Scotland's secession from the United Kingdom would harm Britain's military with the loss of bases and recruits. Would Scotland really do this over Brexit complications?
That, he estimates, could fund Scottish armed forces comprising 8,500 soldiers and sailors, 20 ships and 50 planes and drones—comparable to Ireland or New Zealand.
Six years ago I speculated on Scotland's military:
I assumed that with a population of 5.3 million, a GDP of $216 billion, and a commitment to spend a paltry 1.2% of GDP, that Scotland could have a small but good military on the assumption that British tradition in this regard would continue.
Looking at what the Czechs, Norwegians, and Dutch field as rough guides, I assumed Scotland could have an army of one brigade (with a mix of mechanized and light infantry) plus reserve Home Guard type local defense forces, an air force of 24 fighter aircraft (total in inventory, including trainers and spares) and 6 naval patrol aircraft, and a navy of 4 frigates and 8 large patrol craft as the main force.
My estimate didn't include any payments from Britain. Would Scotland remain in NATO? If so, I doubt absent a British payment that Scotland would meet the 2% defense spending goal.
And according to the article I linked to back then, Scotland's military would be hollow. But maybe the more recent rent payment idea would allow my speculative military.
