A Year in Review - Defence

18 January 2011

For the majority of the world's armed forces - and the defence industries that support them - 2010 was the year in which the effects of the global financial crisis finally came home to roost impacting upon ambitious procurement projects, delaying modernisation programmes and forcing militaries to function with ageing platforms. How far will this enforced period of austerity continue to impact on armed forces around the globe in 2011?

Europe - The major theme for European defence ministries in 2010 was the dawning reality of budget cuts, the effects this had on procurement and operations, NATO’s and armed forces reforms, relations with Russia, and the commitments of European forces in Afghanistan.

Asia Pacific - The last 12 months were pivotal for NATO’s counter-insurgency strategy in Afghanistan, while the main emerging trend was the US reengagement with the Pacific region as a counter-balance to China’s muscle-flexing in the region. North Korea’s bellicosity and a hardening South Korean position means the prospect for war is greater now than at any time since the 1953 armistice.

Middle East and Africa - In 2010 Iran remained the major focus for procurement and policy in the Middle East; North Africa defied the global austerity trend to continue its spending spree; and the threat of a financially compromised South Africa compounding the potential consequences of the continent's ability to secure itself.

Americas - The central focus for the US military in 2010 has been on counter-insurgency operations in both Iraq and, to a greater extent, Afghanistan. Meanwhile Pentagon officials are working to implement significant budgeting and acquisition reforms as the past decade's tide of defence funding appears to be receding.

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