Tag: Ministry of Defence

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 12 September 2024.

HMS Iron Duke and HMS Tyne shadowed four Russian vessels in UK waters and RAF jets intercepted a Russian Bear aircraft approaching the UK area of interest.

Royal Navy warships have spent the past week closely shadowing the Russian Navy as four of its vessels sailed through the Channel and the North Sea, helping to protect UK national security.

Alongside this, two RAF Typhoons scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth yesterday (11/09), supported by a Voyager from RAF Brize Norton, to intercept two Russian Bear-F aircraft operating near the UK.

The RAF jets were launched under NATO command and worked closely with our partners to monitor the aircraft as they passed through international airspace. Our Typhoon fighters escorted the aircraft out of the UK’s Flight Information Region and at no time did the Russian aircraft enter UK sovereign airspace.

Typhoons are part of the RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert, which sees aircraft in Scotland and England at high-readiness 24/7, 365 days a year ready to defend and protect UK airspace.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

This government is committed to making the UK secure at home and strong abroad. Efforts by the Royal Navy and RAF over the last two weeks demonstrate their selfless commitment to protecting our national security.

I’d like to thank those members of our armed forces who took part in this operation, their professionalism and skill was on full display while working seamlessly with our NATO allies to uphold international standards.

In a six-day operation hand-in-hand with NATO allies, the Portsmouth-based frigate HMS Iron Duke shadowed the Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and its supporting tug Evgeny Churov through the Dover Strait and into the Atlantic.

The carefully-choreographed operation started at the beginning of September when Canadian warship HMCS Shawinigan escorted the diesel-powered submarine and her support vessel as they sailed from the Baltic and headed across the North Sea. The Canadian patrol ship handed over monitoring duties to the Royal Navy as the Russian vessels approached the busy Dover Strait.

From there HMS Iron Duke ensured constant watch on the two vessels, using her many sensors including her Wildcat helicopter, from 815 Naval Air Squadron, in the air. The submarine remained on the surface throughout the operation.

Once the Russian vessels had passed UK waters, HMS Iron Duke handed over shadowing duties to the Marine Nationale off the northwest coast of France, where the frigate FS Auvergne took up the mission.

The ship then returned immediately to the North Sea for a near carbon copy operation – this time with Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoiky and tanker MT Yaz as it approached Dover, picking up shadowing duties from the Belgian Navy, whose patrol vessel BNS Castor had kept watch up to that point.

HMS Iron Duke then handed over monitoring duties to patrol ship HMS Tyne off north western France.

Throughout both journeys past the UK – permitted under international law in accordance with the right of innocent passage– the Russian warships and their support vessels were closely monitored by UK forces to ensure they acted in a safe and non-threatening manner.

Commanding Officer of HMS Iron Duke Commander David Armstrong said:

These were the fourth and fifth such operations for HMS Iron Duke since we emerged from a period of intense training in July, and I am extremely proud of the professionalism and selfless dedication that my ship’s company consistently display as they perform their duty.

Maritime security operations of this nature are a fundamental capability of the Royal Navy, with the protection of our sovereign waters and critical national infrastructure a key focus.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 12 September 2024.

UK personnel are training Ukrainian military dog handlers in vital skills from patrols to explosive device searches.

• Specialist training includes combat operations and explosive device searches.
• It is part of Operation Interflex, which has trained more than 45,000 Ukrainian personnel since Russia’s illegal invasion in 2022.
• 16 handlers have been trained by the British Army on two courses this summer.

Ukrainian soldiers and civilians will be better protected from unexploded ordnance and illegal weapons thanks to training offered in the UK to Ukrainian border guards and their working dogs.

This week the UK has welcomed the second group of Ukrainian military dog handlers from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine to receive specialist training from their British counterparts.

The three week training visit includes how to conduct effective patrols and explosive device searches. UK trainers also demonstrated how UK military working dogs are acclimated to the sights, sounds and smells of the battlefield, allowing them to work safely and efficiently alongside their handlers.

