Latest news with #RoyalUnitedServicesInstitute
The National
a day ago
- Business
- The National
Former SNP MP's critique of UK defence review was a missed opportunity
At the Royal United Services Institute members' briefing on the defence review, which I attended, it was pretty clear that many saw the review as an uncosted shopping list, a pick and mix of wares on offer from the UK's defence industries that the government could buy into, or not, depending what, at a future date, the Treasury thought could or could not be afforded. READ MORE: Skye power line approved despite council and resident objections New, more relevant threats were referenced, of course. Though how the existing products on offer from the UK's defence industry will square with actual future security needs, rather than the Russian Bogey, is not clear. Indeed, even on the day of publication the chief of the defence staff did point out that the actual lacklustre performance of Russian forces in Ukraine should be factored into future thinking. Martin's article was rather a useful comment on what Dominic Cummings thought of the modus operandi of the MoD. A critique of the review and its relevance for the future – particularly that of an independent Scotland's security future – it was not. Scotland and SNP policy got one sentence, in an article of more than 800 words. What he didn't do was offer a strategy of how the dog's breakfast of the review could be used as an opportunity to promote current SNP defence policy and develop it further in the future. READ MORE: Scotland's top doctor warns of greatest threat to health this century His mention of the clapped-out Vanguards was tangential and treated as a symptom of poor long-term planning, rather than a critique of Britain's reliance on Donald Trump. Mark Felton's widely viewed 'Rented Missiles & Worn Out Submarines' YouTube presentation of two months ago, now with more than 600,000 views, is rather more relevant contains within it some positive points of real electoral salience for the SNP. After all, positive, salient aspects of defence and security should be the drivers of SNP defence policy rather than the thicket of weeds that act as cover to a broken defence policy of a broken Britain. Bill Ramsay Convener, SNP CND THE independence movement is at a tipping point, and deepening despondency must reign in the long-stifled rank-and-file of the SNP. In perpetual deference to their high heid yins, they have permitted culture-war distractions, personality cults and parasitic alliances to obscure their core vision of a better life for citizens and their children in a new post-Union, post-colonial reality. They have seen their hard work and contributions, financial and otherwise, railroaded and dissipated by a recent leadership characterised by indolent complacency or cowardice of conviction. READ MORE: What's going wrong inside the SNP? Activists share all The cause of Scottish emancipation from colonial exploitation is not a vainglorious, ill-thought-out enterprise but rather an internationally acknowledged 'glorious revolution' in British politics whose wellsprings are popular sovereignty and direct democracy. The SNP 'strategists' have at best presented an anaemic dilution of these noble principles or collaborated consciously or unconsciously with Westminster politicians of every stripe to undermine them. Who but a reunited popular and political movement in Scotland can save our fellow citizens from the warmongering, corporate-captured, Lino (Labour In Name Only) party that consort and acquiesce to globalist elites rather than their own people? Who can blame decent Scottish and English brothers and sisters from seeking hope from the ultimately false prophets of Reform UK rather than 'Remove UK'? In Scotland, who is going to champion these folk? It is clear to me that a cohesion-seeking independence convention is required as a matter of national urgency where the SNP, Alba, all the factions of the independence movement and importantly all the as-yet-unconvinced but open-minded can meet eyeball to eyeball to form a national vision for our children and grandchildren. The first step must be for SNP grassroot members to signal their 'brotherhood' with the Alba party and non-aligned comrades rather than their effete and sadly incompetent erstwhile leaders, regardless of how 'steady' or 'safe' they may have appeared. Dr Andrew Docherty Selkirk AMAZINGLY, 10 MONTHS on from the Westminster government's announcement to withdraw the Winter Fuel Payment, Scottish Questions and Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons were dominated by this issue once again. The Labour government at Westminster has given some snail-paced hint of a U-turn on the withdrawal, but no firm commitment as yet. This would be very welcome. However, pensioners here in Scotland already have an assurance from the Scottish Government they will receive the WFP and will not be left out in the cold this winter awaiting the Labour government's decision. Catriona C Clark Falkirk
NBC News
3 days ago
- Politics
- NBC News
Just how much damage did Ukraine do in its 'Spiderweb' drone attack on Russia?
