UKRAINE: A WAKE-UP CALL

"We should be clear; our present theory of deterrence has, in this vital case, failed and may no longer be fit for purpose. Its credibility in Cold War times rested on Allied ability to respond to attack from the Soviet Union at a variety of levels, from a strong foundation of conventional capability. Key to its success was a demonstrable means to match the aggression and where necessary escalate. It included nuclear capabilities at modest level of Artillery-Fired Atomic Projectiles, through Intermediate Range and Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. Much thought was given to the conduct of a conflict involving attack from the Soviet Union which was examined regularly by NATO governments and supporting military staff in carefully conducted exercises. 
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Today, NATO’s conventional capabilities do not provide that range of options to its members, a consequence of European Defence Budgets being closer to 1% of GDP than the 3% deemed a minimum previously. Even in the UK it is not clear that we are spending 2% of GDP on genuine defence. Moreover, our GDP is forecast to decline next year and we are facing inflation forecast at 10%. The 2021 Integrated Review, whatever its merits or demerits, is wholly unaffordable on this basis. This is a major weakness apparent to Putin and surely to our own military who are charged with conducting a strategy undermined by years of inattention."
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Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon and Vice-Admiral Sir Jeremy Blackham, writing in Volume 4 of the Defence UK Journal Pro Patria.
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MISSION STATEMENT:

“Defence UK is an independent pressure group that campaigns for a strong and well-resourced Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, to ensure the security of the United Kingdom, her Sovereign Territories, trade and commerce, and to protect her citizens wherever they may be. We also call for a greater commitment by the UK Government to the nation's defence industries, and to non-military services such as the Merchant Navy, Coastguard, Border Control and Homeland Security that are essential to the Defence of the Realm.”
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