The British army is thinking about scrapping its greying fleet of 227 Challenger 2 tanks in a push to modernise its arsenal for the dystopian future of warfare, according to a report from the Times.
Given the eye-watering cost of upgrading the “obsolete” tanks and the armoured fighting vehicles that support them on the battlefield, the army is considering ditching them and investing in cyber, space and other “cutting-edge” technologies instead.
The MoD is preparing for its funding to be slashed in the wake of massive public spending during the coronavirus crisis, and this has been proposed as a better use of money. The proposal is part of the government’s integrated foreign policy, defence and security review, which is due to be finished in November.
Apparently, the UK is already testing the waters with Nato allies about taking its emphasis off heavy armour.
The Times reports that some defence sources say the move will contribute to a diminished leadership role for the UK in Nato. But wider debate argues that the future of warfare is likely technological – covering autonomous or remotely controlled weapons such as drones, cyber attacks and information warfare.
No comments:
Post a Comment