Military working dogs are essential on the front line and on the border as their highly adaptable nature means they can be trained for a range of specialised roles and deployed across multiple military branches to keep personnel safe. In Ukraine, only this year Ukrainian working dogs have been used to prevent 950 border violations, including seizing 87.5kgs of drugs, nearly 20,000 piece of ammunition, 150 mines and 32kgs of explosives.

This collaborative training upholds the UK’s iron-clad commitment to Ukraine’s security and comes just days after the Defence Secretary John Healey announced the extension of Operational Interflex, having already trained over 45,000 Ukrainian recruits the programme will continue until at least the end of 2025.

More than two years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, huge areas of Ukraine are covered with unexploded ordnance and explosive remnants of war. Military working dogs play a crucial role in identifying these, with a sense of smell 42 times stronger than a human, so they can be made safe for soldiers and civilians. Their speed, agility and loyalty make them indispensable when securing high-risk areas.

In addition to their tactical roles, MWDs provide emotional support to personnel on the front lines as their presence can boost morale, reduce stress and enhance the mental resilience of troops in challenging conditions.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP said:

This government is clear that the defence of the UK and Europe starts in Ukraine and our commitment to training members of the Ukrainian military across a variety of disciplines remains ironclad.

Military working dogs perform and invaluable role in both combat, mine-clearing and border operations and this training will help protect both Ukrainian soldiers and civilians. We owe a debt of gratitude to our four-legged friends who offer a unique and irreplaceable service to both the UK and Ukrainian militaries.

The training is offered by the 1st Military Working Dog (MWD) Regiment. 1MWD support a range of operational tasks both in the UK and across the globe including arms explosive search, patrols and combat operations. They also have a full veterinary capability.

In July 2024, the Prime Minister committed £3 billion of UK aid for Ukraine per year for as long as it takes to overcome the Russian threat. Last week, the Defence Secretary confirmed the signing of a £300 million contract that will boost Ukraine’s air defences through the delivery of thousands of shells. These latest announcements will continue to support the development of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.

The UK has provided £7.6 billion in military support since Russia’s illegal invasion, and will provide £3 billion in military support for 2024 to 2025. This collaborative training is a further representation of the UK’s continued investment in Ukraine. From learning basic combat tactics, to the training of Military working dogs and their handlers, the UK is committed to teaching Ukrainian recruits vital skills to protect them on the battlefield.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 12 September 2024.

UK submarines will be able to go through maintenance work faster and therefore redeploy more quickly, following major upgrade works at a key naval base facility.

The biggest dry dock in Devonport, known as 9 Dock, has reopened today following a major refurbishment project worth £200 million completed under a contract with Babcock International Group.

At an opening ceremony in Plymouth, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle MP announced that 9 Dock and Devonport are pivotal to the government’s triple-lock nuclear guarantee to deliver our next generation, Continuous-At-Sea Nuclear Deterrent.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP said:

The Vanguard fleet is at the heart of deterring our adversaries and keeping the UK safe. This government is committed to a ‘triple-lock’ on our nuclear and to bolstering national security through crucial refurbishments such as this one.

I am honoured to open 9 Dock today, and to have the opportunity to speak with personnel and staff on their vital contribution to our nation’s security.

Devonport is the biggest naval base in Western Europe and has been a vital support for the Royal Navy since 1691. Spread across a vast area of more than 650 acres, it features 15 dry docks, four miles of waterfront, 25 tidal berths, and five basins.

With a workforce of 7,000 Service people and civilians, Devonport also contributes to the local economy by supporting approximately 400 local businesses and generating around ten percent of Plymouth’s income. Employing more than 10% of Plymouth’s workforce it contributes 14% of Plymouth’s economy Nationally, Devonport plays a vital role in supporting the UK’s Maritime industry by creating high-quality jobs, attracting further investment and subsequently strengthening the UK’s strategic position on the global stage.

