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05 Apr 24. Germany gears up for future challenges with military restructuring.
The defence minister initiated an overhaul of the Bundeswehr to adapt to the evolving security landscape.
Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has announced sweeping changes to the Bundeswehr, reflecting the imperative to modernise and adapt to contemporary security threats.
The restructuring, informed by the “Bundeswehr Structure” project group’s findings, marks a departure from the existing framework, signalling a shift towards enhancing deterrence, defence, and war capabilities.
At the heart of the overhaul is establishing four branches of the armed forces, alongside operational and support commands tailored to defence scenarios. The decision to reorganise comes amid growing concerns over Russia’s destabilising actions, prompting the need for a more agile and prepared military force within Germany and its allied networks.
Germany has committed significant materiel support to Ukraine since the invasion of Russian Forces in February 2022. Recently, Germany and Poland have taken the lead on an Armoured Capability Coalition for Ukraine, with the UK, Sweden, and Italy expressing interest in participating.
Central to the revamped structure is the elevation of cyber and information space as the fourth branch of the armed forces, reflecting the evolving nature of modern warfare. The recognition of cyberspace as a critical domain for military operations, encompasses hybrid threat analysis and electronic warfare capabilities.
Furthermore, integrating homeland security forces into the army sees a realignment to optimise alliance and defence operations readiness. Simultaneously, measures such as establishing a Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the technical integrity of military assets.
The restructuring also emphasises the importance of relieving troops of non-essential tasks, enabling a sharper focus on core defence functions. By streamlining administrative processes and enhancing collaboration between the armed forces and military administration, the Bundeswehr aims to achieve greater operational efficiency and preparedness.
Crucially, the reforms seek to clarify roles and responsibilities within operational management, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and accelerating decision-making processes. Emphasising a decentralised approach, the restructuring aims to empower lower tactical levels while upholding the principle of warworthiness outlined in defence policy guidelines.
Germany has taken proactive steps to bolster its defence capabilities through three contracts. Firstly, a $1.2bn deal with RTX subsidiary Raytheon enhances air defence by acquiring Patriot systems.
Secondly, Rheinmetall secured a €2.7bn ($1.1bn) contract to supply 123 Schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie vehicles. Lastly, Airbus clinched an order for 62 H145M helicopters, the largest ever, including options for 20 more, enhancing the German Armed Forces’ operational versatility.
(Source: GlobalData)
05 Apr 24. Italian leaders scramble to reverse military headcount shrinkage. As it shoots down Houthi drones in the Red Sea, sends submarines to monitor internet cables and shadows Russian ships in the Mediterranean, the Italian Navy has issued an urgent call for more personnel, echoing a growing debate in Italy about beefing up the country’s armed forces as war edges closer.
In its latest annual report, the Navy said it needed to hit a headcount of 39,000 to fulfill its ongoing missions, a massive 34% increase on its current roster of around 29,000.
The appeal echoed a speech made last week before parliament by Chief of Staff Adm. Giuseppe Cavo Dragone in which he called on lawmakers to authorize big boosts in numbers across the board – covering the army, navy and air force.
“We are absolutely undersized,” he said. While the Italian armed forces currently have a strength of 165,564, Cavo Dragone said 170,000 was “at the limit of survival.”
His appeal was shared in a TV interview last week by Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, who said Italy’s armed forces were not “at an acceptable level.”
The irony is that Italy has been working to reduce the size of its armed forces for over a decade, before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2020, sparking a high-intensity land war on Europe’s borders and sending generals back to the drawing board.
A 2012 law envisaged the reduction of Italy’s 190,000-strong armed forces to 150,000 and the shrinking has been ongoing, albeit slowly, ever since.
After the Ukraine invasion, a decree passed late last year added 10,000 back to the target, making 160,000 the new headcount to aim for, but Cavo Dragone was not impressed.
“150,000 was unworkable, while the 160,000 now approved is still little,” he said.
The Italian Navy report said the decree would, on paper, give it a headcount of 30,500, which is slightly higher than the 29,000 sailors it has now, but still far lower than the 39,000 it wants.
Last year the Navy was using an average of 4,000 sailors every day in operations, with the peak reached on April 27, when it deployed 42 ships, four submarines, 18 aircraft and 7,324 in operations.
The Navy has factored in lower headcounts into the design of its new PPA-class vessels which feature an unusual bridge designed along the lines of an aircraft cockpit that requires a smaller crew.
That was a practical solution, but less so during a conflict, said Andrea Margelletti, the president of the CeSI think tank in Rome and an adviser to the Italian ministry of defense.
“Small crews are fine until you are shot at and have to put out fires,” he said.
Margelletti said that rather than getting politicians to authorize a rise in headcounts, the armed forces’ big challenge was ensuring that the average age of serving men and women dropped.
“You can’t ask a solider in their 40s to lug a 30kg back pack,” he said.
Alessandro Marrone, who heads the defense programme at Rome think tank IAI, said the problem of aging soldiers could only be solved if the armed forces were able to help older servicemen and women move on to non-military jobs.
“You need to find them jobs in the private sector or other branches of government, and Italy does not have the set-up to do that,” he said.
Whether the problem was old soldiers or too few soldiers, Margelletti said Italy did not have much time to fix the problem.