While Ukraine released what it said were recordings of drones attacking these air bases, as well as two others in the Ivanovo and Ryazan regions, satellite imagery did not show any visible signs of damage at these sites. Russia no longer manufactures these aircraft, said Thomas Withington, an electronic warfare and air defense expert at the Royal United Services Institute, a think tank in London. 'You can't just go to the factory and get a new one. Once you lose one of these aircraft, broadly speaking you lose it forever,' said Withington. 'That degrades the strategic and nuclear capabilities of the Russian air force.' Whatever the total losses, few outside Russia contest that Ukraine's operation was a remarkable feat of intelligence, planning and utilizing cheap, modern warfare tools. According to the SBU, it stashed 117 small drones inside sheds on the backs of trucks, unleashing them near the perimeters of four Russian air bases. One of these air bases, Belaya, is 2,500 miles away from Ukraine's borders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed it as 'a brilliant result' that took 18 months to plan and would 'undoubtedly be in history books.' Zelenskyy aide Pavlo Palisa told journalists in Washington on Wednesday that 41 Russian aircraft were hit, around half of which were 'completely destroyed' and the rest no longer able to fly. The SBU and Zelenskyy said 34% of Russia's nuclear-capable strategic bombing force had been taken out of action — at a cost of $7 billion. Palisa told reporters that two Beriev A-50s — rare and valuable early-warning radar planes, known as 'awacs' — were 'targeted.' The SBU's video only appeared to show a drone landing on top of the radar dish of one of these aircraft, however, with no explosion. When contacted by NBC News for more information on how it came to its figures, the SBU said that NATO confirmed its tally — despite the discrepancy in figures given by the alliance. Russia has a far different version of events.
Asia Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Asia Times
Indonesia torn between China's J-10 and US F-15EX
Indonesia's fighter jet dilemma pits cost, capability, and geopolitical leverage as it weighs China's now-battle-tested J-10s against pricier Western rivals. This month, Reuters reported that Indonesia is evaluating the potential acquisition of China's J-10 fighter jets, weighing their affordability and advanced capabilities against other options, including the US-made F-15EX. Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto confirmed that discussions are ongoing with China, which has also reportedly pitched naval vessels and armaments. Indonesia's evaluation considers system compatibility, after-sales support and pricing. The deliberations follow Indonesia's broader military modernization push, which saw the 2022 purchase of 42 French Rafale jets worth US$8.1 billion. Six Rafales are expected to be delivered next year. While Indonesia's interest in the J-10 predates recent India-Pakistan air skirmishes, Pakistan's use of J-10s to down at least one Indian-flown Rafale has added a new dimension to Jakarta's evaluation. Meanwhile, Indonesia is still mulling its planned F-15EX purchase, with questions rising around the $8 billion price tag for 24 jets. France remains a contender, with President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to Indonesia resulting in a preliminary defense pact that could lead to further Rafale acquisitions. Taufanto emphasized Indonesia's budget constraints and strategic options, noting ongoing assessments of multiple offers. Highlighting the J-10's capabilities, Justin Bronk notes in an October 2020 report by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) that the J-10 is China's response to the US F-16 and Swedish Gripen, offering comparable capabilities at a significantly lower acquisition cost. 'Think of the J-10C as roughly equivalent to a late-model F-16, but with some features, like its long-range missile suite, that could give it the edge in certain scenarios,' says David Jordan, a senior lecturer in defense studies at King's College London, in a May 2025 Business Insider article. 'You may well see a very viable competitor to Western products entering contests for the purchase of new fighter aircraft,' says Jordan. However, no matter how capable the J-10 may be on paper, Indonesia's chronic procurement dysfunction, underfunding, weak institutional support and fragmented planning raise serious questions about its ability to field any advanced fighter effectively. 