There were 1,250 people employed during upgrades to 9 Dock, through the project team and the supply chain. More than 900 people were local and commuted daily with 25 apprentices employed during the project.

The upgrades made to the dock have been undertaken to maintain and upgrade the support services, buildings, security arrangements and the equipment in the Dock, such as the installation of the Alternative Mechanical Handling package that will help reduce the maintenance durations by driving up productivity. This major refurbishment to 9 Dock allows the continuation of the upkeep of ballistic missile submarines, officially known as Deep Maintenance Period (DMP), for Vanguard Class submarines. The four Vanguard Class SSBNs form the backbone of the United Kingdom’s Continuous At Sea Nuclear Deterrent which keeps the nation safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Vanguard Class undergo cycles of planned Deep Maintenance Periods throughout their lifetime. These maintenance periods ensure they remain fitted with the latest technology and systems to fulfil their operational capabilities.

Babcock CEO, David Lockwood said:

Supporting the Continuous at Sea Deterrent is the most important thing we do. The huge investment and increase in digital technology in this submarine facility ensures the UK has a sovereign, fit-for-purpose, deep maintenance capability now and in the future.

Opening our Engineering & Skills establishment at City College Plymouth on the same day, demonstrates our commitment to securing the critical nuclear skills the UK needs   to continue to deliver these vital defence programmes.

Since 1969 our Continuous at Sea Deterrent has been the bedrock of our nation’s defence. The Minister also used her visit to reinforce the new government commitment to its ‘triple-lock’ on the deterrent, which includes building four new nuclear submarines in Barrow-In-Furness, in Cumbria; maintaining our continuous at sea nuclear deterrent; and delivering all future upgrades needed. Last week the Defence Secretary greeted submariners on the Clyde returning from the latest nuclear patrol mission and thanked our submariners and all those shoreside for their dedication and service.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 10 September 2024.

Defence Ministers present Etherton Ribbon to LGBT Veterans at symbolic ceremony.

The first Etherton Ribbons, to acknowledge the mistreatment of those affected by the ban on LGBT personnel serving in the Armed Forces, were presented to veterans by the Ministry of Defence today.

During a symbolic ceremony, the Secretary of State for Defence John Healey MP and Minister for Veterans and People Alastair Carns OBE MC MP presented ribbons to three veterans. This is part of the new Government’s commitment to right the wrongs of the past and deliver the recommendations of Lord Etherton’s review into the historic treatment of LGBT veterans.

Emma Riley, who served as a Royal Naval radio operator, Stephen Close, who served in the Army and former RAF firefighter Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL were the first three veterans to receive the Etherton Ribbon.

The ribbon acknowledges those affected by the Ban on LGBT personnel serving in the UK Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000.

The special design – which can be worn as a pin – was created by LGBT veterans and others affected by the ban; current serving LGBT personnel and representatives of relevant charities. It represents the commitment and sacrifices made in service by LGBT veterans, the suffering caused by the historic policy and the strength shown by those who stood against it.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

I am proud to present Carl, Stephen and Emma with the very first Etherton Ribbon. It symbolises the unique contribution that our LGBT veterans have made to national security, and acknowledges the treatment they suffered.

The historic treatment of LGBT veterans was utterly unacceptable and has no place in today’s Armed Forces. I want to be the first of this government’s Ministers to say a deep and profound sorry.

We are determined to right those wrongs and renew the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served.

Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns OBE MC MP said:

The Etherton review was an important step in acknowledging the wrongs of the past.

The presentation of the Etherton Ribbon demonstrates the Government’s commitment to delivering on all the recommendations, including restorative measures, providing LGBT veterans recognition they deserve.

We are committed to ensuring all our veterans who helped keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad receive the respect and support they need.

The independent LGBT Veterans Independent Review, chaired by Lord Etherton, and commissioned by the Ministry of Defence and the Office for Veterans Affairs, examined the experiences of personnel between 1967-2000 who were impacted by the Ban on homosexuality in the Armed Forces. The review was published in July 2023.

