Editorial
Shape the future
Reduced in size, but big on content, the new Defence Codex reflects a new approach from a new ministerial team. The National Security Strategy and the Strategic Defence and Security Review have recognised the importance of science and engineering for UK defence and security. Overall direction has been set, but the detail still has to be worked through. Over the next few months, the government is consulting on, amongst other things, the technology priorities for the UK’s defence and security, and how government should best achieve them.
“Equipment, Support, and Technology for UK Defence and Security: A Consultation Paper”, from MOD and the Home Office, covers a wide range of issues of importance to science and engineering, and the organisations that fund and seek business from technology. Readers can get involved by adding their views to the consultation website or writing to the MOD.
Fire and Ice
This winter has seen Europe and the US suffering disruption from snow and ice. In our cover feature, we look back at the effects of the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano when thousands of passengers were stranded at airports and UK-based military flights threatened. We meet some of the people involved as MOD drew together skills and expertise from a number of areas, calling on their scientific support and advice during that crisis. This highlights how MOD, the Armed Forces and industry work together in challenging situations.
Focus on Afghanistan
UK Forces continue to seek a stable Afghanistan working as part of a NATO-led, UN-backed, international coalition. They are helping to build the Afghan National Army and Police to maintain the security of their own country, and together stop the return of Al Quaeda and the Taliban. The priority of defence science and engineering is to support these Forces. The Challenges for 2011 continue – to protect, to defeat threats and to save lives.