Thanks Neutralizer. I wonder if LWSP involves putting the new (evolved L118 maybe?) howitzer on a FRES chassis, much like the US is doing with FCS. What do you think?

With regard to LIMAWS(G) 45 guns would make six batteries of 6 guns plus a few for training/spares I guess. With each arty regiment only having 3 batteries maybe 3 Cdo and 19 Lt Brigs will have it. Only speculation on my part.

Rumours on arsse that the upgraded FV432s will replace Saxon. This from Claudius_Agricola: "The Mk3 FV432 is planned to replace Saxon in the Mechanised Infantry Bns and elsewhere. The remanufacture of the platforms includes replacing the engine, gearbox and drive train togther with an up-armour pack when deployed. The FV432 will effectively be fielded to an as new standard, what is known in the trade as zero miles/zero hours." Can anyone confirm this?

Suppose the British Army had to double its present strength (for some unknown, but valid reason) BUT not new missions... ... going by history, what would you rather have: New or "ressurected" regiments, or raising new battalions for existing Regiments? Just interested in what the "parent model" thinks about this issue. Indian Army has raised 2 new Infantry Regiments, and "regularized" 2 former State Forces Regiments since Independence. But our # of battalions per Regiment has jumped from an average of 5-6 (during WWII, mind you) to 15-17 today... (except in Paras(~10), Gorkhas(~5) and Nagas(~3)).

Another Q, if you are an officer cadet and its time to choose what Regiment you end up in (and you are not particularly "high born")... the Guards & Gurkhas choose you, but otherwise can you choose any other Line Regiments specifically? Also if they have a limited number of spots open, how does it go? Graduation rank?

Concerning choosing your regiment in Sandhurst, I believe you make a short list, and take interviews to get into your chosen regiment, if you fail your first choice, you go to your second etc. And it is good we are getting rid of Saxon if its true, they suck, but we do need some form of wheeled APC for peace keeping I reckon.

The UK policy is clear, large regiments. In WW1 some regts were up to 30+ bns, WW2 there was far less infantry. Nobody 'graduates' from RMAS, this is a popular misconception. They 'pass out'. Regiments/corps make their own choice from those who have applied. No doubt performance at RMAS is a factor, but the final pass out order is not known until well after regts have made their decisions.

Replacing Saxons with upgraded FV432 makes a lot of sense. Saxons were originally acquired as armoured taxis to get UK based inf bns into the CRG in Germany and then deployed. They were never designed as 'fighting vehicles' and were always 'indifferent' once off road. The only real problem with 432 has been the K60 engine, not noted for reliability, although like other eqpt of its era in UK service over-servicing may be a factor (as may outside storage in units over years and years). Transmission or electrical faults were rare. Of course they also suffer from indifferent production quality in that internal dimensions can vary by several inches, which makes difficulties when it comes to designing new IKs for specialist equipment.

I wonder how much the 432 will be a development and field test of FRES technology? Could the new engine include electric drive. Will the new armour be reactive/electric? I doubt that it will be the real deal, but surely some of this will be tried out an a 'new' build.

According to JDW the total upgrade cost is a whopping £85 million. So don't expect any electric armour or other fancy gadets!