The Government has completed 32 of the 49 recommendations and work continues at pace to fulfil the recommendations that remain, including financial redress.

Following the ceremony, the Defence ministers spoke with veterans and current LGBT personnel about their experiences and life in today’s Armed Forces.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 6 September 2024.

The UK has trained more than 45,000 Ukrainian recruits since Putin began his illegal full-scale invasion in 2022.

The UK will train further cohorts of Ukrainian men and women to become soldiers on British soil, as part of this new government’s commitment to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

The training operation, which continues to evolve to incorporate lessons identified from Ukraine’s frontline, was due to come to an end this year but the scheme will now continue until at least the end of 2025.

The trainees will join the more than 45,000 Ukrainian personnel who have been trained under Operation Interflex since Russia’s illegal invasion in 2022.

The Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, announced the extension at a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) at the US Air Force base in Ramstein, Germany, which was also attended by President Zelenskyy and more than 50 other nations.

The extension highlights that the UK remains ironclad in its commitment to supporting Ukraine fight Russian aggression.

The Defence Secretary discussed the training programme with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, in London earlier this week, the meeting also focused on how the UK will continue to ramp-up support over the coming months, confirming that £300 million worth of artillery ammunition will start to be delivered by the end of this year.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

Operation Interflex has provided the brave men and women of Ukraine the vital skills they need to defend their nation in the face of Putin’s illegal invasion.

The extension of this training, which is vital for Ukraine’s defence, is another example of the UK’s ironclad commitment to Ukraine.

As I told our allies and partners today in Germany, the UK will continue to step up our support. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Delivered in locations throughout the UK, the programme takes volunteer recruits who have joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine with little to no previous military experience and teaches them the skills required for frontline combat. The training allows Ukraine’s forces to accelerate their deployments, rebuild their forces, and scale-up their resistance as they continue to defend their nation against Russian invaders.

Over a minimum of five weeks, recruits will learn weapons handling, battlefield first aid, Law of Armed Conflict training, patrol tactics and receive rural environment training. With support from experienced British instructors, the brave men and women of Ukraine are supported as they become combat-ready soldiers.

This follows on from the UK announcing a £162m package of Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) to Ukraine at the UDCG meeting today, highlighting our commitment to ramping up and speeding up deliveries of vital equipment to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia.

Following Russia’s barbaric attacks on Poltava and Lviv this week, the UK is ensuring that this support arrives to the front line as fast as it can.

From artillery ammunition to drones, the UK, thanks to a pledge to provide £3bn of military support each year, will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Operation Interflex is an example of the UK working with international partners to support Ukraine, with a number of international partner forces now members of the programme, providing vital experience, training and insight into frontline combat. These countries include Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Australia and Romania.

The vital training offered by the UK armed forces extends far beyond just basic infantry training, over the last two and half years we have supported training on UK supplied equipment, teaching Ukrainian medics life-saving battlefield medicine and running a two week training course for Ukrainian military chaplains as they offer vital spiritual and pastoral support to those on the front-line.

Alongside training for the Ukrainian Army, British Royal Air Force instructors have been training Ukrainian pilots on their journey to learning to fly F16 fighter jets. Pilots received basic flying training, including aircraft handling and navigation, alongside English language training to assist their further instruction on F16s with other NATO countries.

This latest announcement will continue to support the development of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. From learning basic combat tactics, to being trained how to operate British Challenger II tanks and flying F16s, the UK is committed to teaching Ukrainian recruits vital skills that are making a difference on the battlefield.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 6 September 2024.

The UK will supply 650 Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) systems to Ukraine to boost the country’s air defence capabilities, as part of the new government’s commitment to Ukraine.

The air defence package will be announced by Defence Secretary John Healey MP today at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) meeting at US Air Force Base in Ramstein – his first as Defence Secretary. At the 24th meeting of the group, the Defence Secretary will set out the UK’s ironclad commitment to Ukraine and urge allies to continue to supply Ukraine with vital equipment.

