For decades, in Europe and countries such as Canada and Australia, defence has been shunned, regarded by much of the population and the investment community as something to be avoided.
Its proponents were harbingers of death and destruction, on the wrong side of politics and, more recently, the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) divide.
That has shifted dramatically. Defence manufacturers now top the stock market performance charts, enjoying a surge in popularity. Even so, for many the sector bears a residual taste.
In the UK, those who sneer and shun point at Keir Starmer. There he is, the Labour Prime Minister, a former human rights lawyer, someone arguably to the left of Tony Blair, undoubtedly a person of conscience and principle. He’s been elected on a ticket to correct, as his supporters see it, the wrongs of Tory rule.
That entails heavy spending on state health, education, social care and welfare. There’s no extra money to be had, so the emphasis is on cutting costs and taxing those who can best afford to pay.
That drags a lagging economy, so a switch is made to growth. Suddenly, it’s all about investing and construction. Then, Donald Trump lands and the US reorders its foreign policy. European leaders are told America will no longer write a blank cheque for their nations’ protection, they must step up and the fighting in Ukraine must also end. Starmer responds by saying defence is the "number one priority of this government".
He said it, he really did. There can be no greater validation. Add to that, the uncertainty and fear that is gripping the world and the head-in-the-sand approach is no longer an option. Not only that, Britain and its neighbours have let their military capacity dwindle. It requires boosting, and fast.
Si vis pacem, para bellum. If you want peace, prepare for war
In the UK, Starmer is scrambling around for the cash. So far, it’s to be collected from those areas of public finances that had been met with the glowing approval of those who scorned defence, from aid and development. This is public affirmation writ large.
Domestically, defence companies tick the economic boxes – they provide jobs and training, their workers are highly skilled in all manner of disciplines, they’re heavily tech-based, their supply chains are long, extending to the smallest local and regional SMEs. Often, they’re in places blighted by post-industrial decline. This is an opportunity to rebuild, to help restore the lost industrial base.
For those who still harbour misgivings, the new justification is drawn from the Roman writer Vegetius Renatus: "Si vis pacem, para bellum." If you want peace, prepare for war.
Elsewhere in the world, they’ve long obeyed that maxim. Thanks to Trump’s forced realigning, Europe and those other places are now engaged in a hasty catch-up.
It’s easier said than done and money is not the only problem. As military spending has been allowed to decline, so too has the accompanying infrastructure. Procurement is a slow, cumbersome process full of delays. Complaints when the equipment eventually arrives that it is not fit for purpose are commonplace.
Britain has two new aircraft carriers, HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth II. Their deployment has proved to be one enormous headache, necessitating long periods in the maintenance dock when they should be out on the high seas, leading the naval fleet. They each cost £3.5 billion ($4.45 billion) to build, but so bad have been the technical problems there was increasing speculation they could be mothballed or sold to a friendly nation at a knockdown price. That’s vanished, and the push now is to get them up and battle ready.
Likewise, one of the army’s pillar contracts was for the Ajax ‘mini tank’, built by General Dynamics in Wales. The vehicles were intended to enter service in 2017 but have only just arrived, eight years late, the result of a "litany of failures", according to the Commons Public Accounts Committee, including noise and vibration issues that injured the soldiers testing them.
For the air force, the Eurofighter Typhoon is overdue for being replaced. It’s meant to be the Tempest, to be built by BAE, Leonardo and Rolls-Royce. The buyers lined up are Britain, Sweden, Italy and Japan. It’s so many years from fruition that the order has gone out for production of the Typhoon to be scaled up.
Examples abound of similar protracted contracts and faults, so much so that some analysts claim the increased UK spending on defence of £6 billion will be absorbed entirely in getting orders and deliveries up to speed, not on adding to capability.
Overall, there is another concern, which is that Britain and its allies have tended to focus their efforts on expensive kit, designed for what was perceived as the new, modern warfare. Ukraine has blown a hole in that approach, showing that boots on the ground really do matter, and with them come drones and artillery. What that means is that governments not only need to spend on hardware, they must also recruit and raise troop numbers.
