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15 Dec 23. Defence deal with Finland will give US access to 15 military bases on Russian border.
Kremlin spokesman says pact would ‘certainly lead to tension and pose a threat to us’ now Nordic country is in Nato.
The US will gain access to 15 military bases along the border with Russia under a defence deal to be signed with Finland next week.
Russia would regard the presence of Nato infrastructure near its borders as a threat, said Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman.
“This will certainly lead to tension. We can only regret this,” Mr Peskov said.
The treaty must be approved by Finland’s parliament.
Elina Valtonen, the country’s foreign minister, will be present in Washington during the signing to meet Antony Blinken, the United States secretary of state.
Washington signed a similar pact with Sweden on Dec 6 that gives the US access to 17 military bases.
Concerns raised by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 led both Finland and Sweden to abandon their military non-alignment and apply for membership in the Nato.
Finland joined in April, while Sweden is still waiting for its bid to be ratified by Nato members Hungary and Turkey.
‘There were no problems’ with Finland
The Kremlin said: “We had excellent relations with Finland. No one threatened anyone, there were no problems or complaints against each other. No one infringed on anyone’s interests, there was mutual respect.
“But now, when Finland is a Nato member and Nato’s military infrastructure will already enter Finnish territory, this will pose an obvious threat to us.”
Finland is due to sign a defence co-operation agreement with the US on Monday.
Nato has warned in recent days that if Ukraine loses the war, Russia will attack other neighbouring countries.
(Source: Daily Telegraph)
14 Nov 23. EU Defence Ministers Call for Strengthening the Defence Sector’s Access to Finance. Meeting at the Steering Board of the European Defence Agency (EDA), EU Defence Ministers endorsed a Joint Statement on strengthening the EDTIB’s access to finance and its ability to contribute to peace, stability, and sustainability in Europe. The statement emphasizes the importance of enhancing the EDTIB’s access to both public and private finance, deemed critical for sustaining industrial operations, fostering innovation, and enhancing competitiveness.
Access to both public and private finance has emerged as a growing concern for the European Union’s defence sector, particularly impacting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Middle-sized enterprises (MidCaps). This challenge is attributed to the rapid expansion of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing and the increasing significance of ESG reporting within Europe.
The EDTIB contributes significantly to European societies in terms of jobs, economic growth, and technological innovation. It also plays in a key supporting role in ensuring Europe’s security and resilience through the equipment and capabilities that it produces for Member States’ Armed Forces. Thus, the unique character of the defence industry needs to be duly taken into account when assessing the EDTIB’s ESG-performance and pursuing efforts aimed at enhancing the sustainability of Europe’s economy and industry. These efforts cannot come at the expense of the operational effectiveness of the Member States’ Armed Forces.
EDA Chief Executive, Jiří Šedivý, said, “The EDTIB requires steadfast access to public and private finance for its industrial operations, innovation in green technologies, and long-term competitiveness. The unique role and mission of the EDTIB means that limited access to finance jeopardizes scaling and R&D operations. As we work to build a stronger European defence, the defence market also needs to ensure access to potential investors at this crucial time.”
The Joint Statement outlines several proposed steps for the way forward. Importantly, it calls upon both public and private finance institutions, along with relevant investors and market participants, to refrain from discriminatory practices against investments in the EDTIB. The Statement urges these entities to adjust their policies in alignment with this commitment.
EDA remains dedicated to fostering an environment that supports the EDTIB and recognises its vital contribution to Europe’s overall safety and security. The endorsement of this Joint Statement signals a united front in addressing the financial challenges faced by the EU’s defence sector, especially SMEs and MidCaps, in the evolving landscape of ESG investing.
Full Statement here : chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://eda.europa.eu/docs/default-source/news/20231114_jointstatement_accesstofinance.pdf
(Source: EDA)
23 Oct 23. Beyond 2040 – EDA analysis warns on future warfare trends and technology imperatives for European defence. Today, the European Defence Agency (EDA), has published an in-depth analysis on the impact of long-term global, capability and technology trends in defence. “Enhancing EU Military Capabilities beyond 2040” identifies key future trends that will shape capability requirements and technology advances within the next 20 years and beyond. Developed in cooperation with experts from EU Member States, EDA has identified a series of long-term capability trends that are crucial to maintaining military advantage over potential adversaries. The analysis informs part of the EU’s Capability Development Priorities, which EDA will present to EU Ministers of Defence on 14 November 2023.
SEVEN IDENTIFIED TRENDS SHAPING DEFENCE CAPABILITES BEYOND 2040
The main identified trends from the 2023 Long-term Assessment of the Capability Development Plan include multi-domain connectivity; cognitive superiority that allows enhanced situational awareness in near real time; the ability to counter future weapon systems and a greater reliance on space based enabling and operational assets. The adaptability of armed forces to use both analogue and digital defence mindsets to accommodate legacy military platforms with technological developments is also highlighted as a key trend.
CONTINUED RISE OF EMERGING DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES (EDTS)
EDTs will play a primary role in shaping 2040 military requirements. EDA identifies nine key EDTs and examines them from the capability development perspective, to describe possible military applications and challenges to be considered as part of the future battlespace. Systems emerging from EDTs, as well as their combinations, are likely to have multiple applications in the military context. Autonomous systems are a valuable example in that regard, already being rapidly incorporated into military capabilities, and expected to accelerate in the coming years. Novel disruptive weapons, such as hypersonic and directed energy weapons, will bring new opportunities and challenges for armed forces.
EDA Chief Executive, Jiří Šedivý said: “As we try to envisage what threats we might face in the next decades, one thing is certain: maintaining technological supremacy, through defence innovation is a strategic necessity. By working together to develop stronger and more credible military capabilities, the EU can be proactive in safeguarding its security, asserting its autonomy, and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.”
FUTURE MILITARY CAPABILITY AREAS
The EDA’s analysis finds that the impact of fast-paced technology and the identified capability trends will also shape requirements across all military capability areas, for instance in;
- Information and cognitive superiority as a key aspect in the future operational environment, with command-and-inform capabilities paramount to future requirements.