It comes following a bilateral meeting between John Healey and his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov in London earlier this week, where the pair discussed how the UK will continue to ramp-up support over the coming months. At that meeting, the Defence Secretary confirmed that £300 million worth of artillery ammunition, procured by the IFU, will start to be delivered by the end of this year to support Ukraine’s war effort.

In keeping with the new government’s commitment to speed up deliveries of aid, the first batch of LMM missiles announced today are also expected to be delivered by the end of this year.

Today’s package is part of the UK’s work to help step up UK and European defence production – with today’s £162 million order helping to energise the supply chain for the future.  Built by Thales at their Belfast factory, the missiles are highly versatile and can be fired from a variety of platforms on land, sea, and air.

The package is primarily funded through the UK’s £3 billion a year financial package for Ukraine, and contributions from Norway through the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU) and follows the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary’s commitment to stand by Ukraine will continue for as long as it takes.

It comes after the Defence Secretary signed a new Defence Export Support Treaty with his counterpart Umerov in July, during President Zelesnkyy’s visit to Downing Street. The agreement will fire up both the UK’s and Ukraine’s defence industrial bases and increase military hardware and weaponry production. The treaty will enable Ukraine to draw on £3.5 billion of export finance to support its war effort.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

This new commitment will give an important boost to Ukraine’s air defences and demonstrates our new government’s commitment to stepping up support for Ukraine.

In recent days we have seen the tragic cost of Russia’s indiscriminate strikes on Poltava and Lviv. These new UK-made missiles will support Ukraine to defend its people, infrastructure, and territory from Putin’s brutal attacks.

With our international partners today, we will show that we are united for Ukraine. And we will discuss how best we can work together to improve support. Because the security of the UK and Europe starts in Ukraine.

Ahead of the meeting with international partners, the Defence Secretary visited the Joint Intelligence Coordination Centre (JICC) at the Ramstein Air Base. UK Armed Forces personnel deployed at the JICC work alongside allies to analyse intelligence.

Since Russia’s illegal invasion, the UK has provided hundreds of LMM missiles to Ukraine for air defence, destroying hundreds of Russian drones and other air threats.

Travelling at Mach 1.5 with a range of more than 6km, the LMM is highly versatile against a wide range of threats, including Armoured Personnel Carriers, fast in-shore attack craft and Unmanned drones.

This contract with Thales in the UK will further prime the world leading British defence industry to increase production rates, enabling future production to be ramped up.

Addressing allies at the UCDG, the Defence Secretary will reiterate the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and ramping up the production and delivery of vital equipment.

A Thales spokesperson said:

As a strategic partner of UK Government, Thales is proud to be working with MoD to support defending democracy in Ukraine through the provision of our Lightweight Multi-role Missile, delivered from our Belfast site.

Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, UK MoD and Thales have worked in close collaboration to support the Ukrainian effort by delivering key air defence systems at pace. We are pleased that this contract is the first to be signed under Task Force Hirst, which has been established to deliver a deeper defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine.

Earlier this week, the Government confirmed a milestone moment in international support for Ukraine, with eight countries from across the world having now joined the UK to provide more than £1 billion to the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU), in a significant show of unity from Ukraine’s allies.

The IFU was first launched by the UK and Denmark in 2022 to provide an efficient way for countries to pool resources to buy equipment and weapons to support Ukraine’s most urgent capability needs. The UK has donated £500 million to the Fund to date.

This is also the first contract approved under Task Force Hirst, a MOD initiative created to ramp up defence industrial capacity and capability, laying the foundation for larger sustained supply of missiles and other key capabilities to Ukraine and, in the longer term, enable industrial cooperation between our two countries.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 4 September 2024.

