THE CRIMEA GAMBIT: UKRAINE’S STRATEGY FOR ITS RETURN

Ukraine has carried out a successful war against the Russians across Crimea, effectively neutralizing it as an operating military resource and attritting countless russian weapons and EW/radar systems at low cost. Its eventual return is the goal.

NATO: STANDING UP TO PUTIN

Europe must decide to shoot down Russian aircraft that blatantly enter NATO airspace and make it clear to Russia we intend to do so. This is why…

DOES THE SSBN STILL MAKE SENSE?

The article discusses the evolving debate surrounding the necessity and effectiveness of nuclear-powered submarines (SSBNs) in the context of advancing drone technology, highlighting their costs, strategic value, and potential obsolescence in future warfare scenarios.

IMPACT OF THE NORTHWOOD DECLARATION on European Security

The Northwood Declaration, signed by Macron and Starmer, establishes a significant Anglo-French nuclear partnership, affirming joint defense commitments in response to threats, while emphasizing independent capabilities. This strengthens Europe’s security amid changing global alliances and addresses Russian aggression.

Reimagining NATO: Can Europe Stand Alone?

The NATO summit prompted reflection on NATO’s future, revealing vulnerabilities and lessons learned regarding military readiness. The necessity for European self-reliance and a choice between continued reliance on the U.S. or a new path for defense strategy is emphasized.

WHO IS WINNING THE WAR?

The analysis outlines the complexities of the Ukraine-Russia war, highlighting Ukraine’s initial victories, subsequent setbacks, and evolving challenges. It emphasizes Russia’s economic decline and Ukraine’s resilient strategies, forecasting Russia’s eventual collapse despite territorial gains.

UK SUBMARINES & AUKUS: A NAVAL REVOLUTION?

The UK strategic defense review outlines ambitious plans for up to 12 AUKUS submarines, facing challenges like production capacity, financial constraints, and recruitment that could hinder timely implementation amid increasing global threats and the need for naval modernization.

THE EQUALIZATION OF POWER

The past 25 years revealed numerous US military blunders, with implications seen in Ukraine and the Houthis. Advances in technology have shifted power dynamics, demonstrating vulnerabilities in traditional military strengths and challenging the status quo of great power superiority.

AUKUS: THE NEW REALITY MAKES IT A HARDER SELL

The U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding struggles are endangering the AUKUS submarine program, raising concerns for Australia about reliance on U.S. systems. Australia faces challenges in workforce training and costs escalations, questioning the partnership’s viability and future direction.

UKRAINE CAN WIN

Talks in Saudi Arabia aim to resolve the ongoing war, but both Russia and Ukraine remain deadlocked. Ukraine’s prolonged strategies focus on gaining time and resource depletion, fully supported by Europe+ like never before. Ignoring them is a huge strategic error.

IS AUKUS STILL VIABLE?

The situation in Ukraine raises questions about American reliability in military alliances. Australia may reconsider their dependence on the US amidst procurement issues and changing geopolitical dynamics, debating alternatives for submarine programs and technological collaborations.

EUROPE+: THE NEW AGE OF EUROPEAN DEFENCE TAKES SHAPE

In a week of significant political turmoil, Ukraine’s ally responses crystallized amid concerns over America’s NATO involvement. Calls for a more independent European defense framework emerged, highlighting the need for institutional reforms and enhanced military capabilities.

THE NUCLEAR PROBLEM: EUROPE, UKRAINE & US WITHDRAWAL

The potential U.S. military withdrawal from Europe raises concerns about nuclear deterrence, necessitating European collaboration. France and the UK may need to integrate their nuclear capabilities, while Ukraine contemplates developing its own deterrent amid ongoing threats.

INDIA: RISING GREAT POWER, CHINESE RIVAL

India’s defense budget increased by 9.5% to $78.8 billion, but only $22 billion is available for new equipment due to high personnel costs. The military faces challenges from China and Pakistan amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

AMERICAN DEFENSE – LIKE IT OR NOT WHAT THEY SPEND MATTERS

The new Congress plans to increase defense spending by $200 billion but faces funding challenges and potential cuts. Congress debates the necessity of large carriers versus smaller, more versatile platforms amid rising concerns over efficiency and competition with China.

CHINA: TAIWAN INVASION IS INEVITABLE

The Chinese military is rapidly advancing towards an invasion capability of Taiwan, driven by economic turmoil, with military preparation expected to peak by 2027. Taiwan’s defenses face substantial challenges amid growing geopolitical tensions.

UKRAINIAN DETERRENCE

The content discusses various levels of deterrence in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, highlighting Ukraine’s effective strategies, such as naval operations and attacks on Crimea, which have significantly altered Russia’s military posture and capabilities.

UKRAINE’S MID-LONG RANGE STRATEGY

Ukraine’s missile and drone strategy has rapidly evolved in response to the war, developing advanced capabilities and targeting key Russian assets, fundamentally altering future warfare concepts, and providing lessons for Western militaries on agility and innovation in arms development.

WAR IN THE PACIFIC? PART 3

In this last segment I want to look at three issues that will determine if China can even mount an invasion of Taiwan. China is economically in the worst position it’s been in since 1980. The property market, at one point driving 25% of its GDP has fallen into collapse. Giant property companies like Evergrand […]

WAR IN THE PACIFIC? PART 2

The relationship between the U.S. and China reflects trade imbalances, tariffs, and strategic conflicts, with China leveraging its economic power globally while expanding its military capabilities and rare earth element control, posing significant challenges for American competitiveness and security.

WAR IN THE PACIFIC? Part 1

The US-China relationship is marked by economic interdependence and rising geopolitical tensions, particularly over Taiwan and the South China Sea. With the US enhancing military presence and weapons systems in the region, the situation remains precarious.

AUKUS UPS ITS GAME

The AUKUS framework has progressed beyond the submarine deal to include the HyFliTE Project.

STRATEGIC SHIFT: FROM THE V2 TO THE ORESHNIK IRBM

The development of ballistic missiles, from Nazi Germany’s V2 to modern nuclear strategies, reflects a complex arms race involving technological advancements, military doctrines, and international treaties, ultimately leading to a precarious balance of power and ongoing tensions between global powers.

Russian Military Struggles Amidst Sanctions and Warfare

THE GROUND WAR IS NOT GOING IN UKRAINE’S FAVOUR Ukraine struck into Russia with ATACMS both around Kursk and into Crimea yesterday. The Russians continued to make advances westward almost all along the front. Additional small gains were made in Kursk. Russians seem to be focusing on Kurakhove and preparing for another offensive operation to […]