iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

The F-15 Eagle is one of those aircraft that refuses to die. It first flew in 1972 and an upgraded version remains in service today. Along with the B-52, KC-135, CH-47 Chinook, and C-130, it seems destined to achieve the same 60-year milestone.

1132

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

According to a House of Commons briefing £10.8 bn or 19% of the UK's £56.4 bn defence budget goes on the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (strategic deterrent & infrastructure). This means we spend £45.6 bn on conventional defence or 1.6% of GDP. researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CB...

351

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

Yes, I've seen that. I was surprised that the officer's superiors allowed him to publicly criticise the weapon. This tells me all is not well with the program.

110

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 22/02/2025

This is the best summary of the current geopolitical situation I have seen. Sir Alex Younger (head of MI6 from 2014-2020) is a genuine expert and provides concise insight into a complex situation. Not just some talking head with an opinion. Really worth watching. www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9pL...

youtube.com

Former MI6 boss on Trump, Putin and a 'new era' for international relations

YouTube video by BBC Newsnight

714162

Reposted by Nicholas Drummond

Think Defence @thinkdefence.bsky.social · 23/12/2024

The low recoil 105mm Hawkeye system is interesting, normally seen on light vehicles, this short video clip showcases it on a towed carriage for additional mobility and flexibility

2365

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 24/12/2024

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it. Do comment if you think I missed anything important.

000

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

This week's decision by Germany to order the Type 212CD submarine is significant. As this comparison shows, the 212CD is not merely an updated 212A, but a completely new design. It's much bigger with a stealthy diamond shape hull, so should have longer sea legs. (images @covertshores.bsky.social)

5271

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

The KNDS Dingo's best features are not best-in-class-protection or unmatched off-road performance, but rather the fact that it uses commercial chassis, the Mercedes-Benz Unimog. With parts widely available from an extant global supply chain, Dingo is seriously affordable both to buy and to operate.

2303

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

If Trump decides to go on supporting Ukraine, this will be the best possible news for the rest of Europe. We need Putin to withdraw his forces from the region. Unfortunately, when he does, it will not be the end. Aided by China and Iran, he will re-group and re-arm before trying again.

2152

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

The two primary combat divisions are supported by Field Army Troops, Home Command, and Joint Command. This structure is achievable within the current headcount cap of 73K. If we want the Regular Army to be deployable without relying on the Army Reserve, it needs an extra 4K personnel or Ideally 80K.

1110

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

If Britain can't afford an army that looks something like this, then something is wrong with this country. Eight brigades: two heavy, two medium, two light, and two SF. All our NATO allies have at least something similar. If we want to operate in partnership with them, this is what it takes.

4224

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

I have now been an advisor to KNDS Germany for 5 years. Over this time, the world has changed drastically. So I’m glad we’re supplying Boxer to the British Army via a UK production line. I always believed that Boxer would be an outstanding capability. Nothing has changed my mind about this.

1211

Reposted by Nicholas Drummond

Ulrike Franke @rikefranke.eu · 20/12/2024

The UK government has pledged to spend 2.5% on defence. Problem is that it’s own calculations say that 3.6% is needed. UK military budget must rise by 56%, Ministry of Defence calculations say on.ft.com/4fxc71c

on.ft.com

UK military budget must rise by 56%, Ministry of Defence calculations say

Amount would far outstrip current 2.5% target and take annual spending above £90bn

715426

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 17/12/2024

So there's an urgent need for a new generation of low-cost, easy-to-produce modular combat vehicles with improved protection and cross-country performance. This was the intention behind vehicles like Boxer. Unfortunately, the armies who bought them could not resist adding complexity and cost.

080

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 17/12/2024

The only type of vehicles that can be manufactured quickly are the new breed of MRAPs that have appeared over the last decade. While these offer Level 2 or 3 protection, they are not as survivable as MBTs and IFVs, are much less capable off-road, and cannot mount large weapons.

180

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 17/12/2024

It's fair to say that European armies with smaller combat vehicle fleets will generally be used-up within 3 to 6 months of constant operational use. The trouble with the gold-plated armoured platforms we have today is that they cannot be easily, quickly or inexpensively replaced.

