while maintaining the deployed force at the most efficient level.
The Typhoons are carrying Enhanced Paveway II bombs for the operation, complementing the ordnance carried by the GR4s and increasing the variety of precision-guided weapons available to NATO.
Air Vice-Marshal Osborn revealed that yesterday evening a Typhoon patrolling with a Tornado over western Libya was able to positively identify regime main battle tanks (MBTs) to the south of Misurata. The two aircraft attacked and the Typhoon successfully engaged two MBTs with Enhanced Paveway II bombs, while the Tornado hit another MBT with Paveway IV.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/0alaw
Thursday, 14 April 2011
No Compromise on British Nuclear Subs
Britain will not be scaling back the number of its nuclear submarines in the near-term future, according to the Ministry of Defence, but will continue to keep the possibility under review.
Speaking to the BBC, Secretary of Defence Dr. Liam Fox addressed the controversial Trident programme in response to the perceived uncertainty about its future.
Previously, Dr. Fox had indicated that there may have been cause and opportunity to reduce the fleet from four to three as part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) undertaken last year, but has since affirmed that detailed assessment does not allow for such a cutback without jeopardizing national security.
"If you reduce the number, you take an increased risk in your ability to deploy that deterrent at all times,” said Fox.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/ksYqb
Speaking to the BBC, Secretary of Defence Dr. Liam Fox addressed the controversial Trident programme in response to the perceived uncertainty about its future.
Previously, Dr. Fox had indicated that there may have been cause and opportunity to reduce the fleet from four to three as part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) undertaken last year, but has since affirmed that detailed assessment does not allow for such a cutback without jeopardizing national security.
"If you reduce the number, you take an increased risk in your ability to deploy that deterrent at all times,” said Fox.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/ksYqb
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
UN Security Council considers plans for specialised Somali courts to try pirates
Recognizing the need for further steps to boost anti-piracy efforts, the Security Council today decided to urgently consider the establishment of specialized Somali courts to try suspected pirates both in the Somalia and in the region.
The Council also urged both State and non-State actors affected by piracy, most notably the international shipping community, to provide support for a host of judicial- and detention-related projects through the trust fund set up for that purpose.
In its unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-member Council stressed the need for “a comprehensive response to tackle piracy and its underlying causes by the international community,” as it outlined a wide array of measures to more effectively counter the scourge of piracy.
These include calling on States to cooperate on the issue of hostage-taking; encouraging States and regional organizations to assist Somalia in strengthening its coastguard capacity; urging all States, including those in the region, to criminalize piracy under their domestic laws; and underlining the need to investigate and prosecute those who illicitly finance, plan, organize, or unlawfully profit from pirate attacks off the Somali coast.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/oDIxu
The Council also urged both State and non-State actors affected by piracy, most notably the international shipping community, to provide support for a host of judicial- and detention-related projects through the trust fund set up for that purpose.
In its unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-member Council stressed the need for “a comprehensive response to tackle piracy and its underlying causes by the international community,” as it outlined a wide array of measures to more effectively counter the scourge of piracy.
These include calling on States to cooperate on the issue of hostage-taking; encouraging States and regional organizations to assist Somalia in strengthening its coastguard capacity; urging all States, including those in the region, to criminalize piracy under their domestic laws; and underlining the need to investigate and prosecute those who illicitly finance, plan, organize, or unlawfully profit from pirate attacks off the Somali coast.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/oDIxu
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
What impact will new technologies have on the military helicopter sector?
In the wake of the defence technology exhibition at the Honourable Artillery Company in London last month, the importance of state-of-the-art technology has been at the forefront of discussions within the defence helicopter community.
One of the highlights of the exhibition was the Low Visibility Landing (LVL) System, a 3-D helmet display technology which aids helicopter pilots to land in the dusty and sandy (commonly known as "brownout") conditions of Afghanistan.
The system was developed in a joint venture between the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and industry partners Agusta Westland and Ferranti Technologies.
Speaking at the event, and announcing a rise in cash terms of the budget for DSTL, Defence Equipment Support and Technology Minister Peter Luff described the technology displayed as "world-beating" and spoke of the need for continued high-tech, industry leading innovation in the wake of deep defence cuts.
However, in an interview with Defence IQ recently, Mr. Luff also conceded that securing the most cost-efficient equipment and technology in the current climate was no easy task:
"Financial resources are limited, even at the best of times, and particularly at the moment of course when Britain is facing a very large budget deficit. We're very far from ideal circumstances, but getting the right kit at the best price we can, in good time, is the essence of the game".
The potential of new technologies, their cost-effectiveness, and how they will improve performance in future rotary wing missions will be key issues discussed at the upcoming International Military Helicopter conference, taking place 11th-13th May 2011 at the Olympia Conference Centre, London. The conference will offer detailed insight and analysis from an expert international speaker faculty including:
• Colonel Hans Werner Salewski, Commander, 15 Medium Transport Helicopter Regiment, German Army
• Colonel Sam Michaud, Commander, 12 Wing Shearwater, Canadian Forces
• Colonel Billy Thompson, Commander, 563rd Rescue group, US Air Force
• Lieutenant Colonel Duart Townsend, Directing Staff (Aviation), Canadian Land Force Command and Staff College
• Wing Commander David Tozer, Officer Commanding, Forward Support Wing, RAF Odiham
Defence IQ is offering all serving Flag Officers 1* and above a free pass to attend the conference. Passes can be requested from Calum Jeffray at defence@iqpc.co.uk
Additional information is available at www.MilitaryHelicopterEvent.com, along with complimentary articles, podcasts and videos in the Download Centre. The Defence IQ - Military Community LinkedIn group is open for membership, and related content can be found at www.defenceiq.com.
One of the highlights of the exhibition was the Low Visibility Landing (LVL) System, a 3-D helmet display technology which aids helicopter pilots to land in the dusty and sandy (commonly known as "brownout") conditions of Afghanistan.
The system was developed in a joint venture between the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and industry partners Agusta Westland and Ferranti Technologies.
Speaking at the event, and announcing a rise in cash terms of the budget for DSTL, Defence Equipment Support and Technology Minister Peter Luff described the technology displayed as "world-beating" and spoke of the need for continued high-tech, industry leading innovation in the wake of deep defence cuts.
However, in an interview with Defence IQ recently, Mr. Luff also conceded that securing the most cost-efficient equipment and technology in the current climate was no easy task:
"Financial resources are limited, even at the best of times, and particularly at the moment of course when Britain is facing a very large budget deficit. We're very far from ideal circumstances, but getting the right kit at the best price we can, in good time, is the essence of the game".
The potential of new technologies, their cost-effectiveness, and how they will improve performance in future rotary wing missions will be key issues discussed at the upcoming International Military Helicopter conference, taking place 11th-13th May 2011 at the Olympia Conference Centre, London. The conference will offer detailed insight and analysis from an expert international speaker faculty including:
• Colonel Hans Werner Salewski, Commander, 15 Medium Transport Helicopter Regiment, German Army
• Colonel Sam Michaud, Commander, 12 Wing Shearwater, Canadian Forces
• Colonel Billy Thompson, Commander, 563rd Rescue group, US Air Force
• Lieutenant Colonel Duart Townsend, Directing Staff (Aviation), Canadian Land Force Command and Staff College
• Wing Commander David Tozer, Officer Commanding, Forward Support Wing, RAF Odiham
Defence IQ is offering all serving Flag Officers 1* and above a free pass to attend the conference. Passes can be requested from Calum Jeffray at defence@iqpc.co.uk
Additional information is available at www.MilitaryHelicopterEvent.com, along with complimentary articles, podcasts and videos in the Download Centre. The Defence IQ - Military Community LinkedIn group is open for membership, and related content can be found at www.defenceiq.com.
