2026 Pelaxian Defence White Paper
The 2026 Pelaxian Defence White Paper is an official document published by the Pelaxian Ministry of Defence in the wake of the Akanatoa War. The document outline the MoD discoveries and challenges presented to the armed forces for the second half of of the 21st century as well as the actions needes to meet specific objectives.
Introduction
The Pelaxian Ministry of Defence presents this Defence White Paper in conjunction with the DEFENSA 2050 strategy, aimed at addressing the identified shortcomings within the Pelaxian Armed Forces and enhancing our military capabilities to meet future challenges. This strategy outlines a comprehensive roadmap for modernization, acquisition, and development initiatives critical to ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of our armed forces.
Challenges
The Pelaxian Armed Forces face several challenges, including the aging armored personnel carrier fleet, the absence of a modern Main Battle Tank, and the need for revitalization of the Marine Expeditionary Force. To address these challenges effectively, the DEFENSA 2050 strategy outlines strategic initiatives and priorities aimed at modernizing and enhancing our military capabilities across all branches. In addition to land-based threats, the Pelaxian military recognizes the necessity to enforce and effectively protect sea routes around the Kindred from international threats and foreign aggressors. To address this challenge, maritime security capabilities will be enhanced, including the modernization of naval assets and the development of maritime patrol and interdiction capabilities to safeguard vital sea lanes and maritime interests.
2050 Plan
Doctrine
In response to evolving geopolitical challenges and strategic imperatives, the Pelaxian Armed Forces have adopted a new military doctrine aimed at enhancing maritime capabilities and expeditionary readiness while reorienting the role of the Army.
1. Focus on Maritime Power Projection: Recognizing the strategic significance of maritime domains, the Pelaxian Armed Forces will prioritize the development of naval and marine expeditionary capabilities. Increased investment in naval assets, including surface vessels, submarines, and amphibious assault ships, will enable enhanced power projection and presence in the Kindred Sea and overseas territories. Emphasis will be placed on achieving interoperability with allied naval forces and maintaining a forward presence to safeguard maritime interests and ensure freedom of navigation.
2. Strengthened Naval and Marine Expeditionary Forces: The Navy and Marine Corps will receive expanded resources and training to enhance their expeditionary capabilities and operational readiness. Development of rapid deployment capabilities, including pre-positioning of forces and expeditionary logistics support, will enable timely response to regional contingencies and humanitarian crises. Specialized training and equipment upgrades will be implemented to support amphibious operations, maritime interdiction, and littoral warfare scenarios.
3. Army as Secondary Continental Defense Service: While maintaining readiness for conventional warfare and territorial defense, the Army will assume a secondary role in continental defense, with greater emphasis on supporting maritime operations and expeditionary missions. The Army will transition to a more agile and flexible force structure, optimized for joint operations and integrated with naval and air assets to support expeditionary campaigns. Resources previously allocated to traditional land-based defense will be reallocated to enhance naval and marine capabilities, ensuring a balanced and adaptive force posture. Investment in force multiplying equipment and advanced technologies will enable the Army to maintain operational effectiveness and combat power while reducing its overall size.
4. Collaborative Regional Security Partnerships: The Pelaxian Armed Forces will prioritize collaborative security partnerships with regional allies and international organizations to address shared maritime security challenges and promote stability in the Kindred Sea region. Joint exercises, information sharing, and capacity-building initiatives will be pursued to enhance interoperability and collective defense capabilities among allied navies and marine forces. The new military doctrine reflects a strategic shift towards maritime-centric defense and expeditionary operations, aligned with Pelaxia's broader security objectives and commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and territorial integrity in the Kindred Sea region and beyond.
Army
Reduction of Army Manpower and Resource Reallocation: Recognizing the evolving nature of modern warfare and the need for a more agile and efficient military force, the Pelaxian Ministry of Defence will implement a reduction in Army manpower. This reduction will be accompanied by a strategic reallocation of resources towards power multipliers aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the Pelaxian Army in deterring continental threats and responding to emerging security challenges.
Implementation of New Light ATGMs Platform: A new light Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGMs) platform, featuring fire-and-forget capabilities, will be fully integrated into the company level of the Pelaxian Army. This advanced ATGM system will enhance the anti-armour capabilities of infantry units, enabling them to effectively engage and neutralize enemy armoured threats with precision and reliability.
Integration of UCAV Platforms: Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) platforms will be integrated into the Infantry Regimental Level of the Pelaxian Army. These UCAV platforms will provide real-time reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision strike capabilities to ground forces, enhancing situational awareness and operational flexibility in dynamic and contested environments.
Integration of New Loitering Munitions: The Artillery Regimental Level of Army Divisions will be equipped with new loitering munitions, enhancing the precision strike capabilities of Pelaxian artillery units. These advanced munitions systems will provide the ability to engage and neutralize high-value targets with accuracy and effectiveness, contributing to the overall lethality and operational effectiveness of Army divisions.
