First produced 60 years ago to address improvements in Soviet tank design, the M60 Patton main battle tank remains in service with countries around the world. As a large international market for upgrades therefore remains, Michael Tong explores how Turkey and Jordan have attempted comprehensive upgrades to extend the life of the M60 Patton.
https://www.iiss.org/blogs/military-balance/2019/07/m60-patton
With the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) having recently concluded that traces of undeclared radioactive material were indeed found at a warehouse in Tehran, Mark Fitzpatrick argues the IAEA investigative process is working. A cooperative approach is the best way to provide for the greater access to suspect sites in Iran the IAEA needs if it is to resolve the issue.
In the new, more contested maritime domain, the United States Navy has hinted that the new design of its future Large Surface Combatant will resemble the Zumwalt-class large destroyers. But given technology trends, the US Navy may end up looking for a different balance of platforms to sustain current capabilities, Nick Childs argues.
https://www.iiss.org/blogs/military-balance/2019/07/us-navy-large-surface-combatant
Nick Childs
For the first time in decades, a window exists for Europe to take care of its own defence. But as Fabrice Pothier discovers, Macron’s vision of a European army requires reforms to EU institutions.
https://www.iiss.org/blogs/analysis/2019/01/macron-european-army-reality
Fabrice Pothier
United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt delivered the 34th IISS Fullerton Lecture in Singapore reflecting on Britain’s relationship with its allies after Brexit. As the UK prepares to leave the European Union, Mr Hunt said the example of Singapore had much to offer the UK. ‘Britain can draw encouragement from how Singapore’s separation from the Peninsula did not make it more insular but more open.’ Looking ahead to the New Year, Mr Hunt said there was plenty of evidence to suggest that the so-called rules-based international order is under threat, and that democracy is in retreat.
https://www.iiss.org/events/2019/01/fullerton-lecture-britain-role-post-brexit-world
US President Donald Trump looks set to pull the United States out of the Iran nuclear deal, say Mark Fitzpatrick and Dana Allin.
China’s recent fleet review showcased the country’s impressive and accelerating naval shipbuilding output. In the last four years, China has launched naval vessels equivalent to or greater than the total fleet tonnages of many of the world’s major established naval powers.
The Italian military is taking on a greater role in Africa, while reducing its presence in Asia and the Middle East.