“Russia wants to push on in Ukraine and the front will collapse if we do not provide more arms,” he said. “Russia knows its strongest weapon is our collective fear about entering the war, while our strongest weapon would be Russia knowing we will fight. I believe it is inevitable we will enter this war sooner or later, possibly defending a line from Kyiv to Odessa, with a 90,000 strong force drawn from countries like France, the U.K., Poland, the Baltics, Romania and finally Germany. Italy will also be asked to contribute,” he said.
“And we will not be able to rely on the U.S., not only if Trump wins – even if he doesn’t, due to the rising isolationism in the U.S.,” he added. (Source: Defense News)
05 Apr 24. Air defense, tanks top Dutch military’s wish list. Dutch top military leaders have a wish list for the next government: air defense, tanks and more military police.
More air defense systems is the number one priority, “no question about it,” Chief of Defence Gen. Otto Eichelsheim said in an interview with broadcaster NPO on April 4, flanked by his top generals. NATO is also counting on the Dutch to contribute tanks and more medical capability to the alliance, the commander said.
After decades of cost cuts, the next government of the European Union’s fifth-largest economy will have to boost defense spending beyond the NATO target of 2% of GDP to bring the military up to strength, according to Eichelsheim. Talks to form a new Dutch government are ongoing following elections in November, with the Cabinet of Prime Minister Mark Rutte in a caretaker role.
The Netherlands kicked off a defense budget hike in a 2022 policy paper, which allowed the armed forces to rebuild supplies and support roles that had been whittled down to such an extent that combat power couldn’t be sustained or deployed long-term, according to Eichelsheim. “So we invested in that first.”
“The next step has to be that you strengthen your combat power, while also still further building up your support capability,” Eichelsheim said. “Even with 2% we’ll still have to make choices. NATO has been asking more and more of us, the world is demanding more and more from us; 2% is just not enough.”
The Netherlands lifted its 2024 defense budget to €21.4bn ($ 23.2bn), or 1.95% of GDP, from €15.4bn in 2023 and €12.9bn in 2022. In this year’s budget, €7.9bn is reserved for buying and maintenance of equipment.
Russia has managed to recover quickly from initial losses following the invasion of Ukraine, and has been building up its military, the Dutch commander said. “We worry a lot about the fact that they have that recovery power, and so we really have to make sure that we are fully ready for that. And we’re just not there yet.”
The top brass in a meeting around May last year concluded that “it’s going to go wrong and we don’t have much time,” according to Eichelsheim. He said Dutch military command has identified the biggest needs and put in place plans to strengthen the armed forces, also in view of NATO demands, with the current military assets “not nearly enough.”
Tanks “are very high on the wish list, but no political decision has yet been made,” Royal Netherlands Army Commander Lt. Gen. Jan Swillens said, adding that a heavy-armor capability would be important for future deployments. Long-range precision artillery and air defense, “resources that ten or fifteen years ago we thought we’d never need again,” are also high on the wish list, based on feedback from the war in Ukraine.
The Netherlands has been considering recreating its own tank battalion, having scrapped its heavy cavalry in 2011. The current defense budget doesn’t cover the costs of setting up a tank battalion, and the next government will have to decide on how much extra money will go to defense, and whether any of that will be spent on tanks.
The big concern among the Dutch top brass is that the Netherlands won’t be able to restore its military to full strength quickly enough in the face of an aggressive Russia, according to Lt Gen André Steur, head of the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
“Russia isn’t the only threat, but if you look at how quickly they are now able to recover, to get back to full war strength, as they were on February 24, 2022, we are all moving too slowly, and you actually see that throughout the alliance,” Steur said. “All of us here at the table want to prevent war. So the most important thing is that we’re able to deter war.”
The Netherlands will exercise in Poland with 4,500 troops this month, moving columns of equipment and personnel to Eastern Europe by road for the first time in years, and it no longer has enough military police to secure the columns, according to Swillens.
The Royal Marechaussee gendarmerie force, whose tasks include military police duties, is in the process of rebuilding to undo the damage of budget cuts, according to its commander Lt. Gen. Annelore Roelofs. “We really need more military police,” Roelofs said. “As the military continues to grow, and that’s going to happen, we need even more of that.”
Should the Netherlands get involved in a war on Europe’s eastern flanks, it will need gendarmerie forces to secure and protect forward-deployed units, said Eichelsheim. “We have the task, but we don’t have the people for it. So we have to fill all that back in.”
The smaller size of the Dutch armed forces makes sustaining a conflict harder, in a threat environment made more complex by Russia’s aggression but also conflict in the Middle East and terrorism, said Vice Adm. René Tas, commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy. The increased defense budget has provided breathing space, as troops can at least be provided with sufficient ammunition and new gear, he said.
The Netherlands can’t supply additional Patriot air-defense systems to Ukraine, as it is at the minimum deployment needed to protect Dutch ports, according to Eichelsheim. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the fourth-busiest airport in Europe, while Rotterdam is the continent’s biggest maritime port. The Netherlands previously supplied two Patriot launchers to Ukraine, as well as training.
Eichelsheim said the allies supporting Ukraine will have to find a solution for the Patriot shortfall, by going though their stockpiles to see what systems can still be assembled. “We see how important that air defense is in the face of Russian Federation attacks.”