New Government pledges the ‘triple lock’ on the nuclear deterrent will safeguard Britain and NATO for “generations to come”, as Defence Secretary John Healey joined Royal Navy submariners on the UK’s nuclear deterrent returning home from at-sea patrol.

In his first visit to Scotland since being appointed, the Defence Secretary boarded the Vanguard-Class submarine for the final leg of its return journey to HM Naval Base Clyde after completing the UK’s latest patrol.

The mission, known as Operation Relentless, or the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD), ensures that at least one nuclear-powered and armed ballistic missile submarine is at sea at all times to deter potential adversaries and protect the nation and NATO allies. The next vessel in the deterrent cycle is already at sea and patrolling.

During his visit to the 15,000-tonne vessel, the Defence Secretary thanked the crew of 140 Royal Navy submariners for their dedicated service and wished them well as they prepared to reunite with their families. He was also given an operational briefing and toured the submarine, which is armed with the UK’s Trident nuclear missiles.

John Healey also used the visit to reinforce the new Government’s commitment to its ‘triple-lock’ on the deterrent, which includes: building four new nuclear submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, in Cumbria; maintaining our continuous at sea nuclear deterrent; and delivering all future upgrades needed.

The government’s commitment to security is clear, with a Strategic Defence Review already underway that will determine the roles, capabilities and reforms required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats and opportunities of the twenty-first century.

Defence Secretary, John Healey said:

Royal Navy submariners make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us all safe and it was an honour to thank the crew on behalf of the British people. As they return home, we salute their courage, dedication, and professionalism.

Our new Government is unwavering in our commitment to our nuclear deterrent, maintained on behalf of the UK and our NATO allies. Our ‘triple-lock’ will safeguard Britain for generations to come.

As the home of our nuclear submarines and major shipbuilding yards, Scotland is central to UK defence. I am determined to make defence a foundation for jobs, growth and prosperity across Scotland.

The Government is committed to the nuclear deterrent triple Lock:

• Building four new nuclear submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, supporting high-quality, high-status apprenticeships and jobs, with the supply chain benefits being felt right across the country.
• Britain maintaining its continuous at-sea deterrent, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – securing protection for both the UK and NATO allies.
• The delivery of all future upgrades needed for those submarines to patrol the waters and keep our country safe.

Joining the Defence Secretary in thanking the returning submariners was First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key; Director Submarines, Rear Admiral Andy Perks; Commodore of the Submarine Flotilla, Commodore Paul Dunn; and Naval Base Commander Clyde, Commodore Sharon Malkin.

The name of the vessel, length of patrol, and its location at sea are all closely guarded secrets. On board, only a select few are authorised to know where in the ocean depths they are operating, with the rest of the crew dutifully carrying out their roles unaware of their location.

It is this secrecy that makes the nuclear deterrent so effective. A potential enemy can never predict where a Vanguard Class is operating, making the cost of attacking the UK or NATO allies far outweigh the benefits.

Thousands of Royal Navy submariners and their families, MOD civilians, and industry partners continue to contribute to maintaining the nuclear deterrent.

For every minute of every day for more than 55-years a deterrent submarine has been on patrol, keeping the nation secure by deterring the most extreme threats to national security and the UK’s way of life – threats that cannot be deterred by other means.

A new class of ballistic submarine – the Dreadnought Class – is currently under construction at Barrow-in-Furness and is expected to replace the Vanguard submarines from the early 2030s, securing the future of the UK’s nuclear deterrent. More than 40,000 UK jobs are supported through defence nuclear work, making it a key area that boosts economic growth.

The UK Government is investing millions of pounds at HM Naval Base Clyde to prepare for the Dreadnought submarines, while at the same time, ensuring that the Vanguard Class can continue the mission until handing over to the next generation of vessels.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 3 September 2024.

The milestone comes as the International Fund for Ukraine’s largest support package will start delivering this year.

Urgent work to accelerate the delivery of the UK’s military support for Ukraine will be discussed between the Defence Secretary and his counterpart, Rustem Umerov, during a visit to London today.