Monday, 11 April 2011
Should NATO apologise for bombing Libyan rebels in an attack that killed at least 2 people? - http://bit.ly/hijOjn
NATO 'Won't Apologize' For Strike On Libya Rebels
NATO has refused to apologize for an air strike on Libyan rebel tanks that killed at least two people, saying that the situation on the ground has been "extremely fluid."
The April 7 air strike mistakenly hit a tank near the eastern oil town of Brega, site of daily skirmishes between forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi and the opposition.
Rear Admiral Russell Harding, deputy commander of NATO's Libya operations, told a news briefing today that the alliance had no previous information that the rebels were using tanks.
Earlier, the head of rebel forces in eastern Libya, Abdel Fattah Younes, told a news conference in Benghazi that the air strike did not cause tension with NATO, although the rebels wanted an explanation.
"There are a lot of people asking right now who bombed our tanks," Younes said. "Most probably NATO mistakenly struck us, but at the same time it is difficult to strike by mistake 20 tanks deployed in the desert."
Meanwhile, AP reported that thousands of civilians and fighters fled the nearby rebel-held city of Ajdabiya after reports that Qaddafi's forces gained ground in the chaos after the bombing.
It was the second time in less than a week that rebels said NATO had bombed their comrades by mistake.
Thirteen were killed in an air strike not far from the same spot on April 2.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/6YsqF
The April 7 air strike mistakenly hit a tank near the eastern oil town of Brega, site of daily skirmishes between forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi and the opposition.
Rear Admiral Russell Harding, deputy commander of NATO's Libya operations, told a news briefing today that the alliance had no previous information that the rebels were using tanks.
Earlier, the head of rebel forces in eastern Libya, Abdel Fattah Younes, told a news conference in Benghazi that the air strike did not cause tension with NATO, although the rebels wanted an explanation.
"There are a lot of people asking right now who bombed our tanks," Younes said. "Most probably NATO mistakenly struck us, but at the same time it is difficult to strike by mistake 20 tanks deployed in the desert."
Meanwhile, AP reported that thousands of civilians and fighters fled the nearby rebel-held city of Ajdabiya after reports that Qaddafi's forces gained ground in the chaos after the bombing.
It was the second time in less than a week that rebels said NATO had bombed their comrades by mistake.
Thirteen were killed in an air strike not far from the same spot on April 2.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/6YsqF
Friday, 8 April 2011
Multilateral Forces Spend on Maritime Platforms to Boost Patrols
The proposed extension of the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) opens the floor to a host of issues surrounding enforcement, multilateral coordination, definition of territorial waters and legal parameters. Vytautas Lukas is a veteran of the Lithuanian Coast Guard and now represents the European Union's Sea Border Sector Operations Unit in Frontex. He speaks here about the methodology of assessing risk, refining SOPs, and highlighting the current risks that Frontex has identified in the EEZ.
Watch the full video here: http://ping.fm/37HQs
Watch the full video here: http://ping.fm/37HQs
Thursday, 7 April 2011
Will Bankrupting Gaddafi's Libya Pave the Way for Rebel Victory?
As the Libyan power struggle drags into week seven, rebels and pro-Gaddafi forces continue to struggle for a foot hold, prompting heightened UN concern for civilians' welfare in that country. 48 hours after Defence Dateline reported that “the tide has been firmly turned in the battle for Libya”, a pro-Gaddafi counter-attack and subsequent advance has once again reversed rebel gains. A frontline has now coalesced around Brega, 665 km from Tripoli. With no major advances from either side in several days, critics of the intervention are now casting the pitched battle as a stalemate.
Stalled advances and political blunders
Frontline reports have failed to provide a definitive explanation as to why the rebel advance has stalled. Words of warning were given by US Vice Admiral William Gortney, who predicted that a lack of military discipline and equipment would make any rebel gains “tenuous”. Indeed, early gains in the rebel offensive may have merely been a reflection of high levels of partisan enthusiasm. Though poorly organised, rebel morale was bourne up by western military assistance and popular media support. This initial advantage, it seems, has been effectively countered by pro-Gaddafi forces who have adapted tactics to avoid coalition attacks. The frequency of coalition air strikes, now operating under NATO command, has also suffered a visible decline since the early days of round-the-clock missions. This scaling back of attacks is officially due to poor-visibility over the weekend, though NATO critics point to the vehement opposition of Turkey and Germany to NATO assuming command and argue that reduced air sorties may, in fact, reflect a tightening of the agreed ROE.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/TcvjT
Stalled advances and political blunders
Frontline reports have failed to provide a definitive explanation as to why the rebel advance has stalled. Words of warning were given by US Vice Admiral William Gortney, who predicted that a lack of military discipline and equipment would make any rebel gains “tenuous”. Indeed, early gains in the rebel offensive may have merely been a reflection of high levels of partisan enthusiasm. Though poorly organised, rebel morale was bourne up by western military assistance and popular media support. This initial advantage, it seems, has been effectively countered by pro-Gaddafi forces who have adapted tactics to avoid coalition attacks. The frequency of coalition air strikes, now operating under NATO command, has also suffered a visible decline since the early days of round-the-clock missions. This scaling back of attacks is officially due to poor-visibility over the weekend, though NATO critics point to the vehement opposition of Turkey and Germany to NATO assuming command and argue that reduced air sorties may, in fact, reflect a tightening of the agreed ROE.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/TcvjT
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
British Army and Royal Navy release details of redundancy schemes
The Army and the Royal Navy yesterday released the details of their redundancy programme to their personnel. The specific trades and branches of each service which are affected by the first tranche of the redundancy programme, along with the numbers being sought from each area have been announced.
In October, following the SDSR the MOD announced that it would be reducing the number of military personnel by 17,000 across all three services; 7,000 from the Army, 5,000 from the Royal Navy and 5,000 from the RAF. While some of these reductions will be achieved through a decrease in recruiting and not replacing those who leave, there will still need to be around 11,000 redundancies. Each service will run a number of redundancy tranches over the next four years with reductions planned to be fully achieved by April 2015.
Although this is a compulsory programme, volunteers will be sought.
The Army has identified 150 redundancy fields by looking at where the Army is in surplus now and where it will still be in surplus in 2015. For this first tranche, there will be approximately 1,000 redundancies, half of which are expected to be volunteers. About 25% of those being made redundant in this tranche will be officers, but no one with less than 8 years experience will be made redundant.
The first tranche of redundancies for the Royal Navy will result in a total of around 1600 redundancies from across a variety of the Naval Service’s specialisations and branches, and will include ratings and officers up to the rank of Captain. Those selected will be Officers from the Engineering, Medical, Warfare and Logistics Branches as well as Junior Ratings and Senior Ratings from a variety of Branches.
Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey said:
“We have to ensure that our Armed Forces are best structured for the challenges they face both now and in the future. That said, we would of course prefer not to have to make any of our personnel redundant but unfortunately we inherited a huge deficit in the defence budget from our predecessors in government. On the dates redundancy notices are issued no personnel preparing for, deployed on, or returning from combat operations and on post-tour leave will be made compulsorily redundant.”
