tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post3256890422115121195..comments2024-02-29T11:45:01.870+01:00Comments on UK Armed Forces Commentary: Budget and updates Gabrielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-78834835835945949032013-04-02T23:55:46.817+02:002013-04-02T23:55:46.817+02:00There is no OT police here, so long as the subject...There is no OT police here, so long as the subject stays relevant, and in this case, it is, so go at it as much as you want. <br /><br />The italian NBC regiment has a small number of recently improved french VAB 4x4, i will add. <br />I think an under-armor CBRN recce vehicle remains a relevant capability to have. The americans have been buiding up their fleet of Strykers NBC, too. Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-29674147415044057422013-04-02T23:06:15.140+02:002013-04-02T23:06:15.140+02:00Anonymous
Thanks again for the reply. Perhaps I ...Anonymous<br /><br />Thanks again for the reply. Perhaps I was wrong to go down the road of other countries' inventories but I am pretty sure that Gabriele would not mind because the argument bears upon what the UK's inventory should be in the area of CBRN. Anyway, thanks very much for the info you have given. You certainly know your stuff. Cheers.MikeWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-13036136574454100102013-04-02T22:57:55.465+02:002013-04-02T22:57:55.465+02:00Hi MikeW, I will keep my reply short because reall...Hi MikeW, I will keep my reply short because really this blog is all about UK Forces and I don’t really wish to go down the road of other countries. But you are correct UAE has 32 FUCHs in three different versions, 16 standard CBRN Recce, 8 Bio and 8 CBRN Command. KSA has a number converted to CBRN from the 36 they were delivered during Gulf War 1. They are looking at replacing them with up to 100 (yep, 100!!) Dingo 2 CBRN vehicles. They will be absorbed into the massive order that KSA are after from the Germans, rumor has it that even though there is a lot of outcry from the German coalition Government, more than 10 billion Euros in the order book would be good for business. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-91665631244491241692013-04-02T18:50:57.807+02:002013-04-02T18:50:57.807+02:00Anonymous
Thanks so much for the very detailed an...Anonymous<br /><br />Thanks so much for the very detailed and knowledgeable reply. I just thought that it would be a shame to retire a vehicle which has only very recently had a refurbishment and upgrades with various new pieces of kit.<br /><br />And isn't it one of the Middle Eastern countries (UAE?) which has now bought all three versions of the Fuchs CBRN vehicle from Rheinmetal? They must consider there's a real danger somewhere! MikeWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-8942247068755108052013-04-02T15:58:36.306+02:002013-04-02T15:58:36.306+02:00I would say it’s a 50/50 chance, MikeW. On the one...I would say it’s a 50/50 chance, MikeW. On the one hand, you could argue that a lot of money has been spent on upgrading the vehicles with the MM2 Mass Spec and various other add-ons that are bespoke to the UK. But hey, anything can happen in the UK world of CBRN Defence, IBDS is a perfect example of lets order 44 and end up having only 6 in use. The rest rotting away in some hanger, the concept being floored before it was delivered, technology out of date, bulky and consumables costing a ridiculous amount of money.<br />I think apart from the GCC region then most countries are aiming towards Detection, Identification and Monitoring (DIM) mobile carriers such as the Light Role Teams within the CBRN Wing at the moment. Getting either ROV’s or personnel out on the ground to confirm any hazard, use various instrumentation to identify, if it cannot be confirmed then look for Scientific Reach Back to assist. <br />I would suggest that FUCHs is not the best CBRN Recce vehicle out there; the Swiss and Swedish CBRN Recce vehicles would give it a good run for its money in the heavy mobile category. The Slovenian Otokar Cobra is an excellent light mobility CBRN Recce vehicle. But what we have in FUCHS is well able to carry out any required CBRN Recce tasks. It did start its life off in the Royal Yeomanry after Gulf War 1, with A Sqn in Swindon, before the whole saga of where to place it before settling at the doors of 1RTR and the RAF Regiment in the guise of the Joint CBRN Regiment.<br />Its positioning is difficult within a cap badge due to whoever ends up with it, and first thoughts are RAC, would also have to look at the decon assets being available. At the moment they are in the hands of the CBRN Wing being controlled by RAF Regiment. Maybe it could end up a complete reinvention of the wheel and go back to TA or Future Reserves 2020. I think as Gabriele has indicated on many of his posts there is a long way to go and to try and second guess everything is just not worth the effort. It will all come out at some stage!! <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-70202463065332030202013-04-02T12:07:53.278+02:002013-04-02T12:07:53.278+02:00Hello Gabriele,
