Thales Defence’s Post

Lots of interesting news for the defence-focused technology came out last week -There was the launch of the defence AI strategy emphasizing the integration of AI in defence operations,  -The UK FCAS Tempest Program saw major advancements with new partnerships and technical demonstrations. -The Navy successfully tested a new laser weapons system to enhance anti drone ship defence capabilities. -The UK strengthened its collaboration with International Partners which are crucial for sharing knowledge and resources. All of this confirms the UK commitment to staying at the cutting edge of defence technology. Oh and a change of Government to top it all off, with the new PM attending this week's NATO summit.  Interesting times for the UK defence sector

The value of NATO is that it exists. Everyday nearly seventy nations and organizations, 32 members and more than 35+ partners work together to develop a shared perspective about the challenges we face together while developing the political and military interoperability required to go out and address those problems head on. We could never do this in an ad hoc coalition, so those work because their core members are NATO members who bring the value NATO affords each Ally to that fight. Is it messy? Sometimes. Does it take too long? Sometimes. But imagine what the world would be like without it? Thanks to Al Jazeera English for giving me a chance to counter the negative narrative about NATO.

I know I am biased but this is a big deal for the NATO Alliance. It used to be nations would only operate strike groups under a coalition flag or do ad-hoc operations and not under a NATO flag. The big change in 2024 is now multiple nations are offering carriers with 5th Generation fighters to the Alliance for NATO operations. The ability of NATO to credibly command and control strike groups is key to evolution of the maritime arm of NATO. These NATO strike groups are built from multiple nations operating their most advanced surface ships, submarines, aircraft, and logistics ships in support of common Alliance objectives. This is just one of many small signs that the NATO Alliance is ready for a changing world and the advanced multi-domain operations required in this era instead of stagnating after a 75 year run. With the adoption of a new more flexible strategy (DDA) and a dedicated plan to upgrade and share technology; NATO is proving it can command and control the most sophisticated technology nations can offer in order to demonstrate the Alliance's resolve and improve our collective deterrence. BRAVO ZULU to the small STRIKFORNATO team for integrating into the larger NATO operations associated with Exercise STEADFAST DEFENDER! It is quite an accomplishment for small group of nations working together, under an voluntary MOU arrangement, to effectively utilize the most advance maritime technology to deter our common adversaries under the NATO flag. I was never more humbled to serve along aside so many professionals from around the Alliance. WE ARE NATO!

Is NATO Dependent on the UK & US? The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) really has come a long way since the original 12 nations signed the Treaty in April 1949. These heroic countries were: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States. It is often said that NATO was founded in response to the threat posed by the Soviet Union. This is only partially true. In fact, the Alliance’s creation was part of a broader effort to serve three purposes: deterring Soviet expansionism, forbidding the revival of nationalist militarism in Europe through a strong North American presence on the continent, and encouraging European political integration. As a young soldier I spent 5 years as part of a NATO led multi-national Brigade that acted as a Quick Reaction Force (QRF). Our key role was to deter Soviet aggression on NATO’s northern flank, predominantly Norway and as far north as deep into the Arctic Circle. Our other flank was the East and saw us deploy to sunnier climes, such as Greece, Sardinia, and even (Asian) Turkey. The two areas were very different, with annual northern deployments requiring us to undertake some of the toughest, most demanding training of my military career. Happily, it saw me qualify as a Ski Instructor and a Mountain Leader (Winter). This tour was possibly the most rewarding of my time in the Army, and still gives me a glow of satisfaction when I talk to friends and colleagues from that magical era. We refer to ourselves as “Arctic Warriors” and remain as close now, as we were nearly 50 years ago! Having stated my vested interest in the Alliance, I admit to some genuine unease at the current state it is in. At the risk of offending anybody, which is never my intention, I ask people to consider removing the UK and the US from the current member list, now standing at 32. My reason for asking this, is that I believe our current Defence Secretary is behaving very foolishly in his messaging to the nation. He is consistently telling the public that we are in a position to lead NATO if it was necessary, we are not. Further to this, he fails to recognise that the US election later this year, could feasibly be won by Donald Trump. Accepting that, any decision by the US not to meet their NATO commitment changes everything, in terms of the balance of power. Consecutive UK Governments have reduced our war fighting capability to the point that we would do well to protect our own borders. This has been a deliberate action that has increased in its pace over the last 25+ years. For as much as I feel pride in NATO’s growth, without a full strength UK and US participation, its ability to come together as a cohesive fighting force is debatable at best. Why can’t the outgoing Defence Secretary show respect to the public and tell the truth. I do not doubt the commitment of other member nations, just their lived experience in the horrors of war!