Read the full article at: http://www.defenceiq.com/tri-service/articles/british-army-and-royal-navy-release-details-of-red/
In October, following the SDSR the MOD announced that it would be reducing the number of military personnel by 17,000 across all three services; 7,000 from the Army, 5,000 from the Royal Navy and 5,000 from the RAF. While some of these reductions will be achieved through a decrease in recruiting and not replacing those who leave, there will still need to be around 11,000 redundancies. Each service will run a number of redundancy tranches over the next four years with reductions planned to be fully achieved by April 2015.
Although this is a compulsory programme, volunteers will be sought.
The Army has identified 150 redundancy fields by looking at where the Army is in surplus now and where it will still be in surplus in 2015. For this first tranche, there will be approximately 1,000 redundancies, half of which are expected to be volunteers. About 25% of those being made redundant in this tranche will be officers, but no one with less than 8 years experience will be made redundant.
The first tranche of redundancies for the Royal Navy will result in a total of around 1600 redundancies from across a variety of the Naval Service’s specialisations and branches, and will include ratings and officers up to the rank of Captain. Those selected will be Officers from the Engineering, Medical, Warfare and Logistics Branches as well as Junior Ratings and Senior Ratings from a variety of Branches.
Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey said:
“We have to ensure that our Armed Forces are best structured for the challenges they face both now and in the future. That said, we would of course prefer not to have to make any of our personnel redundant but unfortunately we inherited a huge deficit in the defence budget from our predecessors in government. On the dates redundancy notices are issued no personnel preparing for, deployed on, or returning from combat operations and on post-tour leave will be made compulsorily redundant.”
Read the full article at: http://www.defenceiq.com/tri-service/articles/british-army-and-royal-navy-release-details-of-red/
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Will Smartphones Be Combat Tested and Proven for Forward Operations?
In recent months, the British Army announced its pioneering use of smartphone apps on the battlefield and in training scenarios with its use of the software to augment precision targeting for artillery rounds.
Spending on tech to save money
Troops now use Apple iPads to learn correct procedure and master technical jargon. Given its success, the Royal Air Force is also looking to roll out a 3D imaging app for pilots in order to familiarise them with the appearance of ground targets and vehicles when viewed from the air.
Army training officer Major Rich Gill, who oversaw the initiative, believes the measure will save on costs over more traditional methods.
"If we can use this sort of technology, we can probably shorten the amount of training and that is pretty key nowadays when people are so committed to operations in Afghanistan.”
A renewed fervour in research and investment in consumer digital technologies comes at a time when many defence forces are looking for streamlined and cost-saving training augments. The Swedish Armed Forces’ use of off-the-shelf gaming technology to train fighter pilots and the Italian Navy’s use of transference of its learning materials to web-based platforms are two prime examples.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/BGlZr
Spending on tech to save money
Troops now use Apple iPads to learn correct procedure and master technical jargon. Given its success, the Royal Air Force is also looking to roll out a 3D imaging app for pilots in order to familiarise them with the appearance of ground targets and vehicles when viewed from the air.
Army training officer Major Rich Gill, who oversaw the initiative, believes the measure will save on costs over more traditional methods.
"If we can use this sort of technology, we can probably shorten the amount of training and that is pretty key nowadays when people are so committed to operations in Afghanistan.”
A renewed fervour in research and investment in consumer digital technologies comes at a time when many defence forces are looking for streamlined and cost-saving training augments. The Swedish Armed Forces’ use of off-the-shelf gaming technology to train fighter pilots and the Italian Navy’s use of transference of its learning materials to web-based platforms are two prime examples.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/BGlZr
Monday, 4 April 2011
Airborne Reconnaissance and Surveillance Developments At a Glance
A recent number of add-on pod systems for coalition strike air platforms in Afghan and Iraqi theatres has added recon capability to aircraft not typically employed as reconnaissance platforms. This has proved necessary to overcome operational requirements in Afghanistan and Iraq – as demands have increased for current and relevant intelligence.
Dutch F-16s have been flying with upgraded sensor pods since 2010, with reports of near-seamless performance. This development corroborates the focus of a recent study by NATO which has highlighted the need for integration of intelligence - gathering capability. Due to the wide range of intelligence-gathering systems currently deployed, timely data processing has become that more critical.
Enter MAJIIC (Multi-sensor Aerospace-ground ISR Interoperability Coalition), a multinational project “dedicated to developing coalition capabilities for the interoperability and integration of intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) systems within a network enabled environment”. Project spokesmen emphasise that next generation systems will be forced to cope with data streams emanating from an ever-increasing range of sources.
Progress on the technology front is also accelerating. Whereas public perception of surveillance UAVs is still largely focused on Reaper and Global Hawk capabilities, an ongoing DARPA/ AeroVironment project has produced an operational humming-bird sized UAV.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/fuP5l
Dutch F-16s have been flying with upgraded sensor pods since 2010, with reports of near-seamless performance. This development corroborates the focus of a recent study by NATO which has highlighted the need for integration of intelligence - gathering capability. Due to the wide range of intelligence-gathering systems currently deployed, timely data processing has become that more critical.
Enter MAJIIC (Multi-sensor Aerospace-ground ISR Interoperability Coalition), a multinational project “dedicated to developing coalition capabilities for the interoperability and integration of intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) systems within a network enabled environment”. Project spokesmen emphasise that next generation systems will be forced to cope with data streams emanating from an ever-increasing range of sources.
Progress on the technology front is also accelerating. Whereas public perception of surveillance UAVs is still largely focused on Reaper and Global Hawk capabilities, an ongoing DARPA/ AeroVironment project has produced an operational humming-bird sized UAV.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/fuP5l
Friday, 1 April 2011
Standardised urban warfare training is essential for future conflict
Joint urban SERE training capabilities will have a huge impact the way that forces operate in future conflicts especially with regards to coalition missions like the one currently being played out in Libya.
Talking to Defence IQ ahead of the Joint Personnel Recovery event in June, Major Bart Holewijn, Commander at the Royal Netherlands SERE School, said that standard joint capabilities as outlined in the latest NATO doctrine, released in January, will ensure standardised training methods that would not have been considered six months ago.
"In the past if you were working in a coalition you would sit together and talk about what procedures you should follow. Of course everyone had their own national procedures and you had to try and find some common ground."
"The fact that training is now standardised will very much help in PR missions and future NATO operations as people now know that these are the methods that we need to adhere to. It makes procedure more easy to follow."
With defence budgets being cut Major Holewijn also states that it makes sense for countries to set up joint training ventures such as the one between the Netherlands and Belgian training schools that he heads up.
"Combining schools into a multi-lateral or bi-lateral school system could make it much more efficient to train students and ultimately save money, which is a consequence of decreasing budgets. Working together will be the biggest trend over the next 12 months."
Major Holewijn also stated that more emphasis will be placed on training troops for exploitation on TV which he believes is a much bigger problem than interrogation when they are captured.
Talking to Defence IQ ahead of the Joint Personnel Recovery event in June, Major Bart Holewijn, Commander at the Royal Netherlands SERE School, said that standard joint capabilities as outlined in the latest NATO doctrine, released in January, will ensure standardised training methods that would not have been considered six months ago.
"In the past if you were working in a coalition you would sit together and talk about what procedures you should follow. Of course everyone had their own national procedures and you had to try and find some common ground."
"The fact that training is now standardised will very much help in PR missions and future NATO operations as people now know that these are the methods that we need to adhere to. It makes procedure more easy to follow."
With defence budgets being cut Major Holewijn also states that it makes sense for countries to set up joint training ventures such as the one between the Netherlands and Belgian training schools that he heads up.