'Indonesia's air force modernization and fleet recapitalization has been marred with multiple challenges, including lack of funding, lack of government commitment, as well as inefficient and highly personalized acquisition policy,' says Olli Suorsa in a March 2021 S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) report. For Indonesia's cash-strapped air force, which by all accounts is in serious need of modernization, the J-10 presents a compelling case. However, Indonesia may be proceeding with caution before making its move. Dave Laksono, a senior member of Indonesia's House of Representatives, said that 'unverified claims in conflict zones cannot be used as the sole basis for assessing the effectiveness or failure of a particular weapons system,' according to a May 2025 Defense Security Asia report. 'Even the most advanced jets, such as the F-16, F/A-18, and F-22, have experienced incidents of being shot down or crashed due to certain tactical conditions,' says Laksono. Further, Alfin Bansundoro notes in a June 2024 East Asia Forum article that while Indonesia has previously purchased Chinese weapons, such as CH-4B drones, C-705 and C-802 anti-ship missiles, and TD-2000B self-propelled air defense systems, bilateral territorial disputes over the Natuna Islands cast doubt on future purchases from China. Bansundoro points out that China has sold downgraded weapons to Indonesia several times, mentioning that the former sold the export version of the C-802, known as the YJ-83, which has a reduced range. In addition, he says Indonesia runs the risk of jeopardizing purchases from Western partners if it pushes through with acquiring Chinese weapons, emphasizing the risk of Western economic weaponization. However, Evan Laksmana warns in a May 2024 article for the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) that without a well-institutionalized defense partnership, Indonesia's long-term relationship with China will lack strategic heft and balance. Beyond military cooperation, such arms deals often bleed into economic diplomacy. Fighter jets can act as entry points for deeper bilateral entanglements, requiring long-term cooperation in training, maintenance and logistics. Jake Rinaldi argues in a November 2024 article for the US Army War College that China often pairs arms sales with economic perks, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), of which Indonesia is a member. In the Indonesian context, Rinaldi notes that China's arms sales may aim to establish relationships with senior civilian and military leaders, thereby expanding diplomatic and strategic influence. Pointing out the quid pro quo between China and Indonesia, Oene Marseille and other writers mention in a November 2024 article for CDR Essential Intelligence that China has financed major projects, including the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail, in exchange for strengthened economic ties. In return, Marseille and others state that Indonesia provides China with access to crucial resources, particularly nickel, for electric vehicle production. However, they note that while Indonesia benefits from economic modernization, China leverages these projects to expand its influence in Southeast Asia, intertwining trade with strategic leverage, while Indonesia cautiously balances partnerships. Although Indonesia has planned to purchase F-15EX jets from the US, a decision to purchase them, like a potential acquisition of China's J-10s, may be driven more by political and economic considerations than by Indonesia's actual defense requirements. An April 2023 D-Insights article reports that Indonesia's plan to purchase F-15EX jets from the US is likely to fail due to cost, as the aircraft are too expensive for the country's limited defense budget. Similar budget issues have strained Indonesia's past cooperation with South Korea on next-generation fighter projects, including delayed payments and alleged data leaks, as reported by the Korean JoongAng Daily in May 2025. D-Insights posits that Indonesia may have raised the possibility of F-15EX purchases to keep good relations with the US, ultimately making it a political gesture more than anything else. Even if driven by politics, Indonesia may still attempt to extract tangible benefits from potential F-15EX purchases. Aryojati Ardipandanto argues in an April 2025 article for Info Singkat that Indonesia could use F-15EX purchases to negotiate the 32% 'reciprocal' tariffs Donald Trump imposed on the country in April and has since paused. Ardipandanto says Indonesia needs the F-15EX as part of its defense diplomacy to blunt the effects of US tariffs on its micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), considering the possibility of layoffs in Indonesian companies that export to the US. Whichever jet Indonesia chooses, the decision will have far-reaching consequences, shaping its defense posture, great power alignments and the price it pays for sovereignty.
