Nicholas Drummond
@ndrummond.bsky.social
Defence analyst and industry consultant specialising in Land Warfare. Former British Army infantry officer. UK Advisor to KNDS Germany. Views expressed are my own. See also my blog at www.UKLandPower.com
Pinned
Nicholas Drummond
@ndrummond.bsky.social
· Nov 18
ARTEC Boxer is a highly modular and flexible medium weight armoured vehicle ideally suited to expeditionary warfare. The four original variants have now led to an entire family able to perform a range of tasks.
The F-15 Eagle is one of those aircraft that refuses to die. It first flew in 1972 and an upgraded version remains in service today. Along with the B-52, KC-135, CH-47 Chinook, and C-130, it seems destined to achieve the same 60-year milestone.
July 14, 2025 at 8:49 PM
The F-15 Eagle is one of those aircraft that refuses to die. It first flew in 1972 and an upgraded version remains in service today. Along with the B-52, KC-135, CH-47 Chinook, and C-130, it seems destined to achieve the same 60-year milestone.
According to a House of Commons briefing £10.8 bn or 19% of the UK's £56.4 bn defence budget goes on the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (strategic deterrent & infrastructure). This means we spend £45.6 bn on conventional defence or 1.6% of GDP.
researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CB...
researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CB...
May 10, 2025 at 1:05 PM
According to a House of Commons briefing £10.8 bn or 19% of the UK's £56.4 bn defence budget goes on the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (strategic deterrent & infrastructure). This means we spend £45.6 bn on conventional defence or 1.6% of GDP.
researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CB...
researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CB...
This is the best summary of the current geopolitical situation I have seen. Sir Alex Younger (head of MI6 from 2014-2020) is a genuine expert and provides concise insight into a complex situation. Not just some talking head with an opinion. Really worth watching.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9pL...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9pL...
Former MI6 boss on Trump, Putin and a 'new era' for international relations
YouTube video by BBC Newsnight
www.youtube.com
February 22, 2025 at 1:26 PM
This is the best summary of the current geopolitical situation I have seen. Sir Alex Younger (head of MI6 from 2014-2020) is a genuine expert and provides concise insight into a complex situation. Not just some talking head with an opinion. Really worth watching.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9pL...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9pL...
Reposted by Nicholas Drummond
The low recoil 105mm Hawkeye system is interesting, normally seen on light vehicles, this short video clip showcases it on a towed carriage for additional mobility and flexibility
December 23, 2024 at 3:00 PM
The low recoil 105mm Hawkeye system is interesting, normally seen on light vehicles, this short video clip showcases it on a towed carriage for additional mobility and flexibility
Reposted by Nicholas Drummond
@michaelshurkin.bsky.social interviewing @ndrummond.bsky.social about the trends in land warfare.
A Conversation with UK Land Warfare Expert Nicholas Drummond
YouTube video by Pax Americana
youtu.be
December 23, 2024 at 11:33 AM
@michaelshurkin.bsky.social interviewing @ndrummond.bsky.social about the trends in land warfare.
This week's decision by Germany to order the Type 212CD submarine is significant. As this comparison shows, the 212CD is not merely an updated 212A, but a completely new design. It's much bigger with a stealthy diamond shape hull, so should have longer sea legs. (images @covertshores.bsky.social)
December 22, 2024 at 11:52 AM
This week's decision by Germany to order the Type 212CD submarine is significant. As this comparison shows, the 212CD is not merely an updated 212A, but a completely new design. It's much bigger with a stealthy diamond shape hull, so should have longer sea legs. (images @covertshores.bsky.social)
The KNDS Dingo's best features are not best-in-class-protection or unmatched off-road performance, but rather the fact that it uses commercial chassis, the Mercedes-Benz Unimog. With parts widely available from an extant global supply chain, Dingo is seriously affordable both to buy and to operate.
December 22, 2024 at 11:42 AM
The KNDS Dingo's best features are not best-in-class-protection or unmatched off-road performance, but rather the fact that it uses commercial chassis, the Mercedes-Benz Unimog. With parts widely available from an extant global supply chain, Dingo is seriously affordable both to buy and to operate.
If Trump decides to go on supporting Ukraine, this will be the best possible news for the rest of Europe. We need Putin to withdraw his forces from the region. Unfortunately, when he does, it will not be the end. Aided by China and Iran, he will re-group and re-arm before trying again.
December 22, 2024 at 11:36 AM
If Trump decides to go on supporting Ukraine, this will be the best possible news for the rest of Europe. We need Putin to withdraw his forces from the region. Unfortunately, when he does, it will not be the end. Aided by China and Iran, he will re-group and re-arm before trying again.