- A need for new generation of weapons and platforms to produce significant shifts in engagement and protective capabilities.
- Future deployments activities that will be highly impacted by AI and autonomous systems. The operational environment in 2040 and beyond will call for improved and more solid military sustainment and logistics.
GLOBAL FUTURE STRATEGIC FACTORS
An analysis of the main factors that will shape the strategic context in 2040 and beyond was conducted, identifying the trends regarding strategic factors, where persistent digitalisation will significantly affect the character of war. Climate change and its impact will reshape future operational environments. While growing global competition, spread of misinformation, ageing population, cyber threats, and economic factors have been identified as key elements impacting the future of EU security.
EDA TECHNOLOGY FORESIGHT PROJECT FINDINGS PUBLISHED
EDA Technology Watch & Foresight activities were used as basis to develop fictitious scenarios of analysis concerning possible future operational environments, together with official reference on long-term macrotrends. This R&T reference helped to frame specific possible elements of capabilities to face in 20+ years ahead with a consistent assessment on the expected levels of technology maturity, to avoid ineffective science fiction effects.
In that regard, EDA has also published the summary of its ‘Technology Foresight Exercise’, which provides a high-level long-term vision on multiple possible futures for defence, with a special focus of the impact of technologies. EDA’s Foresight Exercise looks up to 20 years into the future, to provide this strategic vision of the possible impact of technologies in defence in 2040+. To facilitate outside-the-box thinking, different activities took place within the exercise, and it was open to high-level experts from different technological and non-technological domains, as well as from non-governmental bodies, academia, industry, and civil society.
For instance, the widespread digitalisation of the battlefield with developments related to the use of Artificial Intelligence, 5G communication networks, software-based battlefield vision, and pervasive use of unmanned systems was identified as a key opportunity and threat for the future defence capabilities.
BACKGROUND – METHODOLOGY
EDA Enhancing EU Military Capabilities beyond 2040 is elaborated with the participation of capability planners, technology experts and foresight analysts from EU Member States, EDA, EU Military Committee, EU Military Staff and NATO.
Firstly, the analysis regroups the main factors that will shape the strategic context in 20 years and beyond, such as climate and demographic changes, technological advances and growing global competitiveness, together with EDA Technology Foresight analysis to assess technology impact on future capability landscape. Secondly, possible long-term operational scenarios were developed, considering future threats, long-term strategic factors, and technological leaps. Finally, two tabletop exercises (TTX), comprising fictitious scenarios, were conducted to extract preliminary defence capability requirements findings. Experts in military planning, research and technology and foresight analysis from Member States, EDA, EU Military Staff and NATO delivered a deep analysis of the possible implications for future capabilities based on injections of fictitious but realistic groups of events in a given scenario. The analysis of all findings from both Tabletop Exercises delivered a robust Long-Term Capability Assessment to inform the current CDP revision, as well as the future update of Research and Technology activities.
More Information
- Enhancing EU Military Capabilities beyond 2040 – Summary of 2023 Long-term Capability Assessment Publication
- 2022 EDA Technology Foresight Exercise Report
- Fact Sheet
- Video Explainer
- EDA Technology Watch and Foresight
- Tabletop exercises – June 2022 – September 2022
(Source: EDA)
30 Nov 23. Record high European defence spending boosted by procurement of new equipment. The European Defence Agency (EDA) has today published its annual Defence Data report for 2022, for the first-time detailing defence spending from all EU Member States. At a record €240 billion, 2022 European defence spending again increased by 6% on the previous year, marking the eighth year of consecutive growth. 20 of the 27 EU Member States increased defence expenditure, with six increasing spending by over 10%.
2022 European Defence Spending – Key Findings
- Sweden (+30.1%), Luxembourg (+27.9%), Lithuania (27.6%), Spain (19.3%), Belgium (14.8%) and Greece (13.3%) recorded the highest increases in overall expenditure among the EU 27.
- A record €58 billion was allocated to defence investments; overwhelmingly towards the procurement of new equipment, which increased by 7% on the previous year.
- Significant jump in value of projects managed by EDA; with 18 projects starting in 2022 worth more than € 76 million, for a combined value of € 250 million across 46 projects managed on behalf of Member States by EDA.
High Representative/Vice-President and Head of the European Defence Agency Josep Borrell said: “Our armed forces must be ready for a much more demanding era. Adjusting to these new realities first and foremost means investing more on defence. A record €240 billion underpins the commitment of Member States to bolster European defence. However, we have key capability gaps and continue to lag behind other global players in spending. This is why it’s not just about spending more in defence, but also about spending better and together. We must find extra value in our ability to cooperate and seize the opportunities to strengthen our armed forces through common planning, shared projects and joint procurements.”
Commitment to investment
The allocation of €58 billion of total defence expenditure to defence investment by the 27 EU Member States marks a robust growth of 5.9%. The agreed benchmark of 20% total expenditure to this area is surpassed for the fourth year with a 24.2% total across the EU. 20 Member States reached this collectively agreed benchmark, with Luxembourg (53.5%), Hungary (48.1%), Greece (42.6%), Finland (37.4%) and Lithuania (34.8%) with the highest allocation of their overall defence expenditure to investment.
Research spending slips
Despite record overall spending, expenditure dedicated to defence research and technology (R&T) is down, €200 million compared to the previous year. Only two MS meet the agreed 2% benchmark of defence expenditure dedicated to R&T activities, together accounting for more than 80% of all defence R&T expenditure. EU collaborative endeavours such as the EDA Ad Hoc framework and funding via the European Defence Fund can collectively bring the EU closer to achieving the benchmark for defence spending allocated to R&T activities.