(Source: Defense News)
02 Apr 24. Johnny Mercer challenges order that forces him to name whistleblowing soldiers. The veterans minister has refused to hand over names to the Afghanistan public inquiry – for which he could face jail
Johnny Mercer is challenging an order forcing him to hand over the names of whistleblower soldiers to the Afghanistan public inquiry.
The veterans minister was last month handed a section 21 notice compelling him to hand over the names and faces jail or a fine if he does not do so.
He has been asked to identify sources who may have warned him about alleged atrocities committed in Afghanistan by the SAS.
Mr Mercer posted on Twitter on Tuesday night: “I am aware of tomorrow’s deadline from the Afghan Inquiry order that requires me to name the whistleblowers who confided in me.
“I am submitting an application to challenge the order under section 21(4) of the Inquiries Act 2005 seeking to have the Section 21 notice set aside.
“It would not be appropriate to comment further.”
Lord Justice Haddon-Cave issued the notice under the Inquiries Act 2005, which gives him the power to compel the minister to hand over the names, and warned Mr Mercer that he had “very significant powers” at his disposal.
The inquiry chairman had told Mr Mercer it was disappointing that he had declined to reveal the sources who raised concerns about the alleged executions of Afghans.
He has received widespread support for his stance in protecting “vulnerable” soldiers.
Gen Lord Dannatt, the former head of the Army, has described his treatment as “outrageous”.
The notice follows evidence given in February to the inquiry by Mr Mercer, a former Army captain who served on three tours of Afghanistan.
If Mr Mercer was jailed or fined, it would put him in breach of the ministerial code, leaving Rishi Sunak with the difficult decision of whether to sack one of the most recognised names in his Cabinet and one of the most popular ministers with Tory activists.
Lord Dannatt, who was Chief of the General Staff, said: “It is outrageous that the government minister who has done more than anyone else for veterans should be threatened with jail. He gave his word to the whistleblowers that their identity would be protected. The information that they gave Mr Mercer has already been passed by him to the inquiry.”
Lord Dannatt added: “He [Mr Mercer] sees this as a matter of public interest. He wants future whistleblowers to be assured they can speak to figures of authority in confidence.” (Source: Daily Telegraph)
06 Apr 24. Serbia’s Dassault Rafale ambitions dashed by French objection.
In April 2022, news broke about Serbia’s plans to acquire Rafale fighter jets from France, intending to replace their Russian-sourced MiG-29s. Speculation was high that they were looking to secure 12 new aircraft.
This wasn’t Serbia’s first defense collaboration with France. They’d previously established a fruitful relationship, positioning France as an alternative to their ties with the Russian Federation. In October 2021, the Serbian Ministry of Defense struck a deal with Airbus to deliver two C295 transport aircraft, succeeding the An-26. Interestingly, this decision was made when Russia failed to uphold its promise to supply Serbia with additional transport aircraft.
In February 2023, Serbia reaffirmed its commitment to purchasing French Rafale jets. This announcement was formally made by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at the IDEX 2023 defense exhibition.
The problem is not the price
It’s been suggested that the total cost of Rafale jets from France could potentially set Serbia back by 3bn euros. This figure appears even more substantial in light of Belgrade’s preceding ‘major task,’ which was to raise the defense budget to a mere 2.2bn dollars to meet its fundamental defense needs.
However, Serbia finds itself in a difficult situation. The country urgently needs operational aircraft to replace the aging MiG-29. After February 2022, sourcing components for this aircraft has become increasingly difficult, relegating the issue of cost to secondary importance.
A year later, towards the end of March 2024, Serbian President Vucic signaled his intent to purchase Rafale fighter jets while inspecting an airport. He stated quite clearly that if the Rafale jets are unavailable, he’s prepared to explore other options.
At present, a successful sale of the Rafale largely depends on the political standing of France. The fraught issue of Kosovo’s status is an important consideration, and France’s reluctance to sell air-to-air Meteor missiles to Serbia, as it is not a NATO member, also plays a significant role.
Serbia vis-à-vis the status of Kosovo
The position that Serbia takes regarding Kosovo’s status is essentially one of denial. Despite the strides towards autonomy made by Kosovo in 2008, Serbia’s stance is that Kosovo is merely an autonomous province within its own borders. This belief originates from a combination of historical, cultural, and political elements, which includes the significance of Kosovo in defining Serbia’s national identity.
Serbia expressly denies Kosovo’s independence, wherein international law is brought into the picture. Serbia’s argument is that Kosovo’s unilateral secession infringes on the principle of territorial integrity; a cornerstone of international law. This principle maintains that nations should avoid actions that would disturb the national unity and territorial wholeness of other countries.
The catch is that the international community has a divided opinion on this matter. Numerous Western nations – the USA and the majority of EU states, for instance – have recognized Kosovo’s independence. However, other countries, such as Russia and China, align with Serbia’s viewpoint. This discord has hindered Kosovo’s efforts to achieve complete international recognition and become a member of international bodies.
Yet another concern is the state of affairs concerning the Serbian minority residing in Kosovo. Serbia has expressed fears over the protection and rights of the Serbian community in Kosovo. Even with international peacekeeping forces in place, the tension between the Kosovan Albanian majority and the Serbian minority remains high.
