British Army prepares for urban combat increase
The recent surge in fighting in densely-populated cities, particularly in Iraq and Syria, is leading Western armies to reassess how they train and prepare for urban warfare following years of counter-insurgency (COIN) operations.
Senior Western officers, including the US Army’s chief of staff Gen Mark Milley have noted that urbanisation and the growth of ‘megacities’ will have a significant impact on the character of warfare and will influence doctrine, training and technology for years to come.
Defence planners in the UK are particularly keen to revisit the principles of fighting in complex, built-up areas, something that the British Army became
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 Land Warfare
-
![Saab to begin delivering new missile variant for RBS 70 air defence system in 2027]()
Saab to begin delivering new missile variant for RBS 70 air defence system in 2027
The Bolide 2 missile has a larger warhead than the original version as well as an aluminium nose cone, which replaces a copper version and allows for more explosive content and fragments.
-
![SAHA 2026: MKE sets its sights on the Turkish Army’s self-propelled guns]()
SAHA 2026: MKE sets its sights on the Turkish Army’s self-propelled guns
With multiple artillery platforms on display at SAHA 2026, Turkey’s defence contractors are positioning to replace the country’s older imported platforms.
-
![Saab unveils new round to defeat explosive reactive armour]()
Saab unveils new round to defeat explosive reactive armour
The HEAT 758 has a tandem warhead consisting of an initial charge which neutralises the explosive reactive armour and the main charge which penetrates the primary armour. It is fired from a standard Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon launcher and has been ordered by an undisclosed customer.
-
![India’s high-altitude logistics drone push drives demand as BonV Aero launches Air Orca]()
India’s high-altitude logistics drone push drives demand as BonV Aero launches Air Orca
The Indian Army's major drone procurement programme has drawn attention from BonV Aero which has launched its heavy-lift platform for extreme terrain missions.
-
![SpearUAV to deliver 1,000 loitering munitions to extend armoured vehicle capability]()
SpearUAV to deliver 1,000 loitering munitions to extend armoured vehicle capability
The company's Multi Canister Launcher can deploy its Viper system from multiple military platforms, boosting operational flexibility.