💦 Allied nations are always ready to make a splash 💦 #STRIKFORNATO, NATO Maritime Command, and representatives from Allied and Partner navies just wrapped up another Maritime Striking Forces Forum in 🇫🇷 hosted by #FRSTRIKEFOR. 💡   The eagerly awaited first iteration of #NeptuneStrike2024 was the star of the show, as it promises to be yet another resounding demonstration of NATO’s unique naval might rippling across global tides. 🌍🌊   3️⃣1️⃣ Allies routinely work together during exercises & complex operations designed to harmonize the power of the most formidable navies ⚓ on the planet. But our cooperation truly starts at the table, where thousands of hours are dedicated to refining strategies and ensuring the flawless execution of unrivaled demonstrations of power & unity at sea. 🚤🤝 This often-overlooked aspect highlights the depth of collaboration among #NATO members, underscoring our collective dedication to staying on the top of the wave when it comes to #MaritimeSecurity. 🛡 🔱 #StrongerTogether #WeAreNATO

How to get the F-35A to take off from a 200-meter runway? How about this idea? Is it acceptable? It takes wisdom to solve complex problems with simple methods. On the contrary, solving simple things with more complex methods, this.......? For example, the electromagnetic catapult has a high cost and higher energy and running-in period. It must be pointed out here that the steam catapult has an efficiency of only 6%. Why should such an inefficient steam catapult continue to exist and be used? Why not change? Can we ask the question, Does the United States still have wisdom?

Where are you targetting your business this year? Let Dupree International's, global market knowledge take you where you want to go. Globally Defence spending rose by 9% in 2023 with a further climb expected this year. Are you perhaps looking for expansion into Germany or the US, who hold NATO's largest Defence budget's ? Please get in touch with us via DM or book a call on our website if you are keen to learn more about how we can help you on your journey. #Defense #Defence #Trade #Militarykit #Businessgrowth

9 of UNC member states have SOFA with GOJ, no, I won't tell you which countries, you do the research. Yokosuka is one of U.S. bases which UNC-Rear is authorized to access. "The stop at the #Yokosuka naval base signals a pivotal moment in strengthening the defence and military ties between Italy and Japan, both of which are increasingly enhancing their strategic cooperation as the two countries work together, along with the #UnitedKingdom, on the Global Combat Air Programme (#GCAP), a sixth-generation fighter jet initiative." #Japan #Italy #Europe #Asia #IndoPacific

At the NATO Summit held in Washington D.C., France, Germany, Italy and Poland stated their will for a sovereign precision deep strike capability, co-signing a "European Long Range Strike Approach" letter of intent. ✍️ European #defence needs strong #cooperation to develop new capabilities for its armed forces. This letter of intent marks a new step for #European industry, and a milestone in the acquisition of reliable and efficient deep strike solutions responding to the evolution of threats on the battlefield. MBDA has demonstrated unrivalled ability to leverage European expertise in developing such capabilities. The "European Long Range Strike Approach" letter of intent is a major opportunity to advance strategic European cooperation and foster innovation in defence, now and in the future. Only MBDA has the technologies, expertise and cross-border partnership to deliver European-designed deep strike systems enabling our armed forces to defend our values and freedoms.