Francis Tusa (@FTusa284) / X

Francis Tusa

30.7K posts

Francis Tusa

@FTusa284

Defence journalist and analyst, historian and very amateur archaeologist, with bird watching added on top.

Normally N19..

Joined April 2011

Francis Tusa
@FTusa284
Oct 4, 2021
Replying to @FTusa284
Hearing that some alarm bells are starting to ring @BritishArmy that the ability to generate and declare a high readiness (Armd/Mech) brigade to NATO in 2024 is looking less likely. Now, should it be "difficult" for a 75,000-person Army to train and equip "a mere" 5-6,000 unit?
Francis Tusa
@FTusa284
Jan 16, 2024
OK, so UK will be in some form of peer shooting war within 5yrs. Bearing in mind RN ships are being tied up because of lack of crew (not just UK BTW), FF/DD generation is pretty dire, the Army cannot put a single credible armd/AI bgde into the field...
thetimes.com
UK strikes in Yemen: Britain ‘should prepare for further wars’
Rishi Sunak to update parliament on military action as Grant Shapps warns of ‘prewar’ phase involving conflict with China, Russia, North Korea and Iran
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Francis Tusa
@FTusa284
Feb 16, 2025
In and among the panic about possible US disengagement from European defence, more money for UK defence and the like, can I try to inject some reality(s)? British Army will not be going back to 4 Armd/Mech divns; RN will not be going back to 50 escorts; RAF won't get 300 FJ...
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Francis Tusa
@FTusa284
Nov 2, 2023
Germany might *think* it can join GCAP, but... 1. There can be no entry of Germany without complete, explicit agreement of 🇮🇹🇯🇵 - UK cannot "force" this, nor can Germany. 2. What has Germany got to offer, technology-wise, which is not already covered by the 3 partners? Zip.
Kevin Thomas Ryan
@Kevin_T_Ryan
Nov 1, 2023
EU strategic autonomy? German Chancellor Scholz is reportedly thinking of abandoning the building of a next-gen fighter jet with its EU partner France and teaming up with Britain instead, according to The Times. #EU #security #deutscheland #France thetimes.co.uk/article/german…
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Francis Tusa
@FTusa284
Jul 26, 2025
Unpopular view, but entirely true. The UK has little to add to European land forces, and shouldn't try to match Germany, Finland, let alone Poland....
Armchair General 🇩🇪
@Leopard24theWin
Jul 23, 2025
Replying to @thinkdefence
Honestly: It'd be by far more helpful if the UK focused on getting the RN back in shape instead of beefing up the british army...
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Francis Tusa
@FTusa284
Jun 8, 2024
Ouch! thetimes.co.uk/article/41e30b…
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Francis Tusa
@FTusa284
May 12, 2023
I do laugh when I see @mbda Storm Shadow's "export range" being quoted as "150-200km", when it is well know that the range for the "export version" called "Black Shaheen", in service with the UAE, is 1000km! RSAF Storm Shadow ranges also not as low as 150km in lo-lo, either...
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Francis Tusa
@FTusa284
Sep 21, 2024
All completely true. If the UK messes with either GCAP/Tempest or AUKUS, its national reputation will be torn to shreds, causing lasting damage for decades.
Rt. Hon Ben Wallace
@BenWallace70
Sep 21, 2024
Replying to @BenWallace70
We will also be seen as an unreliable ally by Japan and Italy. We will all end up just taking what we can get from the US. @BAESystemsAir @GMB_union @BBCNews @larisamlbrown @MrHarryCole @FT 2/2
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Francis Tusa
@FTusa284
Oct 4, 2021
Replying to @FTusa284
So, what would such a bgde deploy? A half-regt of CR2, CVR(T), FV430s, maybe Bulldog, and Warrior, topped up with Jackal etc. Arty from a handful of 155mm, some MLRS, and maybe a Lt Gun btty? Is this ORBAT an act of war, or a collection of enactment enthusiasts?
Francis Tusa
@FTusa284
Apr 15, 2024
About the same issue for the UK... And, no, Type 45 is not a sustainable solution for Defence of the UK.
Hans Tino Hansen
@HthHans
Apr 14, 2024
During the night, I was thinking about the total lack of Danish air defence and the fact that we might have 0% interceptions and 99% drones/missiles hitting their targets instead of 1%. Thank you Danish politicians for leaving us defenseless in your quest for the “peace dividend”
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Francis Tusa
@FTusa284
Oct 20, 2025
Interesting... OK, so an artist's impression, so perhaps not to read too much into things, but... Unless my eyes deceive me, the fighters on deck look rather like JAS-39E Gripens...
Ciro Nappi
@CiroNappi6
Oct 20, 2025
In 2026 will starts the studies of new Italian Navy aircraft carrier, know as "Portaerei di Nuova Generazione" (New Gen Aircraft Carrier). From what know given by the Navy's request, should be nuclear powered and maybe with EMALS system. The fighter's choice will be interesting.
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Francis Tusa
@FTusa284
Jan 11, 2024
Disagree. The single question that has to be asked is why, when UK has the largest defence budget in Europe (excl German Special Fund), and the largest equipment budget, the outcomes are so pathetic. And the first person to say "deterrent" loses - France is doing better than UK.
James Rogers
@james_rogers
Jan 10, 2024
As the threats multiply, we *must* increase investment in #defence. 2.5% of GDP on defence should be the floor all main parties commit to in this year’s election – and ideally 3%. We need a stronger navy!
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Francis Tusa
@FTusa284
Nov 6, 2024
Well, still a few states to call, but the consensus is that Trump has won. And this, as I will lay out, is the worst news to wake up to for Keir Starmer. No, not the "it'll be tough making up with Trump, tough keeping the Special Relationship going"...
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Francis Tusa
@FTusa284
Mar 4, 2024
"Alexa, how can I guarantee that Germany never joins Tempest?" @AirbusDefence @Team_Luftwaffe @BMVg_Bundeswehr @BAESystemsAir @Leonardo_live thetimes.co.uk/article/346040…
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