The British Army Sets Out Plans for Future War Fighting
At DSEI 2023 in London the British Army has outlined its plan for fighting the wars of tomorrow in the ‘Land Operating Concept’ (LOpC). The new strategy was announced by General James Bowder, Director of Futures, on the 14 September. The concept introduces four areas of change that armies will be facing in the near future. These were outlined as Exposed, Autonomous, Fragile and Observed.
These four areas detail the increasing use of autonomous drones and robotic equipment used by many major militaries as well as the burgeoning use of AI. LOpC also focuses on the prevalence of cameras and mobile technology within modern warfare and the use of the internet which can make intelligence networks more vulnerable than ever before.
To combat these threats the LOpC will utilise a Recce-Strike doctrine combining surveillance capabilities with artillery and other strike assets to eliminate threats as quickly as they develop in a modern war. The new Rangers and the Army Special Operations Brigade will also be used as part of Recce-Strike in a effort to find the enemy as far forward as possible and neutralise them. 77 Brigade, the British Army’s specialist information operations formation, will also play a key role in seizing and maintaining the initiative in the information environment.
General Bowden explained what this new approach to war fighting will mean:
“Battlegroups that can see further and shoot further in direct and indirect fires terms than we have ever managed before. Drones that can see and sense well beyond the next tactical bound.”
Pervasive electronic surveillance that can spot enemy ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) and C2 (Command and Control) before it can land a punch. Anti-armour weapons that can kill at ten kilometres and beyond.”
This concept leans on an increased focus on long range precision fires, with the UK looking to procure new howitzers and increase its MLRS fleet, and with the expansion of precision anti-armor capabilities through programs like Mounted Close Combat Overwatch.
At DSEI, during his key note speech General Sir Patrick Sanders, Chief of the General Staff further explained the Land operating concept also outlined the new approach saying: “in developing the LOpC, the Army has engaged widely across NATO, to ensure it aligns with their strategic vision, and with the Five-Eyes alliance that includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States.”
Following the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine and beyond the British Army continue to adapt and prepare for new threats and battles before they arise.