"Combining schools into a multi-lateral or bi-lateral school system could make it much more efficient to train students and ultimately save money, which is a consequence of decreasing budgets. Working together will be the biggest trend over the next 12 months."
Major Holewijn also stated that more emphasis will be placed on training troops for exploitation on TV which he believes is a much bigger problem than interrogation when they are captured.
Thursday, 31 March 2011
IED Hit Rate Demands More Action Against the Human Network
Michael Oates, the recently retired director of JIEDDO, has admitted that efforts to counter the IED threat are not working effectively in the provinces of Helmand and Kandahar, where US troops have stepped up the fight to clear a concentrated network of Taliban strongholds.
According to official figures, insurgents planted 14,661 IEDs last year – a rise of over 60% on 2009 – with the total coalition death toll at 1882, but the issue seems to have become less about the level of training that troops undergo or of their understanding of these devices as it is about a shortfall in combating those burying them in the sand.
Bolstering MRAP
Included among the recent boost in US efforts to combat the threat are a $7 billion injection into MRAP vehicle development, an increase of around 70 “route-clearance” teams, and a more concentrated effort to blanket the skies with surveillance UAVs and blimps over Afghanistan, the total number of which is likely to double by the end of the year.
Speaking to reporters earlier this month, Oates explained a few home truths when it comes to the intricacies of dealing with a type of insurgency that is at once well-trodden and tricky to identify.
For one, a regional variance exists throughout Afghanistan, revealing that the materials, methods and sophistication of the devices varies dramatically.
Read and watch the full interview here: http://www.defenceiq.com/land/articles/ied-hit-rate-demands-more-action-against-the-human/
According to official figures, insurgents planted 14,661 IEDs last year – a rise of over 60% on 2009 – with the total coalition death toll at 1882, but the issue seems to have become less about the level of training that troops undergo or of their understanding of these devices as it is about a shortfall in combating those burying them in the sand.
Bolstering MRAP
Included among the recent boost in US efforts to combat the threat are a $7 billion injection into MRAP vehicle development, an increase of around 70 “route-clearance” teams, and a more concentrated effort to blanket the skies with surveillance UAVs and blimps over Afghanistan, the total number of which is likely to double by the end of the year.
Speaking to reporters earlier this month, Oates explained a few home truths when it comes to the intricacies of dealing with a type of insurgency that is at once well-trodden and tricky to identify.
For one, a regional variance exists throughout Afghanistan, revealing that the materials, methods and sophistication of the devices varies dramatically.
Read and watch the full interview here: http://www.defenceiq.com/land/articles/ied-hit-rate-demands-more-action-against-the-human/
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
US and UK Formalise the Cyber Terror Risk to National Security
It's official - national security strategies in the US and the UK have formally acknowledge the role of cyber security in the national security hierarchy. Dr Dan Kuehl is director of the Information Strategies Concentration Program at the National Defense University in Washington, DC. He specialises in information operations and warfare as well as military doctrine for IO. In this interview, he explores the Stuxnet threat and how this impacts the west's 'cyber dependency' predicament. Dr Kuehl chaired this year's Cyber Warfare event in London.
Watch the full video here: http://ping.fm/itXf6
Watch the full video here: http://ping.fm/itXf6
Monday, 28 March 2011
How is conflict reporting evolving? Robert Young Pelton on Libya, Somalia and the changing face of conflict journalism- http://bit.ly/g6Zgrc
Robert Young Pelton on Libya, Africa and the Evolution of Conflict Reporting
We caught up with Robert Young Pelton on his recent venture in Somalia. He describes the changing face of conflict reporting - and his work in building information gathering networks at the grass roots level. His new indigenous reporting network, Somalia Report, takes on the challenge of increasing situational awareness in these areas - both for the benefit of the public and for politicians. We press him on the Libya media 'whiteout' - what news is getting out compared to what may really be happening on the ground - and he walks us through the steps of getting information out of Libya. RYP also gives us his own long term forecast of how Libya will react to the current violence.
Listen to the full interview at: http://ping.fm/5h0Fw
Listen to the full interview at: http://ping.fm/5h0Fw
Friday, 25 March 2011
Anglo-Canadian Naval Cooperation Stalls Over 'Global Combat Ship' Debate
The coalition government’s recent public disclosure that they were in consultation with the Canadians over joint warship design has arrested a potential deal which could have created hundreds of high technology engineering jobs in both countries.
“The global combat ship frigate programme does indeed present a tremendous opportunity for the United Kingdom to put the policy into practice. I am delighted to say that we are in close discussion with the Canadians”, stated Gerald Howarth, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Defence, to the House of Commons in January.
Be it naivety or hubris, Gerald Howarth’s disclosure, on 31 Jan 2011, that Canada was in close partnership with the UK dropped a boulder into the Canadian political pond and stalled further progress in what was predicted to be a mutually beneficial venture. Yet this need not have been the case had his Canadian counterpart directly addressed two potential public flashpoints – saving Canadian dollars versus saving Canadian jobs.
Peter Mackay’s failure to articulate the arguments for collaboration to both the media and unions was yet another hiccup in what many have come to refer to as a less-than-consistent political tenure - and ran counter to much he had said in support of Canadian collaboration with the US over the JSF F-35 project.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/3PJqZ
“The global combat ship frigate programme does indeed present a tremendous opportunity for the United Kingdom to put the policy into practice. I am delighted to say that we are in close discussion with the Canadians”, stated Gerald Howarth, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Defence, to the House of Commons in January.
Be it naivety or hubris, Gerald Howarth’s disclosure, on 31 Jan 2011, that Canada was in close partnership with the UK dropped a boulder into the Canadian political pond and stalled further progress in what was predicted to be a mutually beneficial venture. Yet this need not have been the case had his Canadian counterpart directly addressed two potential public flashpoints – saving Canadian dollars versus saving Canadian jobs.
Peter Mackay’s failure to articulate the arguments for collaboration to both the media and unions was yet another hiccup in what many have come to refer to as a less-than-consistent political tenure - and ran counter to much he had said in support of Canadian collaboration with the US over the JSF F-35 project.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/3PJqZ
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Can NATO Agree on the Next Phase for Libya Operations?
With the first use - in anger - of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft over Libya, and the imminent handing over of control by the US to NATO commanders, the Libyan No Fly Zone, though less than a week old, is entering a new phase. Heavy bombardment has so far eliminated the vast majority of the country’s air defence networks, but all reports indicated that government ground forces are still on the move, and still attacking democratic rebel forces where they can.
Decisions must soon be made about a way forward. The Arab League protests that the bombardment was not what it had envisaged when it asked the international community to intervene; experience in Iraq in the mid-1990s makes it clear that unless all means of co-ordination and control are removed from the state’s capabilities, efforts to suppress the populace (in Saddam Hussein’s case, by helicopter) will continue.
While some military commanders have claimed that Col. Qaddafi himself is not a target, politicians continue to stress that forceful removal of the leader is not entirely out of the question. In any case, it has been made eminently clear that Qaddafi must leave office. What has not been made clear is how that is expected to happen.
Options including ground troops?
Options for dealing with the situation in Libya stretch from supporting a de facto partitioning of the country through to assassination. The most satisfactory outcome in terms of legality and legitimacy would be to deliver top regime elements to the International Criminal Court in the Hague, where investigations into the regime’s abuse of civilians have already begun. This would send a clear and united message to regimes across the Middle East which are currently the target of democratic protests; that the protests themselves are legitimate, that grievances need to be addressed and that violent suppression of expressions of liberty will not be tolerated by the international community at large.