This is truly a superb blog. You ...Hello Gabriele, <br />This is truly a superb blog. You have some very informative and interesting posts here. I actually find your fascination with a British army quite interesting especially that you are not British yourself - I think its fantastic. Judging by discussion in your comments you already have a very healthy following but I believe I could get you some new readers if you are interested?<br />I am searching for passionate writers to join our community of bloggers - glipho.com<br />Please check us out and drop me a line at hubert@glipho.com for any questions. <br />Best!<br />Hubert<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-41934331099219087082013-04-02T09:58:52.069+02:002013-04-02T09:58:52.069+02:00In October 2011 it was announced that the Scout wi...In October 2011 it was announced that the Scout will be fitted with the CBRN sensors kit. If there hasn't been a rethink in more recent times, the Scout should definitely embody that capability. Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-79348475858757616052013-04-01T21:53:42.734+02:002013-04-01T21:53:42.734+02:00Anonymous
Any chance of you rating the chances of...Anonymous<br /><br />Any chance of you rating the chances of Fuchs being re-introduced into service? A difficult question, I know, but I think it is a great piece of kit - the best in the world at its job, and the British Army got rid of it far too soon. It would be tremendous to see it again, possibly manned by the TA/Reserves?<br /><br />Any other re-thinks that you know of?MikeWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-27609112335115021182013-04-01T21:45:52.659+02:002013-04-01T21:45:52.659+02:00The Trial Development Program for CBRN equipment o...The Trial Development Program for CBRN equipment on FRES was completed in 2009 using a Spartan as the demonstrator. Various chemical detectors and a RAD detector was fitted, along with a MET sensor, all linked together by a software package. I think since Mastiff is coming back from Afghanistan for the three Heavy Protected Infantry Battalions, then UV FRES has a long way to go and that is where the CBRN fit was looking at. Whether Scout will have the ability to retrofit CBRN equipment is another matter, I am not sure. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-77401732285867563392013-03-31T00:06:05.547+01:002013-03-31T00:06:05.547+01:00Thank you very much for this info. It's great ...Thank you very much for this info. It's great stuff, and i had no knowdledge of it. <br />Among the projects in the CBRN area, if i've not been overtaken by events, there are the fitting of generalist CBRN warning sensors on FRES Scout and the acquisition of a Role 3 CBRN-proof field hospital kit, does that result to you too? Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-49996274020956385072013-03-30T22:32:17.577+01:002013-03-30T22:32:17.577+01:00A highly interesting post Gabriele, my interest is...A highly interesting post Gabriele, my interest is Army 2020, your second last paragraph is correct at this moment is time with reference to the CBRN Role going from green to light blue. However, the Army Inspectorate done a damning report on the Army’s CBRN capability and like a lion that has been prodded from a deep sleep I think you will find the green machine is fighting back with a vengeance. <br />Obviously it is too late for 1 RTR as they start the process of amalgamation, but the strange element is that FUCHS is under trials in the summer with a squadron from a future Light Cavalry Regiment to access its viability as a CBRN Recce Vehicle. Is it a real requirement for future operations, although FUCHS is one of the best CBRN Recce vehicles around its main disadvantage is that it must traverse through a contaminated area to pick up any contamination and therefore requires through Decon once its mission is finished. Stand-off detection of particles is getting better and the capability to detect on the ground is almost there. Plus, the reality of an aggressor being able to deliver large amounts of war chemical that can justify the use of such a specialist piece of equipment. The trial and subsequent report will attempt to answer some of these questions, if it stays, then a Light Cavalry Regiment may pick up the responsibility to enable the use of FUCHS. <br />How it affects the Light Role and SIBRA Teams within 26 and 27 Sqns of the RAF Regiment is still up for debate. As of right now the 10 year plan for CBRN is on track to deliver up to 10 CBRN projects within 2-3 years with up to 60 million already allocated and the over 600 million from years 4 to 10. The Army will obviously try to ensure it does not get into the mess it is in now and try to take more control of CBRN Assets that can be of benefit to its own service. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-78855565915539269632013-03-26T21:21:08.081+01:002013-03-26T21:21:08.081+01:00It was 250 rounds. A sizeable number was expended ...It was 250 rounds. A sizeable number was expended over Libya in 2011 and another few (i don't know the exact numbers) went for integration test firings in South Africa. Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-78997318136822876112013-03-26T15:46:19.444+01:002013-03-26T15:46:19.444+01:00I didn't realized Aeronautica Militare had pur...I didn't realized Aeronautica Militare had purchased Storm Shadows for her Tornado fighters until this post. How many rounds did Italy brought? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-614399940954527662013-03-25T12:32:07.668+01:002013-03-25T12:32:07.668+01:00A fleet of 58 Tornado has been subjected to the ML...A fleet of 58 Tornado has been subjected to the MLU-IT. It comprises improvements to communications (but there are probably differences from SCOT), MIDS Data Link 16, NVG-compatible display improvements, digital maps and other changes. The upgrade is described as "sufficient to keep the aircrafts operational out to 2025". <br /><br />Weaponry integrated includes Storm Shadow (finally! It was just in time for Libya ops...), Small Diameter Bomb (500 ordered from the US) and AARGM AGM-88E anti-radar missiles. <br />There is also full integration of the Rafael RECCELite reconnaissance pod. Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-58522423761814456682013-03-25T08:51:39.695+01:002013-03-25T08:51:39.695+01:00How is the IAF upgrade on their IDS going? I assum...How is the IAF upgrade on their IDS going? I assume since it's a NETMA upgrade it's similar to ours and the GAF, are they getting a LEP as well as the new equipement?Topmannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-76601956853977936662013-03-22T18:14:02.715+01:002013-03-22T18:14:02.715+01:00Let's hope in some kind of miracle. Because th...Let's hope in some kind of miracle. Because they are really scraping the bottom of the barrel and scratching the wood away. Scratch it some more, and you'll punch a hole in it. Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-79908845603537039612013-03-22T18:09:40.536+01:002013-03-22T18:09:40.536+01:00"The crux of the matter is that "existin..."The crux of the matter is that "existing protections apply". That is almost certainly going to condemn the MOD to further, devastating cuts that the armed forces are simply no longer able to absorb."<br /><br />It is to be hoped that the statement is fluff designed to appeal to the lib-dem's, to whom we have to thank for ringfencing education and health.<br /><br />The reason I say "hoped" is because the latest budget axed some relief on NICs paid by final salary pension schemes............... which will be disproportionately derive from manpower heavy departments like health and education.jedibeeftrixhttp://jedibeeftrix.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-70212404152682108142013-03-22T17:26:36.270+01:002013-03-22T17:26:36.270+01:00Agreed, if the RAF struggle to fund a full sized T...Agreed, if the RAF struggle to fund a full sized Typhoon fleet then a compromise of perhaps around 130-140 airframes in 6 squadrons would still be very welcome news.<br /><br />Challengernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-42523642202667494012013-03-22T15:23:39.453+01:002013-03-22T15:23:39.453+01:00For me, Defence is about having armed forces match...For me, Defence is about having armed forces matching the position of the United Kingdom as a world nation.<br /><br />P5 member, G8 member, etc, etc. <br /><br />When our politicians grandstand on the world stage but run our forces into the ground, this makes me mad. I hate them.<br /><br />They are happy to cut, but not to give up their P5 status. Hypocrites.<br /><br />Soft power is a load of bull. And should be left to the DofID and the loony Foreign aid budget.<br /><br />Speak softly, and carry a big stick. That is my belief.<br /><br />Too many people run my country into the ground these days. We are somebody on the world stage, and should have the forces to go with it.Daniele Mandellinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-41046226321464568942013-03-22T15:18:14.282+01:002013-03-22T15:18:14.282+01:00Thanks Gabriele.
