UK caught out by pace of A2/AD change
The acceleration of Russian anti-acces/area denial (A2/AD) advances, visibly characterised by the country’s efforts to move out with and deploy new highly sophisticated stealth air platforms for operational and testing purposes, has taken the UK’s RAF by surprise.
Worse, the proliferation of those associated capabilities is changing the dynamic of international military warfare in a manner that the UK ‘had not envisaged,’ according to Simon Rochelle, Air Vice-Marshal, capability chief of staff at the RAF.
During an Air and Space Power Association speech on 17 July, Rochelle specifically said that ‘we did not see that coming’ in reference
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
-
From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)
Philipp von Brandenstein, Head of Corporate Communications at Rheinmetall, explains how Eurosatory 2026 marked a new stage in the company's evolution.
-
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”
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
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.