UK Defense Committee conducting an inquiry to determine whether their military is capable of "sophisticated operations"

How ready are UK forces to launch sophisticated operations?

Follow this Inquiry: https://t.co/KPgnyl6N7e pic.twitter.com/eHuuJZ55bT

— Defence Committee (@CommonsDefence) May 19, 2023

Just laying the groundwork for increased defense spending. The real problem is the push and pull between developing forces that will aid Europe (the British Army) or being a global partner with the US (the Royal Navy). The Royal Air Force is good either way but that's really the battle lines. The British Army and Royal Navy are having a battle over funding. The problem for UK? If they pick a side then they're incapable in the other arena. If they split the baby then they're incapable in BOTH arenas. They're in a bit of a pickle.

I know what you're thinking.

They can go the USA route, team with us and rest assured that the US will back Europe if Russia goes insane.

Not sure.

A quick and dirty scenario that I'm sure keeps the Pentagon awake is what if this war in Europe drags on till late 2023 or even 2024?  

What does the US do if China makes a run at Taiwan?  Do we pivot full force to blunting that attack?  If we do then our aid to Ukraine dries up.  If we continue on with Ukraine aid and try and make it a long war with China (even though they'll want to make it sharp and short) while funding/equipping both theaters then Taiwan is toast.

The Brits are trying to be players on the world stage but their forces are just too small.  They punched above their weight in the 70s, 80s, and 90s but now?  I just can't see it.  Not with their current force structure.