The Phoenix Think Tank
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I wish I had the credentials to request this particular paper ... but I don't. But I'm sure it would be of interest to our Air Defender community all the same ...
Modern Naval Fighter Combat Air Patrol: Long Range Air Defence - The Phoenix ThinkTank - Naval & Maritime Think Tank
BTW ... They have a Twitter Feed too ...
https://twitter.com/PhoenixThinking
Modern Naval Fighter Combat Air Patrol: Long Range Air Defence - The Phoenix ThinkTank - Naval & Maritime Think Tank
BTW ... They have a Twitter Feed too ...
https://twitter.com/PhoenixThinking
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Archimedes said ...
I think it may be a little more subtle. Clearly the Solo Blog and odd letter to MP's and Ministers wasn't working. Next step ... build a perceived credibility and then start courting the press (low key at first) to get noticed ... a 'slowly, slowly catchy monkey' strategy.
I don't think that its appearance on the PTT site represents anything more sinister than the PTT attempting to add content.
Do all those hot-under-the-collar about Sharkey Ward and the PTT realise that every mouth-frothing thread and post denigrating them and their views, on fora such as this, bring them even more publicity and even provide a modicum of credibility? 
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FODPlod ... Possibly ... But the more this stuff gets recycled and repeated by the likes of PTT, the probability of people (other than the cognoscenti) believing it increases. At least by PPRuNe Mil having a 'discussion' on the topic creates a further lasting Google Search footprint ... which is at least a small antidote. 
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I've just been reading Sharkey's 
blog - just the thing for scaring grandchildren at Hallowe'en! Tolkien fans will wish to know who is this particular Sharkey's Wormtongue. 
I nearly went to Reading School. If I had I would have been a year ahead of our bluff friend, I might even have had occasion to march him up and down a bit in the CCF! As 5aday said in a different context yesterday, it's a small world.
blog - just the thing for scaring grandchildren at Hallowe'en! Tolkien fans will wish to know who is this particular Sharkey's Wormtongue. I nearly went to Reading School. If I had I would have been a year ahead of our bluff friend, I might even have had occasion to march him up and down a bit in the CCF! As 5aday said in a different context yesterday, it's a small world.
I doubt too many members of the public will read or be influenced by their tripe. I'm certain the MoD and Government have all the input they need. It's a lovely attempt, but as they seem not to respond to any "contact us" stuff I'm guessing they're both defensive and unlikely to engage with too many folk who may take an interest, in whatever form.
You really think these fanatics are about to persuade anyone to ditch the RAF and re-equip the FAA in their place? Really? I think by now most of the English speaking world has worked out that The Bearded Nob spouts bollocks. Won't be long until they do the same with this little offshoot.
You really think these fanatics are about to persuade anyone to ditch the RAF and re-equip the FAA in their place? Really? I think by now most of the English speaking world has worked out that The Bearded Nob spouts bollocks. Won't be long until they do the same with this little offshoot.
However........ whilst I agree with all of the above and follow the 'Sharkey is a tw@t' Facebook page, I find it hard to argue with the comments:
Role 3 – Intelligence and Situational Awareness – or ISTAR and AEW
“On the modern battlefield, information, particularly accurate and timely information, is vital to any force commander. To supply this resource, the RAF operates a variety of aircraft equipped with world-leading reconnaissance systems. As a maritime nation, protection of the sea lanes is also of paramount importance.” (MoD RAF)
Despite MoD RAF’s statement above, the RAF can no longer deploy any specialist maritime reconnaissance capability at all; aircraft with radar and radio can fly over the sea and communicate with ships, but without data links and specialist aircrew this is hardly much of a capability. To state that the maritime dimension is of “paramount importance” and yet deliver a near zero priority in resource and to scrap the Nimrod replacement, revives a return to the era between WW1 and WW2.
Role 4 – Attack or Deep Strike, Ground Attack, Close Air Support, Maritime Operations
With no maritime patrol aircraft, nor maritime co-operation squadrons, and the withdrawal of Air Launched Harpoon and Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles from service, the RAF now has no maritime attack capability at all.
Viewed against the AP3000 propaganda, I have to say I would support their lines in any discussion with fellow light blue colleagues.