If Britain can't afford an army that looks something like this, then something is wrong with this country. Eight brigades: two heavy, two medium, two light, and two SF. All our NATO allies have at least something similar. If we want to operate in partnership with them, this is what it takes.
December 22, 2024 at 11:23 AM
If Britain can't afford an army that looks something like this, then something is wrong with this country. Eight brigades: two heavy, two medium, two light, and two SF. All our NATO allies have at least something similar. If we want to operate in partnership with them, this is what it takes.
I have now been an advisor to KNDS Germany for 5 years. Over this time, the world has changed drastically. So I’m glad we’re supplying Boxer to the British Army via a UK production line. I always believed that Boxer would be an outstanding capability. Nothing has changed my mind about this.
December 20, 2024 at 10:25 AM
I have now been an advisor to KNDS Germany for 5 years. Over this time, the world has changed drastically. So I’m glad we’re supplying Boxer to the British Army via a UK production line. I always believed that Boxer would be an outstanding capability. Nothing has changed my mind about this.
Reposted by Nicholas Drummond
The UK government has pledged to spend 2.5% on defence. Problem is that it’s own calculations say that 3.6% is needed.
UK military budget must rise by 56%, Ministry of Defence calculations say on.ft.com/4fxc71c
UK military budget must rise by 56%, Ministry of Defence calculations say on.ft.com/4fxc71c
UK military budget must rise by 56%, Ministry of Defence calculations say
Amount would far outstrip current 2.5% target and take annual spending above £90bn
on.ft.com
December 20, 2024 at 7:16 AM
The UK government has pledged to spend 2.5% on defence. Problem is that it’s own calculations say that 3.6% is needed.
UK military budget must rise by 56%, Ministry of Defence calculations say on.ft.com/4fxc71c
UK military budget must rise by 56%, Ministry of Defence calculations say on.ft.com/4fxc71c
Since the end of the Cold War, NATO armies have become smaller. Many have compensated for a lack of mass by adopting increasingly capable and sophisticated armoured vehicles. As Ukraine shows, the problem with this approach is that combat vehicle fleets are soon depleted by high intensity combat.
December 17, 2024 at 7:48 PM
Since the end of the Cold War, NATO armies have become smaller. Many have compensated for a lack of mass by adopting increasingly capable and sophisticated armoured vehicles. As Ukraine shows, the problem with this approach is that combat vehicle fleets are soon depleted by high intensity combat.
Reposted by Nicholas Drummond
Video on how to restructure the Army for large improvements by 2030 without writing a blank cheque.
A lot of deep work has gone into the numbers and structure behind the presentation overview.
A lot of deep work has gone into the numbers and structure behind the presentation overview.
My latest blog post at UKLandPower.com is a video rather than a written article. It looks at how the Army could be restructured to deliver against General Sir Roly Walker's aspirations to double Army lethality by 2027 and triple it by 2030.
uklandpower.com/2024/12/13/r...
uklandpower.com/2024/12/13/r...
REVERSING 40 YEARS OF DECLINE
By Nicholas Drummond This post is a video that considers how the British Army should be reconfigured to ensure it delivers against Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Roly Walker’s aspira…
uklandpower.com
December 16, 2024 at 2:46 PM
Video on how to restructure the Army for large improvements by 2030 without writing a blank cheque.
A lot of deep work has gone into the numbers and structure behind the presentation overview.
A lot of deep work has gone into the numbers and structure behind the presentation overview.
Reposted by Nicholas Drummond
My latest blog post at UKLandPower.com is a video rather than a written article. It looks at how the Army could be restructured to deliver against General Sir Roly Walker's aspirations to double Army lethality by 2027 and triple it by 2030.
uklandpower.com/2024/12/13/r...
uklandpower.com/2024/12/13/r...
REVERSING 40 YEARS OF DECLINE
By Nicholas Drummond This post is a video that considers how the British Army should be reconfigured to ensure it delivers against Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Roly Walker’s aspira…
uklandpower.com
December 13, 2024 at 3:28 PM
My latest blog post at UKLandPower.com is a video rather than a written article. It looks at how the Army could be restructured to deliver against General Sir Roly Walker's aspirations to double Army lethality by 2027 and triple it by 2030.
uklandpower.com/2024/12/13/r...
uklandpower.com/2024/12/13/r...
My latest blog post at UKLandPower.com is a video rather than a written article. It looks at how the Army could be restructured to deliver against General Sir Roly Walker's aspirations to double Army lethality by 2027 and triple it by 2030.
uklandpower.com/2024/12/13/r...
uklandpower.com/2024/12/13/r...
