Read on Twitter
TANKS AGAIN
I was asked how many MBTs the UK ought to have. The answer to this question is not: as many as we can afford. But rather requires us to consider the ideal composition of the Army across the most likely deployment scenarios.
1/
I was asked how many MBTs the UK ought to have. The answer to this question is not: as many as we can afford. But rather requires us to consider the ideal composition of the Army across the most likely deployment scenarios.
1/
A key strategic goal should be to contribute a fully equipped armoured division (with three brigades) that would be interoperable with our NATO allies and partners. If we're not able to do this, then we're probably not doing enough to counter peer adversary threats.
2/
2/
Under current Army 2025 plans, we will have a single division with two Armoured Infantry Brigades and two Strike Brigades (plus an Air Assault Brigade). This is a cumbersome and compromised structure that makes effective command and force generation difficult.
3/
3/
As things stand, the two Armoured infantry Brigades will only have a single MBT regiment each, while the Army Reserve will have a third. Total MBT numbers will be reduced from 227 to 148. We used to have 56 tanks per regiment, but this will be cut to 44, plus a few spares.
4/
4/
In an ideal world, we would have two deployable divisions. A Mechanised (Strike) Division would be rapidly deployable but lack staying power. A Heavy Armour Division would take longer to deploy but be more resilient. Each division would have three brigades.
5/
5/
Both Strike and AI brigades would ideally copy the US Stryker BCT and Armored BCT structures. This means each Armoured brigade would have 2 MBT Regts supported by 2 IFV Bns. This would result in 6 MBT regiments with 44 tanks each or 264 MBTs in total. This would be ideal.
6/
6/
In 2010, we had six regiments with 56 MBTs each or 336 in total. We should have stuck with this if you want my honest opinion. So, asking for 264 tanks plus a few spares, or 300, should not be considered unreasonable. The Army should be screaming in fury until it gets this.
7/
7/
However, 250-300 MBTs is probably unaffordable in the short-term. So, it is fair to suggest an armoured division with three brigades with three tank regiments of 56 tanks each. This adds up to 168. Add 12 spares and 180-200 MBTs, which would be an acceptable compromise.
End/
End/