Delivering this outcome can only be achieved in one of two ways. Either rebel forces must prevail completely or NATO troops must be deployed in order to capture top regime members. The language of UNSC 1973 makes it clear that an occupying force is not an option; however, as top British politicians made clear yesterday, a ground force is not necessarily an occupying force. A multilateral split on an acceptable way forward is becoming apparent and, at the moment, this is not a politically feasible event. To deploy ground troops to the region would be admitting the failure of the NFZ in keeping civilians safe, and would constitute another intervention on top of Afghanistan and Iraq that could very easily lose strategic focus and international support...
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/7wSmx
Decisions must soon be made about a way forward. The Arab League protests that the bombardment was not what it had envisaged when it asked the international community to intervene; experience in Iraq in the mid-1990s makes it clear that unless all means of co-ordination and control are removed from the state’s capabilities, efforts to suppress the populace (in Saddam Hussein’s case, by helicopter) will continue.
While some military commanders have claimed that Col. Qaddafi himself is not a target, politicians continue to stress that forceful removal of the leader is not entirely out of the question. In any case, it has been made eminently clear that Qaddafi must leave office. What has not been made clear is how that is expected to happen.
Options including ground troops?
Options for dealing with the situation in Libya stretch from supporting a de facto partitioning of the country through to assassination. The most satisfactory outcome in terms of legality and legitimacy would be to deliver top regime elements to the International Criminal Court in the Hague, where investigations into the regime’s abuse of civilians have already begun. This would send a clear and united message to regimes across the Middle East which are currently the target of democratic protests; that the protests themselves are legitimate, that grievances need to be addressed and that violent suppression of expressions of liberty will not be tolerated by the international community at large.
Delivering this outcome can only be achieved in one of two ways. Either rebel forces must prevail completely or NATO troops must be deployed in order to capture top regime members. The language of UNSC 1973 makes it clear that an occupying force is not an option; however, as top British politicians made clear yesterday, a ground force is not necessarily an occupying force. A multilateral split on an acceptable way forward is becoming apparent and, at the moment, this is not a politically feasible event. To deploy ground troops to the region would be admitting the failure of the NFZ in keeping civilians safe, and would constitute another intervention on top of Afghanistan and Iraq that could very easily lose strategic focus and international support...
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/7wSmx
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Operations Ellamy and Odyssey Dawn: Day 4 Libyan Battle Assessment
Libya - Day 4 - with intent clear, second phase of international mission aims to formalise command structures and integrate a broad range of partners
In a time-frame that was, by the standard of previous UN debates, lightning fast, the ratification of Resolution 1973 has dramatically instigated an international military operation to stop the internal suppression of the Libyan revolt. Mandated to execute “all necessary measures” required to stop the onslaught of the state military against civilians, including the beleaguered rebel-held stronghold of Benghazi, the response by North American and European forces has been far more robust than commentators predicted.
How has this operation unfolded so far, and what political and strategic considerations will influence how the coalition deployment progresses?
Signaling intent - the initial phase
For the three primary backers of the intervention (France, the UK and US), the clear strategic imperative has been for a rapid and robust display of force. Whilst the mere passing of Resolution 1973 strikes a massive blow to Gaddafi’s claims of legitimacy, by placing the responsibility to cease attacks firmly on his shoulders, the internal military balance of power remains in his favour. The previous fortnight has seen rebel forces pushed back almost 200km to the outskirts of Benghazi, hounded by aerial attacks, armour and artillery. Worse still, previous evidence of bombardment at Zawiya and Misratahas indicated that the regime has few qualms about bombarding urban areas prior to an assault.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/nUDip
In a time-frame that was, by the standard of previous UN debates, lightning fast, the ratification of Resolution 1973 has dramatically instigated an international military operation to stop the internal suppression of the Libyan revolt. Mandated to execute “all necessary measures” required to stop the onslaught of the state military against civilians, including the beleaguered rebel-held stronghold of Benghazi, the response by North American and European forces has been far more robust than commentators predicted.
How has this operation unfolded so far, and what political and strategic considerations will influence how the coalition deployment progresses?
Signaling intent - the initial phase
For the three primary backers of the intervention (France, the UK and US), the clear strategic imperative has been for a rapid and robust display of force. Whilst the mere passing of Resolution 1973 strikes a massive blow to Gaddafi’s claims of legitimacy, by placing the responsibility to cease attacks firmly on his shoulders, the internal military balance of power remains in his favour. The previous fortnight has seen rebel forces pushed back almost 200km to the outskirts of Benghazi, hounded by aerial attacks, armour and artillery. Worse still, previous evidence of bombardment at Zawiya and Misratahas indicated that the regime has few qualms about bombarding urban areas prior to an assault.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/nUDip
Friday, 18 March 2011
Defence Procurement Showdown: Armoured Vehicle Programme Officers Demand Improved Contractor Support
This multinational panel discussion features key regional viewpoints on armour upgrades. The key question put to these four panellists is, 'How does one prioritise armoured vehicle upgrades whilst balancing requirements for armour, mobility and firepower. Featured here are General Jayasuriya of the Sri Lanka Army; Dr Lusardi, representing the US Marine Corps; Brigadier General Tuilan of the Indonesian MoD and Major Reynolds of the UK MoD. Delivering to increased future expeditionary warfare demands, providing for more UOR focused procurement, safe-guarding cost-effectiveness: these are just a few of the broad range of speaking points delivered from these four experts. Find out what questions their audience poses to them on what has become a controversial subject.
You can watch the panel discussion here: http://ping.fm/v1JmM
You can watch the panel discussion here: http://ping.fm/v1JmM
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Defence Minister Luff Addresses Successes and Failures of Defence Review Process
Peter Luff MP
Minister for Defence Equipment Support and Technology
15 March 2011
Speech delivered to the RUSI/ Cranfield conference on Defence Acquisition Reform at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham.
Challenges that lie ahead
I’m delighted that RUSI and Cranfield University have come together to bring us this important conference on acquisition reform. It’s a seamless match.
Bernard and I will try to do justice to that ethos of seamlessness as we open this first session... That’s because, together with Lord Levene, we are the coalface team that the Prime Minister and Liam Fox have charged with responsibility for making Defence acquisition work.
We have an enormous opportunity. Genuine acquisition reform will mean better value for money for the British taxpayer; greater stability and clarity for industry; and our Armed Forces will have the equipment they need, when they need it – now and in the future.
We also have two enormous challenges. First, even in the best of times, Defence acquisition is not easy. Procuring and supporting everything from the most basic supplies to the most complex engineering and technology on the planet, and deploying and supporting it in the harshest global conditions, is a task of epic proportions.
We spend £20 billion on contracts each year, or 54% of the core Defence budget – though of course much less than that is on actual equipment. Contrary to public perception, we deliver the vast majority of around 2,000 equipment and support projects at any one time to performance, time, and cost...
Read the rest of the article at: http://www.defenceiq.com/defence-technology/articles/defence-minister-luff-highlights-successes-and-fai/
Minister for Defence Equipment Support and Technology
15 March 2011
Speech delivered to the RUSI/ Cranfield conference on Defence Acquisition Reform at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham.
Challenges that lie ahead
I’m delighted that RUSI and Cranfield University have come together to bring us this important conference on acquisition reform. It’s a seamless match.
Bernard and I will try to do justice to that ethos of seamlessness as we open this first session... That’s because, together with Lord Levene, we are the coalface team that the Prime Minister and Liam Fox have charged with responsibility for making Defence acquisition work.
