Matthew Savill
@mtsavill.bsky.social
Director of Military Sciences at the Royal United Services Institute; recovering former civil servant; all views expressed here are my own.
Detailed but important analysis, with lessons for NATO and integrated air and missile defence planners.
Russia has reportedly modified its Iskander 9M723 ballistic missiles making them harder to intercept. The causes are unclear, but the impact on Ukraine is not, write Sam Cranny-Evans and Dr Sidharth Kaushal.
Iskander: An Improved Russian Missile Tests Ukraine’s Air Defence
Russia has reportedly modified its Iskander 9M723 ballistic missiles making them harder to intercept. The causes are unclear, but the impact on Ukraine is not.
bit.ly
November 19, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Detailed but important analysis, with lessons for NATO and integrated air and missile defence planners.
Reposted by Matthew Savill
🎙️Gen. Robinson brings her military expertise to the Talking Strategy podcast, offering valuable insights that shape foreign policy and drive innovative strategic thinking.
🎧Listen here: https://bit.ly/4i6uUn3
🎧Listen here: https://bit.ly/4i6uUn3
November 18, 2025 at 3:47 PM
🎙️Gen. Robinson brings her military expertise to the Talking Strategy podcast, offering valuable insights that shape foreign policy and drive innovative strategic thinking.
🎧Listen here: https://bit.ly/4i6uUn3
🎧Listen here: https://bit.ly/4i6uUn3
Reposted by Matthew Savill
#HIRING
We are seeking a Senior Research Fellow! The role will focus on Russian and Eurasian issues, delivering research projects and enhancing our profile in this critical area. Interested? Apply now or share with your network: https://bit.ly/3LOmeFJ
We are seeking a Senior Research Fellow! The role will focus on Russian and Eurasian issues, delivering research projects and enhancing our profile in this critical area. Interested? Apply now or share with your network: https://bit.ly/3LOmeFJ
November 18, 2025 at 4:45 PM
#HIRING
We are seeking a Senior Research Fellow! The role will focus on Russian and Eurasian issues, delivering research projects and enhancing our profile in this critical area. Interested? Apply now or share with your network: https://bit.ly/3LOmeFJ
We are seeking a Senior Research Fellow! The role will focus on Russian and Eurasian issues, delivering research projects and enhancing our profile in this critical area. Interested? Apply now or share with your network: https://bit.ly/3LOmeFJ
Important research given the current state of the war, and the lessons that are being drawn - perhaps erroneously - about the future of manoeuvre, armoured vehicles and the mix of weapons and capabilities needed to survive and succeed on the modern battlefield.
🚨🧵New RUSI Report, 'Emergent Approaches to Combined Arms Manoeuvre in Ukraine' by Jack Watling is out now!
Emergent Approaches to Combined Arms Manoeuvre in Ukraine
Ukrainian forces have begun to develop novel approaches to combined arms manoeuvre, incorporating new capabilities, that bear scrutiny for NATO armies.
www.rusi.org
October 23, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Important research given the current state of the war, and the lessons that are being drawn - perhaps erroneously - about the future of manoeuvre, armoured vehicles and the mix of weapons and capabilities needed to survive and succeed on the modern battlefield.
Reposted by Matthew Savill
'Overall we're slightly creaking at the seams.'
@mtsavill.bsky.social explains that despite higher spending and strong support for Ukraine, the UK’s military still faces serious capability and readiness gaps.
🎧 Listen here: ifs.org.uk/articles/end...
@mtsavill.bsky.social explains that despite higher spending and strong support for Ukraine, the UK’s military still faces serious capability and readiness gaps.
🎧 Listen here: ifs.org.uk/articles/end...
October 10, 2025 at 8:17 AM
'Overall we're slightly creaking at the seams.'
@mtsavill.bsky.social explains that despite higher spending and strong support for Ukraine, the UK’s military still faces serious capability and readiness gaps.
🎧 Listen here: ifs.org.uk/articles/end...
@mtsavill.bsky.social explains that despite higher spending and strong support for Ukraine, the UK’s military still faces serious capability and readiness gaps.
🎧 Listen here: ifs.org.uk/articles/end...
Reposted by Matthew Savill
'The security environment is not great at the moment. There is a major industrial war on our doorstep.'
@mtsavill.bsky.social explains why the UK's armed forces had been 'hollowed out' in previous decades, from our podcast on defence spending.
🎧 Listen here: ifs.org.uk/articles/end...
@mtsavill.bsky.social explains why the UK's armed forces had been 'hollowed out' in previous decades, from our podcast on defence spending.