There have been advances towards resolving the conflict through dialogue and discussions, with the European Union serving as a mediator. However, these conversations have frequently been overshadowed by political instability and a general distrust between the two parties. The matter of Kosovo’s status continues to be a significant hurdle to Serbia’s ambition of joining the European Union.
Serbian MiG-29s vs. French Rafale
Currently, the Serbian Air Force mainly uses the MiG-29 variant, specifically the MiG-29B 9-12A and MiG-29UB 9-51A. These planes have undergone upgrades to the MiG-29SM version, which features advanced avionics, an expanded fuel capacity, and adaptability for precision-guided weapons.
By contrast, the French Rafale is a multi-role fighter aircraft that surpasses the MiG-29 in numerous aspects. The Rafale is powered by a stronger engine, delivering remarkable agility and speed. Moreover, it’s equipped with superior avionics, integrating a Thales RBE2-AA active electronically scanned array [AESA] radar that outperforms the MiG-29’s N019 Topaz radar with its remarkable detection and tracking performance.
Furthermore, the Rafale has a longer range than the MiG-29, due to its larger fuel capacity and more efficient engines. This feature enables the Rafale to stay airborne for more extended periods and cover larger distances, a critical advantage for patrol and surveillance missions. Last but not least, the Rafale has a higher weapons capacity than the MiG-29, boasting a nuclear strike capability along with air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship missile capabilities.
The alternatives to Serbia
Suppose a French Rafale, a Eurofighter, or American and Russian options are all off the table for Serbia, we can’t discount the Saab JAS 39 Gripen as a feasible alternative. Originating from Sweden, the Gripen is a multirole fighter aircraft widely respected for its balance of cost-effectiveness, superior performance, and adaptability to a range of combat situations.
Boasting advanced avionics and sensor systems, the Gripen is akin to the Rafale when you consider the radar system with which it’s equipped. Add into the mix a broad spectrum of air-to-air and air-to-surface armament options, and you’ve got quite a formidable opponent. The Gripen truly excels, however, in operational cost — significantly lower than its French counterpart — an appealing prospect for Serbia.
If you’re looking elsewhere, the Chinese Chengdu J-10 is another multi-role fighter jet worth considering. Lauded for its agility and powerful engine, it’s by no means lightweight compared to the Rafale. Moreover, its diverse assortment of weapons coupled with advanced avionics makes it an imposing adversary in aerial warfare. Keep in mind, the J-10’s technology might not stand toe to toe with the Rafale or Gripen, but that doesn’t disqualify it as a viable alternative — with China’s readiness to export military tech, it’s a potent contender.
Lastly, let’s not overlook the KAI FA-50 from South Korea. Although not quite in the same league as the Rafale in terms of raw power, this light combat aircraft offers versatility, capable of executing various air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and a broad range of weapons, the FA-50’s key selling point is its affordability and easier maintenance. Given these features, it is a tempting option for Serbia, especially if budget considerations are front and center in their decision-making process.
Vucic and Macron
It appears that Serbia is meticulously considering its approach towards decision-making. The desire for French Rafales is palpable in Belgrade, and the consideration of other alternatives does not seem to be on the table for now. This sentiment is echoed by French President Emmanuel Macron and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
In a televised government meeting, Vucic discussed the possibility of engaging in conversations with Macron during his planned visit to France on April 8th. “The agenda will cover subjects like specific-purpose industries and how we can foster cooperation in these areas,” Vucic explained, highlighting the focus on their defense sector.
Serbia, a potential member of the European Union, boasts one of the most formidable military forces in the Balkans. Despite their recent purchases of Chinese anti-aircraft missiles and combat drones, Serbia continues to maintain its military neutrality. However, it has chosen to participate in NATO’s Partnership for Peace program, which is designed exclusively for nations that do not intend to join the alliance.
(Source: News Now/https://bulgarianmilitary.com/)
05 Apr 24. Netherlands deploys a Patriot Missile Defence System to Lithuania. The Dutch Patriot air defence battery will be deployed to Nato’s eastern flank for an exercise lasting a few weeks in the summer of 2024. One of four Dutch MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile defence systems will be deployed to Lithuania for an exercise lasting a few weeks in the summer of 2024 under the auspices of Nato’s Rotational Air Defence Model.
The intention behind the exercise is to train no-notice redeployment of air defence units and systems and integrate them smoothly for air defence tasks.
Kajsa Ollongren, the Dutch Defence Minister, relayed her nation’s commitment to Baltic security in a press release: “It is an important signal to our eastern allies: you can rely on the Netherlands including concerning air defence.”
Notably, there has been ongoing concern that Nato allies were dragging their heels when it came to sending air defence systems to the Baltic region, despite pledging to do so under the Rotational Air Defence Model, established at the alliance’s Vilnius summit in July 2023.
Since then, the former Lithuanian Minister of National Defence, Arvydas Anušauskas, had urged Nato to quicken the pace – emphasising the Model’s importance to Lithuania given that the country cannot afford such systems on its own.
GlobalData intelligence indicates that Lithuania’s defence budget grew by 16.2% between 2020 and 2024, and it is set to inflate again from $2.1bn this year to $2.8bn in 2029. According to the Washington-based think tank, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Patriot is by far the most expensive single weapon system that the US has supplied to Ukraine. “The total cost is probably around $1.1bn: $400m for the system and $690m for missiles.”