But funding is in short supply and again, the accompanying infrastructure is not there. In some nations, including Britain, there is even talk of introducing conscription for 18 year olds. While that would be anathema to many, it is seen as having the added merit of helping resolve social issues of youth unemployment, lack of skills and crime.
Again, it is hugely expensive. It would, too, represent an enormous leap, necessitating societal change. The fact it is being aired, though, indicates just how much minds have been sharpened. In his inimitable fashion, Trump has upended what had become accepted orthodoxy.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.0-litre%20flat%206-cylinder%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20PDK%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E500hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E450Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh530%2C300%20as%20tested%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
The specs: 2018 Ducati SuperSport S
Price, base / as tested: Dh74,900 / Dh85,900
Engine: 937cc
Transmission: Six-speed gearbox
Power: 110hp @ 9,000rpm
Torque: 93Nm @ 6,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 5.9L / 100km
Sweet%20Tooth
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJim%20Mickle%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EChristian%20Convery%2C%20Nonso%20Anozie%2C%20Adeel%20Akhtar%2C%20Stefania%20LaVie%20Owen%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
TUESDAY'S ORDER OF PLAY
Centre Court
Starting at 2pm:
Elina Svitolina (UKR) [3] v Jennifer Brady (USA)
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) v Belinda Bencic (SUI [4]
Not before 7pm:
Sofia Kenin (USA) [5] v Elena Rybakina (KAZ)
Maria Sakkari (GRE) v Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) [7]
Court One
Starting at midday:
Karolina Muchova (CZE) v Katerina Siniakova (CZE)
Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) v Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR)
Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) v Dayana Yastermska (UKR)
Petra Martic (CRO) [8] v Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE)
Sorana Cirstea (ROU) v Anett Kontaveit (EST)
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESmartCrowd%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESiddiq%20Farid%20and%20Musfique%20Ahmed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%20%2F%20PropTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24650%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2035%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeries%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVarious%20institutional%20investors%20and%20notable%20angel%20investors%20(500%20MENA%2C%20Shurooq%2C%20Mada%2C%20Seedstar%2C%20Tricap)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Match info
Uefa Nations League Group B:
England v Spain, Saturday, 11.45pm (UAE)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
Rebel%20Moon%20%E2%80%93%20Part%20Two%3A%20The%20Scargiver%20review%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Zack%20Snyder%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sofia%20Boutella%2C%20Charlie%20Hunnam%2C%20Ed%20Skrein%2C%20Sir%20Anthony%20Hopkins%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Army of the Dead
Director: Zack Snyder
Stars: Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Omari Hardwick, Ana de la Reguera
Three stars
The smuggler
Eldarir had arrived at JFK in January 2020 with three suitcases, containing goods he valued at $300, when he was directed to a search area.
Officers found 41 gold artefacts among the bags, including amulets from a funerary set which prepared the deceased for the afterlife.
Also found was a cartouche of a Ptolemaic king on a relief that was originally part of a royal building or temple.
The largest single group of items found in Eldarir’s cases were 400 shabtis, or figurines.
Khouli conviction
Khouli smuggled items into the US by making false declarations to customs about the country of origin and value of the items.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he provided “false provenances which stated that [two] Egyptian antiquities were part of a collection assembled by Khouli's father in Israel in the 1960s” when in fact “Khouli acquired the Egyptian antiquities from other dealers”.
He was sentenced to one year of probation, six months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service in 2012 after admitting buying and smuggling Egyptian antiquities, including coffins, funerary boats and limestone figures.
For sale
A number of other items said to come from the collection of Ezeldeen Taha Eldarir are currently or recently for sale.
Their provenance is described in near identical terms as the British Museum shabti: bought from Salahaddin Sirmali, "authenticated and appraised" by Hossen Rashed, then imported to the US in 1948.
- An Egyptian Mummy mask dating from 700BC-30BC, is on offer for £11,807 ($15,275) online by a seller in Mexico
- A coffin lid dating back to 664BC-332BC was offered for sale by a Colorado-based art dealer, with a starting price of $65,000
- A shabti that was on sale through a Chicago-based coin dealer, dating from 1567BC-1085BC, is up for $1,950
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
