Tag: Ministry of Defence

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

More than 1,000 British troops have begun one of the largest exercises this year in the Balkans, showing the UK’s commitment to the region’s security.

The training will develop the UK’s ability to operate alongside NATO allies and underlines Britain’s commitment to eastern Europe.

With 18 activities taking place across three months, one of the standout training exercises under Operation Chelonia involves the UK’s deployment of troops to Kosovo. These troops arrived via amphibious landing on a beach with no established infrastructure, via a world-leading motorised floating platform.

This training exercise takes place close to Pasha Liman Naval Base in Southern Albania.

Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said:

These exercises show our unwavering commitment to standing united with our allies and working hand in hand to boost our collective security. The UK has always had a major presence in the Western Balkans, and it’s important we demonstrate a united front to ensure regional security.

Working closely with our NATO partners, we are demonstrating our combined efforts to safeguard peace, stability, and security in the region.

The landing was led by the Strategic Reserve Force (SRF), a group of 600 Army personnel held at readiness to deploy at two weeks’ notice should pressures in the region escalate. In 2024, the SRF is led by the 1st Battalion of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment.

The scenario required the services of the Mexeflote, a world-leading modular motorised floating platform that can dock on the stern ramp of a ship, load with heavy military hardware (including trucks and main battle tanks if required), ferry the cargo to the beach and enable the cargo to be unloaded.

To put into context the scale of the operation, 26,000 linear metres of vehicles and equipment were landed on the beach. All equipment was brought to Albania from the UK aboard the 13,500 tonne Ro-Ro vessel, Hartland Point.

The Royal Air Force have also undertaken training in the region to ensure all personnel have the training they need to keep us secure at home and strong abroad.

The British Army have previously deployed at pace in Kosovo, with 200 personnel from the (1st battalion) of the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment (PWRR) sent to the country last year under NATO command, following an increase in tensions in the north of the country.

Other nations involved in these key exercises with the UK include Serbia, Romania, Kosovo, Georgia, Croatia, and Moldova.

This exercise reaffirms the UK’s commitment to our allies in the region. Whilst Putin continues his illegal and reckless invasion of Ukraine and aggressive posturing, it is vital that the UK works consistently alongside our NATO allies to display a united front of our collective strength.

From our continued presence in Kosovo, to our counter-disinformation support in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UK remains completely committed to upholding democracy and supporting our allies in the Western Balkans.

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

Trade mission agrees key requirements for Ukraine’s future equipment and capability needs.

A UK trade mission, formed of representatives from the Ministry of Defence, Department for Business and Trade, and the defence trade association ADS, visited Ukraine to hold meetings with Ukrainian Government and industry representatives.

It is the latest step in the growing relationship between the UK’s defence industrial sector and Ukraine’s, following the signing of a major agreement in July which will enable Ukraine to harness the power of UK industry by drawing on £3.5 billion worth of export finance to purchase further military capabilities.

The cross-government group, led by the Minister for the Armed Forces, travelled to Kyiv, where the trade mission visited the Ukraine Defence Industrial Forum to take part in a series of meetings and forum discussions.

Whilst there the minister discussed the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine as long as it takes, the ever-growing relationship between the UK and Ukraine’s defence industry and the government’s pledge to continue to boost investment into our own industry which will in turn support Ukraine’s fight.

Agreements were made with Ukrainian officials on their requirements for complex weapons and land systems support during the event, which provides a signal to UK industry as to the types of equipment they most need and for which the MOD will now contract with UK industry on Ukraine’s behalf.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP said:

The UK’s support for Ukraine is ironclad. We continue to lead the way in providing military aid, but our support is much broader than simply providing equipment. Our flourishing defence industrial relationship symbolises the work happening across Government and the private sector to ramp up and speed up our support.

By deepening our ties with Ukraine’s defence industry, we are expanding own industrial capacity, while boosting Ukraine’s own capabilities. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, and we will provide support for as long as it takes.

