reprinted fromLuthorian Central News NetworkA pursuit to modernise Luthori's Defence Force.Defence Minister expected to outline plans for modernisation of the Luthorian Armed Forces.♕:
Defence Minister champions cause of armed force's modernisation.2nd November, 4374.Defence Minister, Graham Whitehead, is expected to present an in depth report to Chancellor Rebecca Stinson outlining his planned intentions to modernise the Luthorian Armed Forces. From all accounts, it could be one of the most radical and long overdue shake-ups undertaken in decades by a defence minister. The armed force's leadership structure would focus at streamlining young officers into the leadership of the defence force. The defence force, which currently numbers 192,000 active personnel, would be increased to 200,000 active. The Military Sectors established under the previous overhaul will be scrapped and brigades either combined or disbanded to accommodate for the renewed organisational structure.
Whitehead stated that it was time that the Armed Forces abandon the old doctrine of "dull and predictable" to adopt a "smart and professional" criteria. There were several factors contributing to this renewed approach to the modernisation of the armed forces. One being Luthori's ambitions to become increasing involved in international affairs. Minister Whitehead argues that as a nation moves forward towards becoming increasing involved in the international community, it must never leave its armed forces behind. He compared it as an individual going to fight-club, but leaving his ability to fight at home.
Whitehead, the former Rear Admiral, stated that he intends on introducing a "Projection to Expeditionary" doctrine into the Luthorian Armed Forces. According to information given by the Defence Ministry, a Projection to Expeditionary doctrine would see the Luthorian Armed Forces act as a force in defence of Luthori, however it will still have immense capabilities for offensive action. Brigadier Samuel Long of the Centre for Strategic Analysis says that the Luthorian Armed Forces has to adapt to the changing climate if it wants to see itself as a leading figure in its hemisphere.
Already several persons in the military complex have begun to speculate the changes to come with the modernisation. Some speculate that the government would finally invest into attack helicopters and other says that the government would invest into modernise troop equipment such as firearms, armoured vehicles etc. It is only with time the provisions of this modernisation plan would be disclosed.
reprinted fromLuthorian Central News NetworkTransforming Defence: Modernizing the Armed Forces.MoD announces decade long-term modernisation plan for Armed Forces; introduces new operational doctrine.♕:
Luthorian Armed Forces is seeking to continue work with Zardic Z-35 Programme.2nd November, 4374.Whilst the specifications of the government's National Rearmament Programme (NAP) is expected to be announced later in the year, its general outline is already known thanks to a number of official and unofficial announcements on the future direction of the Luthorian Armed Forces. NAP's priorities are a reflection of the perceived threat array facing the Holy Luthori Empire, and this NAP is clearly favouring the Ground Forces and Air Forces, which will sustain a rapid pace of modernisation. The political instability in Dovani and mounting uncertainty in other regions, the rise of nationalists throughout the world and and the emergence of the new threats, all point to the need to bolster Luthori’s ability to be able to defend its interests internationally and regionally.
The Ground Forces will not only expand in size but will also continue to modernise and upgrade its equipment fleet. It is assumed that in the future the most numerous main battle tank in regular service will be the Samaritan 2 or its upgraded version, Defence Ministry sources believe the Samaritan 2 (MK2) will be procured at the rate of 20-30 vehicles per year, with the initial order for 20 vehicles already in. In response to the military's shift from a conventional infantry doctrine to a mechanised infantry, the military will continue procuring Rand upgrade kits for the Chariot infantry fighting vehicle (Warrior IFV) and overhaul the existing fleet. Land-based air and ballistic missile defence will also be a key priority with the defence industry looking into various technologies, however the implementation of such systems are not seen possible at this time.
The biggest predicted change in the new NAP concerning the Air Force will be the continued procurement of aircraft under the Zardic Z-35 Programme and the Unionfighter Programme. The government's involvement in both programmes are expected to result in the displacement of the military's ageing Harrier fleet, which had been in the military's dossier since the collapse of the Artanian Union to inactivity. With the Z-35 Programme currently, the government has ordered 3 aircraft for preliminary testing and has also spoken to Hawu Mumenhes officials on the possible procurement of the nation's LV-CRD system. Apart from this, the military has pledged the procurement of attack helicopters, specifically VA-40 Apostle (AH-64 Apache) which would see a reinforcing element to the operations of the ground forces in the coming future.
Naval Forces, by contrast, have a relatively modest role in the new NAP. It is uncertain whether the Project N001 Destroyer and the to be announced Project NF-221 Destroyer will be procured within the next NAP term. Instead the existing ships, including the nation's ageing fleet of frigates and handful of destroyers, will undergo major refits to include the fitting of new missile systems and extending their lifetime. The construction of frigates, corvettes and fast attack crafts, ships which more than proved their worth in the context of prior conflicts, will continue abated with various spending cuts coming to the government as the economic moves to become more active.