U.K. Subs. One of the big known unknowns is what might now happen to the U.K.’s nuclear-missile submarine fleet. For decades, the Royal Navy has parked its four Vanguard nuclear-armed submarines at Faslane in Scotland, but with the Scots now clamoring to stay in the EU, London must be a bit nervous about where it would put those subs. There’s no other facility in the United Kingdom capable of housing the vessels, so Scottish independence would force a stark choice: Lose the capability altogether, or spend at least a decade building new port facilities.
Nukes. But Vice Adm. Terry Benedict -- who runs the U.S. Navy’s nuclear weapons program for its ballistic missile submarines -- said he’s not worried about the U.S./U.K. relationship. “I have no concern,” he said late last week. Brexit “was a decision based on its relationship with Europe, not with us.” But questions remain. The U.S. Naval Institute points out that the two sea services share production of their Trident II D5 missiles, and have been working to develop common missile compartments that will fit into the replacements for both the American Ohio-class ballistic missile and British Vanguard subs.
Nukes. But Vice Adm. Terry Benedict -- who runs the U.S. Navy’s nuclear weapons program for its ballistic missile submarines -- said he’s not worried about the U.S./U.K. relationship. “I have no concern,” he said late last week. Brexit “was a decision based on its relationship with Europe, not with us.” But questions remain. The U.S. Naval Institute points out that the two sea services share production of their Trident II D5 missiles, and have been working to develop common missile compartments that will fit into the replacements for both the American Ohio-class ballistic missile and British Vanguard subs.
The Brexit & Putin Wash. Post
Michael McFaul writes: In the long run, Russia remains plagued by too many internal challenges and skittish EEU partners, while we in the West will find ways to recalibrate our cooperation. But the short-term shift in the balance of power between a united democratic Europe and an illiberal Russia is obvious, and troubling. – Washington Post
President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia received the geopolitical equivalent of manna from heaven when British voters opted to leave the European Union, speeding his long-term goal of weakening the most powerful alliance confronting the Kremlin as it seeks to rebuild its superpower muscles. – New York Times
President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia received the geopolitical equivalent of manna from heaven when British voters opted to leave the European Union, speeding his long-term goal of weakening the most powerful alliance confronting the Kremlin as it seeks to rebuild its superpower muscles. – New York Times
RSS Feed