Despite the six months of inactivity when it came to air defence, the Netherlands has provided substantial support to the Baltic republic in other areas. These include Nato Air Policing in the region since 2005; they provided two officer positions at the Nato Force Integration Unit Vilnius; and they co-ordinate the project on military mobility, which Lithuania takes part in and adheres to the EU CRRT and Mutual Assistance in Cyber Security project coordinated by Lithuania.
In January 2024, the Dutch also joined a critical logistics programme alongside Germany and Poland, in which the three nations opened up a military corridor from west to east across their respective territories to streamline the deployment of troops and assets without bureaucratic challenges.
Since the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014, which violated international law, Nato has continued to increase its troop presence in Eastern Europe as a deterrent. When exercises and operations in the event of threats occur, reinforcements and assets such as the Patriot must reach the eastern flank quickly. (Source: army-technology.com)
05 Apr 24. Norway plans $56bn defence boost to counter Russia. Norway plans to raise its military spending by an accumulated 600bn crowns ($56bn) through 2036 to bolster its defence against Russia and other security challenges, the NATO member country’s government said on Friday. Overall military spending for the next 12 years is expected to amount to 1.62trn crowns, it said.
“This plan represents a historic boost in defence spending, and involves a significant strengthening of all branches of the armed forces,” Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere told a press conference.
The planned annual defence spending in 2036 will, on a comparable, inflation adjusted basis, be around 83% higher than the current level, the finance minister said.
The war in Ukraine has significantly shifted Norway’s discussion on military spending, triggering a debate on how to guard against potential Russian aggression.
The Nordic country shares a border with Russia in the Arctic but has never been at war with its eastern neighbour.
“We must expect that Norway will live with a more dangerous and unpredictable Russia for many years,” the government said in a paper delivered to parliament on Friday.
“The relationship with Russia will for a long time to come be demanding, and in many ways defining for Norwegian security and defence policy,” it added.
Thanks to its rainy-day sovereign wealth fund, the world’s largest with assets of 17trn crowns, Norway has access to the cash it needs to fund the increased defence spending without cutting down on hospitals or schools, the prime minister said.
Still, annual government spending from the wealth fund will remain restricted as before to 3% of the overall assets, the government said.
Norway recently announced plans to ramp up defence spending in 2024 to 2% of its gross domestic product, making it the latest NATO member nation to officially adopt a target set by the military alliance.
Oslo had previously said it would meet the 2% target only by 2026. It spent 1.57% of its GDP on defence in 2022, according to NATO. (Source: Reuters)
05 Apr 24. Norway to double military spending under ‘historic’ long-term defense plan. With emphasis on frigates and subs, the plan “represents a historic boost in defence spending, and involves a significant strengthening of all branches of the Armed Forces,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Norway will double its military budget over the next 12 years by increasing spending by 600 bn NOK ($56bn), part of a “historic” new defense plan announced today by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre that prioritises heavy investment in new frigates and submarines to push back against Russian maritime influence in the High North and Atlantic Ocean.
“This plan represents a historic boost in defence spending, and involves a significant strengthening of all branches of the Armed Forces,” Støre is quoted as saying in a Norwegian government statement published on Friday to launch the defense plan.
“The Norwegian government proposes to spend a total of NOK 1.6trn ($150bn) on Norway’s defence over the next twelve years, until 2036,” noted the statement. “By then, the defence budget will be almost twice as large as it is today, measured in real value.”
The proposed spending uplift is subject to parliamentary approval.
Oslo also said that “in terms of money, the strengthening of the Navy is the largest investment in this long-term plan,” with maritime modernization efforts dominated by development of a new naval surface fleet. It includes the acquisition of at least five new frigates, accompanied by anti-submarine helicopters. Norway’s subsurface fleet will also be boosted by procurement of five new submarines, at a minimum.
In practice, this would mean acquisition of another Type 212CD vessel, with four of the German-designed subs already on order. The fleet are part of a joint German-Norwegian program, in partnership with shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. A first Norwegian sub underwent construction at the company’s Kiel yard in September last year.
In both cases relating to frigates and submarines, the proposed hull count of five sits below the six recommended by Norway’s Chief of Defence, Gen. Eirik Kristoffersen, in a “Military Advice” report published last year. The plan still strongly aligns with his support for the elimination of structural armed force weaknesses, maritime surface improvements, an uplift in air defense capabilities and long range precision fires.
Norway currently operates four Fridtjof Nansen frigates, though the defense plan does not include details of a replacement program.
At a strategic level, the new document says that “maintaining situational awareness in the High North and in the North Atlantic is paramount” because of Norway’s closeness to Russia’s nuclear submarine fleet. It further adds, “The rise of China is asserting pressure on the prevailing world order and an assertive Russia is challenging the Euro-Atlantic security architecture. This recognition is a an important premise for the choices made in this plan.”
Taking a positive view of recent strategic changes in the Nordics, Bjørn Arild Gram, Norway’s defense minister, said that Sweden and Finland’s entry to NATO “is a strength to security in our region.”