We have an enormous opportunity. Genuine acquisition reform will mean better value for money for the British taxpayer; greater stability and clarity for industry; and our Armed Forces will have the equipment they need, when they need it – now and in the future.
We also have two enormous challenges. First, even in the best of times, Defence acquisition is not easy. Procuring and supporting everything from the most basic supplies to the most complex engineering and technology on the planet, and deploying and supporting it in the harshest global conditions, is a task of epic proportions.
We spend £20 billion on contracts each year, or 54% of the core Defence budget – though of course much less than that is on actual equipment. Contrary to public perception, we deliver the vast majority of around 2,000 equipment and support projects at any one time to performance, time, and cost...
Read the rest of the article at: http://www.defenceiq.com/defence-technology/articles/defence-minister-luff-highlights-successes-and-fai/
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Is It Time to Figure China Into the 'World Military Power' Equation?
China’s phenomenal economic growth over the last decade has shadowed an equally rapid increase in the level of sophistication of its armed forces. Modernisation programmes, defence manufacturing and aerospace research and development are accelerating, and nowhere has this been more apparent in recent months than with the unveiling of China’s new J-20 stealth jet .
Noteworthy beginnings
The J-20 Chengdu has recently passed the first of a series of air worthiness tests. These tests were carried out in January and gathered initial data about the airframe’s operational limits. They have certified that the aircraft is able to transition through phases of flight and execute simple aerobatic manoeuvres. This marks the first successful internal production of an advanced airframe by an Asian nation, but the aircraft itself is a long way from being complete, although observers have been surprised at the relatively short amount of time it has taken to go from blueprints to the first phase of testing...
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/SOLRF
Noteworthy beginnings
The J-20 Chengdu has recently passed the first of a series of air worthiness tests. These tests were carried out in January and gathered initial data about the airframe’s operational limits. They have certified that the aircraft is able to transition through phases of flight and execute simple aerobatic manoeuvres. This marks the first successful internal production of an advanced airframe by an Asian nation, but the aircraft itself is a long way from being complete, although observers have been surprised at the relatively short amount of time it has taken to go from blueprints to the first phase of testing...
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/SOLRF
Monday, 14 March 2011
Friday, 11 March 2011
The Fabric of Protection: Armoured Vehicles Designed to Survive
From ceramics to composite materials, there is a broad range of technologies used to manufacture ballistic protection. This is a vital consideration when constructing the armoured vehicle 'iron triangle'. Performance is now no longer measured merely in terms of blast or small arms protection, but also in weight reduction. What's better than polyethylene woven ballistic fabrics? Cross weave technologies. Alex Yong presents to Armoured Vehicles Asia on behalf of DSM Dyneema on these protective materials. Watch to find out how this is matching up to the competition.
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/njhXe
Read the full article at: http://ping.fm/njhXe
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Western Powers Opt for Further 'No-Fly Zone' Talks as Libyan Crisis Escalates
As the humanitarian situation in Libya deteriorates, forces loyal to Col Gaddafi have retaken both initiative and ground lost in the first round of protests. Counterattacks against rebel forces have been widespread in the last week, culminating in the recapture of Bin Jawad, an important stepping stone towards Ras Lanuf, a rebel-held oil town. Latest reports confirm that the town is under air and ground attack.
The international stage
As plans for an internationally implemented no-fly zone look set to be discussed by NATO on Thursday, the focus has shifted to the international forum. Col Gaddafi has agreed to let a human rights assessment team into Tripoli, after UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon said that the UN was worried that “...civilians are bearing the brunt of the violence, and [it] calls for an immediate halt to the government's disproportionate use of force and indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets". More than a thousand people have died in the violence and almost a quarter of a million have fled into neighbouring countries.
Read the full article: http://ping.fm/UULIe
The international stage
As plans for an internationally implemented no-fly zone look set to be discussed by NATO on Thursday, the focus has shifted to the international forum. Col Gaddafi has agreed to let a human rights assessment team into Tripoli, after UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon said that the UN was worried that “...civilians are bearing the brunt of the violence, and [it] calls for an immediate halt to the government's disproportionate use of force and indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets". More than a thousand people have died in the violence and almost a quarter of a million have fled into neighbouring countries.
Read the full article: http://ping.fm/UULIe
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
Polish Defence Build-up Trumps Eastern Alliances as Bidding Wars Commence
Poland is unique among major European states in that its most pressing defence priority is homeland security. Relatively recent memories of Nazi and Soviet domination are kept alive by assertive rumblings from Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Knowing it cannot counter Russia’s economy and force structure unilaterally, Poland has therefore looked to alliances as a guarantor of security.
Read the whole article: http://ping.fm/wcieA
Read the whole article: http://ping.fm/wcieA
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
'It's a Great Sadness': Are Britain's Forces Being Held Back by MoD Politics?
Are Tories weak on defence? It's a tough question we've put to Peter Luff, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology. In our probing interview, he admits to a tangible downside in removing the Harrier and Nimrod from service - and he talks through the MoD's decision to juggle Britain's commitment to Afghanistan with widespread budget cuts. Mr Luff also speaks to the 'Equipment, Support, and Technology for Defence and Security consultation' that the MoD plans to release at the end of March 2011. There are some expected - and some surprising - components of this new policy directive. But will this be enough to distract the UK from the latest round of fiscal 'belt-tightening'?
Listen to the interview: http://ping.fm/GiBO9
Listen to the interview: http://ping.fm/GiBO9
Monday, 7 March 2011
Lieutenant General Gary Coward CB OBE, UK MoD, to speak at Defence Logistics Europe 2011
It has just been confirmed that Lieutenant General Gary Coward CB OBE, Director of Materiel (Land) and Quartermaster-General to the Forces, UK MOD, will be speaking at Europe’s pre-eminent military logistics and procurement event, Defence Logistics Europe.
Lieutenant General Gary Coward CB OBE will be joining an exceptional and unparalleled speaker panel of senior military professionals including Major General Jeff Mason MBE, ACDS Log Ops, UK MoD, Major General Ian Copeland, Director, Joint Support Chain, Defence Equipment & Support and Co-Chair of Joint Information Group, UK MOD, Major General Mark E. McQuillan, CD Commander, CANOSCOM, Canadian Ministry of Defence, Commodore Chris Gardner, Head of Capability Improvement RN, UK MOD and Commodore Michael Bath RN, ACOS J1/J4, PJHQ, UK MOD.
In addition to the high-profile speaker panel, high-ranking military professionals will come from all over the world to gather in London this month. Senior decision makers from the Canadian Forces, New Zealand Defence Force, Royal Norwegian Navy, Netherlands MoD, Swedish Defence Material Administration FMV and MoD Chinook Project Team will also be there to discuss important logistics requirements. The defence logistics event will also take a look at prime contractor needs and will have eminent representatives from Boeing and BAE Systems.
Defence Logistics Europe will be taking place on 21st-22nd March and will cover the latest challenged and opportunities that lie ahead for third party logistics. The timely event comes as the UK MoD is planning major cutbacks due to the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) and looking to outsource to 3PL companies. Defence Logistics Europe will bring together the leading military and industry to discuss the future of military logistics in order to examine to the current and future requirements for the defence logistics industry in an intimate networking environment.
