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
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 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.
The two primary combat divisions are supported by Field Army Troops, Home Command, and Joint Command. This structure is achievable within the current headcount cap of 73K. If we want the Regular Army to be deployable without relying on the Army Reserve, it needs an extra 4K personnel or Ideally 80K.
December 22, 2024 at 11:27 AM
The two primary combat divisions are supported by Field Army Troops, Home Command, and Joint Command. This structure is achievable within the current headcount cap of 73K. If we want the Regular Army to be deployable without relying on the Army Reserve, it needs an extra 4K personnel or Ideally 80K.
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.
The only type of vehicles that can be manufactured quickly are the new breed of MRAPs that have appeared over the last decade. While these offer Level 2 or 3 protection, they are not as survivable as MBTs and IFVs, are much less capable off-road, and cannot mount large weapons.
December 17, 2024 at 7:48 PM
The only type of vehicles that can be manufactured quickly are the new breed of MRAPs that have appeared over the last decade. While these offer Level 2 or 3 protection, they are not as survivable as MBTs and IFVs, are much less capable off-road, and cannot mount large weapons.
It's fair to say that European armies with smaller combat vehicle fleets will generally be used-up within 3 to 6 months of constant operational use. The trouble with the gold-plated armoured platforms we have today is that they cannot be easily, quickly or inexpensively replaced.
December 17, 2024 at 7:48 PM
It's fair to say that European armies with smaller combat vehicle fleets will generally be used-up within 3 to 6 months of constant operational use. The trouble with the gold-plated armoured platforms we have today is that they cannot be easily, quickly or inexpensively replaced.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
The Type 26 frigate is likely to be the most capable anti-submarine warship when it enters UK service. Standout features include an acoustically quietened hull, bow sonar, towed sonar array, 72 vertical launch missile cells, 127 mm gun, Artisan radar, 2x Phalanx 20 mm CIWS, and a Merlin helicopter.
December 3, 2024 at 11:24 AM
The Type 26 frigate is likely to be the most capable anti-submarine warship when it enters UK service. Standout features include an acoustically quietened hull, bow sonar, towed sonar array, 72 vertical launch missile cells, 127 mm gun, Artisan radar, 2x Phalanx 20 mm CIWS, and a Merlin helicopter.
The ICE Group Thames-Class is a low-cost 2,000-tonne ocean-going patrol vessel. Similar in size to the Royal Navy's River-Class OPVs, the ICE design is more modular and flexible. With a 57 mm gun and other weapons, plus helicopter deck / hangar, it's a practical and affordable corvette for GP tasks.
December 2, 2024 at 2:22 PM
The ICE Group Thames-Class is a low-cost 2,000-tonne ocean-going patrol vessel. Similar in size to the Royal Navy's River-Class OPVs, the ICE design is more modular and flexible. With a 57 mm gun and other weapons, plus helicopter deck / hangar, it's a practical and affordable corvette for GP tasks.
Leopard 2A8. The addition of Trophy APS and M230LF Counter-UAS cannon restore the battlefield primacy of the Main Battle Tank.
December 1, 2024 at 7:49 PM
Leopard 2A8. The addition of Trophy APS and M230LF Counter-UAS cannon restore the battlefield primacy of the Main Battle Tank.
However, there are many who believe the UK would have been better off with two dual-purpose 40,000 tonne LHD / aircraft carrier like the USS Wasp-Class or Italy's Trieste, or just a single 65,000 tonne QE Class carrier instead of two.
November 30, 2024 at 6:07 PM
However, there are many who believe the UK would have been better off with two dual-purpose 40,000 tonne LHD / aircraft carrier like the USS Wasp-Class or Italy's Trieste, or just a single 65,000 tonne QE Class carrier instead of two.
We won't know whether this an "end of the battleship" moment for carriers until hypersonic are used in anger properly. Until we have a definitive answer on this, carrier strike remains a useful capability for all those who can afford them.
November 30, 2024 at 6:07 PM
We won't know whether this an "end of the battleship" moment for carriers until hypersonic are used in anger properly. Until we have a definitive answer on this, carrier strike remains a useful capability for all those who can afford them.
The debate about aircraft carriers is interesting. It is centred on two things: vulnerability to hypersonic missile threats and affordability.
November 30, 2024 at 6:07 PM
The debate about aircraft carriers is interesting. It is centred on two things: vulnerability to hypersonic missile threats and affordability.
Your weekly reminder that the British Army needs a turreted cavalry Boxer with a medium calibre turret, ATGMs, and UAS to provide fire support for its infantry Boxers.
November 30, 2024 at 10:55 AM
Your weekly reminder that the British Army needs a turreted cavalry Boxer with a medium calibre turret, ATGMs, and UAS to provide fire support for its infantry Boxers.
The new hypersonic aircraft being developed by Lockheed Martin is broadly similar to the Top Gun Dark Star. But it isn't a Mach 9 capable aircraft - more like Mach 5. Even so, it will be faster than anything China has and ideal for delivering hypersonic missiles from high altitude.
November 29, 2024 at 4:42 PM
The new hypersonic aircraft being developed by Lockheed Martin is broadly similar to the Top Gun Dark Star. But it isn't a Mach 9 capable aircraft - more like Mach 5. Even so, it will be faster than anything China has and ideal for delivering hypersonic missiles from high altitude.
An anti-tank guide missile knocks the turret off a T-54/55. This video clip reminds us that ATGMs like Javelin and NLAW remain a vital capability that we must retain and enhance. The challenge is to make these systems more affordable.
November 29, 2024 at 2:14 PM
An anti-tank guide missile knocks the turret off a T-54/55. This video clip reminds us that ATGMs like Javelin and NLAW remain a vital capability that we must retain and enhance. The challenge is to make these systems more affordable.