The MOD already placed contracts with Thales for air defence missiles and Sheffield Forgemasters for artillery gun barrels forgings, in order to warm up industry in preparation for further orders.  Future orders are in the pipeline and will be funded by Ukraine, drawing on their own reserves and the £3.5 billion of United Kingdom export finance made available by the UK to support Ukraine’s war effort.

Task Force HIRST is the UK cross-government team incorporating MOD, DBT and UK Export Finance to stimulate UK industrial production and international collaboration in support of Ukraine, including collaboration with Ukrainian companies.

Last week, the Defence Secretary confirmed the Government is delivering on its commitment to speed up and ramp up deliveries of support for Ukraine, surpassing its pledge to deliver 12 AS90 artillery guns within 100 days of taking office.

A total of 16 units are now on course to be delivered, with 10 already provided, and six more to follow in the coming weeks.

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

Specialist team of Royal Engineers are offering expert advice and support to strengthen the Polish response.

British military engineers have travelled to Poland to strengthen the response to the devastating flooding in the country.

The UK has sent specialist engineering troops to support the Polish authorities following the widespread flooding which has been described as once in a generation.

More than 10 troops from 517 Specialist Team Royal Engineers (STRE) have travelled to the worst affected regions to provide support to the Polish emergency services and military.

As specialists in their field, these personnel are working with regional forces on the ground to address and tackle the most immediate issues.  They are playing a crucial role in delivering engineering expertise and providing advice to address the unique challenges posed by the floods, including supporting the rebuilding of bridges and repairing affected roads in the region.

UK troops are also offering planning support, working alongside Polish teams to coordinate relief efforts, and providing assurance, helping to guarantee the safe and efficient deployment of resources on the ground.

The UK armed forces have a wealth of experience responding to natural disasters across the globe.

The floods have affected several regions, overwhelming local infrastructure, and resources. Since flooding begun, more than 4,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in Poland and more remain without power.

Defence Minister, Lord Coaker said:

We stand shoulder to shoulder with Poland as they confront the devastating impact of these floods.

This mission underscores the UK’s dedication to collective defence and humanitarian cooperation, key pillars of its NATO commitments. In times of crisis, the strength of alliances is essential, and the UK is proud to stand with Poland during this difficult time.

In recent years, the UK’s relationship from Poland has gone from strength to strength, and the two countries are more united than ever, with both continuing to play a critical role in providing Ukraine with military and economic support.

This week, Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard MP and Defence Minister Lord Coaker travelled to Poland to visit British troops stationed in the country, whilst Lord Coaker also attended the Warsaw Security Forum.

Last year, both countries signed a 2030 Strategic Partnership. This agreement focuses on building capabilities for our armed forces, conducting training and strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence posture.

The UK currently also has more than a hundred UK military personnel based in country, with 150 permanently stationed as part of NATO’s Enhanced forward Presence mission, around 50 supporting the UK’s Sky Sabre air defence systems deployment stationed in Poland following Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, with UK personnel playing their part in defending Polish airspace, alongside others British personnel working on NATO efforts to support Ukraine.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 October 2024.

Around 700 personnel rapidly deployed to Cyprus last week to support Government contingency planning amid rising tensions in the region.

The professionalism and commitment of UK Armed Forces deployed in Cyprus was praised by the Defence Secretary John Healey today as he visited key sites involved in Middle East contingency preparations.

Around 700 additional Armed Forces personnel, as well as FCDO and Home Office staff, including Border Force officers, have travelled to Cyprus to support UK Government contingency planning, as British nationals are urged again to leave Lebanon immediately.

Healey arrived in Cyprus on Tuesday evening and met personnel on the ground at the Sovereign Base Areas – including RAF Akrotiri – on Wednesday to thank them for their quick work to rapidly relocate to the region. The personnel stand ready to provide support to the FCDO if the situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate.

It comes after the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary and Foreign Secretary all condemned Iran’s large-scale attack on Israel on Tuesday evening and repeated calls for de-escalation. The Defence Secretary has also confirmed that two Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker played their part in attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East, demonstrating the UK’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.