🎧 Listen here: ifs.org.uk/articles/end...
October 8, 2025 at 7:16 AM
'The security environment is not great at the moment. There is a major industrial war on our doorstep.'
@mtsavill.bsky.social explains why the UK's armed forces had been 'hollowed out' in previous decades, from our podcast on defence spending.
🎧 Listen here: ifs.org.uk/articles/end...
@mtsavill.bsky.social explains why the UK's armed forces had been 'hollowed out' in previous decades, from our podcast on defence spending.
🎧 Listen here: ifs.org.uk/articles/end...
Reposted by Matthew Savill
🚨🧵New RUSI report, ‘UK National Security Advantage from Disruptive Technologies’ by @piahuesch.bsky.social and @tashbuckley.bsky.social is out now!
UK National Security Advantage from Disruptive Technologies
This paper identifies existing assets that strengthen UK strategic advantage for national security in disruptive technologies and highlights some gaps and risks for UK policymakers to consider.
www.rusi.org
October 8, 2025 at 10:54 AM
🚨🧵New RUSI report, ‘UK National Security Advantage from Disruptive Technologies’ by @piahuesch.bsky.social and @tashbuckley.bsky.social is out now!
Detailed analysis of the kind of targets in scope if (a big 'if') the US provides Tomahawk to Ukraine. But my (admittedly superficial) view is that achieving an impact on the 'front line' will be hard, primarily because it's doubtful the US would provide the volume required.
MORE: The Kremlin is trying to prevent the United States from providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine in order to retain the sanctuary that Russia enjoys in its rear.🧵 (1/7)
isw.pub/UkrWar100525
isw.pub/UkrWar100525
October 8, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Detailed analysis of the kind of targets in scope if (a big 'if') the US provides Tomahawk to Ukraine. But my (admittedly superficial) view is that achieving an impact on the 'front line' will be hard, primarily because it's doubtful the US would provide the volume required.
Reposted by Matthew Savill
A key question going into winter is how focused and intense Russia’s strike campaign will be — against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, defense industry, military sites, and civilians — and how well Ukraine can defend against it.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/05/w... via @NYTimes
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/05/w... via @NYTimes
Russia Targets Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure With Deadly Bombardment
www.nytimes.com
October 5, 2025 at 3:04 PM
A key question going into winter is how focused and intense Russia’s strike campaign will be — against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, defense industry, military sites, and civilians — and how well Ukraine can defend against it.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/05/w... via @NYTimes
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/05/w... via @NYTimes
Reposted by Matthew Savill
Are environmental, social and governance standards really the barrier to defence companies' ability to raise capital and invest as they are often made out to be? Dr Linus Terhorst examines the veracity of such claims in his latest report on the real factors that stall defence growth.📖 bit.ly/4gP93zM
October 2, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Are environmental, social and governance standards really the barrier to defence companies' ability to raise capital and invest as they are often made out to be? Dr Linus Terhorst examines the veracity of such claims in his latest report on the real factors that stall defence growth.📖 bit.ly/4gP93zM
Reposted by Matthew Savill
Former PM of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk took to the stage at RUSI today to warn that Putin seeks to divide the US and Europe and weaken NATO and the EU, to ultimately pave the way for a China-led global order.
RUSI Members can watch the event in full: bit.ly/42ZTqjc
RUSI Members can watch the event in full: bit.ly/42ZTqjc
October 2, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Former PM of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk took to the stage at RUSI today to warn that Putin seeks to divide the US and Europe and weaken NATO and the EU, to ultimately pave the way for a China-led global order.
RUSI Members can watch the event in full: bit.ly/42ZTqjc
RUSI Members can watch the event in full: bit.ly/42ZTqjc
Reposted by Matthew Savill
'US officials should consider whether another year of New START limits, without verification of Russian strategic forces, is satisfactory' writes @pranayrvaddi.bsky.social, Senior Nuclear Fellow at the Center for Nuclear Security Policy, MIT, in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Beware Russia Bearing Arms Control Gifts
Washington should maintain a critical eye when measuring Putin’s latest arms control offer.
www.rusi.org
October 3, 2025 at 11:25 AM
'US officials should consider whether another year of New START limits, without verification of Russian strategic forces, is satisfactory' writes @pranayrvaddi.bsky.social, Senior Nuclear Fellow at the Center for Nuclear Security Policy, MIT, in the latest RUSI Commentary.
It would be easy in Europe to dismiss this week’s display at Quantico as purely political theatre. But that would be a mistake.