Complete Modernization of M113 Platforms: Efforts will be directed towards the complete modernization of the existing M113 platforms into the ACV-19 configuration, enhancing their survivability, mobility, and lethality on the modern battlefield. The modernized ACV-19 vehicles will serve as a critical asset for our ground forces, ensuring operational readiness and effectiveness in diverse operational environments.
Development of Next Generation Weapon System: The Pelaxian Ministry of Defence will spearhead the development of the Next Generation Weapon System, a new infantry fighting vehicle turret system designed to be integrated into the ACV-19 vehicles and SND Lagarto IFVs. This cutting-edge weapon system will provide our ground forces with enhanced firepower and situational awareness capabilities.
Acquisition of Madioha MBT: The Pelaxian Ministry of Defence will prioritize the acquisition of the Madioha Main Battle Tank (MBT), a cutting-edge platform equipped with advanced armor protection, firepower, and mobility capabilities. The Madioha MBT will significantly enhance our ground forces' capability to engage in high-intensity combat operations effectively.
Integration of Wheeled Self-Propelled Artillery Platforms: The army will integrate wheeled self-propelled artillery platforms to enhance key strategic rapid mobility capabilities. These platforms offer increased maneuverability, agility, and flexibility, allowing for rapid deployment and effective fire support in various operational scenarios. This initiative strengthens the army's ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats and contingencies.
Conformation of Multipurpose Combat Legions: The DEFENSA 2050 plan involves the establishment of 5 Multipurpose Combat Legions within the Army. These combat legions are specially trained and equipped for rapid deployment abroad to support Marine Corps elements if necessary. They serve as versatile and agile force elements capable of executing a wide range of missions in diverse operational environments.
Creation of Career and Study Incentives after Military Service: After completing 3 years of service in the Navy, personnel will be eligible for career and study incentives outside of military service. These incentives may include financial support for further education, vocational training programs, or career advancement opportunities in civilian sectors. This initiative aims to facilitate the transition of military personnel into civilian life and encourage lifelong learning and professional development.
Development of Naval Assets: The DEFENSA 2050 strategy includes the development of several naval assets, including the Hugo Charpentier Class Frigates, Bonito Class OPV/Heavy Corvettes, Custodio Class ASW Corvettes, and the Carcharodón Class Nuclear Submarine. These vessels will bolster our naval capabilities and strengthen our ability to project power and protect maritime interests.
Acquisition of Landing Platform Dock: The Pelaxian Ministry of Defence will acquire five new lines of Landing Platform Dock (LPD) vessels, enhancing our amphibious warfare capabilities and facilitating expeditionary missions in diverse maritime environments.
Creation of New Marine Divisions: As part of the DEFENSA 2050 strategy, two new Marine Divisions will be created for the Pelaxian Marine Corps, expanding our expeditionary and amphibious warfare capabilities and ensuring readiness to respond to emerging security threats and challenges.
Conformation of Marine Multipurpose Task Groups: Five Multipurpose Task Groups from the Marine Corps will be established to facilitate rapid deployment abroad during times of crisis or in support of mandates from the League of Nations (LON). These combat teams - of regimental size - will be highly versatile, adaptive, and expeditionary in nature, capable of conducting a wide range of military operations across different environments and theaters. They will serve as a proactive deterrent force and contribute to regional stability and international security efforts.
Air Force
Upgrading Air Lift Capacity: The air force will invest in upgrading its air lift capacity to enhance strategic mobility and rapid deployment capabilities. This includes acquiring new transport aircraft with increased payload capacity, longer range, and improved performance to effectively transport troops, equipment, and supplies to various operational theaters.
Transition to a Single Multirole Jet Fighter Fleet: In a cost-saving measure, the air force will transition to a single multirole jet fighter fleet, streamlining maintenance, logistics, and training requirements. This fleet will comprise modern, versatile aircraft capable of conducting a wide range of missions, including air superiority, close air support, and interdiction.
Maintaining and Establishing Life Extension Program for Air Defense Radar Grid: The air force will prioritize the maintenance and establishment of a life extension program for the air defense radar grid. This program aims to ensure the continued effectiveness and reliability of the radar network, which is essential for maintaining air superiority and interdiction capacity within Sarpedon's airspace.
Interarm
Upgrading Infantry Weapon Caliber: Through the "New Infantry Power Baseline Program," the standard infantry weapon's main caliber will be upgraded from .223 to 6.5mm. This upgrade initiative aims to enhance the lethality, range, and terminal ballistics of infantry small arms, ensuring that Pelaxian infantry forces maintain a decisive advantage on the modern battlefield.
Scalated Contract Scheme: A scalated contract scheme will be implemented, starting with a minimum contract duration of 2 years, which can be extended to 3, 6, and then 12 years based on individual preferences and operational requirements. This flexible contract structure offers personnel the option to tailor their service commitment according to their career aspirations, personal circumstances, and the needs of the armed forces.