A series of occasional papers on interstellar defence and fleet issues, from Jim's Fighting Fleets study group, the Defence Estimation - Longterm Planning, Homeworlds & Interstellar group.

Paper 2/3202 : The XDF in the 33rd Century
3202.200

Introduction

Following the loss of the colonies at Dubai and Drazi in 3197, the Defence Ministry on Agama began a process of reassessing the defence requirements of the Union of Xyon. The upshot of this was a still highly classified report in 3199 into the ability of the XDF to defend the Union in light of the Exterminator threat.

The Union was slow to implement the recommendations of the report due to divisions within the Cabinet over funding and reservations from the Hakamim. It wasn't until Speaker O'Sullivan stepped down on 3201.295 and the appointment of Dan Tassic as Prime Minister a few days later that the political impetus required for change fell into place.

UXN

The Office of the Navy of Xyon (Onyx) has promised to deliver, over the next four years, an 80% increase in CV for a 33% increase in budget, without sacrificing the traditional flexibility of the UXN. The plan is to build up a carrier force based on the new Israel class CVI to replace the Escort Carriers currently in service. As an interim measure, a number of SVIs are to be acquired. Two of these are new builds but the rest are to be LSSI conversions. The Heavy Cruiser force is to nearly treble with the majority of the new vessels being Pasha Class missile cruisers, the first of which came into service in 3202. The Destroyer flotilla will fall from it's current strength of 42 to 35, but the overall capability of the scouting forces will be enhanced by the addition of 11 Scouts.

The ratio of interstellar vessels per system, which is already roughly twice that of other polities, will be maintained, but it should be noted that the XDF is unique in the Universe in not maintaining a force of interplanetary vessels*. This is the result of strategic decisions taken generations ago and as a consequence the UXN has a high profile within the Union.

Quadrant Fleets

Based in the Outer Quadrants, these are to be reduced form 6 to 5. The typical composition will be:
1xCAI, 2xCLI, 1xSVI, 1xALSI, 1xLSSI

Scouting Forces

This key element of the XDF will remain at 9 Watches, but with two redeployments that will result in one Watch assigned to each Quadrant. The Watches are currently undergoing a reorganisation giving them enhanced capabilities and greatly improved efficiency. The new Watch composition is:
1xSCI, 2xDDI, 1xAMI

Six of the Watches will be reorganised by the end of 3202, the remaining three by the end of 3203.

Home Fleet

The Home Fleet based at Agama is to be strengthened and will act as a ready reserve for the rest of the UXN, as well as meet the defence requirements of the Gamma Leporis system in conjunction with the PDF.

'H' Force

This multilateral force based at Haggai is seen as central to defending systems in the vicinity from Exterminator attack. The UXN component of 'H' Force is to be strengthened with the assignment of additional cruisers and the replacement of the Support Carriers with CVIs.

Task Force Shekinah

A new humanitarian intervention task force centred on the hospital ship XS Yetta Moskowitz, currently undergoing conversion. TF Shekinah is to be operational by the end of 3202.

Training Fleet

Based at Haggai, the Training Fleet is to be enhanced enabling it to undertake a full range of training exercises either alone or in conjunction with other forces.

Combined Human Fleets

The Union's commitment to multilateral forces is scheduled to grow from the current 33% of CV with around 50% earmarked for combined fleets by the end of 3205. Because of the expansion of the UXN this accounts for a threefold increase in the CV committed to multilateral forces. Whilst the 7th Fleet is scheduled to return to its normal duties in Xyonist space, an entirely new fleet will be built and placed at the disposal of the Q7DF.

PDF

No changes were deemed necessary to the organisation or force structure of the PDF.

However, with the planned retirement of the Navy's Escort Carriers there is a recommendation that a number of these be transferred to the PDF to replace some of the Star Guard vessels. This will further enhance the ability of the PDF to act as a feeder for the Navy's PAC squadrons, giving PDF PAC pilots some ship borne experience, which they don't currently get.

In addition, the build program for the UXN includes two transport ships, a class of vessel the Navy doesn't currently operate. This will allow the Navy in future to carry the PDF's Mobile Infantry formations, a number of which currently exercise annually with the Navy's ALSIs when their assigned Marine Brigades go on annual leave.

*There are 2 venerable and lovingly maintained Battleships at Agama which are manned by the UXN but come under the command of the P

(Thanks to Martyn Potts)