'Partners will need to be prepared for the use of US military power in a way that is deeply uncomfortable' writes @mtsavill.bsky.social in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Not Business as Usual: Why Trump’s War Department Rhetoric Matters
Much of the language coming out of the gathering of US military leaders this week could be dismissed as political spectacle. But international partners of the US should take seriously the US Administr...
www.rusi.org
October 2, 2025 at 11:14 PM
It would be easy in Europe to dismiss this week’s display at Quantico as purely political theatre. But that would be a mistake.
Reposted by Matthew Savill
Thank you @cnn.com for having me on to assess the Quantico disgrace
Defense analyst on Hegseth generals’ meeting: ‘A dangerous way to politicize the American military’ | CNN
Former Defense Department official Kori Schake says US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump “did not well serve the American military today.”
www.cnn.com
September 30, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Thank you @cnn.com for having me on to assess the Quantico disgrace
Some thoughts on Ukraine for Times Radio recorded before the weekend, but I think still valid this week.
youtu.be/f3BW6bbhxWA?...
youtu.be/f3BW6bbhxWA?...
'It's hard to see how Putin could survive' if Russia is forced to withdraw from Ukraine
YouTube video by Times Radio
youtu.be
September 30, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Some thoughts on Ukraine for Times Radio recorded before the weekend, but I think still valid this week.
youtu.be/f3BW6bbhxWA?...
youtu.be/f3BW6bbhxWA?...
Reposted by Matthew Savill
🚨 Applications now open for the UK Cyber Effects Network Fellowship Programme! Early-career professionals, don't miss this chance to deepen your knowledge of offensive cyber operations. Submit your application now. (Only open to NATO member citizens)
Cyber Effects Fellowship Programme: Call for Applications
The UK Cyber Effects Network is now accepting applications for the inaugural cohort of its Cyber Effects Fellowship Programme.
my.rusi.org
September 15, 2025 at 7:07 PM
🚨 Applications now open for the UK Cyber Effects Network Fellowship Programme! Early-career professionals, don't miss this chance to deepen your knowledge of offensive cyber operations. Submit your application now. (Only open to NATO member citizens)
Reposted by Matthew Savill
“Poland’s military said there had been “an unprecedented violation of Polish airspace by drone-type objects” and said an operation was under way to identify and neutralise them.”
on.ft.com/4pcpE4B Poland shoots down Russian drones
on.ft.com/4pcpE4B Poland shoots down Russian drones
Poland shoots down Russian drones
Prime Minister Donald Tusk cites ‘multiple violations of Polish airspace’
on.ft.com
September 10, 2025 at 6:18 AM
“Poland’s military said there had been “an unprecedented violation of Polish airspace by drone-type objects” and said an operation was under way to identify and neutralise them.”
on.ft.com/4pcpE4B Poland shoots down Russian drones
on.ft.com/4pcpE4B Poland shoots down Russian drones
Some thoughts on the importance of the UK-US intelligence relationship as well as current challenges given the political environment in the US.
'The UK should probably reconsider intelligence-sharing arrangements on some sensitive issues, where there is little chance of influencing the US position, but considerable risks of exposure of sourcing' writes Matthew Savill in the latest RUSI Commentary.
The War on American Intelligence
The US Intelligence Community is under sustained attack from its own government. Countries like the UK will try to minimise the fallout but will have to consider the US a less reliable intelligence partner for the duration of the crisis.
www.rusi.org
September 9, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Some thoughts on the importance of the UK-US intelligence relationship as well as current challenges given the political environment in the US.
Comments from me included in here: Putin has now put the pressure on Europe and Ukraine while he continues to attack the latter.
Experts at RUSI have analysed the outcomes of the recent summit in Alaska, where Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin met to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war. You can read their full reactions and insights on our website. #AlaskaSummit
RUSI Experts Comment on the Trump-Putin Summit
Read reactions from Director of Military Sciences Matthew Savill, Director of the Centre for Finance and Security Tom Keatinge and Director of International Security Neil Melvin on the meeting of Pres...
www.rusi.org
August 16, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Comments from me included in here: Putin has now put the pressure on Europe and Ukraine while he continues to attack the latter.
It was a privilege to be on Ukrainecast in the week: you can see my thoughts ahead of the Alaska summit, and see how insightful I was! youtu.be/xeoR4L5V5dM?...
Will Trump offer up Ukrainian territory at the Alaska summit? | BBC Ukrainecast
YouTube video by BBC News
youtu.be
August 16, 2025 at 1:09 PM
It was a privilege to be on Ukrainecast in the week: you can see my thoughts ahead of the Alaska summit, and see how insightful I was! youtu.be/xeoR4L5V5dM?...