171

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 17/12/2024

Since the end of the Cold War, NATO armies have become smaller. Many have compensated for a lack of mass by adopting increasingly capable and sophisticated armoured vehicles. As Ukraine shows, the problem with this approach is that combat vehicle fleets are soon depleted by high intensity combat.

2162

Reposted by Nicholas Drummond

The Other Chris @theotherchris.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

Video on how to restructure the Army for large improvements by 2030 without writing a blank cheque. A lot of deep work has gone into the numbers and structure behind the presentation overview.

082

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

The AR infantry units in armoured and mechanised brigades provide battlefield casualty replacements. These are needed because high end warfare will the losses sustained in recent conflicts look like a picnic.

020

Reposted by Nicholas Drummond

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 13/12/2024

My latest blog post at UKLandPower.com is a video rather than a written article. It looks at how the Army could be restructured to deliver against General Sir Roly Walker's aspirations to double Army lethality by 2027 and triple it by 2030. uklandpower.com/2024/12/13/r...

uklandpower.com

REVERSING 40 YEARS OF DECLINE

By Nicholas Drummond This post is a video that considers how the British Army should be reconfigured to ensure it delivers against Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Roly Walker’s aspira…

3186

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 13/12/2024

Ukraine shows that engineers are vital for clearing obstacles, especially in urban areas. Each brigade needs its own Close Support Regt. with mine clearance, digging, demolition, and bridging capabilities. You also need Force Support Regts with heavy bridging. This quickly adds up to more units.

020

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 13/12/2024

It's not adding more battalions, but simply retaking the Security Force Assistance battalions as regular infantry. We presently have 32 battalions, but 8 of these are Ranger, SFA or SFSG battalions, which means we effectively have just 23 proper battalions. This is shameful.

010

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 13/12/2024

I believe HIMARS is essential for 1st (UK) Division as it offers utility across high end war fighting tasks, but can also be used for precision strikes for counter-insurgency operations. I see HIMARS plus 120 mm mortars as the ideal replacement for the 105 mm might gun.

010

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 13/12/2024

uklandpower.com

REVERSING 40 YEARS OF DECLINE

By Nicholas Drummond This post is a video that considers how the British Army should be reconfigured to ensure it delivers against Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Roly Walker’s aspira…

3186

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 08/12/2024

“My dad is very much looking forward to welcoming you back to the United Kingdom.” Consensus is that the Prince of Wales did an excellent job of charming President Elect Trump, our most important ally and partner.

1111

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 07/12/2024

It's been adopted by the Royal Marines in 6.5 mm Creedmoor.

010

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 07/12/2024

6.5 Creedmoor can be adopted with just a barrel change, so it’s low risk. 6.8 NGSW is extremely powerful, but requires a completely new weapon, so is high risk. As 6.8 NGSW is optimised, its specs are converging with those of 6.5 CM to the point where 6.5 CM may be a safer, more reliable choice.

000

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 07/12/2024

The British and American armies will definitely stick with 5.56 mm. The question is whether 6.5 mm Creedmoor or 6.8 mm NGSW replace 7.62 mm.

300

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 06/12/2024

Sweden and Denmark have smaller, less well funded armies than the UK, but even so, they still see the importance of having a modern IFV for their infantry. CV90. It just works doesn't it.

2192

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 06/12/2024

FN SCAR H-PR chambered in 6.5x48 mm Creedmoor. This calibre stays supersonic longer than 7.62x51 mm NATO, shoots flatter, further, and has less recoil. It's become a standard US SOCOM calibre in both rifles and machine guns. Or as one SF shooter described it: "It's boringly accurate at 600 metres."

1201

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 06/12/2024

Ukraine is starting to match the quantity of artillery rounds being fired by Russia. Very soon the quality of its artillery systems will also exceed the capabilities of Russian systems. We read a lot about drones but it is artillery that is most wearing down Putin’s ability to wage war.

