Modern Brits

[panzergator]

Read an article today that reported the Brits intended to reduce their Challenger II numbers from 227 to 148. That indicates enough for two regiments of 56 each (three squadrons of 18 each plus two regimental headquarters tanks, assuming they retain that structure). I don't know what they are doing with the remainder. That gives Great Britain TWO armoured brigades (two mech bns, one armoured regt each). I guess they have to pay for those carriers somehow. It may be they intend to reorganize to emphasize the Royal Navy to reinforce pressure on China. Speculation at the moment, on my part.

Well, I assumed a 56-tank regiment. If they use a 44-tank regiment, they could man 3 regiments and have 3 armoured brigades (2 mech, 1 tank each).

[Guroburov]

Yeah, I've been following their drawdown too for a while now. There's been so much contradictory talk too. They talked about getting rid of all of their tanks but government balked. Those maintenance contracts bring a lot of money to certain chairs. I thought they were just going to put the extras in storage vs scrapping. As I understand, they wanted to reduce costs to afford more aircraft, in addition to the ones for the carriers. Although they have too few escorts as it is, since they're set to retire more than they're contracting to build.

Quite a few countries seem to be downsizing armies. It's weird gamers and collectors here have significantly larger forces than major nations. My modern Soviet navy is almost larger than Russia's current navy.

[CG2]

Try this : https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/summary ... Ti8JJfS6Q8

[panzergator]

Thanks for the article. We have forgotten about the "come as you are war" that AirLand Battle used to talk about. War is hellishly more expensive these days, but losing is worse.

I regret to see those proud old British regiments mothballed or amalgamated. But I hated to see a number of US units deactivated, as well, especially thise in which I served.

Yeah, I have a 56-tank regiment, which gives me 1/3 of the real British tank establishment. Planning to add Boxer bn to the Warrior bn I have.

[panzergator]

Thanks for the article. We have forgotten about the "come as you are war" that AirLand Battle used to talk about. War is hellishly more expensive these days, but losing is worse.

I regret to see those proud old British regiments mothballed or amalgamated. But I hated to see a number of US units deactivated, as well, especially thise in which I served.

Yeah, I have a 56-tank regiment, which gives me 1/3 of the real British tank establishment. Planning to add Boxer bn to the Warrior bn I have.

[CG2]

A lot of those regiments are understrength and the actual real loss in personnel (rather than posts) is only about 4,000. There's also a commitment to initiate the Astute class replacement, up to 8 new support vessels, a new class of destroyer, more F-35s, the Type 32s, improved cyber and space warfare etc. On balance it's a good review.

[panzergator]

What vehicle do the Brits use as ammunition support for AS-90? Still use M548, FAASV, or some other?

[redleg]

Good question PG! I'll see if there is anything in my Fort Sill references if no one else knows.

We need some pics of modern British micro armor!

[CG2]

Just standard trucks as far as I know. Normally pallet-loaded on MAN 10 tonners. The M548s went a long time ago and we never had FAASVs.

[chrisswim]

As I understand, the Brits have a truck that they utilize a crane on that carries ammo.

[CG2]

Yes - that's the MAN 10 tonner. If you look at the British Army website you can see it under Logistics Vehicles.

[redleg]

That's good info on the British artillery! Now, apparently, I need to build a British AS9 battery!

[panzergator]

Me, too.

[CG2]

As a matter of interest, what are you guys using for modern artillery crew? Do you use WW2 crew figures, suitable poses from modern packs or another manufacturer?

[panzergator]

I don't use crews or people. I just collect vehicles.