Defence Logistics Europe will be taking place on 21st-22nd March at The Radisson Edwardian Hotel, London Heathrow Airport, London, United Kingdom. To get involved in the event or to see a full list of speakers and sessions, please visit http://ping.fm/IVweE
Lieutenant General Gary Coward CB OBE will be joining an exceptional and unparalleled speaker panel of senior military professionals including Major General Jeff Mason MBE, ACDS Log Ops, UK MoD, Major General Ian Copeland, Director, Joint Support Chain, Defence Equipment & Support and Co-Chair of Joint Information Group, UK MOD, Major General Mark E. McQuillan, CD Commander, CANOSCOM, Canadian Ministry of Defence, Commodore Chris Gardner, Head of Capability Improvement RN, UK MOD and Commodore Michael Bath RN, ACOS J1/J4, PJHQ, UK MOD.
In addition to the high-profile speaker panel, high-ranking military professionals will come from all over the world to gather in London this month. Senior decision makers from the Canadian Forces, New Zealand Defence Force, Royal Norwegian Navy, Netherlands MoD, Swedish Defence Material Administration FMV and MoD Chinook Project Team will also be there to discuss important logistics requirements. The defence logistics event will also take a look at prime contractor needs and will have eminent representatives from Boeing and BAE Systems.
Defence Logistics Europe will be taking place on 21st-22nd March and will cover the latest challenged and opportunities that lie ahead for third party logistics. The timely event comes as the UK MoD is planning major cutbacks due to the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) and looking to outsource to 3PL companies. Defence Logistics Europe will bring together the leading military and industry to discuss the future of military logistics in order to examine to the current and future requirements for the defence logistics industry in an intimate networking environment.
Defence Logistics Europe will be taking place on 21st-22nd March at The Radisson Edwardian Hotel, London Heathrow Airport, London, United Kingdom. To get involved in the event or to see a full list of speakers and sessions, please visit http://ping.fm/IVweE
Job cuts loom large as Armed Forces Redundancy Calculator becomes available online
An Armed Forces Redundancy Calculator is available on the MOD website which gives a forecast of benefits for prospective redundees under the Armed Forces Redundancy Programme announced last week.
The calculator allows Service personnel to input their details to provide a forecast of their redundancy and pension benefits based on the redundancy exit date and the promulgated redundancy rules.
Read the rest of the article here: http://ping.fm/aWqkr
The calculator allows Service personnel to input their details to provide a forecast of their redundancy and pension benefits based on the redundancy exit date and the promulgated redundancy rules.
Read the rest of the article here: http://ping.fm/aWqkr
Thursday, 3 March 2011
'Take Charge and Move Out': VX-20 Launches E-6B TACAMO Into 21st Century Air Order of Battle
Featured in this interview is US Navy Commander Adam Scott, who is a platform coordinator at VX-20 Air Test and Evaluation Squadron in Pax River, Maryland. Included in his remit are the E-6 Mercury, T-6 Texan and the T-34 Mentor, and this discussion zeroes in on E-6B TACAMO development, and particularly the US Navy's Block I Upgrade programme. There are some very difficult issues at play here; especially when it comes to dealing with upgrading the platform's highly classified capabilities, as well as addressing the greater focus on broadly deployed software components.
You can listen to the interview at: http://ping.fm/OaHMO
You can listen to the interview at: http://ping.fm/OaHMO
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Opinion: 'What Can the European Union Do for Libya?'
This opinion piece is contributed by Jonathan Dowdall of Defence Dateline Group
With the French foreign minister departing in scandal, Italian arms sales under scrutiny and UK efforts to evacuate its citizens unfavourably compared to the likes of Turkey and Switzerland, Europe’s big players are facing harsh criticism over their handling of the Libyan emergency. Paralysed by indecision; and terrified of appearing either too pushy or too timid in a region vital to their economic and migration control interests, the traditional movers and shakers of European foreign and defence policy have been struck dumb.
Filling the power vacuum
The lack of a strong unilateralist voice from either the US or a European UN Security Council member has left a vacuum that the EU could, or even better should, fill. It provides an opportunity for the nascent structures of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) to be tested in a real crisis, not because member states do not desire action, but precisely because they are looking for an appropriate vehicle through which to act. The EU, through united policy statements, a unified civil-military vision and a “brand” un-tainted by recent failures in Libya; could help the emerging response to this crisis reboot its stature and utility on the world stage.
Read the rest of the opinion piece here: http://ping.fm/nidOF
With the French foreign minister departing in scandal, Italian arms sales under scrutiny and UK efforts to evacuate its citizens unfavourably compared to the likes of Turkey and Switzerland, Europe’s big players are facing harsh criticism over their handling of the Libyan emergency. Paralysed by indecision; and terrified of appearing either too pushy or too timid in a region vital to their economic and migration control interests, the traditional movers and shakers of European foreign and defence policy have been struck dumb.
Filling the power vacuum
The lack of a strong unilateralist voice from either the US or a European UN Security Council member has left a vacuum that the EU could, or even better should, fill. It provides an opportunity for the nascent structures of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) to be tested in a real crisis, not because member states do not desire action, but precisely because they are looking for an appropriate vehicle through which to act. The EU, through united policy statements, a unified civil-military vision and a “brand” un-tainted by recent failures in Libya; could help the emerging response to this crisis reboot its stature and utility on the world stage.
Read the rest of the opinion piece here: http://ping.fm/nidOF
Monday, 28 February 2011
The Top 5 Solutions to Balancing Armoured Vehicle Capability and Survivability
In this interview, Dr Robert Lusardi, Deputy Programme Manager for Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs) for the US Marine Corps, approaches armoured vehicle upgrades and modification from an alternative perspective - by beginning with the mission statement of the LAV. Due to its significant legacy and its entrenched interoperability requirements with USMC infantry, LAV modifications must flex to unique demands. Tune in to find out what these specific requirements are - and how the best minds in the field are working to meet them.
Listen to the full interview at: http://ping.fm/pfQH4
Listen to the full interview at: http://ping.fm/pfQH4
Friday, 25 February 2011
Spanish Chief of Naval Staff Calls for Greater Measures Against Piracy
Admiral General Manuel Rebollo García is the Chief of the Naval Staff of the Spanish Navy. In this presentation, he points key trends that must not be ignored. Globalisation serves as a key instigator of economic growth, yet it also opens sea trade to large-scale threats to maritime security. Illegal activities like piracy, terrorism, human trafficking and drug smuggling are increasing and pose specific threats to national security for many nations. Maritime security breaks down into two important categories and he speaks to what is required to meet modern mission needs.
You can listen to the full interview here: http://ping.fm/o4mPv
You can listen to the full interview here: http://ping.fm/o4mPv
Thursday, 24 February 2011
2500+ Military and Industry Players Return to London for the Largest International Armoured Vehicles Conference and Exhibition
On 7th February 2011, ExCel Centre opened its doors for the 10th Annual International Armoured Vehicles conference and exhibition, commencing 4 days of intense networking, information-sharing and product showcasing for high profile members of the military and industry.
Hosted by Defence IQ, this year's event featured sessions on Land Forces capability, equipping process, survivability, and mounted combat platforms whilst providing attendees a choice of participation in any of four Focus Days: Countering Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IEDs), Through Life Support and Sustainment of Armoured Vehicles, Armoured Vehicle C4ISR Capabilities for Joint Operations and Combined Arms Training and Simulation.
The conference element of the event highlighted 50+ speakers from the military, including Major General Chris Deverell, British Army and Major General Robert Brown, US Army Manoeuvre Centre of Excellence, who kicked off the conference, with sessions on The British Army’s Strategy To Support Current And Future Operations and The Future Of Mounted And Dismounted Operations: The Role Of Tactical Small Units And The Solider As A System.
