UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace describes Ukraine as a tragic testing ground for war technology, stating that the lessons learned from the conflict will shape the future of the British armed
forces. In anticipation of the release of a revised Defence Command Paper, Wallace highlights the significant impact of weapons provided to Ukraine by its allies on the paper's revisions. He emphasizes the importance of incorporating these lessons into the UK's military strategies. The revised paper will outline how an additional £2.5 billion of defence spending will be allocated.
Wallace, who intends to step down as defence secretary during the next cabinet reshuffle after serving in the role for four years, acknowledges the impact of the war in Ukraine, where an aggressive adversary is defying conventional rules of warfare in an attempt to dismantle the country. This realization prompts a reassessment of the risk appetite outlined in the original defence paper. Wallace expresses the need to avoid any potential risks and maintain a continuous equipment upgrade plan.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) emphasizes key objectives for the UK's armed forces, including prioritizing investment in replenishment, modernization, and adopting an integrated approach to deterrence and defence. Wallace stresses that new technologies are not mere gimmicks but crucial elements for modern warfare. Analyzing the ongoing strategies in Ukraine will help ensure preparedness for any future conflicts.
Wallace specifically highlights the importance of electronic warfare, citing its use as a decoy or defensive measure. The war in Ukraine has also underscored the significance of "deep fire" artillery, leading to the decision to retire outdated 155mm guns and replace them with new artillery systems like the Swedish Archer 1. This shift reflects the generational advancements in artillery range, with new systems offering ranges of up to 60km.
While the UK has reduced its artillery forces since the end of the Cold War, Wallace argues for a rebalancing, emphasizing the lessons learned from the conflict. As he prepares to leave his mark on the MoD, he acknowledges the substantial legacy left by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who increased defence spending by £24 billion.
Wallace concludes by highlighting the ongoing threat posed by bad actors who seek to harm Britain and its allies. His departure from the cabinet is expected during the next reshuffle in September, though an exact date has yet to be confirmed. Photo by Chris McAndrew, Wikimedia commons.