The visit comes during a milestone moment in international support for Ukraine, with eight countries from across the world having now joined the UK to provide more than £1 billion to the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU), in a significant show of unity from Ukraine’s allies.

It comes after the Prime Minister announced the IFU’s largest ever support package at the NATO Summit in July, with a £300m contract to supply 152mm artillery shells to supply Ukraine’s Soviet-era guns. He also confirmed £3bn of UK aid for Ukraine per year for as long as it takes.

The Defence Secretary confirmed today the £300m contract has now been signed and is expected to deliver thousands of shells before the end of the year – providing a significant boost for Ukraine’s stockpiles and aligning with the Government’s acceleration of military support deliveries.

Denmark, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Norway all confirmed their intent this summer to invest additional money in the Fund to purchase more drones to help on the frontline, as well as vital air defence capabilities to help shield Ukraine’s people and key infrastructure from relentless Russian bombardment.

Defence Secretary, John Healey, said:

UK military equipment continues to prove invaluable for Ukraine’s war effort. The ongoing defensive operation in Kursk underlines the crucial importance of continued support. And today’s milestone for the International Fund for Ukraine shows the value of working with our Allies to deliver that support.

Our government is stepping up Britain’s support for Ukraine to fight Putin’s illegal invasion. We are speeding up deliveries of aid, with a much-needed ammunition package announced by the Prime Minister at NATO set to begin deliveries within months. We will continue to step up our support to help Ukraine achieve victory.

In his first days as Defence Secretary, John Healey met President Zelenskyy and Minister Umerov in Ukraine, where he pledged to accelerate the delivery of the UK’s military support for Ukraine.

The artillery ammunition contract, placed by Defence Equipment & Support – the MOD’s procurement arm – will deliver 120,000 newly-manufactured shells over the next 18 months, and will stimulate industrial capacity in Europe and safeguard reliable supply chains that will continue to provide Ukraine with vital ammunition.

It follows previous packages of support from the IFU, which have delivered heavy-lift and reconnaissance drones, maritime drones, minefield-clearing capabilities, combat vehicle spares and air defence systems.

The IFU was first launched by Denmark and the UK in 2022 to provide a more efficient way for countries to pool resources to buy equipment and weapons to support Ukraine’s most urgent capability needs. The UK has donated £500m to the Fund to date.

With artillery having proved critical to Ukraine’s previous battlefield successes, this new investment will support them in further degrading Russia’s forces and preventing them from making significant breakthroughs.

Other contributors to the IFU include Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, and Sweden. Further deliveries from the IFU’s other contracts will continue through the coming months.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 29 August 2024.

The Royal Navy is helping to reintroduce oysters to the Solent after nearly half a century thanks to a unique project opposite Portsmouth Naval Base.

• Joint MOD and charity conservation project will help improve the local marine environment.
• Native European flat oysters (Ostrea edulis) are being grown in crates in Portsmouth to re-establish a healthy population of the species.
• Few native European flat oysters remain in the area, having been replaced by the invasive Pacific oyster.

European flat oysters are being reintroduced to the Solent through a joint MOD conservation project aiming to boost marine life and help clean the waters of the strait between the Isle of Wight and the Hampshire coast.

It is hoped that the re-introduction of 2,000 oysters to the area after nearly half a century will encourage marine life back to heavily-used waters – the Royal Navy’s vessels form part of 130,000 movements per year around Portsmouth Harbour.

Several oyster crates have been installed by the project team on pontoons at the southern end of Whale Island to grow juvenile oysters – in a bid to re-establish a healthy population of the native species.

The initiative, known as the Whale Island Native Oyster Restoration Project, is a collaboration between the Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) Wrecks team, part of the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organisation; the Royal Navy; the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the Blue Marine Foundation (BMF) charity.

Defence Minister Luke Pollard said:

The Royal Navy has proudly used the Solent for centuries and is dedicated to supporting the local area, including finding ways to offset collective environmental impacts.

