Contents
Executive summary 6
Why defence matters in the debate about independence 6
Security and protection through integrated defence 7
Security and influence through international alliances and relationships 11
Opportunities for industry through a single, domestic defence market 13
Conclusion 14
Introduction 17
Current arrangements for the defence of Scotland as part of the UK 17
Threats and risks in a connected world 17
What is the choice for Scotland's defence in the event of independence? 18
Analysis of defence arrangements and potential consequences of independence 20
Chapter 1. Security and protection through integrated defence 22
Integrated defence of the UK 23
Protecting the UK at home 24
Protecting UK airspace 24
Protecting UK seas 25
Helping to protect against natural and man-made threats 25
Regional security 26
Defence operations abroad 26
Scotland's contributions to UK defence 31
Defence presence in Scotland 31
UK Armed Forces in the community 33
The Armed Forces Covenant 34
Integration with UK defence 35
People from Scotland in UK defence 36
UK defence resources and capabilities 38
Defence expenditure 38
Defence capabilities 39
Costs of defence and economies of scale 42
Defence in an independent Scottish state 43
International comparisons 44
Possible size and shape of independent Scottish defence forces 46
The challenges of creating new armed forces 49
Conclusion 50
Chapter 2. Security and influence throughinternational alliances and relationships 54
UK defence reputation 55
Commitments to alliances 56
UK international defence engagement 58
UK-US defence engagement 59
UK-French defence engagement 59
Intelligence sharing 60
Defence support to UK prosperity 60
An independent Scottish state's international relationships 61
NATO membership and SNP policy on nuclear weapons 63
Scotland and its neighbours 64
Conclusion 65
Chapter 3. Opportunities for industry through a single, domestic defence market 68
UK defence industry 69
UK defence contracts 69
Defence exports 70
Defence industry in Scotland 72
What impact might independence have on defence industry in Scotland? 75
Conclusion 77
Annex A - UK forces to be deployed for Operation HERRICK October 2013 80
Annex B - Defence in European stateswith populations similar to Scotland 83