Thread by @nicholadrummond

If the UK Defence budget was increased what should be our immediate priorities?
✅ Increase pay to attract & retain talent
✅ Invest in base infrastructure & accommodation
✅ Increase headcount to ensure sufficient personnel across all commitments (RN 45K, Army 100K, RAF 45K)

✅ Invest in training & personnel development
✅ Increase # of Type 26 frigates from 8 to 12
✅ Invest in 3-4 AIP submarines
✅ Invest in 10-15 extra Merlin EH-101 helicopters
✅ Invest in air defence for all warships

✅ Reorganise Army around 2 deployable divisions to have three Armoured and three Strike Brigades plus an independent Air Assault brigade
✅ Ensure that all 227 Challenger 2s are upgraded
✅ Acquire 600 Ajax IFV in addition to Ajax Recce
✅ Ensure Strike Brigades are all wheeled

✅ Invest in Boxer Recce variant and increase total Boxer numbers to 1,800
✅ Invest in artillery:
Acquire wheeled 155mm howitzer
Upgrade AS90 155mm howitzer
Upgrade M270 GMLRS
Acquire HIMARS
Increase SkySabre GBAD purchase from 24 to 96 units
Upgrade Stormer GBAD Starsteak HVM

Acquire wheeled GBAD platform with 20-35 mm cannon
Acquire 120 mm mortar systems for all Armoured & Strike Brigades
Invest in Precision Fires missile
Invest in counter-battery + STA systems
✅ Expedite replacement of Bowman C3I system with Morpheus
✅ Invest in CSS / Logistics

✅ Return all pilot training to RAF control
✅ Increase E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C purchase from 7 to 12 aircraft
✅ Increase 12-14 P-8 Poseidon MPA purchase from 9 to 14 aircraft
✅ Increase A400M Atlas purchase from 22 to 30 aircraft (or purchase additional C-17As if possible)

✅ Ensure all 148 F-35Bs are purchased
✅ Expedite development of Tempest FCA
✅ Invest in EW capabilities across all three services
✅ Invest in Grey Zone capabilities
✅ Invest in Cyber attack offensive and defensive capabilities

(⚠️Please note that Trident successor is included.)

With this mix of capabilities you generate the force structure envisioned by the 1998 SDSR.
You do Carrier Strike properly.
You do CASD properly.
You have a credible expeditionary force.
You have a credible Air Force.