BACKGROUND
EDA collects defence data on an annual basis, and has done so since 2006, in line with the Agency’s Ministerial Steering Board Decision of November 2005. The Ministries of Defence of the Agency’s 27 Member States provide the data. EDA acts as its custodian and publishes the aggregated figures in its “Defence data” booklets and on its website. On 23 March 2023, Denmark joined the Agency, allowing for the first time EDA’s Defence Data Publication to account for all European Union MS. Of note, this edition incorporates Denmark’s defence data for 2022 only. Datasets of MS are available since 2006 on the Defence Data Portal on EDA’s website.
Notes for editors
- EDA Defence Data Report 2022
- EDA Defence Data webpage
- The European Defence Agency (EDA), the hub for European defence cooperation:
- Created in 2004 to support and facilitate defence cooperation in Europe, EDA has become the place where countries willing to develop their defence capabilities collaboratively can do so.
- EDA’s expertise and activities cover the whole spectrum of cooperation: from harmonising requirements to delivering operational capabilities; from research & technology (R&T) and innovation to developing technology demonstrators; from training and exercises to support to CSDP operations.
- EDA also closely engages with the European defence industry to enhance Europe’s defence technological and industrial base and help make the industry stronger and more competitive.
- The Agency’s role and impact have constantly grown, especially with the implementation of the EU’s Global Strategy (2016) which also led Member States to reinforce the Agency’s mission in 2017, and more recently with the adoption of the EU Strategic Compass.
- (Source: EDA)
14 Nov 23. EU Defence Ministers agree to prioritise 22 military capabilities to bolster European armed forces. Today, at the Steering Board of the European Defence Agency (EDA), the 27 EU Ministers of Defence approve the 2023 EU Capability Development Priorities. The document serves as a baseline for EU-wide defence planning, and all EU defence-related initiatives. The 22 priorities reflect the military realities observed in Ukraine; support EU defence objectives; and are designed to lead to concrete projects.
TO BE READY
Persistent underinvestment and insufficient European cooperation have created substantial defence capability gaps. The twenty-two priorities agreed today address the need for full-spectrum defence capabilities, enabling high-intensity operations. They include fourteen priorities across five military domains, and eight related to strategic enablers and multipliers.
Head of Agency and HR/VP, Josep Borrell said: “The newly adopted military Capability Development Priorities will provide us with an impactful and actionable framework that will guide defence planning and all EU defence initiatives. In line with the objectives of the Strategic Compass, the new priorities will allow our Member States and their armed forces to maintain freedom of action and be better prepared to respond to an ever-changing and increasingly deteriorating security environment. Now is time to translate these priorities into concrete defence cooperation projects to ensure more resilient, agile and robust European armed forces, ready to tackle present and future threats.”
The priorities – developed with an equal focus on short, medium, and long-term planning – emphasise harnessing cutting-edge capabilities and strengthening European armed forces. Moreover, they address current operational realities and being ready to face future threats and challenges. These priorities, among others, include:
- Land Based Precision Engagement: The range, precision, and mobility of land-based precision strike capabilities must be extended and enhanced, including in quantitative terms, with enhancements in large-calibre ammunition stockpiles, advanced anti-tank systems, versatile close fire support, and resilience against cyber threats.
- Integrated Air and Missile Defence: Encompasses all surface-based capabilities facing an airborne threat. Priorities in this area focus both on upgrading current air defence systems, and on developing next-generation systems with space-based early warning, and counter-Unmanned Air Systems capabilities.
- Underwater/Seabed Warfare: Enhancements in seabed warfare, underwater protection, and anti-submarine capabilities with advanced autonomous underwater vehicles, and surveillance systems.
- Sustainable and Agile Logistics: Incorporates capabilities to facilitate the projection, sustainment, and effectiveness of forces. Key areas include shared stocks and common warehousing, logistics footprint and strengthening maintenance requirements to deal with extreme weather conditions.
- Cohesive and Well-Trained Militaries: Centres on the development of professional military education, training, and ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment, and to operate in new military domains, such as space and cyber.
EDA Chief Executive, Jiří Šedivý said: “These priorities are a significant step in strengthening the EU’s capabilities, extending beyond traditional equipment and platforms to encompass a broader operational perspective. The 22 priorities also look to future threats over the medium- and long-term time horizon.”
LESSONS FROM UKRAINE LOOM LARGE
The 2023 EU CDP reaffirms the long-standing priorities and balance them with new ones arising from the profound shift in the EU’s strategic environment. The newly adopted set of priorities also reflect the objectives of the EU’s Strategic Compass and the military realities observed in Ukraine, including high-intensity requirements, and is therefore fully coherent with NATO.
Amongst the key lessons observed in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is the necessity for agile, mobile, interoperable, technologically advanced, energy efficient, and resilient full spectrum land forces. Moreover, the Ukraine context highlighted the importance of multilayer Integrated Air and Missile Defence, along with an appropriate rebalance between the qualitative and quantitative dimensions in many capability areas.
BASELINE FOR EU DEFENCE CAPABILTY DEVELOPMENT
Over the last 18 months, EU Member States worked together with EDA and the EU Military Staff, to assess and conceptualise the various dimensions of military capability requirements.
The agreed priorities will serve as the baseline for all EU defence related initiatives and instruments, such as the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), the European Defence Fund (EDF) and any future EU defence supporting tools. In line with the Strategic Compass, this set of priorities shall also serve as a prime reference for national planning. In addition, they provide a valuable overview of the capability development landscape for the defence industry.
COOPERATION AND COHERENT IMPLEMENTATION
After today’s endorsement, the focus will be on the implementation of the new set of priorities.
- These priorities will be the driver for capability-led research and innovation activities, informing the research agenda and engagement with industry.
- EDA will steer the collaborative activities aimed at implementing these priorities, establishing a clear, correlation from priority to action.
- EDA will use the third CARD cycle and bilateral dialogues with each EU Member State as a forum to support implementation and possible cooperative capability development activities with others.
(Source: EDA)
15 Dec 23. Bundestag Approves €6bn for Patriot and IRIS-T Missiles, H145M Armed Helicopters and More.
IRIS-T, Meteor and Patriot: Bundestag Approves Guided Missile Procurement. The Budget Committee of the German Bundestag has approved the purchase of new guided missiles for various weapon systems. In addition, the development of a new ground-based air defense system for land operations can begin – the successor to the Gepard anti-aircraft gun tank.
