Hello all,

So, in case people aren't aware, 4 days ago the UK Gov. outlined (rather vaguely) their intentions for our armed forces, including equipment purchases and forces strength changes. Whilst on the face of things, it all seems very good, however it comes across as rather vague, 96 pages of wishy-washy details, not giving firm commitments or agreements to much. 

Main Points:

RAF

9 P-8 Poseidons (2 possible slots available to take from the US Navy for delivery for 2017) <--- Meaning still a gap in our Maritine Patrol abilities until delivery of aircraft

2 Additional squadrons of Eurofighter Typhoons (Not sure whether that means additional purchases of Typhoons or redistribution of the current numbers) I'd be really happy if it meant additional Typhoon purchases, to prolong the manufacture until we can secure some additional customers. 

Extension of life of, Typhoon Tranche 1, E3-D Sentry, C-130J, and most importantly for ISTAR the Sentinel remains in service until 2030. 

Doubling our UAV strength

British Army:

Upgrades to Apache's and Chinook (don't see why the Chinook is put under Army as it's operated by the RAF) 

£2 billion additional to Special Forces, (SAS, SBS etc.) 

2 5000 strong Strike-Brigades 

No further cuts to personnel (but continue to insist in trying to use reservists to replace full-time regulars)

Royal Navy:

8 Type 26 Frigates (instead of the original 13 as it was meant to be a like-for-like replacement)

5 General Purpose Frigates (to replace the 5 additional Type 26's which were meant to be purchased).

4 tanker ships

3 Logistic ships

24 F-35 JSF to be in service by 2020 operating from our carriers (part of the 138 JSF which are to be purchased).

 

So, whilst I'm happy about some things, I don't really see it as much of a step forwards really, all that's happened is they've reversed the austerity measures. I'm glad to see new aircraft joining our services, (Poseidon and the F-35, as well as the Rivet Joint), as well as the new ships, notably the carriers and frigates, but still feel 6 destroyers is too small, having a fleet of 19 destroyers and frigates is a little small, considering how the Royal Navy operates all around the world. 

What's your opinion on the matters? Whether it be from the perspective of a UK citizen, or any other country, I'd like to know. Is it too little to late, or the right sized decision? 

Thank You

SeaHawk14

 

P.s: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/478933/52309_Cm_9161_NSS_SD_Review_web_only.pdf SDSR online doc. (warning 96 pages)

 

Edited November 27, 201510 yr by SeaHawk14

You guys still have army, our Dutch army have been crippled and stripped by decades of budged cuts and selling our hardware. Our army, navy and air force no longer have the funding, hardware or people to protect our nation. Any 3rd world army from Africa, Asia or south America could easily invade and take over my country. Even Belgium could take over my country without too much effort. The only reason we are getting a few tanks again after we first sold them all is cause people started to openly question if it was a good idea to sell them all when the whole Ukraine-Russia conflict started. The Royal Military Constabulary who are suppose to protect the royal family, airports and the Parliament are standing outside the parliament building with only a 9 mil clock for protection, with the recent terror events in Europe in mind this is sad and dangerous. Our national defenses are stripped completely and left powerless protect and defend my country.

 

 

 

 

 

23 minutes ago, RicoNL said:

You guys still have army, our Dutch army have been crippled and stripped by decades of budged cuts and selling our hardware. Our army, navy and air force no longer have the funding, hardware or people to protect our nation. Any 3rd world army from Africa, Asia or south America could easily invade and take over my country. Even Belgium could take over my country without too much effort. The only reason we are getting a few tanks again after we first sold them all is cause people started to openly question if it was a good idea to sell them all when the whole Ukraine-Russia conflict started. The Royal Military Constabulary who are suppose to protect the royal family, airports and the Parliament are standing outside the parliament building with only a 9 mil clock for protection, with the recent terror events in Europe in mind this is sad and dangerous. Our national defenses are stripped completely and left powerless protect and defend my country.

Can we stick to the facts? Claiming Belgium or any African nation could 'invade & takeover' our country is loads of bullcrap. Find it hard to believe you went through typing all that vague crap without once mentioning the NATO and/or EU. And also saying that the Kmar only uses 9mil for royal protection makes you look like the biggest troll. 

''Our National Defense'' was gone the minute we joined the EU and were forced to open all borders, and has nothing to do with budget cuts and what not. We are just so weak that we rely on Germany for aid against the Russians, and rely on the USA for the rest of our problems. Problems that will probably not be solved within decades.

Quote

 

1 hour ago, RicoNL said:

Our army, navy and air force no longer have the funding, hardware or people to protect our nation.

To be fair, the Netherlands navy has some relatively new equipment, the Zevern class frigates are just over 10 years old. The AH-64's as well, and the new NH-90 helicopters are new and very capable helicopters. Chinooks as well, its not bad. The numbers are quite small for each, but it's proportional to the size of the country, it's not as bad as you make it out to be. The only thing really is the F-16's, they're very old now, A & B block aren't they? So those need replacement, it's disappointing that the Dutch are looking to buy the F-35, instead of opting for more suitable European fighters, such as the Saab Grippen, Eurofighter Typhoon, or Dassaut Rafale. Even the F-18's would have been more suitable than the F-35, it's sad that they have to sacrifice a large number of F-16's to buy a handful of F-35's. 

That being said, the Netherlands is a country surrounded by three very powerful militaries, the Germans, the French and the British forces across the channel, so during times of economic crisis (such as 2008) unfortunately it's always the military programmes which are hit the hardest. Hopefully, now there's a recovery, the Dutch gov. will also choose to reinstate some of it's former strength

2 hours ago, TheChef said:

''Our National Defense'' was gone the minute we joined the EU and were forced to open all borders

Yeah, I'm no fan of the EU's open border policies either, stricter policies should be required, it's a very good theory. Freedom of movement between all our wonderful countries, unfortunately the world is not the same nice place it was, and now the EU has the burden of refugees fleeing war-torn countries. 

Dat feel when you're Russian and your 2016 budget has cuts from law enforcement to public health up to 40%, but an increase in the military budget. I mean new tanks and jets are cool, but I gotta have things to eat. 

18 minutes ago, Hastings said:

Dat feel when you're Russian and your 2016 budget has cuts from law enforcement to public health up to 40%, but an increase in the military budget. I mean new tanks and jets are cool, but I gotta have things to eat. 

Fortunately we're able to do both, although there have been lots of cuts to our public services and benefits. But now, once again they're going to reverse most of their austerity cuts, protecting both the NHS and the police budget, so hopefully we'll see our public sectors increase again. They've suffered a lot.