To be honest, a flypast of a flight of typhoon is probably enough for royal events and the F1...

Unpopular opinion: the solo typhoon display is a better spectacle than the red arrows.

Libya?

There are elements of truth to this analysis but its assertions lack any discernable nuance and begin to fall apart when questioned. Also it underestimates the degree of difference between public pronouncements and government intentions, which is itself part of the strategy to buy time.

Iceland looks to fast-track vote on joining EU A referendum on resuming membership talks had been expected in 2027, but could come as early as this August.

Re some arguments I had at the weekend: the EU is still expanding. You might hate the EU, but it’s not dying on its ass as many like to claim

www.politico.eu/article/icel...

Countries fighting for their existence can't afford to think five years ahead, ten years ahead. All that matters is surviving the year.

We can't compare equipment acquisition of belligerents and non-belligerents as if they have the same aim.

It's hulls, airframes, munitions and sats that matter...for us at least.

The greater the number of soldiers, the more difficult the modernisation challenge is for the army.

As much as I deplore raising expectations that the UK can contribute meaningfully to IP security when it's own theatre is at risk...this deployment does show how CSG/CAP has the flexibility to deploy credible forces beyond our own theatre should the security situ in Euro improve in the medium term.

This honest assessment shows how little we can bring to the eastern front and how short a period it will last. There is no prospect of this turning the tide at the operational level, let alone the strategic level. Rebuilding this to a scale that is required would take up all the budget headroom...

A go at enhancing SNMG1 to a year round TF to blockade or interdict the Russian northern fleet. Three rotating fleets and ships in refit. Accepting the French need to also resource the Med.

If I were Starmer I'd throw the tiller over to port, and go all in on euro cooperation. Canada will provide some cover. One outcome it trump implodes domestically and we are left isolated and despised by everyone else Trump tried to stromg arm.

If only there was an obvious force posture for the UK that leverages its relative strengths, made an enormous impact on allied euro Atlantic security, was flexible enough to pivot to global interests when needed, and offered a degree of future proofing. Might even be affordable.

Oh the risk is there for economic disruption but I'm talking about our means to defend our territorial integrity and prosecute a prolonged war. One is economically damaging. The other is existential.

I agree. So would it be a viable lifeboat for Spain or Germany...

UK deterrent is declared to NATO.

This is where the UK's focus should be. Where its strength should lie. Where it makes its biggest contribution to NATO. A long way to go to get to sustainable, credible deterrence by denial.

The gradual increase in spending should support investment in high north capability.

If just one RN battleship could have been saved for posterity, it should probably have been Warspite. The 1906 HMS Dreadnought a close second. Any others?

A boxer CRV with ten UAV anyone?

Wow. Impressive line.

Trump's Greenland gambit: how should Europe respond? A map-based exploration of our security dilemma in the face of economic coercion

Trump's Greenland Gambit: How should the UK respond? An exploration of the European Arctic security dilemma in maps and charts... open.substack.com/pub/htsf/p/t...

He's wrong. This will be Europe's Falkland moment.

Europe has to go all in and hope 1 of 3 things happen:

1. Congress impeaches him.

2. The military refuses to execute the order.

3. He loses his nerve when all his allies unite.

Trump has just ensured 2 things:

4. European strategic autonomy will happen.

5. US defence sales are to be avoided.

If the USA sizes the territory of a NATO ally then all US forces should be immediately expelled from non US NATO territory.

The US is not yet a dictatorship. Congress can move to impeach Trump or shackle the state's resources if he attacks an ally.

Britain’s world: The strategy of security in twelve geopolitical maps – Council on Geostrategy James Rogers and Andrew Young offer this collection of visualisations that outline the United Kingdom’s global position and interests

Here's a free resource for all those interested in UK security, defence and resilience - the story told in fascinating maps and short challenging essays - good for schools, undergrads and armchair grand strategists alike ... www.geostrategy.org.uk/research/bri...

Urgh...does it have the acoustic signature for asw work and the helo pairing to make it like any good?

Our next booklist suggestions come from Andrew Young, picking up on his interests in amphibious warfare & looking at how today's defence establishment can learn from history: www.sahr.org.uk/view-book-li...
You can also catch his recent online talk for the Society at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=55UL...

Europe’s New Lines of Defense Are Not Maginot 2.0 Across Europe, nations have signaled a desire to dig, wire, and network their frontiers. From the Baltic Defense Line and the European Union’s proposed

Skeptics see Maginot 2.0. The reality? A modern system built to slow, expose, and punish aggression.

Constellation class cancelled! Wow

Norway's Purchase of Type 26 Frigates Beyond the economic boost for the UK, the sale of Type 26 Frigates to Norway is a vote of confidence for the strategic partnership and NATO planning.

www.rusi.org/explore-our-...

If you're having to explain it to members of the US defence establishment then that is a worry. Less so some ransoms in the coffee shop.