REVERSING 40 YEARS OF DECLINE
By Nicholas Drummond This post is a video that considers how the British Army should be reconfigured to ensure it delivers against Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Roly Walker’s aspira…
uklandpower.com
December 13, 2024 at 3:28 PM
My latest blog post at UKLandPower.com is a video rather than a written article. It looks at how the Army could be restructured to deliver against General Sir Roly Walker's aspirations to double Army lethality by 2027 and triple it by 2030.
uklandpower.com/2024/12/13/r...
uklandpower.com/2024/12/13/r...
“My dad is very much looking forward to welcoming you back to the United Kingdom.” Consensus is that the Prince of Wales did an excellent job of charming President Elect Trump, our most important ally and partner.
December 8, 2024 at 12:05 PM
“My dad is very much looking forward to welcoming you back to the United Kingdom.” Consensus is that the Prince of Wales did an excellent job of charming President Elect Trump, our most important ally and partner.
Sweden and Denmark have smaller, less well funded armies than the UK, but even so, they still see the importance of having a modern IFV for their infantry. CV90. It just works doesn't it.
🇸🇪🇩🇰 Sweden and Denmark have signed contracts with BAE Systems to purchase 205 CV90 to replenish their own stocks and provide some of the vehicles to Ukraine, - VoA
🇺🇦 The governments of the two countries will jointly finance the purchase of 40 new CV90 for Ukraine.
🇺🇦 The governments of the two countries will jointly finance the purchase of 40 new CV90 for Ukraine.
December 6, 2024 at 11:49 PM
Sweden and Denmark have smaller, less well funded armies than the UK, but even so, they still see the importance of having a modern IFV for their infantry. CV90. It just works doesn't it.
FN SCAR H-PR chambered in 6.5x48 mm Creedmoor. This calibre stays supersonic longer than 7.62x51 mm NATO, shoots flatter, further, and has less recoil. It's become a standard US SOCOM calibre in both rifles and machine guns. Or as one SF shooter described it: "It's boringly accurate at 600 metres."
December 6, 2024 at 9:26 PM
FN SCAR H-PR chambered in 6.5x48 mm Creedmoor. This calibre stays supersonic longer than 7.62x51 mm NATO, shoots flatter, further, and has less recoil. It's become a standard US SOCOM calibre in both rifles and machine guns. Or as one SF shooter described it: "It's boringly accurate at 600 metres."
Ukraine is starting to match the quantity of artillery rounds being fired by Russia. Very soon the quality of its artillery systems will also exceed the capabilities of Russian systems. We read a lot about drones but it is artillery that is most wearing down Putin’s ability to wage war.
December 6, 2024 at 8:26 AM
Ukraine is starting to match the quantity of artillery rounds being fired by Russia. Very soon the quality of its artillery systems will also exceed the capabilities of Russian systems. We read a lot about drones but it is artillery that is most wearing down Putin’s ability to wage war.
Reposted by Nicholas Drummond
Triangular spinners? Bell tests stop-fold tiltrotor #X-plane design for #DARPA SPRINT project. Also reveals potential C-130-size operational vehicle with chined spinners that conceal blade fold and pitch mechanisms and reduce drag at high speed. SPRINT aiming for #VTOL and 400kt cruise. #aviation
December 5, 2024 at 7:19 PM
Reposted by Nicholas Drummond
“OpenAI… is partnering with Anduril, a military contractor, the two companies announced Wednesday. As part of the partnership, OpenAI will integrate its software into Anduril’s counterdrone systems” www.theverge.com/2024/12/4/24...
OpenAI is partnering with defense tech company Anduril
Sam Altman said the move will ‘benefit as many people as possible.’
www.theverge.com
December 5, 2024 at 6:56 AM
“OpenAI… is partnering with Anduril, a military contractor, the two companies announced Wednesday. As part of the partnership, OpenAI will integrate its software into Anduril’s counterdrone systems” www.theverge.com/2024/12/4/24...
Reposted by Nicholas Drummond
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, has issued a stark warning to Russia, declaring that any direct attack on the United Kingdom would provoke an "overwhelming response" from NATO.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=55082
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=55082
Russia faces ‘overwhelming response’ if Britain attacked
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, has issued a stark warning to Russia, declaring that any direct attack on the United Kingdom would provoke an "overwhelming response" from NATO.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
December 5, 2024 at 10:02 AM
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, has issued a stark warning to Russia, declaring that any direct attack on the United Kingdom would provoke an "overwhelming response" from NATO.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=55082
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=55082
Boxer RCT30 with Rheinmetall's 30x173 mm Mk 30 cannon fires both armoured piercing and programmable airburst ammo, enabling it to engage both ground and aerial targets.
December 4, 2024 at 5:46 PM
Boxer RCT30 with Rheinmetall's 30x173 mm Mk 30 cannon fires both armoured piercing and programmable airburst ammo, enabling it to engage both ground and aerial targets.