Due to the nature of the attack, they did not engage any targets, but they played an important part in wider deterrence.

The Prime Minister discussed the volatile situation in the region with His Majesty King Abdullah II, Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Macron and Chancellor Scholz on Tuesday, while the Foreign Secretary spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Katz today, after warning Iran yesterday against action that could further push the region to the brink. The Defence Secretary has discussed the situation with his German and Israeli counterparts.

A FCDO commercial charter flight has been organised from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport today to help British nationals leave following the escalating violence in the region.

The Royal Air Force maintains aircraft and transport helicopters on standby to provide support if necessary, while Royal Navy ship HMS Duncan and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship RFA Mounts Bay remain in the eastern Mediterranean.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

The situation across the Middle East is extremely serious and de-escalation remains our focus. We continue to call for a ceasefire in Lebanon, where the safety of British nationals is our highest priority and it is critical that any who remain in Lebanon leave immediately.

Here in Cyprus, the preparations and plans are in place. I’ve been briefed on the ground by UK personnel who are ready to act at short notice. And I thanked them for their commitment and professionalism.

We continue to coordinate closely with Allies and partners as the situation grows more serious. Our government continues to urge a diplomatic solution to prevent wider regional escalation and further loss of life.

UK government officials have been working non-stop in London, Beirut and the wider region in recent weeks to increase capacity on commercial flights to allow British nationals to leave, as well as to continue contingency planning for a range of scenarios in the region.  An FCDO Rapid Deployment Team is also in Lebanon to bolster the support offered by British Embassy officials.

British nationals and their spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18 are eligible for today’s FCDO charter flight and will need to hold a valid travel document. Dependants who are not British nationals will require a valid visa that has been granted for a period of stay in the UK of more than 6 months.

The UK was the first G7 country to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah, and the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary engaged with their counterparts at the UN General Assembly last week to urge them to do the same.

11 other countries, including the US, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, have now joined calls for a 21-day ceasefire to prevent further civilian casualties and ensure that displaced people can return to their homes.

The UK is also providing £5 million to UNICEF in Lebanon to support humanitarian response efforts and enable UNICEF to distribute supplies to those in need.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 28 September 2024.

The US and Iraq have announced the Global Coalition against Daesh’s military mission will draw to a close over the next 12 months. The terrorist organisation has been territorially defeated in Iraq.

The UK will continue to support the security of Iraq, as the Global Coalition enters a new phase. The UK will work closely with our Iraqi partners to develop an enduring bilateral relationship during the coming months, as part of the transition to a new security and defence partnership with Iraq.

Operation Inherent Resolve was established in 2014 to advise, assist and enable partner forces to secure the lasting defeat of Daesh and establish enduring security cooperation. This mission operates under The Global Coalition Against Daesh, consisting of 87 partners (82 governments and five member organisations).

During the last decade, the UK has played a leading role through Operation SHADER, the UK’s contribution to Op Inherent Resolve. At the invitation of the Iraqi government, UK forces provided valuable support, training and assistance to more than 111,000 members of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), including more than 21,000 of the Kurdish Peshmerga, in crucial infantry, weapons maintenance, counter-IED, medical and engineering skills.

The RAF have also conducted more than 10,000 sorties striking more than 1400 targets, as well as providing critical surveillance and reconnaissance in support of ISF ground operations.

We pay tribute to the professionalism of UK personnel who have played their part in the Global Coalition.

Thanks to the bravery and effectiveness of the Iraqi Security Forces, Peshmerga and the coalition’s continued commitment, Daesh has been territorially defeated in Iraq. The ISF has enabled the restoration of critical services for communities and the rehabilitation of conflict affected areas. With these core aims achieved, the process of moving to new security arrangements under Iraqi leadership can commence.

Working alongside our global coalition partners, the UK remains committed to ensuring the global defeat of Daesh and its violent ideology. Our commitment to the security of Iraq and the wider region remains unwavering and we will look to develop a bilateral relationship that supports long-term stability in Iraq.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 27 September 2024.