The defence plan also signals a strengthening of Norwegian air defence capabilities — led primarily through the acquisition, for the first time, of a long-range, ground based air defense system (GBAD), an expansion of the army to three brigades instead of one, and an additional 45,000 soldiers for the Home Guard.
Future procurement of “long-range air defence systems to protect against short-range ballistic missiles” is also planned, while air defense capabilities are due to be improved under an effort to double the number of National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) made by Norway’s Kongsberg.
In a NOK 1.4bn ($130m) deal, the Norwegian Defence Material Agency ordered new NASAMS from the manufacturer in January to replace systems supplied to Ukraine. At the time, Kongsberg said deliveries would run from 2026 to 2027.
Oslo also noted today that NASAMS will be upgraded to protect against enemy drones and missiles.
Under the long-term defense plan, new army and special forces investments will predominately cover “long-range precision firepower, additional combat vehicles, air defence and helicopters,” according to the government statement.
Additionally, it says that situational awareness around “surrounding areas” of Norway will be enhanced through the expansion of satellite and drone capabilities. Specifically, collaboration with international allies will lead to Norway acquiring long-range drones to monitor “maritime areas of interest” in the High North.
Norway’s efforts to increase military capabilities across all domains comes on the heels of NATO’s two-week Nordic Response training exercise, held in March, a show of strength by allied nations to prepare for war against Russia and that comprised of 20,000 troops from 12 nations.
(Source: Breaking Defense.com)
04 Apr 24. Pentagon Welcomes Sweden, Finland in Ceremony Marking NATO Anniversary. Defense officials today welcomed Finland and Sweden as NATO’s two newest members in a flag unfurling ceremony as the alliance marked its 75th anniversary.
The two nations’ flags were unveiled alongside those of 30 other member states at the Pentagon — a display that underscores NATO’s unwavering alliance forged amid the threat of Soviet aggression in the aftermath of World War II.
“At the alliance’s core is a sacred promise — one that we reaffirm today — that an attack on one is an attack on all,” said Lisa C. Sawyer, the deputy assistant secretary for European and NATO policy during the flag unfurling ceremony.
“To the nations of Sweden and Finland, you now have a commitment of the United States of America and 30 other allies to come to your defense should you need it, and we know we have yours,” she said.
The alliance, which began as a 12-member bloc in April 1949, has long served as a beacon of freedom and stability throughout Europe. Over the years, the alliance has grown to include 32 members united by the shared principles of democracy and the rule of law.
Sweden and Finland both applied to join the alliance in May 2022 after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February of that year.
Finland officially joined the alliance exactly one year ago today after receiving unanimous approval from the member states, as is required to join the alliance. Sweden became NATO’s newest member in March.
Their accession brought an end to longstanding military nonalignment by the two Nordic countries, as Russia’s aggression once again threatened peace and stability on Europe’s eastern flank.
“Putin’s reckless and lawless invasion of Ukraine has brought war back to Europe on a scale that NATO’s founders had hoped to consign to history,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said in a statement. “Today, the world needs NATO as much as ever.”
Austin noted that as the common values that unite NATO allies have been put to the test, the alliance has only grown in strength.
“In the 21st century, NATO remains the bulwark of our common security, and America’s commitment to this great defensive alliance remains a sacred trust,” he said. “Today’s 32-member alliance is larger than ever after the historic recent addition of the proud democracies of Finland and Sweden — stronger than ever and more united than ever.”
Officials from Sweden and Finland underscored their commitment to the alliance as their flags were unfurled at the Pentagon.
“For us, strong defense, being a strong member of NATO, contributing to the 360 degrees of NATO security is something that we have internalized, and we take it seriously,” said Mikko Hautala, Finland’s ambassador to the U.S. “I think you will see it in all of our actions now and in the future.”
Jonas Wendel, Sweden’s deputy chief of mission to the U.S., said his country’s membership, along with Finland’s, will create a more predictable geopolitical outlook and add to peace and stability throughout Europe.
The ceremony at the Pentagon comes as NATO marks 75 years since the alliance was founded with the signing of the Washington Treaty on April 4, 1949.
“Never has a single document with so few words meant so much to so many people — so much security, so much prosperity, and so much peace,” said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg as NATO foreign ministers today gathered in Brussels to mark the anniversary.
“All because of its solemn promise … we stand together and protect one another as we have for 75 years,” he said.
In his statement marking the milestone, President Joe Biden said that the peace and stability afforded through “the greatest military alliance in the history of the world” did not “happen by accident, nor was it inevitable.”
“Generation after generation, the United States and our fellow allies have chosen to come together to stand up for freedom and push back against aggression knowing we are stronger, and the world is safer, when we do,” he said.
In the face of new challenges, that hard-won peace cannot be taken for granted, Biden cautioned.
“Now, like generations before us, we must choose to protect this progress and build on it,” Biden said. “We must remember that the sacred commitment we make to our allies to defend every inch of NATO territory makes us safer, too, and gives the United States a bulwark of security unrivaled by any other nation in the world.
“And like our predecessors, we must ask ourselves what can we do — what must we do — to create a more peaceful future,” he said. (Source: U.S. DoD)
04 Apr 24. Serbia to boost defence industry cooperation with France, President Vucic says. Serbia wants to boost defence industry cooperation with France, and is still seeking to buy Rafale fighter jets, President Aleksandar Vucic said on Thursday, in a further sign of Belgrade’s shift away from Russia as an arms supplier.
