UK must absorb harsh lessons from Afghan debacle (Opinion)
The UK deployed armed forces personnel to aid the evacuation from Kabul in August 2021. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
Facts on the ground contrast sharply with the grand ambitions enshrined in UK defence strategy.
Twenty years after the tragic events of 9/11, which set in motion a chain of events resulting in the West invading Afghanistan to put in place a democratically elected Government, the Taliban have returned to Kabul in triumph.
Following the near-total collapse of Afghan security forces, the Taliban took control of the country and its capital, leading to a major international evacuation operation and the final departure of international forces from the country.
For the UK, this mission (known as Operation Pitting) has been the largest non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) conducted in decades, representing a major commitment of
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![What will next-gen counter-UAS capabilities for the US look like?]()
What will next-gen counter-UAS capabilities for the US look like?
Future US counter-uncrewed aerial system solutions are likely to require a flexible, multi-layered approach to tackle a broad spectrum of new threats as they emerge.
-
![Elbit Systems awarded $2.3 billion contract as results soar]()
Elbit Systems awarded $2.3 billion contract as results soar
The company’s order backlog as of 30 September totalled $25.2 billion and more than a third of this is scheduled to be fulfilled before the end of 2026.
-
![US military foresees growing use of 3D printing]()
US military foresees growing use of 3D printing
Advanced manufacturing has evolved to meet military requirements and now supports multiple US critical assets, including Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, F-18, F-22, F-35, Bradley, HMMWV and Patriot.
-
![Irish Naval Service expands as the country looks to defence during EU presidency]()
Irish Naval Service expands as the country looks to defence during EU presidency
The Irish Naval Service has struggled to maintain capability, particularly in the face of lucrative private sector offers luring away personnel.