Suppose it makes sense re the CS...Thanks Gabriele.<br /><br />Suppose it makes sense re the CS Medical Regiments. Now why don't they follow that approach with the Artillery and Engineers, assigning them to the units they will support.<br /><br />I recall your article and graphic weeks back re 11 Signals and the Groups within, yes.Daniele Mandellinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-56851368653093829732013-03-22T15:08:56.351+01:002013-03-22T15:08:56.351+01:00Well, i think that the Foxhounds will indeed be is...Well, i think that the Foxhounds will indeed be issued to units in Catterick and Cottersmore: the key is looking at the dates in which the battalions move out to Cyprus or Woolwich. <br />For example, 1st LANCS won't move out of Catterick before 2015: we have to assume the ORBAT change and the passage on Foxhound will start happening before the move. When they move to Cyprus, they will be replaced in Catterick by 2 Yorks which will be coming back from Cyprus itself. I believe the Foxhounds will stay with the Yorks at that point. <br /><br />Same for 2nd Royal Anglian, which won't move out of Cottersmore before 2017. <br />In the same time, 2 PWRR will be returning from Cyprus and heading into Cottersmore: my guess is that the Foxhounds will then go from 2 R Anglian to 2 PWRR. <br /><br />We also have to assume the differences between Light Role and Light Protected Mobility won't be very radical: there is less than 10 men of difference in Establishment, so passage between the two should be very heasy. Not at all comparable to going on Mastiff and even less comparable to transiting to Armoured on the Warrior. <br /><br />The position of the Close Support medical regiments is reasonable in the Logistic brigades. The Logistic brigades will be assigned directly to divisional HQs (101 to 3rd Division, 102 to 1st Division) and the elements contained in the logistic brigades will directly support a brigade deployment. <br />The medical brigade will contain the field hospitals, the hospital support regiment and MEDEVAC group. <br /><br />104 Logistic brigade is small in terms of regiments, but moving the Dogs regiment to the Engineers makes sense with how heavily they are involved in EOD activity. <br />The loss of the Pioneer regiment is the other loss of 104 Bde, but overall the capability has been preserved in this area, and it is certainly not the biggest concern... <br /><br />The intelligence and surveillance brigade is a good development indeed, i think. <br /><br />As for the Groups in 8th Force Engineering brigade, while i can't say for sure, i believe it is reasonable to assume that they will remain. Indeed, 11th Signal Brigade (which is going to become pretty huge) is to be "divided" in Groups as well. <br /><br />Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-27035912999329705852013-03-22T14:52:08.527+01:002013-03-22T14:52:08.527+01:00OK.
What a mess they have made of my armed force...OK. <br /><br />What a mess they have made of my armed forces. <br /><br />Leaving the vehicles behind is understandable. Why they do not just issue them to the battalions in Cottesmore and Catterick in the first place is beyond me.<br /><br />Also, we have the Medical Regiments in the Logistic Brigades. I know they already came under 101 and 102 now, but if we are going down the "Golfbag" approach of pick and mixing to form brigades ( pathetic ) why not put them in 2 Medical Brigade with the other RAMC units?<br /><br />I agree that forming a 1st RMP Brigade is a total waste of time.<br /><br />104th LSB, a key enabler, now has just 2 Regiments! I would have liked the Dog Regiment in there.<br /><br />The beefed up Intelligence Brigade is excellent. Several cap badges all fused in one organisation.<br /><br />Finally, are we aware if the individual Groups within 8 Force Engineer Brigade will remain? At present it has Infrastructure, Air Support and EOD Groups.<br /><br />Thank you Gabriele.<br /><br /><br /><br />Daniele Mandellinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-37006814707781696012013-03-22T14:20:47.315+01:002013-03-22T14:20:47.315+01:00For the fifth, it might be a race between 43 and 1...For the fifth, it might be a race between 43 and 111. <br /><br />As for the other one or two squadrons, we don't yet know if they will exist for real... the RAF might well be unable to fund the plan. Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-4333268400484347722013-03-22T14:19:23.271+01:002013-03-22T14:19:23.271+01:00The three "deployable" adaptable brigade...The three "deployable" adaptable brigades will have to take infantry battalions from the other adaptable brigades in order to go up to strenght. <br />One Foxhound battalion, for example, is in 11th Brigade as you did see. <br />The deployability of 4 and 7th brigade will (i'm guessing) come from having the chance to work with the artillery and engineer elements in their areas, and by having suitable HQs. Due to Cyprus and Woolwich rotations, they won't have their full share of infantry battalions directly under command, but they would take up the missing pieces from the rest of the adaptable force. <br /><br />As for the Cyprus battalions, my guess is that the battalions will go to Cyprus in a Light Role configuration, leaving the vehicles behind to be taken up by the battalions in Cottersmore and Catterick. I don't see why they'd want to deploy Foxhounds at Cyprus, after all, when the posting has been covered by Light Role infantry for years. <br /><br />Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-47451804454349340182013-03-22T14:18:10.366+01:002013-03-22T14:18:10.366+01:00The retention of the Tranche 1 Typhoon's would...The retention of the Tranche 1 Typhoon's would be excellent news! What squadron numbers are likely to be used for the 5th, and possible 6th/7th squadrons? 20 43 and 111 seem the most likely to me.Challengernoreply@blogger.com