Vucic said he will discuss the cooperation with French President Emmanuel Macron during a visit to France scheduled for April 8.
“One of the topics will be the special purpose industry and the cooperation of our special purpose industries,” Vucic said, referring to defence industries, during a televised government session.
Serbia, a candidate to join the European Union that has one of the largest militaries in the Balkans, still relies on Soviet-designed aircraft, such as MiG-29 jets and MI-35 helicopter gunships, alongside Russian missiles and tanks.
It also bought Chinese anti-aircraft missiles and combat drones.
The country remains militarily neutral, but it joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace programme, tailored for countries which do not aspire to join the Alliance.
Serbia has already purchased Airbus (AIR.PA), opens new tab H125M helicopters and transport planes, Mistral surface-to-air missiles and Thales (TCFP.PA), opens new tab radars.
Belgrade is also seeking to bolster cooperation with Airbus via maintenance and the development of the H125M helicopters in Serbia and potential a joint production of a combat drone.
“We will speed up cooperation over Airbus helicopters,” Vucic said.
In January, Vucic said that Serbia will spend around 740m euros ($803.20m) on new military equipment in 2024.
Belgrade is continuing talks on the procurement of 12 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault (AM.PA), opens new tab, Vucic said.
“We are determined to buy new aircraft … that would significantly improve our combat capabilities.”
Last year Vucic said that the price for the jets was estimated at around 3bn euros.
Neighbouring Croatia, a EU and a NATO member and Serbia’s wartime foe in the 1990s, purchased 12 used Rafale jets from France for 999 m euros in 2021.
Speaking later on Thursday in Zagreb, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said his country was expecting the delivery of the first batch of six planes by end-April.
Belgrade curtailed military co-operation with Moscow after Russia invaded Ukraine and has condemned the invasion. But unlike the EU and other Western countries, it has not imposed sanctions on Moscow.
Serbia’s military budget amounts to around 2% of gross domestic product (GDP). ($1 = 0.9213 euros) (Source: Reuters)
04 Apr 24. Germany announces military overhaul with eye on cyber threats. Germany’s defence minister announced a restructuring of the military on Thursday, including a new central command and a dedicated branch for cyber space, furthering a Bundeswehr overhaul launched in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“No one should have the idea of attacking us as a NATO territory. We have to convey this credibly and truthfully,” Boris Pistorius told a press conference in Berlin.
The minister said the Bundeswehr will need an additional 6.5bn euros ($7.06bn) in the 2025 budget, as cabinet works to find the funds needed to hit a long-neglected NATO spending target in the coming years.
Under the new structure, the central command will combine two previously separate commands for domestic and foreign deployments, providing NATO with one point of contact, while the cyber space branch will focus on hybrid threats such as disinformation campaigns.
The restructuring comes after Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a sea change for Germany’s military in the wake of the war in Ukraine, vowing to modernise the military and boost defence spending to meet NATO’s target of 2% of gross domestic product.
Pistorius did not make any announcement on a possible reintroduction of military service in Germany, something which has been debated in light of the war in Ukraine.
It says first-quarter operating profit will jump over 10-fold to almost $4.9bn. He said the aim was to present a paper on various possible models later this month. ($1 = 0.9211 euros) (Source: Reuters)
04 Apr 24. Euro-Atlantic security hinges on Northern Europe, says new study. As a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and NATO’s enlargement through Finland’s and Sweden’s memberships, Northern Europe now plays a crucial role for Euro-Atlantic defence, says a new study by the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA).
“Northern Europe can no longer be perceived as a side flank of NATO, but as one of the focal points of Euro-Atlantic security,” says Leading Researcher Matti Pesu, one of the authors of the study.
The accession of Finland and Sweden into the alliance not only enables NATO to better defend its regional allies, but also pushes NATO to adapt to new realities. The alliance now needs to consider how to involve Northern Europe in its regional plans and how to build sufficient regional command-and-control arrangements.
According to the study published on Thursday, Finland has a notable role to play in the defence of Northern Europe.
“The alliance must figure out how to integrate the considerable military capabilities of Finland and Sweden into collective defence in the region”, Pesu notes. One thing will, however, remain the same: “Even as a NATO member, Finland – a frontline nation – will bear the main responsibility for the defence of its own territory.”
Finland’s location between the Baltics and the Arctic has also sparked discussions regarding which NATO Joint Force Command (JFC) it should be assigned to. Finland and other Nordic allies would prefer it to join JFC Norfolk, whereas the Baltic states would like Finland to join them at JFC Brunssum.
However, irrespective of eventual arrangements, Finland will likely be located close to the seam of the respective areas of responsibility of JFC Brunssum and JFC Norfolk, requiring close coordination between the two commands.
“In the Finnish view, Northern Europe should be treated as a single operational entity, an area where NATO must be able to conduct joint operations”, Pesu says.
As for Finland’s potential contribution to Northern European security, the study finds that Finland will seek to portray itself as a pragmatic security producer for the whole alliance. To accomplish this, Finland and Northern European allies must convince the rest of the alliance that strong regional efforts are needed to maintain security in Northern Europe.