The seventh edition of Ministry of Defence’s analysis of the long-term future global strategic context and possible futures has been published today, covering a range of global trends including defence and technological advances.

• Global Strategic Trends: Out to 2055 describes key drivers of change.
• Long-term document forms seventh edition of strategic foresight analysis.
• Analysis highlights possible future opportunities and challenges.

Global Strategic Trends: Out to 2055 describes key drivers of change and illustrates alternative future worlds to test planning assumptions and help decision-makers prepare for an uncertain world.

The findings and deductions do not represent the official policy of the UK government or that of the MOD, but the findings will be considered as part of the Strategic Defence Review, which will make sure our Armed Forces are bolstered and that our country has the capabilities needed to ensure the UK’s resilience for the long term.

The document indicates an abundance of opportunities, alongside new and existing challenges in the global outlook. Notable areas of potential future trends for Defence include:

• A highly uncertain future for Russia, with the outcome of its war in Ukraine and the implications of this being key to its future power and status.
• China will continue to use economic interdependencies, underpinned by military strength, as core means to achieve its objectives.
• In an age of increasing uncertainty, the need to build resilience, agility and new forms of deterrence will be paramount.
• An expansion in the number of nuclear-armed states fielding more powerful weapons, combined with new weapons of mass effect, could create new challenges.
• Military shaping power will remain one of the ultimate levers of power. Space and cyberspace will increasingly be a key factor in battlefield success.

This edition marks more than 20 years of strategic foresight analysis conducted by the MOD’s internal think tank. The authors gathered a diverse range of insights and research to present a global view of the long-term future, focusing on key areas such as social, economic, environmental and security factors.

Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, said:

The need to examine the implications of these future trends in a more openly contested and volatile world, as well as the possible shocks that may emerge, is a crucial task to assist policy makers and senior leaders.

Commander Strategic Command, General Sir Jim Hockenhull, said:

I am delighted to release this latest edition of Global Strategic Trends. All seven publications, over the last 20 years, have promoted an open-minded approach to understanding the context and conduct of Defence and Security.

This rich and diverse programme of work, by Strategic Command, deliberately does not represent UK policy, instead it provides policymakers with a future strategic context to aid long-term decision-making, capability planning and strategy development.

Its key conclusions indicate an abundance of opportunities but also highlight the combination of new and existing challenges that will redefine the contours of economies, societal structures, governance and defence.

The work identifies six key interconnected drivers of change that are most likely to determine what the future might look like. These are: global power competition; demographic pressures; climate change and pressure on the environment; technological advances and connectivity; economic transformation and energy transition; and inequality and pressure on governance.

‘Global Strategic Trends: Out to 2055’ has been produced with cross-government support and international collaboration. Thousands of individuals were engaged during the research and writing process along with numerous national governments and several multilateral organisations, including NATO.

Background

• The first edition of GST, published in 2003, was designed to support the development of the MOD’s Future Strategic Context for Defence and subsequent White Papers. Since then, each edition has served to inform the various iterations of top-level strategic documents.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 27 September 2024.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal paid her respects today (26 September 2024) as dozens of soldiers killed during World War One, many from Scottish regiments, were commemorated at a specially built cemetery extension in northern France.

The event, held under autumn skies, was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’, and was held at the newly built Loos British Cemetery Extension. It is only the second time the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has built a new cemetery since the end of World War 2.

HRH The Princess Royal, President of the CWGC, formally inaugurated the new cemetery as she honoured the soldiers who were laid to rest.

The new cemetery was commissioned and built after nearby hospital construction works discovered a large number of World War 1 remains. The CWGC wanted to ensure that, on reburial, all of the fallen would remain side by side.

The JCCC identification process established 48 separate sets of remains from the site. Although many Scottish Regimental artefacts were found, among them kilt pins, regimental buttons and shoulder titles, individual casualties could not be accurately identified by name.

