OOC note: this is a remake of a previous post from April to bring that post up to current canon standards. It is mostly the same but with slight differences in content and wording. You can find the old version Here
The Defence of Hexastalia: DoD Releases Yearly Report
Hexastalia’s Directorate of Defence has unveiled an ambitious modernization plan for the Hexastalian Defence Forces aiming to reorganize and modernize the Defence Forces to meet the challenges of a modern warfighting environment. The plan, which was released publically in the form of a report titled “The Defence of Hexastalia” encompasses a range of initiatives and proposals designed to improve the military’s readiness and warfighting capabilities.
Army
The first portion of the report focused on a reorganization of ground forces. The DoD has, in a similar fashion to Scalvia’s return to the Division, suggested a higher echelon of command above the brigade. For this purpose, it has been suggested that the Hexastalian Army move from three to five Operational Commands. These Operational Commands would have a more even spread of combat units than prior: each with 4 combat brigades. Unlike Scalvian divisions, Operational Commands will focus mostly on coordinating combat operations between brigades, with little in the way of division-level assets. Some previously brigade-level assets will be centralized at the Operational Command Level.
Additionally, the DoD has outlined several planned acquisition programs for the Army that will seek to bring the army up to modern and near-future warfighting ability. These include the upgrade of the Army’s existing fleet of Polecat armored personnel carriers (APCs) to Polecat-M standard, the replacement of M500 Infantry Fighting Vehicles and the UH/96M Cataphract Main Battle Tank by a new system by 2035, programs to replace aging artillery and air defense systems, and the replacement of its aging fleet of helicopters. The paper also emphasizes changing military equipment doctrine, noting the newfound importance of standardization with allied forces. Though the paper does not mention any nation in particular, it is likely that this means the Hexastalian Army will increasingly be buying from its close ally, Scalvia.
Air Force
The Air Force portion of the report one of the most interesting ections. The report covered several developments within the Air Force from fighters to intelligence gathering. The Air Force, the report reasoned, was the presently the most neglected branch of the military and is inadequate to protect Hexastalia from a peer level threat or fulfill humanitarian missions and international obligations.
As such, the report suggests several programs and acquisitions to bring the Air Force to modern levels. It points out that theoretically Hexastalia could maintain as many as seven fighter squadrons if it had need, but maintains that four squadrons is presently adequate and reasonable. Furthermore, the report suggests that a replacement for the Drakon fighter jet be purchased within the next five years. The paper also suggests the jets should be fifth generation or at the very least the cutting edge of modern air combat technology. Hexastalia maintains a comparatively small fleet of aircraft compared to other countries in the region.
The report goes on to explain several other problems with the Air Force. It criticizes the lack of proper air transport capability and recommends possibly up to doubling the airlift capacity. The paper goes on to state that the Hexastalian Air Force’s lack of capable intelligence gathering platforms puts it at a distinct disadvantage in a peer level war and hampers its abilities to conduct operations against an asymmetric threat, the paper recommends the procurement of a SigInt and ELINT platform. It also recommends the updating of Hexastalia’s aging training aircraft. The paper also suggested the Air Force and Army work together to update their air defense systems.
Navy
As usual, the navy section of the paper is of considerable length due to Hexastalia’s long maritime border on the Weskermere. Most prominently, the report suggests that the navy retire several ships including the HNS Roland Vida hydrographic survey ship and Seal-class patrol vessels. The paper argues the modularity of the aging Seal-class vessels is actually to their detriment and their replacement should be more specialized. It also suggests that the navy should increase its combat force with the addition of 2-3 modern corvettes between 1800 and 2500 tonnes displacement and 2-4 additional submarines. Further, the paper states that HNS Nyitrai, the fleet’s oiler and supply auxiliary is to be put out to pasture and replaced, the paper suggests that the replacement program should begin no later than late 2025. Finally, the paper suggests beginning the replacement program for the Afolyovege-class frigates by 2027.
While these sweeping purchase suggestions may surprise some readers, according to some analysts they all make sense. The Seal-class was aging and due to be replaced soon anyways. Hexastalia’s submarine fleet has been in very high demand for much of the last several months and additional subs would allow the navy to complete more missions on a less strict timetable. Afolyovege-class frigates are also aging and are certainly not up to modern standards either. HNS Nyitrai has been showing its age recently as one of the oldest ships in the fleet.
The Navy section also describes the integration of new technologies including sensors, HS-VLS, electronic systems, weapons, and unmanned vehicles.
This new Defence Report highlights Hexastalia’s rapidly changing defense strategy, with an increased emphasis on modern, capable forces that can take on threats to the country both regionally and internationally.