“Keeping the region safe and stable is a critical prerequisite for ensuring the security of the whole Euro-Atlantic region,” Pesu concludes.
03 Apr 24. Allies must accept we are in ‘a pre-war world’, says Shapps.
Defence Secretary says Nato countries who fail to spend 2pc of GDP on defence are playing ‘Russian roulette’ with the West’s future
Italian marines take position during an amphibious assault demonstration as part of a Nato exercise in Norway last month CREDIT: Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP
Nato countries that do not spend two per cent of GDP on defence spending are playing “Russian roulette” with the West’s future, Grant Shapps has warned.
In an article for The Telegraph to mark the military alliance’s 75th anniversary, the Defence Secretary argued that allies must accept we are now in “a pre-war world”.
Last year, just 11 Nato members met its two per cent target, first set almost two decades ago, with France and Germany among the nations that spent less on defence.
That figure is expected to rise to 18 this year, with Paris and Berlin recently announcing that they will hit the target in 2024 – but others in the 32-nation alliance have not done so.
Mr Shapps wrote: “We must look beyond that target to shore up our defences. Yet some nations are still failing to meet even the two per cent. That cannot continue. We can’t afford to play Russian roulette with our future.”
Referring to Nato’s anniversary, he said: “Paying tribute to Nato’s past is not enough. Today we must give urgent thought once again to the alliance’s future. We have moved from a post-war to a pre-war world.”
Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, delivered a similar message on Wednesday during a two-day trip to Brussels for a Nato summit of foreign ministers.
He told allies spending two per cent on defence was the “best way to prepare for the American elections in the autumn”, in a clear reference to the possibility of a Donald Trump victory.
Mr Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, triggered outrage in February when he said he would “encourage” Russia to attack Nato members who were not hitting the spending target.
In a speech at a Royal United Services Institute conference in Brussels later on Wednesday, Lord Cameron raised concerns that younger people are not as pro-Nato as they were during the Cold War, saying: “We have to win the argument with Nato all over again with a new generation.”
He also warned that Nato would face a “very bleak future” if its allies allowed Vladimir Putin to succeed in Ukraine.
The tough messages to Nato allies come as the Conservative Party is locked in debate about how high to raise UK defence spending.
Currently, around 2.3 per cent of GDP is spent on defence. Rishi Sunak has an ambition to raise that to 2.5 per cent but has put no timeframe on when that would happen.
Three former Tory defence secretaries – Sir Michael Fallon, Sir Gavin Williamson and Ben Wallace – told The Telegraph last month that they want a three per cent election manifesto pledge.
No extra money was announced for the Ministry of Defence in the Budget last month, triggering a backlash from some Tories and former soldiers.
(Source: Daily Telegraph)
01 Apr 24. UK general confirms secretive Future Force Design Review. The UK Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff for Military Capability, Lieutenant General Rob Magowan, has confirmed to British lawmakers that the Ministry of Defence was well into conducting a Future Force Design Review (FFDR) to determine the future of the British Armed Forces.
Amid rising tensions in Europe and across the globe, the United Kingdom has officially launched a Future Force Design Review (FFDR) set to fundamentally reshape the British Armed Forces for the future of conflict in Europe and further abroad.
It is expected that the FFDR will emphasise three key priorities in light of continued budgetary pressures facing the United Kingdom and the challenges facing European and global security as a whole, including:
- How Britain fights future conflicts.
- Any potential restructuring of the British Armed Forces.
- Alternative “capability choices”.
Speaking to members of the UK parliamentary Defence committee, Lt Gen Rob Magowan detailed that the classified FFDR, currently in its infancy, was expected to be completed in line with the United Kingdom’s own future National Defence Strategy, expected by the end of 2024 or early-2025.
“We’ve got to inform that from a military capability perspective, from an operational design force and capability choice perspective,” Lt Gen Magowan told committee members.
This comes at a time when the UK defence budget faces increasing budgetary pressures, with spending currently around the 2.3 per cent of the British GDP, and no formal commitment by the Sunak government as to when the nation’s defence spending would rise to 2.5 per cent, despite a commitment by the Prime Minister that it would meet this goal.
Importantly, these continued concerns about the UK defence budget and impact on defence capability has long been identified by analysts and US observers in particular, with a senior US general warning the United Kingdom’s former defence secretary Ben Wallace: “Bottom line … it’s an entire service unable to protect the UK and our allies for a decade.” This was further compounded by a series of concerning details outlined about the state of readiness of the British Armed Forces, namely:
- The British Armed Forces would run out of ammunition “in a few days” if called upon to fight.
- The Royal Air Force lacks the ability to defend its skies against the level of missile and drone strikes that Ukraine is enduring.
- It would take five to 10 years for the Army to be able to field a warfighting division of some 25,000 to 30,000 troops backed by the required tanks, artillery, and helicopters.
- Thirty per cent of the UK’s forces on high readiness are reservists who are unable to mobilise within NATO timelines.
- The majority of the Army’s fleet of armoured vehicles, including tanks, was built between 30 to 60 years ago and full replacements are not due for years.
Adding further fuel to this fire, Lt Gen Magowan told law makers, “We’ve been very clear that the amount of money we’re spending on munitions at the moment does not meet in all areas, the threats that we face.”
(Source: Google/Defence Connect)
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