The Air Force’s Tornados and Eurofighters are armed with the IRIS-T air-to-air guided missile to engage air targets at short ranges. The almost three-meter-long guided missile has an infrared seeker head that can distinguish between the target’s heat source and infrared decoys. The proven short-range guided missiles have been in use since 2005.
The 120 guided missiles plus accessories ordered are to be replaced as part of Ukraine support. The Bundeswehr is giving 120 guided missiles to Ukraine for its defense against Russian aggression. That is why the new guided missiles are now being financed for around 108 million euros from the upgrade title in Section 60. Partner states are supported with military material through the Federal Government’s strengthening initiative.
The guided missiles are scheduled to be delivered in 2026. The initial 120 guided missiles are part of a framework agreement with the manufacturer for the possible production and delivery of up to 1,280 guided missiles.
Guided Missiles for Patriot system
The committee also approved the purchase of 500 guided missiles with spare parts for the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system which can engage aircraft, missiles and cruise missiles. The mobile weapon system was used in particular to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank, and was also delivered to Ukraine.
A total of 3.01 billion euros will now be invested. 400 guided missiles will be purchased for around 2.4 billion euros over the next few years via the Bundeswehr special fund and will then be further financed through the regular defense budget. Funding of around 602 million euros for 100 guided missiles comes from the upgrade title, as this number was also given to Ukraine.
Procurement is carried out via the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). Other nations are also participating in the agreement with the manufacturer. Delivery of the guided missiles is scheduled to take place between 2027 and 2033.
Eurofighter armament: Meteor is to receive an update
In order to maintain superiority in air combat into the 2040s, the Bundeswehr can also commission studies on an update of the Meteor air-to-air guided missile. The Air Force’s Eurofighters are armed with Meteor guided missiles. The fighter jet pilots can also use them to engage targets beyond their field of vision.
For example, possible adjustments to the radar homing head, the propulsion system, the data link and the warhead are now being analyzed for 34.9 million euros. The investigations are scheduled to begin next year and the reports on the adaptation options will be available in 2025. Five other European nations are involved in the project.
Until the army’s anti-aircraft defense force was disbanded, the Gepard anti-aircraft gunner was one of the main weapon systems to accompany the tank and armored infantry troops and to protect them from attacking aircraft and helicopters at low altitudes. He was in use until 2010.
Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression reinforces how important mobile and protected air defense systems are for national and alliance defense: discarded Gepard tanks were put back into service and delivered to Ukraine to combat air targets there.
(Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com)
(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ German Ministry of Defense; issued Dec. 14, 2023)
14 Dec 23. Ministry of Defence accused of wasting nearly £400m.
The cancellation of a contract on a battlefield communications system is the latest delay to an update to the computers on army vehicles.
The cancellation and delays to the Morpheus update come on the back of the Ajax armoured vehicle procurement scandal, which has lasted a decade
The Ministry of Defence has been accused of wasting up to £395 million after it cancelled a contract on a battlefield communications system.
The army is updating the computers on its armoured vehicles to a system called Morpheus, dubbed the “brain” between soldiers, sensors and weapons.
The £3.2bn project has been mired in delays and is now not expected to enter service until the next decade, according to experts. In total £690 million has already been spent on the project.
In a written statement published as MPs prepare to break for recess, the MoD admitted the Morpheus project had “fallen short” of expectations and revealed that the government was cutting its losses on one of the main contracts, known as Evolve to Open (EvO).
James Cartlidge, the defence procurement minister, announced that the government had abandoned a £395 million contract with General Dynamics Mission Systems (UK) to design an open architecture programme for the transition from the old Bowman communications system. The contract was supposed to allow other bidders to compete for Morpheus.
Cartlidge said the EvO contract had been cancelled because it represented the “best value for money approach for the taxpayer”. Officials refused to say how much of the £395m had been spent, citing commercial confidentiality.
General Dynamics, the US firm that is the parent company of General Dynamics Mission Systems (UK), was also the main contractor for the £5.5bn Ajax armoured vehicle, a procurement scandal that has lasted over a decade. Soldiers suffered hearing loss because of noise and vibration issues with the vehicle. The army will only receive its full order of 589 vehicles by 2029, 15 years after the initial order was made.
• MP’s condemn defence procurement system that ‘fails troops and taxpayers’
Mark Francois, the former armed forces minister, said the government needed to overhaul MoD procurement.
“Morpheus has been a basket case for years. The MoD has now cut its losses on the precursor EvO contract, having spent nearly £400 million of taxpayers’ money with very little to actually show for it,” he said. “The irony is compounded, because EvO and that other defence procurement shambles, Ajax, are the responsibility of two different divisions of the same US parent corporation, General Dynamics, who must be laughing all the way to the bank.”
BATTLESPACE Comment: The decision by the MoD Team led by Mike Stone to Prime Morpheus was seen at the time as a brave decision and so it has proved. However, it is disingenuous to place the whole blame for this on GD and the MoD. Lessons learned from Ukraine showed that the current Bowman system was not robust or secure enough to operate on the current battlefield threats including increased EW activity. GD saw this and wanted another £200m on top of the £400m to take EVO over the line. One of the big problems with Bowman was the closed architecture to the software which evolved from the original Command Systems variant developed for the Canadian Iris system EVO was supposed to make the whole system Open Architecture to allow plug and play of new systems and assemblies. Industry saw the writing on the wall early last year and a consortium of L3Harris, Leonardo DRS and Systematic demonstrated their Everest solution at the MoD Battlelab last year. Everest 2 will follow next year to include new applications such as Troposcatter from the Comtech/Spectra Team and 5G applications. The Special Forces and Royal Marines are already developing their own local networks using Persistent Systems MPU5 radios supplied through Steatite and software from TrellisWare a Viasat associate company. In short Morpheus has ben consigned to history. LETacCIS and any new Morpheus Programme will be procured incrementally with L3Harris already supplying a new range of radios.
