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
-
![Patria OPTIME and ILIAS: Orchestrating operational readiness across every domain]()
Patria OPTIME and ILIAS: Orchestrating operational readiness across every domain
Patria OPTIME is a sustainment concept that integrates MRO and lifecycle services into one solution, powered by the ILIAS digital defence platform
-
![US military seeks common controllers for drones and robotic systems]()
US military seeks common controllers for drones and robotic systems
US Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Special Operations Command initiatives signal demand for interoperable uncrewed systems control, creating opportunities for suppliers of hardware, software and integration services.
-
![“Start planning much earlier”: delivering defence support in an era of disruption]()
“Start planning much earlier”: delivering defence support in an era of disruption
In Conversation… The geopolitical landscape is increasingly uncertain, with the UK and its allies confronting the most unpredictable international environment for decades. To adapt, defence readiness must begin long before assets reach the front line, forging a resilient support enterprise that can thrive in a time of ongoing disruption, argue the partners of Team ORION.
-
![“Communicating at mission speed”: why data security is essential for operational success]()
“Communicating at mission speed”: why data security is essential for operational success
In conversation… Everfox’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dave Wajsgras and Managing Director, International, Colin McKinty discuss the critical importance of information security in defence, minimising insider risk and the company’s international growth strategy with Shephard’s Andrew White.
-
![“Engage with the operational problem”: how software innovation can boost UK defence]()
“Engage with the operational problem”: how software innovation can boost UK defence
In Conversation… Shephard’s Andrew White talks to Zafer Şen, CEO and co-founder of OBSS, about the future of command-and-control software in the age of artificial intelligence, and his company’s ambitions in the UK defence market.
