September 15th 2024.
The United Kingdom has recently sent a significant amount of military aid to Ukraine in response to Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. This aid included Challenger 2 tanks, ammunition, and various vehicles, all of which have made a difference in Ukraine's fight against Russia. In fact, all of the donated Challenger tanks have already been deployed on the frontlines against Russian tanks.
However, this aid has also created gaps in the UK's own armed forces' capabilities. As a result, the government has had to make some tough decisions, including the transfer of almost all of its AS90 mobile artillery units to Ukraine. This move has caused a challenge within the UK's own operations, according to armed forces minister Luke Pollard. He emphasized the need to replenish stocks, stating that while it was the right decision to support Ukraine, there is now a challenge in the interim period.
Interestingly, much of the military aid given to Ukraine so far was actually approved by the previous Conservative government and supported by Labour while in opposition. This support has continued, with Defence Secretary John Healy meeting his Ukrainian counterpart shortly after Labour's electoral victory. There is even discussion among Western leaders about potentially allowing Ukraine to use the weapons they have supplied to hit targets within Russia itself.
However, the ongoing war in Ukraine and the depletion of the UK's own stocks have prompted the government to assess its own military preparedness. This will be done through a strategic defence review, which is expected to be completed in the first half of next year. The review will assess whether the UK's stockpiles are being replenished and if its armed forces are at a sufficient level of capability.
Pollard acknowledged that the world is currently a more difficult and contested place, and the defence review will show how the UK plans to respond to these challenges. He stated that the focus is on right-sizing the forces to deter and defeat aggressors if necessary. The review will also look at the capabilities needed and the transition from current capabilities to future ones.
One potential outcome from the review is the need to invest in further capabilities for defending crucial sub-sea cables used for electronic data transmission. This could involve acquiring additional specialist vessels, such as the RFA Proteus, a high-tech survey and surveillance vessel. Pollard stressed the importance of protecting electronic infrastructure, as it impacts every aspect of daily life, from healthcare to air traffic control to financial markets. He believes that the review will identify both risks and opportunities for further investment in capabilities.
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