Defence Eye Comment: The only people who seem to have been unaware that the British Army Morpheus communications programme was heading for disaster over the past 3-4-years were…well…the British Army! Defence Eye has checked various notebooks, and cannot find anyone saying anything apart from negative things about the whole programme for quite some time. So the Written Statement by the Defence Procurement Minister, James Cartlidge, on 14 December, came as no particular surprise, apart from aspects of the detail. A 700-word statement seems quite long for a, “we tried, it didn’t work out, so we’re cancelling this and moving on” statement. To Defence Eye’s eye, it is also an incredibly defensive statement. In effect, despite the fact that the British Army will have to soldier on with a less-than-satisfactory C2 system, one less and less capable of handling the data rates required, the Minister seems to be saying that everything is fine, the British Army has a really good C2 systems, and they will happily work with General Dynamics Mission Systems into the future to keep Bowman upgraded etc. This is despite the fact that the Ministry of Defence has just cancelled the Morpheus contract, which suggests nothing good, either technologically, industrially, or contractually.As Defence Eye has reported, having rolled out the Bowman Combat Information Platform 5.6 (BCIP-5.6), which was meant to see Bowman to its out of service date around 2025-26, negotiations about BCIP-5.7 had started several months ago, and Defence Eye takes these to be what James Cartlidge is referring to when he said:
“In the meantime, the MoD will continue to work with General Dynamics to ensure they deliver the planned update to sustain the in-service Bowman System, ensuring we continue to meet all our operational requirements. The update, alongside our own development efforts, will deliver new hardware and software ensuring troops on the frontline have a secure communications system…”
One intriguing issue is about the costs and the like. MOD sources have said that £390m was obligated/spent on Morpheus up until the time of cancellation but, “…we can’t say how much is left over”. OK, sounds definitive, no? Well, less than two weeks ago, there was a Written Answer (covered at the time by Defence Eye):
“John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on (a) Morpheus and (b) the wider LETacCIS programme as of 27 November 2023.”
“James Cartlidge: As of 27 November 2023, the total expenditure for the LETacCIS programme is c.£1.8bn, of which Project MORPHEUS represents c.£766m.”
This is spent to date, not obligated and sitting in a kitty somewhere. As a last thought, perhaps the programme name, Morpheus, was a very apt one: Morpheus is the minor god associated with dreams, and in this case, the whole of the Morpheus programme very much resembled a dream. Up until such time as people woke up… Interestingly, the MOD Main Building in London seems to have woken up faster to the failings of Morpheus than the British Army, with a senior source close to the Defence Procurement Minister telling Defence Eye, “General Dynamics have not been able to deliver. We are now looking again at our next steps. Hopefully sometime in the spring we will have identified a way forward. We are not sure if that means an open architecture or evolve solution. All things are on the table.” Defence Eye reached out to General Dynamics for a comment, but they declined to comment.
15 Dec 23. Hungary blocks Ukraine aid deal but EU opens door to membership talks. European leaders agreed to open EU membership talks with Ukraine, in a move hailed as a “victory” by the country’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, but the regional group was unable to pass a crucial aid package for Kyiv after Hungary blocked it.
Charles Michel, President of the EU Council, announced on X on Thursday that it would “open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova” and had granted candidate status to Georgia.
The move was “a clear signal of hope for their people and for our continent,” Michel said.
The news was promptly welcomed by the Ukrainian leader, whose people have been battling a devastating Russian invasion since February 2022.
“This is a victory for Ukraine. A victory for all of Europe. A victory that motivates, inspires, and strengthens,” Zelensky posted on X following the announcement.
“History is made by those who don’t get tired of fighting for freedom,” Zelensky said.
The announcement by the European Council comes nearly two years after the bloc accepted Ukraine as a candidate state, though Ukraine has held ambitions to join the EU for more than a decade.
It sends a strong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin following concerns that the West had lost interest in supporting Kyiv in its fight against Moscow’s invading forces.
However European leaders were unable to sign off on a multi-billion dollar financial aid package for Ukraine after Hungary was the sole nation to voice opposition, according to Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
Rutte said it was agreed that funding talks would resume early in 2024, and that “given the state of play in the talks, I am fairly confident that we can get to a breakthrough early next year.” But he added that was “not a guarantee.”
Rutte said that of 27 EU member states, 26 agreed on the Ukraine funding but that “Viktor Orban, Hungary, is not yet able to do that. I hope next year.”
“This is a good outcome. We still have some time. Ukraine is not out of money in the next couple of weeks. So we have that time and I think we can get there,” Rutte added.
Orban and his government have always been by far the closest ally of the Kremlin within the European bloc.
According to Reuters, the funding deal is worth 50bn euros ($55bn). (Source: CNN)
14 Dec 23. NSPA, EDA and OCCAR Unite in Trilateral Meeting in Luxembourg. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), the European Defence Agency (EDA), and the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) converged in Luxembourg for a trilateral meeting on 12 December.
Hosted by Ms Stacy Cummings, NSPA General Manager, the gathering focused on navigating the evolving security landscape and fortifying joint initiatives to optimise use of resources and enhance complementarity.
With a candid exchange on the impact of the current security environment on their respective roles and missions, the organisations delved into strategic discussions aimed at identifying synergies and areas of collaboration. The emphasis lay on identifying common challenges and unlocking opportunities for strengthened cooperation.
Key areas of focus included brainstorming pathways to bolster collaboration and coordination, addressing concerns regarding potential competition and overlapping capabilities, and identifying objectives for unified messaging when engaging with common stakeholders.
“The current security environment challenges us to be more efficient, effective and responsive. We are stronger together, as partners. By leveraging their synergies, NSPA, EDA and OCCAR are building collective strength,” stated Ms Cummings. “This meeting is a step forward as we leverage past successes and continue to join forces towards enhanced cooperation, reinforcing our commitment to enabling and supporting nations across Europe and the NATO alliance.