2283

Reposted by Nicholas Drummond

Graham Warwick @theworacle.bsky.social · 05/12/2024

Triangular spinners? Bell tests stop-fold tiltrotor #X-plane design for #DARPA SPRINT project. Also reveals potential C-130-size operational vehicle with chined spinners that conceal blade fold and pitch mechanisms and reduce drag at high speed. SPRINT aiming for #VTOL and 400kt cruise. #aviation

43213

Reposted by Nicholas Drummond

UK Defence Journal @ukdefencejournal.org.uk · 05/12/2024

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, has issued a stark warning to Russia, declaring that any direct attack on the United Kingdom would provoke an "overwhelming response" from NATO. ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=55082

ukdefencejournal.org.uk

Russia faces ‘overwhelming response’ if Britain attacked

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, has issued a stark warning to Russia, declaring that any direct attack on the United Kingdom would provoke an "overwhelming response" from NATO.

36612

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 04/12/2024

Boxer RCT30 with Rheinmetall's 30x173 mm Mk 30 cannon fires both armoured piercing and programmable airburst ammo, enabling it to engage both ground and aerial targets.

082

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 04/12/2024

Good article, Olga. Thank you. Trump seems to be caught between a rock and a hard place. Whatever concessions he makes will not be enough to satisfy Putin. So why throw Ukraine under a bus? So I wonder if Trump will do the opposite and go all in on supporting Ukraine to make Putin more vulnerable?

010

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 03/12/2024

I just saw this. A reminder that we didn’t need, that you can’t do a deal with the devil.

182

Reposted by Nicholas Drummond

Craig Whiteside @craigwhiteside.bsky.social · 03/12/2024

I spy @warmatters.bsky.social (July 2025) book prominently featured in the @hurstpublishers.bsky.social catalog - chuffed for you mate (is that correct lingo?)

3234

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 03/12/2024

The Type 26 frigate is likely to be the most capable anti-submarine warship when it enters UK service. Standout features include an acoustically quietened hull, bow sonar, towed sonar array, 72 vertical launch missile cells, 127 mm gun, Artisan radar, 2x Phalanx 20 mm CIWS, and a Merlin helicopter.

0121

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 02/12/2024

I keep hearing positive reports about Leopard 1 MBTs operating in Ukraine. Although it dates back to 1965 with production ending in 1984. Appliqué armour has given it a new lease of life. it's proving to be reliable and agile, but this should be no surprise, since it was designed by Porsche.

2172

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 02/12/2024

The ICE Group Thames-Class is a low-cost 2,000-tonne ocean-going patrol vessel. Similar in size to the Royal Navy's River-Class OPVs, the ICE design is more modular and flexible. With a 57 mm gun and other weapons, plus helicopter deck / hangar, it's a practical and affordable corvette for GP tasks.

2183

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 01/12/2024

Leopard 2A8. The addition of Trophy APS and M230LF Counter-UAS cannon restore the battlefield primacy of the Main Battle Tank.

3322

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 30/11/2024

Both of you make excellent points. I would add that we spent £7 billion on 2x carriers. We could have spent £4.5 billion on 3x smaller multi-role 40,000-tonne LHD / carriers like Wasp or Trieste. Three ensures one at sea at any one time. And 40,000-tonne vessels are much cheaper to operate.

320

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 30/11/2024

Yes, it assumes, 4 additional Boxer cavalry units for the simple reason that no other armoured vehicle is currently in production in the UK or could be produced sooner. Two fully wheeled medium weight brigades would enable the Army to deploy in an expeditionary context. It can't do this presently.

110

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 30/11/2024

However, there are many who believe the UK would have been better off with two dual-purpose 40,000 tonne LHD / aircraft carrier like the USS Wasp-Class or Italy's Trieste, or just a single 65,000 tonne QE Class carrier instead of two.

150

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 30/11/2024

We won't know whether this an "end of the battleship" moment for carriers until hypersonic are used in anger properly. Until we have a definitive answer on this, carrier strike remains a useful capability for all those who can afford them.

130

Nicholas Drummond @ndrummond.bsky.social · 30/11/2024

The debate about aircraft carriers is interesting. It is centred on two things: vulnerability to hypersonic missile threats and affordability.

182