Scotsman
03-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Independent report confirms ‘defence dividend' for local communities that host defence industry
Research launched today by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) reveals that the defence sector, which accounts for one in every 60 UK jobs, has an outsize positive effect in the areas of the country where it is located. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The report highlights that for some communities, predominantly located outside London, defence work is the foundation of economic and social well-being, bringing employment and opportunity. It supports the Government's stance that the defence industry can and should be an important driver of economic growth through a 'defence dividend' and boosts the economic case for increased spending on the UK's defence and security. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Global security company Leonardo was amongst the first defence organisations to collaborate with RUSI for the report and hosted its launch today to assembled MPs at Westminster. Jessica Sanchez, Aerospace Product Support Engineer at Leonardo, was one of the key speakers at the special event at Westminster. Report authors Professor Trevor Taylor, Professorial Fellow in Defence Management at RUSI, and Dr Linus Terhorst, Research Analyst for Defence, Industries & Society at RUSI, unveiled a striking picture of the reach and scale of the economic impacts of defence: Delivery of the 'Defence Dividend' to local communities. The report provides clear evidence that specific regions derive much greater economic benefit from the defence industry than UK-wide economic figures would suggest. This is due to the long-term delivery of growth, investment and opportunity to those areas where the industry is concentrated. The report provides clear evidence that specific regions derive much greater economic benefit from the defence industry than UK-wide economic figures would suggest. This is due to the long-term delivery of growth, investment and opportunity to those areas where the industry is concentrated. Salaries in the defence sector are higher than the UK average . This encourages growth in the local and national economy, since higher salaries mean higher disposable incomes and more significant multiplier effects, in terms of supporting a wide array of local and national businesses. . This encourages growth in the local and national economy, since higher salaries mean higher disposable incomes and more significant multiplier effects, in terms of supporting a wide array of local and national businesses. The defence industry drives greater social mobility , since it brings inclusive and well remunerated long-term employment opportunities to a broader and more even geographical spread of regions, bringing opportunities that wouldn't exist otherwise. , since it brings inclusive and well remunerated long-term employment opportunities to a broader and more even geographical spread of regions, bringing opportunities that wouldn't exist otherwise. Defence firms train and employ a high number of people with STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) skills , contributing to the national science and engineering skills base which keeps the country at the forefront of global innovation. , contributing to the national science and engineering skills base which keeps the country at the forefront of global innovation. There is evidence to suggest that there is a strong correlation between defence research and innovation and more widespread technological advances within wider society , since there is a technological spillover of innovation into the civil market. , since there is a technological spillover of innovation into the civil market. The defence industry supports a strong wider UK manufacturing infrastructure since its supply chains are extensive and include many dual-use firms. since its supply chains are extensive and include many dual-use firms. Defence needs to maintain a strong and agile supply chain that is able to respond to urgent requirements. that is able to respond to urgent requirements. The defence industry is able to invest in new technology with a more distant return than is typical in the commercial civil market. The report points to specific data to support the assertions made. For example, it included reference to a 2024 study of the economic impact of Leonardo in the UK by Oxford Economics, which showed average wages at Leonardo Yeovil of £51,000, as compared with the overall local average of £32,000, and that every Leonardo job and Leonardo supported job in its supply chain generated about 1/3 of a job through employees' spending. Similar salaries and multiplier effect ratios were researched for the Edinburgh electronics business and other smaller Leonardo UK sites. More than 10% of Leonardo employees in Luton and Edinburgh are graduate trainees, apprentices or placement students, reflecting the company's investment in early careers, thereby increasing social mobility in the areas surrounding the company's eight sites spread across the UK. In relation to supporting a robust supply chain, two thirds of Leonardo's 2,100 UK suppliers were small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and more than a quarter (28%) of all Leonardo supply chain spending was spent directly with these SMEs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Leonardo apprentices are vital to the dynamism and productivity of the business, which has a site at Crewe Toll in Edinburgh. Clive Higgins, Chair and CEO of Leonardo in the UK said: 'The latest Office for National Statistics figures show NEET rates in the UK remain high at 13.6%, with 837,000 16 to 24-year-olds now out of work, education or training. Growth for the UK means connecting these young people with real opportunities. 'We operate in a highly competitive environment, so by the very nature of the industry, defence firms have high productivity, pay well and generate knowledge and skills to keep up with the incredibly rapid pace of innovation. Added to that is a willingness to commit to new experimental technology with a more distant return than you would see in a typical commercial market. Those calculated risks are key differentiators in distinguishing UK technology, skills and research, keeping us at the forefront of global technology.