EDA Chief Executive, Mr Jiří Šedivý, said: “Sharing views trilaterally and identifying areas for greater synergies at this precise moment in time is much helpful and necessary. We did it in the past already, delivering tangible achievements together with the multinational multirole tanker and transport (MRTT) fleet, which was conceived in EDA, managed by the NSPA on behalf of the participating countries and supported by OCCAR in the acquisition phase.”
“While our organisations have different mandates, scope of activities, and membership, we are aiming to support our respective member states so that they can best cope with the fast-changing security environment and new capability needs”, he added.
OCCAR-EA Director, Mr Joachim Sucker confirmed: “At a time when our world is ever more disconnected, we need to work hard to find ways to connect and cooperate to achieve our common goal to provide options to deliver defence capabilities to the Nations. I am very thankful to NSPA General Manager, Ms Stacey Cummings for bringing myself and Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency (EDA) Jiří Šedivý together for the first time, trilaterally, to further develop and strengthen our joint efforts to collaborate effectively and efficiently with our individual organizations ‘strengths and capabilities.”
The outcome of this trilateral meeting shows commitment to fostering an environment of collaboration and to addressing pressing security challenges. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) is NATO’s lead organisation for multinational acquisition, support and sustainment in all domains. The European Defence Agency (EDA) is an inter-governmental organisation of the European Union (EU). Created in 2004 to support and facilitate defence cooperation in the EU, it enhances European defence capabilities through collaborative projects and initiatives.
The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) is an independent International Organization for the management of complex, cooperative armament programmes. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/EDA)
14 Dec 23. UK Carrier Strike Group to visit Japan in 2025. The UK’s Carrier Strike Group will visit Japan as part of the flagship 2025 Indo-Pacific deployment, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has announced today.
• Announcement made at Japan’s Yokosuka Naval Base.
• 2025 deployment another key step in upholding Indo-Pacific security
• Previous task group travelled more than 55,000 nautical miles and made port calls to 40 countries
The UK’s Carrier Strike Group will visit Japan as part of the flagship 2025 Indo-Pacific deployment, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has announced today.
The group, comprised of an aircraft carrier, her escorts and her aircraft, will work alongside the Japanese Self Defence Forces and other partners to help defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
On a visit to Japan’s Yokosuka Naval Base, the Defence Secretary highlighted the importance of the UK exercising the best capabilities our Armed Forces have to offer alongside partners in the region.
Following the inaugural deployment in 2021, the Carrier Strike Group 2025 highlights the strength of the UK’s leadership in seeking to uphold stability in the Indo-Pacific. This has been bolstered by the Royal Navy’s persistent presence in the region through HMS Spey and HMS Tamar, as well as the landmark Global Combat Air Programme collaboration.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The strength and global reach of the UK’s Armed Forces should never be underestimated. The Carrier Strike Group 2025 is another tangible example of our ability to deploy globally.
Such deployments send a strong deterrence message while presenting important opportunities for engagements with key partners. Japan is our closest security partner in Asia and the task group’s visit to the country will only serve to strengthen our military and diplomatic ties.”
A Carrier Strike Group is a versatile and lethal resource that few countries possess. Always led by an aircraft carrier embarked with F-35B Lightning jets, the rest of the UK formation can be made up of submarines, warships and support vessels, including from other allied navies.
The Carrier Strike Group offers cutting-edge air, surface and underwater defence, but it is also a focal point for the worldwide democratic activity. HMS Queen Elizabeth led the 2021 task group on a journey of 55,000 nautical miles, stretching from the Eastern Atlantic to Japan and back, with the deployment seeing UK military and diplomatic engagement with more than forty nations. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
12 Dec 23. New Government in Poland Hints At Nixing Major Arms Deal with S. Korea. A coalition of opposition parties won enough seats for the Law and Justice party (PiS) to lose power in the Polish parliamentary election this past October. The coalition has announced that it may choose to nullify arms deals worth 3trn won (US$2.28bn) that Poland signed with South Korea.
In a local radio interview on Dec. 10, Szymon Hołownia, the speaker of Poland’s lower house, said that agreements signed by the interim PiS government “may be invalidated,” according to Reuters.
In a media interview on Saturday, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who is expected to head the Ministry of National Defense in the upcoming administration, revealed that he will “analyze and evaluate” any defense contracts that were signed after the parliamentary election.
The opposition coalition, comprising the Civic Coalition, Third Way, and the Left, took more than half of parliamentary seats in the election on Oct. 15, and are expected to form a coalition government. Donald Tusk, the former president of the European Council, was elected to become Poland’s next prime minister on Monday.
The upcoming administration has announced its intentions to review multi-bn-dollar arms deals signed by the PiS, which during its lame duck period overspent from Poland’s public coffers on defense contracts without consulting with the incoming administration at a time when the country’s finances are already tight.
“After Oct. 15, PiS should have limited itself to administering the state and not spending public money,” Hołownia told a radio outlet, according to Reuters.
With little left in his term, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak remarked that the opposition coalition “will likely make the populist claim that they will replace Korean weapons with Polish arms, but they will end up achieving nothing.”
In a company bulletin on Dec. 4, Hanwha Aerospace announced that it had secured a second defense contract with the Polish Armaments Agency worth 3.45trn won (US$2.6bn) for K9 self-propelled howitzers. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ The Hankyoreh)
13 Dec 23. MoD fined £350k after disclosing personal details of 265 Afghan aides. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) was fined £350k after a 2021 data breach that endangered 265 Afghans who had worked for UK forces and were seeking relocation. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) on 13 December, 2023, fined the Ministry of Defence (MoD) £350k for data breaches in September 2021 that endangered the lives of 265 Afghan nationals who were already at risk of reprisals for working under the UK government in Afghanistan.
The data breach disclosed the personal information of the individuals while they were seeking relocation from the country under the UK’s Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) in the wake of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.
In an MoD communication from the ARAP team on 20 September 2021 the email addresses of 256 intended Afghan recipients were included in ‘To’ field of the email instead of the ‘BCC’ field, disclosing these email addresses and in 55 cases making visible their thumbnail-photograph portraits.