Role 3 – Intelligence and Situational Awareness – or ISTAR and AEW
“On the modern battlefield, information, particularly accurate and timely information, is vital to any force commander. To supply this resource, the RAF operates a variety of aircraft equipped with world-leading reconnaissance systems. As a maritime nation, protection of the sea lanes is also of paramount importance.” (MoD RAF)
Despite MoD RAF’s statement above, the RAF can no longer deploy any specialist maritime reconnaissance capability at all; aircraft with radar and radio can fly over the sea and communicate with ships, but without data links and specialist aircrew this is hardly much of a capability. To state that the maritime dimension is of “paramount importance” and yet deliver a near zero priority in resource and to scrap the Nimrod replacement, revives a return to the era between WW1 and WW2.
Role 4 – Attack or Deep Strike, Ground Attack, Close Air Support, Maritime Operations
With no maritime patrol aircraft, nor maritime co-operation squadrons, and the withdrawal of Air Launched Harpoon and Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles from service, the RAF now has no maritime attack capability at all.
Viewed against the AP3000 propaganda, I have to say I would support their lines in any discussion with fellow light blue colleagues.
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I'm not sure that they had any influence whatsoever over the writing of this:
https://www.gov.uk/government/public...itime-security (National Strategy For Maritime Security)
This got absolutely no column inches to my knowledge, hence was missed by many, but is actually a pre-SDSR 2015 strategy (so liable to change) that is long overdue.
Do PTT have a link to it??
https://www.gov.uk/government/public...itime-security (National Strategy For Maritime Security)
This got absolutely no column inches to my knowledge, hence was missed by many, but is actually a pre-SDSR 2015 strategy (so liable to change) that is long overdue.
Do PTT have a link to it??
Sadly, yet more 'mouth music' that stresses the importance of the maritime domain - but in words only, not in actions or deeds. Can be summed up by the ministerial quote:
"This govt is committed to ensuring the defence of the UK is far more robust than the last bunch left it. We are particularly disposed to enhance all of our capabilities in the maritime domain, which is why we have cut the Royal Navy down to 19 warships and removed the Royal Air Force Maritime Patrol Aircraft Force. Together, these measures will make us more agile and adaptable to meet any form of aggression in the modern world etc etc...."
"This govt is committed to ensuring the defence of the UK is far more robust than the last bunch left it. We are particularly disposed to enhance all of our capabilities in the maritime domain, which is why we have cut the Royal Navy down to 19 warships and removed the Royal Air Force Maritime Patrol Aircraft Force. Together, these measures will make us more agile and adaptable to meet any form of aggression in the modern world etc etc...."
Originally Posted by Party Animal
Role 3 – Intelligence and Situational Awareness – or ISTAR and AEW
“On the modern battlefield, information, particularly accurate and timely information, is vital to any force commander. To supply this resource, the RAF operates a variety of aircraft equipped with world-leading reconnaissance systems. As a maritime nation, protection of the sea lanes is also of paramount importance.” (MoD RAF)
Despite MoD RAF’s statement above, the RAF can no longer deploy any specialist maritime reconnaissance capability at all; aircraft with radar and radio can fly over the sea and communicate with ships, but without data links and specialist aircrew this is hardly much of a capability. To state that the maritime dimension is of “paramount importance” and yet deliver a near zero priority in resource and to scrap the Nimrod replacement, revives a return to the era between WW1 and WW2.
Role 4 – Attack or Deep Strike, Ground Attack, Close Air Support, Maritime Operations
With no maritime patrol aircraft, nor maritime co-operation squadrons, and the withdrawal of Air Launched Harpoon and Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles from service, the RAF now has no maritime attack capability at all...
“On the modern battlefield, information, particularly accurate and timely information, is vital to any force commander. To supply this resource, the RAF operates a variety of aircraft equipped with world-leading reconnaissance systems. As a maritime nation, protection of the sea lanes is also of paramount importance.” (MoD RAF)
Despite MoD RAF’s statement above, the RAF can no longer deploy any specialist maritime reconnaissance capability at all; aircraft with radar and radio can fly over the sea and communicate with ships, but without data links and specialist aircrew this is hardly much of a capability. To state that the maritime dimension is of “paramount importance” and yet deliver a near zero priority in resource and to scrap the Nimrod replacement, revives a return to the era between WW1 and WW2.
Role 4 – Attack or Deep Strike, Ground Attack, Close Air Support, Maritime Operations
With no maritime patrol aircraft, nor maritime co-operation squadrons, and the withdrawal of Air Launched Harpoon and Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles from service, the RAF now has no maritime attack capability at all...