Scotsman
03-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
New independent report confirms ‘defence dividend' for local communities that host defence industry
Research launched today by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) reveals that the defence sector, which accounts for one in every 60 UK jobs, has an outsize positive effect in the areas of the country where it is located. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The report highlights that for some communities, predominantly located outside London, defence work is the foundation of economic and social well-being, bringing employment and opportunity. It supports the Government's stance that the defence industry can and should be an important driver of economic growth through a 'defence dividend' and boosts the economic case for increased spending on the UK's defence and security. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Global security company Leonardo was amongst the first defence organisations to collaborate with RUSI for the report and hosted its launch today to assembled MPs at Westminster. Jessica Sanchez, Aerospace Product Support Engineer at Leonardo. Report authors Professor Trevor Taylor, Professorial Fellow in Defence Management at RUSI, and Dr Linus Terhorst, Research Analyst for Defence, Industries & Society at RUSI, unveiled a striking picture of the reach and scale of the economic impacts of defence: Delivery of the 'Defence Dividend' to local communities. The report provides clear evidence that specific regions derive much greater economic benefit from the defence industry than UK-wide economic figures would suggest. This is due to the long-term delivery of growth, investment and opportunity to those areas where the industry is concentrated. The report provides clear evidence that specific regions derive much greater economic benefit from the defence industry than UK-wide economic figures would suggest. This is due to the long-term delivery of growth, investment and opportunity to those areas where the industry is concentrated. Salaries in the defence sector are higher than the UK average . This encourages growth in the local and national economy, since higher salaries mean higher disposable incomes and more significant multiplier effects, in terms of supporting a wide array of local and national businesses. . This encourages growth in the local and national economy, since higher salaries mean higher disposable incomes and more significant multiplier effects, in terms of supporting a wide array of local and national businesses. The defence industry drives greater social mobility , since it brings inclusive and well remunerated long-term employment opportunities to a broader and more even geographical spread of regions, bringing opportunities that wouldn't exist otherwise. , since it brings inclusive and well remunerated long-term employment opportunities to a broader and more even geographical spread of regions, bringing opportunities that wouldn't exist otherwise. Defence firms train and employ a high number of people with STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) skills , contributing to the national science and engineering skills base which keeps the country at the forefront of global innovation. , contributing to the national science and engineering skills base which keeps the country at the forefront of global innovation. There is evidence to suggest that there is a strong correlation between defence research and innovation and more widespread technological advances within wider society , since there is a technological spillover of innovation into the civil market. , since there is a technological spillover of innovation into the civil market. The defence industry supports a strong wider UK manufacturing infrastructure since its supply chains are extensive and include many dual-use firms. since its supply chains are extensive and include many dual-use firms. Defence needs to maintain a strong and agile supply chain that is able to respond to urgent requirements. that is able to respond to urgent requirements. The defence industry is able to invest in new technology with a more distant return than is typical in the commercial civil market. The report points to specific data to support the assertions made. For example, it included reference to a 2024 study of the economic impact of Leonardo in the UK by Oxford Economics, which showed average wages at Leonardo Yeovil of £51,000, as compared with the overall local average of £32,000, and that every Leonardo job and Leonardo supported job in its supply chain generated about 1/3 of a job through employees' spending. Similar salaries and multiplier effect ratios were researched for the Edinburgh electronics business and other smaller Leonardo UK sites. More than 10% of Leonardo employees in Luton and Edinburgh are graduate trainees, apprentices or placement students, reflecting the company's investment in early careers, thereby increasing social mobility in the areas surrounding the company's eight sites spread across the UK. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Leonardo Apprentices attended the special event at Westminster. Apprentices in Edinburgh are working on key defence technology which is vital to the business. In relation to supporting a robust supply chain, two thirds of Leonardo's 2,100 UK suppliers were small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and more than a quarter (28%) of all Leonardo supply chain spending was spent directly with these SMEs. Clive Higgins, Chair and CEO of Leonardo in the UK said: 'The latest Office for National Statistics figures show NEET rates in the UK remain high at 13.6%, with 837,000 16 to 24-year-olds now out of work, education or training. Growth for the UK means connecting these young people with real opportunities. 'We operate in a highly competitive environment, so by the very nature of the industry, defence firms have high productivity, pay well and generate knowledge and skills to keep up with the incredibly rapid pace of innovation. Added to that is a willingness to commit to new experimental technology with a more distant return than you would see in a typical commercial market. Those calculated risks are key differentiators in distinguishing UK technology, skills and research, keeping us at the forefront of global technology. 'The government's recent consultation paper on National Industrial Strategy identified the defence sector as a key sector for growth, and this new report provides the evidence that we are a growth generator.'