This is a brilliant initiative, and the partnership between the Royal Navy and partners shows that through collaboration, we can improve the marine environment and strengthen biodiversity – to the benefit of our forces too.

With £6,000 of funding from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s Conservation Stewardship Fund (DIO), the project was established and then managed for the Ministry of Defence by marine biologist Harriet Rushton, environmental manager for SALMO Wrecks. She said:

These oysters are being grown for conservation, re-introducing a lost native keystone species in the Solent, which will enhance biodiversity and help clean the water.

This shows the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to improving the UK’s ecosystem and helping to address climate change, thus contributing to minimising climate and ecosystem pressures on MOD training and operations.

The Solent was once the largest fishery in Europe for the flat (Ostrea edulis) oysters but there are few remaining, having been replaced by the invasive Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas), with potentially detrimental consequences to the local marine environment.

Rod Jones, the Royal Navy’s Senior Maritime Environmental Protection Adviser, believes if successful, there is potential for the initiative far beyond the Solent. He said:

If we can grow oysters here – which is far from an ideal environment as it’s a very industrial setting – then there are clearly opportunities to grow them elsewhere, other naval bases or MOD sites.

The Navy has been operating in the Solent for centuries so it is only right that we should be involved in protecting its environment.

A healthy and diverse population of oysters can benefit UK waters by:

• filtering the seas: a single adult oyster can filter up to 200 litres of water a day, removing chemicals and pollutants
• forming reefs: once released and settled, the oysters merge into one another to form reefs, providing shelter and food for marine life
• removing carbon from the environment: oysters extract carbon from seawater to build their shells. When they die, their shells become buried in sediment and transform into solid beds of limestone, efficiently removing carbon from the atmosphere

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 23 August 2024.

Trilateral statement on the commencement of the Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period.

The Honourable Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Australia; the Right Honourable John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, United Kingdom; and the Honorable Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of Defense, United States.

Today, AUKUS nations will commence the Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period (STMP) at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. This is a historic milestone for the AUKUS partnership, which promotes stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

Over the last year, Australian personnel have undergone training provided by the U.S. and the UK to understand how to safely operate, maintain and regulate Australia’s future conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) capability, to be delivered under AUKUS.

Continuing this training, the STMP is a significant step in Australia’s acquisition of SSNs, marking the first time Australian personnel will directly participate in the maintenance of a nuclear-powered submarine in Australia. Building on the success of earlier U.S. SSN visits, Australian personnel will undertake hands-on learning and observe a range of activities during the STMP.

Through this activity, uniformed and civilian personnel from our three nations will work together to transfer knowledge and skills necessary to set us on the trajectory to establish Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-West) and accelerate Australia’s efforts to be ‘sovereign ready’ to own and operate its own sovereign SSN capability. SRF-West will involve the rotational presence of one UK Astute class and up to four U.S. Virginia class submarines at HMAS Stirling.

Australians are now learning, and serving, alongside their shipmates in both the Royal Navy and United States Navy’s submarine forces, in their training establishments, gaining the knowledge and experience needed to support and operate future Royal Australian Navy SSNs.

Nuclear stewardship is an absolute priority for AUKUS partners. During the STMP, simulated training exercises will help Australia increase its knowledge and implement a safety culture that ensures the highest level of protection to our people, the public and the environment.

AUKUS partners are also committed to setting the highest nuclear non-proliferation standard for the acquisition of a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability for Australia.

Our navies are committed to reinforcing the same guiding principles within Australia that have allowed the United States and United Kingdom to safely operate nuclear-powered ships for nearly 70 years. We are stronger, safer and more effective when we learn, train, work and operate together. The STMP, coupled with the continued learning across our three nations, is an opportunity to share critical skills, training and knowledge and further improve our interoperability.

The STMP is a foundational activity under the AUKUS partnership that will strengthen our defence capabilities, better deter aggression in the region and uphold the rules-based international order.