Originally Posted by UK Government
Annex B
Departmental Roles and Responsibilities for Maritime Security
...The Royal Air Force (RAF) protects Britain’s interests, citizens, territory and trade through the intelligent application of Air Power, exploiting the inherent speed of reaction, speed of reach and speed of effect that this offers – to enable flexible political choice and, ultimately, to deliver military effect. In concert with allies, partners and the other Services, the RAF provides support to international maritime security and deters threats to UK prosperity and security. The RAF maintains a number of aircraft and units ready to respond at extremely short notice to threats to the UK; the roles include Quick Reaction Alert (to sustain Control of the Air), Attack, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR). Internationally, the RAF works with partners to counter illegal maritime activity, including piracy, drug smuggling and other illegal trade, particularly in the Mediterranean, the Gulf, the Caribbean and the South Atlantic, and it also contributes to the development of maritime air surveillance capabilities.
Departmental Roles and Responsibilities for Maritime Security
...The Royal Air Force (RAF) protects Britain’s interests, citizens, territory and trade through the intelligent application of Air Power, exploiting the inherent speed of reaction, speed of reach and speed of effect that this offers – to enable flexible political choice and, ultimately, to deliver military effect. In concert with allies, partners and the other Services, the RAF provides support to international maritime security and deters threats to UK prosperity and security. The RAF maintains a number of aircraft and units ready to respond at extremely short notice to threats to the UK; the roles include Quick Reaction Alert (to sustain Control of the Air), Attack, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR). Internationally, the RAF works with partners to counter illegal maritime activity, including piracy, drug smuggling and other illegal trade, particularly in the Mediterranean, the Gulf, the Caribbean and the South Atlantic, and it also contributes to the development of maritime air surveillance capabilities.
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The PTT Website was 'relaunched' yesterday ...
A couple of new articles announced on the Home Page for those interested ...
Analyzing and Improving Airborne Command and Control by Lt. Roger Misso, USN
Over the Beach – The Enduring Utility of Amphibious Operations by Capt. Cole Petersen, Canadian Army (although there would appear to be a problem with the link to the main article).
The Phoenix Think Tank > Home | Independent Naval & Maritime Thinking | A Platform for Naval and Maritime Authors.
Still odd to see the PTT saying on their Press Tab ...
But on their Authors Tab they mention that the current FSL is a member of their 'Professional Practitioner Panel' ... 
A couple of new articles announced on the Home Page for those interested ...
Analyzing and Improving Airborne Command and Control by Lt. Roger Misso, USN
Over the Beach – The Enduring Utility of Amphibious Operations by Capt. Cole Petersen, Canadian Army (although there would appear to be a problem with the link to the main article).
The Phoenix Think Tank > Home | Independent Naval & Maritime Thinking | A Platform for Naval and Maritime Authors.
Still odd to see the PTT saying on their Press Tab ...
The Phoenix Think Tank is an independent, private organisation that neither has contact with, nor answers to, the Naval Staff.
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that first article is brilliant ... NOT
he indulges in some third grade maths to "prove" that an EC-2 Hawkeye can process data four times faster than an E-3 AWACS because it has fewer crew and so they don't have to wait as long as the mob on the AWACS for their turn at the Morse key to send data.........
This makes Sharkey look like Clauswitz TBH
he indulges in some third grade maths to "prove" that an EC-2 Hawkeye can process data four times faster than an E-3 AWACS because it has fewer crew and so they don't have to wait as long as the mob on the AWACS for their turn at the Morse key to send data.........
This makes Sharkey look like Clauswitz TBH
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An interesting article just published ...
Ballistic Missile Defence - Britain's Missing Shield
The Phoenix Think Tank : Ballistic Missile Defence - Britain's Missing Shield
Haven't we been here before ?
Ballistic Missile Defence - Britain's Missing Shield
Originally Posted by Cmdr. Graham Edmonds RN Rtd.
Britain has notably failed to invest in land-based anti-ballistic-missile (ABM) systems. Instead, national air defence is the "primary role" for the Royal Air Force. By 2020, the RAF will operate 107 Multirole Combat Aircraft (the 'Typhoon'), and an as-yet-unknown number of F35B Lightning II aircraft, the latter set to be shared with the Fleet Air Arm. Yet these aircraft have a limited capability against cruise missiles, and no illustrated capability against wider ballistic missiles threats. Put simply, their main potential value is limited to timely intercepts of launch platforms.
Haven't we been here before ?