I was delighted to join @snellarthur.bsky.social on @disordershow.bsky.social, to discuss 'Is Europe ready for war?' You can hear the episode (and an unexpected and sadly fictitious promotion to a PhD) at tr.ee/ksicr-3Wty or the link below.
August 12, 2025 at 12:39 PM
I was delighted to join @snellarthur.bsky.social on @disordershow.bsky.social, to discuss 'Is Europe ready for war?' You can hear the episode (and an unexpected and sadly fictitious promotion to a PhD) at tr.ee/ksicr-3Wty or the link below.
Reposted by Matthew Savill
The latest RUSI Commentary from Dr Linus Terhorst provides an analysis of Germany's recent decision to acquire the US-made Typhon missile system, and what this signifies for both Germany and Europe's defence strategy.
Typhon, European Deterrence and Industrial Ambition for Deep Precision Strike
Typhon would put St Petersburg in reach of a German offensive mid-range capability, a leap for Germany's strategic culture. It should develop a European equivalent.
www.rusi.org
August 6, 2025 at 3:43 PM
The latest RUSI Commentary from Dr Linus Terhorst provides an analysis of Germany's recent decision to acquire the US-made Typhon missile system, and what this signifies for both Germany and Europe's defence strategy.
Reposted by Matthew Savill
Why Drones Can’t Replace Traditional Firepower
My @GeopolDecanted discussion with @justin-br0nk.bsky.social about his recent provocative @rusi.bsky.social piece on this topic.
We also discuss efficacy of Ukrainian F-16s, Operation SpiderWeb and much more. Watch 👇
youtu.be/ykLIH2kY1U8
My @GeopolDecanted discussion with @justin-br0nk.bsky.social about his recent provocative @rusi.bsky.social piece on this topic.
We also discuss efficacy of Ukrainian F-16s, Operation SpiderWeb and much more. Watch 👇
youtu.be/ykLIH2kY1U8
Why Drones Can’t Replace Traditional Firepower
YouTube video by Dmitri Alperovitch
youtu.be
August 5, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Why Drones Can’t Replace Traditional Firepower
My @GeopolDecanted discussion with @justin-br0nk.bsky.social about his recent provocative @rusi.bsky.social piece on this topic.
We also discuss efficacy of Ukrainian F-16s, Operation SpiderWeb and much more. Watch 👇
youtu.be/ykLIH2kY1U8
My @GeopolDecanted discussion with @justin-br0nk.bsky.social about his recent provocative @rusi.bsky.social piece on this topic.
We also discuss efficacy of Ukrainian F-16s, Operation SpiderWeb and much more. Watch 👇
youtu.be/ykLIH2kY1U8
Reposted by Matthew Savill
Will recognising Palestine or cutting military aid push Israel toward a ceasefire? In this episode of @forcesnews.com's Sitrep, RUSI's @burcuozcelik.bsky.social joins Professor Michael Clarke to assess the recent diplomatic pressure put on Israel and the Arab League's calls for Hamas to disarm.
BFBS Radio Sitrep | BFBS
Award winning Sitrep brings you discussion and analysis on defence, foreign policy and the stories affecting the British Forces. Presented by Kate Gerbeau, with expert analysis from Professor Michael ...
www.bfbs.com
August 1, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Will recognising Palestine or cutting military aid push Israel toward a ceasefire? In this episode of @forcesnews.com's Sitrep, RUSI's @burcuozcelik.bsky.social joins Professor Michael Clarke to assess the recent diplomatic pressure put on Israel and the Arab League's calls for Hamas to disarm.
Reposted by Matthew Savill
July’s attacks by Israel and the US have set back – without completely removing – Iran’s capability to develop a nuclear weapon. But simply rebuilding the programme won’t be enough for a nuclear deterrent, write @ddolzikova.bsky.social and @mtsavill.bsky.social.
Will Iran Get the Bomb?
July’s attacks by Israel and the US have set back – without completely removing – Iran’s capability to develop a nuclear weapon. But simply rebuilding the programme won’t be enough for a nuclear deter...
www.rusi.org
August 4, 2025 at 3:01 PM
July’s attacks by Israel and the US have set back – without completely removing – Iran’s capability to develop a nuclear weapon. But simply rebuilding the programme won’t be enough for a nuclear deterrent, write @ddolzikova.bsky.social and @mtsavill.bsky.social.