The content from the sessions were crucial to the attendees, many of whom were repeat visitors interested in gathering information on the latest developments in armoured vehicles. Others who were first-time participants included a Project Officer from the Norwegian Army, who mentioned, "I'm here for information on the different vehicles. I've attended all four days to hear what other nations have done, avoid mistakes that they've made, and learn lessons that they've learned."
Meanwhile, over 100 exhibitors displayed their latest products and developments to 2500+ visitors, including vehicles such as: the Ocelot vehicle, which will be replacing the British Army’s Snatch Land Rover vehicles, the 4x4 and 6x6 Zephyr vehicles from Creation UK, Ovik Solutions' Cameleon and finally, Oshkosh's impressive M-ATV vehicle.
The event's exhibition hall featured more than just vehicles – many exhibitors included innovative safety solutions for the interiors and exteriors of armoured vehicles. A representative from Vital Seating Systems stated, "The event provides good networking opportunities and the chance to see UK and foreign buyers, so it is essential for our business to be here.”
Fresh from its success this month, Defence IQ is already in plans for its International Armoured Vehicles 2012 conference and exhibition. A list of industry-leading companies already confirmed as exhibitors include Nexter, RUAG Land Systems, Oshkosh Defence, DEW Engineering, Hutchinson, Milbrook, Timoney Technology, Armourworks, PPG Aerospace, Istec Services, Warn, Tempus/Panasonic, 01db Metravib, Raytheon Eagle, Race-tec, Honeywell, Tyron, Rudchains, OIP, Dupont, Schott, Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, Polamco, Scanfiber and Jankel.
Event details and updates will be added periodically to the website at www.internationalarmouredvehicles.com. Follow International Armoured Vehicles on twitter.com/IAVehicles or join the LinkedIn Group: www.linkedin.com/e/gis/162026.
Hosted by Defence IQ, this year's event featured sessions on Land Forces capability, equipping process, survivability, and mounted combat platforms whilst providing attendees a choice of participation in any of four Focus Days: Countering Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IEDs), Through Life Support and Sustainment of Armoured Vehicles, Armoured Vehicle C4ISR Capabilities for Joint Operations and Combined Arms Training and Simulation.
The conference element of the event highlighted 50+ speakers from the military, including Major General Chris Deverell, British Army and Major General Robert Brown, US Army Manoeuvre Centre of Excellence, who kicked off the conference, with sessions on The British Army’s Strategy To Support Current And Future Operations and The Future Of Mounted And Dismounted Operations: The Role Of Tactical Small Units And The Solider As A System.
The content from the sessions were crucial to the attendees, many of whom were repeat visitors interested in gathering information on the latest developments in armoured vehicles. Others who were first-time participants included a Project Officer from the Norwegian Army, who mentioned, "I'm here for information on the different vehicles. I've attended all four days to hear what other nations have done, avoid mistakes that they've made, and learn lessons that they've learned."
Meanwhile, over 100 exhibitors displayed their latest products and developments to 2500+ visitors, including vehicles such as: the Ocelot vehicle, which will be replacing the British Army’s Snatch Land Rover vehicles, the 4x4 and 6x6 Zephyr vehicles from Creation UK, Ovik Solutions' Cameleon and finally, Oshkosh's impressive M-ATV vehicle.
The event's exhibition hall featured more than just vehicles – many exhibitors included innovative safety solutions for the interiors and exteriors of armoured vehicles. A representative from Vital Seating Systems stated, "The event provides good networking opportunities and the chance to see UK and foreign buyers, so it is essential for our business to be here.”
Fresh from its success this month, Defence IQ is already in plans for its International Armoured Vehicles 2012 conference and exhibition. A list of industry-leading companies already confirmed as exhibitors include Nexter, RUAG Land Systems, Oshkosh Defence, DEW Engineering, Hutchinson, Milbrook, Timoney Technology, Armourworks, PPG Aerospace, Istec Services, Warn, Tempus/Panasonic, 01db Metravib, Raytheon Eagle, Race-tec, Honeywell, Tyron, Rudchains, OIP, Dupont, Schott, Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, Polamco, Scanfiber and Jankel.
Event details and updates will be added periodically to the website at www.internationalarmouredvehicles.com. Follow International Armoured Vehicles on twitter.com/IAVehicles or join the LinkedIn Group: www.linkedin.com/e/gis/162026.
CBRN Expert Speaks Up: 'Terrorists Are Willing to Move to the Next Step'
How seriously should we take the threat of a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threat against civilian population from terrorists? Defence IQ caught up with Brigadier General (ret) Galatas Ioannis, Senior Advisor and RIEAS-CBRNE Scientific Coordinator, to find out how international cooperation and knowledge-sharing is vital for combatting CBRN threats. He also talks about how skewed the perception of the threat is.
You can listen to the interview on the Defence IQ website: http://ping.fm/Mk4YB
You can listen to the interview on the Defence IQ website: http://ping.fm/Mk4YB
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
How Do We Safeguard National Security in Future Conflicts?
Defence IQ recently interviewed Lieutenant General Johan Kihl, Former Chief of Staff for the Swedish Armed Forces. He has been instrumental in introducing 'Network Enabled Capability' into the Armed Forces and has served as the Head of Long Term Planning, Deputy Director of the Joint Forces Directorate and Chief of Staff for the Swedish Armed Forces.
In this interview, he challenges the Cold War style organisation that still prevails in many armed forces and additionally emphasises the importance of interoperability among multinational forces. There is indeed the need for upgraded capability, but mindset must accompany these developments. General Kihl goes on to describe the nature of national security threats of the future, and highlights the areas he feels are in need of critical attention.
Listen to the full interview here: http://ping.fm/e0H0m
In this interview, he challenges the Cold War style organisation that still prevails in many armed forces and additionally emphasises the importance of interoperability among multinational forces. There is indeed the need for upgraded capability, but mindset must accompany these developments. General Kihl goes on to describe the nature of national security threats of the future, and highlights the areas he feels are in need of critical attention.
Listen to the full interview here: http://ping.fm/e0H0m
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Remote Weapon Systems Remove the 'Hot Seat' From Armoured Vehicle Platforms
In modern insurgent warfare in Afghanistan, front line threats often shift by as much as 360 degree. This, combined with asymmetric tactics, produces an extremely lethal threat for armoured vehicle crews. The solution seems simple - combine sensors and controls in one package that can be managed remotely and internally. This could potentially reduce engagement time, as well as maintain vehicle impregnability. Knut Saeter is the Vice President of Kongsberg and speaks here about the Protector Remote Weapon System Station.
Listen to the full interview here: http://ping.fm/pzXuL
@wp @bl @tr
Listen to the full interview here: http://ping.fm/pzXuL
@wp @bl @tr
Monday, 21 February 2011
'We'll Find the Money': Defence Minister Luff Opens Up About Defence Spending Gap
In our first interview with Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter Luff, we dive straight into the hard questions. We open the floor with an honest inquiry into ongoing defence cuts and their proposed impact on current and future capability. Mr Luff addresses the controversial 'carrier axing' decision and we press him for his views on the £1.6 billion shortfall in the current defence budget. The serving defence minister also delves into the political fervour surrounding threatened cuts to the Chinook helicopter fleet.
Listen to the interview here:
http://ping.fm/RYWyt
@bl @de @po @tr @wp
Listen to the interview here:
http://ping.fm/RYWyt
@bl @de @po @tr @wp
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