UK Indo-Pacific tilt risks obscuring importance of Middle East
RN Type 23 frigate HMS Argyll, Sandown-class minehunter HMS Shoreham and the USN mine countermeasures ship USS Dextrous, pictured in March 2020 during the bilateral Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2020 in the Arabian Gulf. (Photo: US Army/Pfc Christopher Ca
The special naval relationship between the UK and US could be jeopardised if the former focuses too much on the Indo-Pacific region by drawing resources away from the strategically important Arabian Gulf.
The UK government recently published its Integrated Review (IR) setting out a vision for the next ten years of national defence and security strategy. The paper was marked by its focus on UK commitments to both NATO and a wider ‘tilt’ towards the Indo-Pacific region.
However, there was little in the IR about the UK commitment to the strategically important Arabian Gulf and in particular the RN presence in Bahrain. In recent years, the facilities in Bahrain have become the largest overseas facility for the RN, comprising four mine countermeasures vessels (MCMVs), a permanently based Type 23 frigate and
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Defence Notes
-
![US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system]()
US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system
The US Department of Defense has requested new contracting authorities from Congress, using the Army's MV-75 Cheyenne programme to demonstrate how competition, digital engineering and closer industry collaboration could accelerate acquisitions.
-
![US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule]()
US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule
The US government plans to accelerate production even further after achieving key B61-13 milestones months ahead of schedule, as the programme advances amid growing US-China strategic competition.
-
![Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align]()
Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align
General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada is the country’s first strategic partner under the Defence Industrial Strategy’s Strategic Partnership Framework, an effort to provide companies with confidence to invest and boost the defence labour force.
-
![New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”]()
New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”
The UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones made her first appearance in the role before the House of Commons Defence Committee this week to highlight efforts to improve capability in the High North.
-
![Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes]()
Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes
Ottawa explores expanding defence-industrial cooperation with Washington into sensitive programmes, an approach that could reshape NORAD modernisation, strengthen North American supply chains and create new opportunities for defence contractors.