“The data disclosed, should it have fallen into the hands of the Taliban, could have resulted in a threat to life,” according to a statement from the ICO.
Soon after the data breach, the MoD contacted the people affected asking them to delete the email, change their email address, and inform the ARAP team of their new contact details via a secure form.
It was later found that two other breaches of this kind had occurred at involving 13 email addresses on 7 September and 55 email addresses on 13 September. Extracting duplicate occurrences, the three breaches span 265 individuals.
“This deeply regrettable data breach let down those to whom our country owes so much.” John Edwards, UK Information Commissioner
The ICO found the ARAP team to be lacking in measures required by law to avoid disclosing people’s information inappropriately, and that the ARAP team’s dependence on ‘blind carbon copy’ posed a considerable risk of human error.
“This deeply regrettable data breach let down those to whom our country owes so much. This was a particularly egregious breach of the obligation of security owed to these people, thus warranting the financial penalty my office imposes today,” said John Edwards, UK Information Commissioner.
Taking into account the MoD’s representations, the fine was reduced from a starting amount of £1m to £700k to reflect the action taken by the MoD following the incidents and to recognise the significant challenges faced by the ARAP team. The fine was reduced to £350k under the ICO’s public sector approach.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “The Ministry of Defence takes its data protection obligations incredibly seriously. We have cooperated extensively with the ICO throughout their investigation to ensure a prompt resolution, and we recognise the severity of what has happened. We fully acknowledge today’s ruling and apologise to those affected.
“We have introduced a number of measures to act on the ICO’s recommendations and will share further details on these measures in due course.”
Data breach investigation
The breach was mentioned in the House of Commons in an urgent question put forth by MP John Healy on 25 April 2023 to the Defence Secretary at the time, Ben Wallace, who said it would be an understatement to say he was angered by the data breach and initiated an investigation, suspending one staff member until the findings of the investigation were concluded, and putting in place new data security measures.
In a statement in October 2021 from Sean Humber, a specialist data breach lawyer at the legal firm Leigh Day that represents victims of the data breach, Humber said that from the conversations his team have, “had with distressed clients trapped in Afghanistan, these data breaches have made an already extremely difficult situation even worse.”
Humber adds that, “In due course, those affected are likely to have substantial claims for compensation against the Government for the unauthorised release of their personal data and the problems that this has caused.” (Source: army-technology.com)
11 Dec 23. More than 2,000 friends and family today gave the biggest welcome to Britain’s biggest warship as HMS Prince of Wales returned to Portsmouth. The aircraft carrier enjoyed the largest homecoming the Hampshire Naval Base has seen in several years as she completed a three-month deployment to the United States.
The ship left Portsmouth at the beginning of September for an autumn dedicated to expanding the boundaries of naval aviation for the UK’s two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
Successful trials have been carried out with small pilotless drones, which could take the place of helicopters in delivering supplies to a task group, and much larger crewless aircraft, which could conduct long-range surveillance or strike missions in the future.
Extensive trials have been conducted with the US Marine Corps and F-35 Lightning jets which mean in future the stealth fighters can be launched on more sorties, more quickly, with a heavier payload – weapons or fuel – in worse weather conditions if required.
The carrier’s flight deck – which has never been busier – has also frequently hosted US Marine Corps Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft and a series of gunships and general purpose helicopters to maximise the ability of the two allies’ military forces to operate seamlessly together.
“It’s great to be back after a hugely-successful deployment,” said Captain Richard Hewitt, the carrier’s Commanding Officer.
“During the past 3½ months we have pushed the boundaries of naval aviation, worked hand in hand with our US partners and ensured the continued advancement of Queen Elizabeth class aviation.
“I am immensely proud of all onboard who have been nothing short of brilliant. My particular thanks go to all those who have supported us from home”
The ship has also welcomed a string of VIP guests, from senior British and US naval officers, to the Japanese Navy which is about to operate F-35s at sea, while the ship’s company took part in formal ceremonies include a joint Remembrance Service to mark Armistice Day.
“It’s been an excellent deployment for my team, with a huge variety of aircraft. We’ve had real excitement on the deck, doing things that have never been done before with an F-35,” said Commander Martin Russell in charge of all aerial operations on board as Commander Air.
“Having three MV-22 Ospreys from the US Presidential Squadron was a real highlight, as well as being able to support the US Marine Corps by opening the deck for all their aircraft.”
He continued: “Conducting the first launches and landings of two new fixed wing un-crewed systems was particularly relevant for my younger personnel, who got a chance to operate air systems that will be the future of this ship during her 50-year lifespan.
“It was sad to say goodbye to the Merlin and Wildcat helicopters of 820 and 815 Squadrons when they disembarked yesterday, but the team have earned a well-deserved rest over the Christmas holidays.”
During breaks in Mayport, Florida, and Norfolk, Virginia, the 800-plus strong ship’s company have had the opportunity to visit Washington DC, the Kennedy Space Centre, the Disney resorts in Orlando, and Key West at the southern tip of the USA.
“I’ve really enjoyed the deployment,” said Acting Leading Hand (Catering Services) Molly Rowe.
“As a chef the receptions allowed us to show-off a bit, but the camaraderie has been great throughout. I really enjoyed going ashore in Norfolk, where the Busch Gardens Theme Park was all decorated with Christmas Lights.”
HMS Prince of Wales will now undergo maintenance in her home base over the coming weeks before resuming trials, training and exercises gearing up for her maiden deployment leading a carrier strike group in 2025. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
10 Dec 23. Research Center for Submarine Infrastructure Security Opened in The Hague. As of today, the Netherlands is conducting experimental research with Denmark, Germany, Finland, Norway and Sweden to protect submarine infrastructure, including pipelines and cables. For this reason, the Seabed Security Experimentation Center (SeaSEC) has been opened in The Hague, where researchers are experimenting with new equipment to protect the seabed.
