With the Refreshed Defence Command Paper, the British Army is drawing conclusions from the war in Ukraine. The document is also intended to set the course for the future of the armed forces.
The Refreshed Defence Command Paper was preceded by the publication of the Integrated Review Refresh. That document identified Russia as the most acute threat to British security, China as a long-term systemic challenge, and forecast a more uncertain global political situation.
Central to the revised plan is the establishment of a global strike force and stockpiling. Said strike force will combine deployed and high-readiness forces. In addition, the force will draw on capabilities from all dimensions. To that end, 2.5 million pounds is available.
In addition to this primary objective, the British Army plans to develop capabilities in robotics, human augmentation, energy weapons and material sciences. Furthermore, the reserve is to be better trained. The document also aims to initiate changes in cooperation with industry. The latter is to be involved earlier and given more financial leeway. In addition, the paper calls for the military to change its employment model. The transition between the military, civil service and industry is to be simplified and employees are to be offered more incentives. Furthermore, the Army is releasing 400 million pounds for accommodation upgrades.
“Our armed forces are central to protecting the United Kingdom around the clock,” said British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace. He said a sense has already been gained of the impact attacks on global security have on economic security. “With a more offensive approach to global competition, DCP23 will support the prime minister’s priorities of economic growth and fighting inflation,” Wallace continues.
Jonas Brandstetter, editorial staff
