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Armed Forces

All articles tagged with #armed forces

UK to mobilize veterans up to 65 as war-readiness rules expand
world1 month ago

UK to mobilize veterans up to 65 as war-readiness rules expand

Britain plans to raise the eligible age for mobilizing the strategic reserve from 55 to 65 under a new Armed Forces bill, potentially bringing tens of thousands more veterans into service to ready the forces for war. The Army is at its smallest in centuries (about 70,000 regulars) with roughly 95,000 in the strategic reserve and 32,000 reservists, amid a £28 billion funding gap over four years and a delay in the Defence Investment Plan. The changes come as tensions with Russia rise and the government signals possible deployments to Ukraine, with discussions suggesting up to 7,500 troops could be involved, though MoD sources say the number could be lower.

UK Launches Defense Review Amid Rising Threats from China
defense1 year ago

UK Launches Defense Review Amid Rising Threats from China

The UK government has initiated a comprehensive review of its "hollowed out" armed forces to address urgent threats from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. The review, led by former NATO Secretary-General George Robertson and other experts, aims to modernize and strengthen the military, with findings due in 2025. Budget constraints and capability shortfalls have raised concerns about the UK's readiness and effectiveness as a NATO partner.

UK Unveils Strategic Defense Overhaul to Counter 'Deadly Quartet' Threats
defence1 year ago

UK Unveils Strategic Defense Overhaul to Counter 'Deadly Quartet' Threats

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has initiated a comprehensive review of the UK's armed forces to address increasing global security threats and to plan for a 2.5% GDP defence spending target. The review, led by Defence Secretary John Healey and a team of experts, will assess current military capabilities and future needs, with findings expected by mid-2025. The initiative aims to bolster the UK's defence capabilities amid concerns over the country's reduced military strength and ongoing international commitments.

"Ukraine Parliament Approves Mobilization Bill to Increase Troop Numbers"
militarydefense1 year ago

"Ukraine Parliament Approves Mobilization Bill to Increase Troop Numbers"

Ukraine's parliament has passed a bill to overhaul military drafts in an effort to boost troop numbers, as a general told lawmakers that Russian forces outnumber Ukrainian soldiers up to 10 times in the east. The bill, which removes draconian draft-dodging penalties, aims to provide the military with better data on potential conscripts and keep wartime military service open-ended. The legislation, which still requires President Zelenskyy's signature, comes amid concerns about manpower and artillery shell shortages as better-equipped Russian forces make advances in eastern Ukraine.

"Denmark's Defense Shake-Up: Scandals, Dismissals, and Naval Malfunctions"
militarydefense1 year ago

"Denmark's Defense Shake-Up: Scandals, Dismissals, and Naval Malfunctions"

Denmark's Armed Forces are facing a series of scandals, leading to the dismissal of its top military chief, Gen. Flemming Lentfer, amid concerns about the country's defense capabilities. The incidents include technical errors on frigates, leaked confidential information, and staff shortages. Denmark is increasing its defense spending and aims to reach NATO's target of spending 2% of GDP on military budgets by 2030, while also extending conscription to women and increasing service time for both genders.

"Ukraine's Zelensky Lowers Draft Age to Bolster Army"
world-news1 year ago

"Ukraine's Zelensky Lowers Draft Age to Bolster Army"

Ukrainian President Zelensky has signed a law lowering the draft age from 27 to 25 in an effort to bolster the country's armed forces amid the ongoing war with Russia. The law, known as 9281, was one of three measures signed, with another bill, 10449, also under consideration. The move comes as Ukraine faces challenges in recruiting new troops, with concerns over the impact on the economy and reports of evasion tactics. Meanwhile, Russia claims a surge in enlistments following a recent terror attack in Moscow, while Zelensky has highlighted the ongoing devastation caused by Russian assaults.

"Ukraine's Army Chief Warns Russia as Putin Calls Up 150,000 Conscripts"
militaryinternational-relations1 year ago

"Ukraine's Army Chief Warns Russia as Putin Calls Up 150,000 Conscripts"

Ukraine's Army Chief, Oleksandr Syrsky, stated in an interview that attacking Kharkiv would be fatal for the Russians, and that there's no need to mobilize 500,000 new soldiers to the front. He also mentioned that the AFU has regained more territory than it's lost, and that Russia has significantly increased its activity in the conflict. Syrsky also addressed the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Avdiivka and the reasons for the resignation of the former commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces.

"Ukraine's New AFU Chief: The 'Butcher' in the Firing Line"
militarydefense2 years ago

"Ukraine's New AFU Chief: The 'Butcher' in the Firing Line"

Ukraine's new AFU Chief, Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrsky, revealed in an interview with ZDF that Ukraine has shifted to a defensive operation against advancing Russian forces, with intense battles in the Kupyansk direction. Syrsky emphasized the need to reclaim pre-2014 borders and called for unity in Ukrainian society. He prioritized protecting soldiers' lives and highlighted the increasing role of drones in the war, stressing the need for technological progress. Syrsky also expressed the inadequacy of Western military aid and emphasized the importance of support, ammunition, and equipment in determining the war's end.

"Ukraine's Military Leadership Faces Complex Challenges Amid Shake-Up"
militaryinternational-relations2 years ago

"Ukraine's Military Leadership Faces Complex Challenges Amid Shake-Up"

Ukraine's new army chief, Oleksandr Syrsky, expressed concerns about the precarious situation on the front lines during his visit to eastern Ukraine, citing the "extremely complex and stressful" operational environment and Russian occupiers' numerical advantage. Russian forces have been intensifying efforts to seize control of the eastern industrial hub of Avdiivka, with President Zelensky appointing Syrsky to bolster combat capabilities and counter enemy actions. The region has witnessed intense fighting since Russia's invasion nearly two years ago, and Syrsky's visit aimed to make important decisions to maintain control over Ukrainian positions.

"Ukraine's 'Butcher' Army Chief Faces Russian Threat"
militaryinternational-relations2 years ago

"Ukraine's 'Butcher' Army Chief Faces Russian Threat"

Ukraine's new army chief, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, known as the "butcher," faces challenges in mobilizing forces and combating corruption in the ranks. President Zelenskyy's recent dismissal of top generals reflects his management style, with Syrskyi appointing new commanders. The armed forces struggle with mobilization, corruption, and delays in Western military aid. Syrskyi has been credited with successful operations against Russian forces, but some servicemen criticize his tactics and disregard for human life.

"Ukraine's Military Overhaul: Zelenskiy's Reboot and Leadership Shake-Up"
military2 years ago

"Ukraine's Military Overhaul: Zelenskiy's Reboot and Leadership Shake-Up"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced five senior military appointments, including Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi as the new armed forces chief, as part of a rebooted military leadership team amid Russia's ongoing attack on Ukraine. The appointments include a focus on unmanned systems, technological innovation, and the nomination of three brigadier generals as deputies of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"Ukraine's Military Shift: Tougher Approach Under New Army Chief"
militaryinternational-relations2 years ago

"Ukraine's Military Shift: Tougher Approach Under New Army Chief"

Ukraine's new army chief, Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, has signaled a tougher approach in the country's deadlocked war with Russia, aiming to improve troop rotation and utilize new technology. The shake-up in military leadership, aligned with President Zelenskyy's goal of bringing renewal to the armed forces, comes amid challenges such as manpower shortages and inadequate supplies of Western weapons. The previous army chief, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, was awarded the country's highest honour, while Ukrainian authorities reported over 90 Russian combat clashes on Friday, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to property.