The aim of SeaSEC is to develop new techniques. It should enable governments to monitor infrastructure in the North Sea and Baltic Sea up to a depth of 30 meters. Think of internet cables, pipelines for oil and gas and the platforms on which wind turbines are built.
The researchers will have access to a huge amount of data from military and civilian databases from the six participating countries. When sharing information, close attention is paid to ensuring confidentiality. For example, information from parties involved may be classified or commercially confidential.
Among other things, they want to create a virtual image of the seabed, on which any threats to the submarine infrastructure immediately become visible.
The researchers will have access to a huge amount of data from military and civilian databases.
Test area in the sea of 10 by 10 nautical miles
SeaSEC also has a large test area in the sea of 10 by 10 nautical miles, or 18 by 18 kilometers. For example, unmanned surveillance vehicles can make test rounds here.
The establishment of the SeaSEC is part of the Northern Naval Capability Cooperation initiative. This partnership between defense organizations of the 6 partners was officially ratified today in Washington. The NNCC was started to strengthen the northern maritime industry. This is necessary to have the best systems and equipment available.
The intention is that SeaSEC branches will eventually also be opened in Sweden and Germany. Researchers can then test new techniques under different conditions, for example under sea ice. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Netherlands Ministry of Defense; issued Dec 07, 2023)
10 Dec 23. NATO Agile Combat Employment Develops Expeditionary Capability and Resilience. Agile Combat Employment – Enhancing NATO’s Expeditionary Capability and Resilience. Allied Air Command conducted its second symposium in 2023 for NATO’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) model, bringing together multinational stakeholders to discuss lessons learned, evolution and way head of the concept that hones NATO air force expeditionary capability, readiness and resilience.
ACE is an operational scheme of manoeuvre designed to improve resilience and survivability while generating air combat power from both home bases and geographically dispersed locations
The Deputy Commander of Allied Air Command, Air Marshal Johnny Stringer, convened the multinational symposium on December 4 to 7, which was co-chaired by French Air and Space Force Brigadier General Gilles Juventin, who leads the Support Directorate at Headquarters Allied Air Command and oversees the areas of infrastructure, supply, logistics and CIS. These domains are key to successfully implementing ACE deployments. During the symposium, representatives from NATO and Partner air forces reviewed and refined an operational concept for ACE and reported about their practical experiences with a view to further operationalizing ACE.
“ACE is an operational scheme of manoeuvre designed to improve resilience and survivability while generating air combat power from both home bases and geographically dispersed locations,” said General Juventin. “ACE can be conducted from Main or Deployed Operating Bases and Contingency Locations – this requires a flexible, well prepared and coordinated approach by the deploying force and the receiving bases,” he added.
The ACE concept is a true force multiplier for NATO’s Air Forces, provided five overarching principles are adhered to: agility – the ability to move and react quickly; interoperability – the ability to effectively cooperate with other Allies and Partners including equipment, weapons and systems; survivability – basically to survive an adversary attack through dynamic basing and physical protection of air bases; continuity of air operations – which is the capacity to generate air activity and conduct the air campaign in a dynamic operational environment ; and last, but by no means least, operational readiness – being ready to conduct ACE operations to respond to all enemy threats with little or no notice.
“As one of AIRCOM’s five priorities contributing to NATO Air Power, we are establishing an operational concept to ensure Allies will regain their agility and interoperability in how aircraft are maintained, supported and operated under the full spectrum of joint operations. This also means it must be trained and exercised during peacetime,” said General Juventin. “Several NATO Allies and Partners have already conducted ACE deployments and exercises. All Allies should now embrace ACE and make it part of the fabric of national education, training, planning, operations and future investment – this was one of the main topics during the symposium,” he added.
“In order to make ACE a natural reflex for our Air Forces, it is paramount we all have the same appreciation of what this means. Capitalizing on NATO technological and operational edge, and on the best practices shared during the Symposium, we are able to make this concept work,” stated General Juventin. “I am very confident that we can and will see this happen in the near future. Together we are stronger,” he concluded. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ NATO Allied Air Command)
11 Dec 23. Poland: Pro-EU government highly likely to be sworn in; president’s veto will sustain policy risks. Later on 11 December, the Polish lower house of parliament (Sejm) will hold a vote of confidence in Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, which he will almost certainly lose. The vote comes after weeks of coalition negotiations following the 15 October general election, during which Morawiecki’s Law and Justice Party (PiS)-led coalition lost its majority. The Sejm is highly likely to nominate the pro-EU leader of Civil Coalition, Donald Tusk, to become the next prime minister. Tusk, who was President of the European Council from 2014 to 2019, will likely present his plan for government on 12 December; it is likely to emphasise realignment with the EU and governance reforms in a bid to unlock over EUR 100bn (USD 107bn) in EU funds previously blocked under PiS due to controversial judicial reforms. While Tusk’s premiership will mark the return of a pro-EU government, PiS ally Andrzej Duda remains president and is highly likely to block attempts to undo PiS-initiated policies, sustaining policy risks until at least the end of his term in 2025. (Source: Sibylline)
04 Dec 23. Defence acquisition jumps ahead across Europe in 2022, but research lags. Total defence spending across the European Union (EU) in 2022 was EUR240bn (USD260.6bn) – a 6% increase compared to 2021 and a record high in absolute terms for the 27 countries, according to the European Defence Agency’s (EDA’s) new annual report Defence Data 2022: Key findings and analysis. However, that figure equalled only 1.5% of the countries’ collective GDP and thus fell well short of the 2% of their GDP or EUR361 bn they should have spent on defence in 2022.
Despite the rising expenditure, “we have key capability gaps and continue to lag behind other global players in spending”, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said in a statement accompanying the report. “We must find extra value in our ability to co-operate and seize the opportunities to strengthen our armed forces through common planning, shared projects, and joint procurements.”
Observing that defence budgets across Europe continue to “evolve rapidly in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine”, the 20-page report points above all to EU countries’ rising investment in defence equipment and systems. (Source: Janes)
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