With so many remains recovered, it was impossible for the CWGC to bury them all in one public ceremony, so 46 were buried privately at Loos British Cemetery Extension earlier this summer.

Today, one unknown soldier of The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) and a second unknown Scottish soldier were laid to rest by serving soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The service, which included a firing party and a piper, commemorated all 48 fallen soldiers.

Although none could be identified by name, JCCC continues efforts to identify several other casualties recovered at the same location, with the aim of burying them at Loos British Cemetery Extension.

The War Detectives attempt to find any living relatives when the remains of British personnel from historic conflicts are recovered. If identified, relatives are invited to the re-interment and memorial service. The CWGC is a world leader in commemoration which cares for war graves at 23,000 locations in more than 150 countries.

After today’s cemetery service, HRH The Princess Royal met with community representatives at Loos-en-Gohelle’s City Hall.

Tracey Bowers, MOD War Detective, said: “This was an incredibly important ceremony. It is a privilege to be here with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as we bury these last two soldiers from, what was, a huge recovery of remains. They will now rest in the presence of their regimental family.”

Padre David Anderson, Senior Chaplain 51st Infantry Brigade and HQ Scotland, said: “It is a tremendous honour and privilege to be here having served with The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and toured Afghanistan with them, it has tremendous poignancy for me to be here to reinter the remains of two unknown soldiers one, known to be of the Black Watch, and another known only to be Scottish. It’s good that the soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland are here today to bury their comrades in arms.”

Director General of the CWGC, Claire Horton CBE, said: “We are truly grateful and deeply honoured to have welcomed our President, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, to inaugurate our new cemetery and pay her respects to the brave men who have now been laid to rest here.

“This occasion marks a significant milestone for the Commission, reflecting our unwavering commitment to honouring the sacrifices made by those who served. It also emphasises that our vital work to care for the fallen all around the world is very much ongoing.

“As we gather here today, we reaffirm our promise to maintain the graves of those interred in Loos British Cemetery Extension, and of their comrades, ensuring that their legacy will endure in perpetuity.”

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 27 September 2024.

A semiconductor factory has been acquired by Ministry of Defence in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, boosting UK defence capabilities.

The UK’s Armed Forces will be further bolstered as a crucial supply chain to UK defence has been secured today, after the government acquisition of a key semiconductor factory in the north-east.

Defence Secretary John Healey visited the site today, which is the only secure facility in the UK with the skills and capability to manufacture gallium arsenide semiconductors. These types of specialist semiconductors are used in a number of military platforms, including to boost fighter jet capabilities.

This acquisition will not only safeguard the future of the facility, which is critical to the defence supply chain and major military programmes and exports, but also secures up to 100 skilled jobs in the North East.

Semiconductors are vitally important for the modern world we live in, being an essential component for the functioning of almost every electronic device we use, from phones and computers to ventilators and power stations. The importance of semiconductors to military applications means the technology can allow the military to fill the gaps to support their future needs.

The announcement comes ahead of the Investment Summit next month which will make clear that the UK is “open for business” as the UK government resets relations with trading partners around the globe and creates a pro-business environment that supports innovation and high-quality jobs at home and supports our mission to deliver growth.

The acquisition will also boost UK defence industrial capacity and exports, as the government intends to invest in the company over the coming years.

On the visit, the Defence Secretary welcomed the acquisition and spoke to staff directly.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

Semiconductors are at the forefront of the technology we rely upon today, and will be crucial in securing our military’s capabilities for tomorrow.

This acquisition is a clear signal that our government will back British defence production. We’ll protect and grow our UK Defence supply chain, supporting North East jobs, safeguarding crucial tech for our Armed Forces and boosting our national security.

The semiconductor factory in Newton Aycliffe has been acquired by the government from its previous parent company Coherent Inc and will be named Octric Semiconductors UK.

This strategic investment will ensure the facility is capable of producing gallium arsenide semiconductors as well as more powerful semiconductors in the future, which will include the latest technology.

Over a trillion semiconductors are manufactured each year, with the global semiconductor market forecast to reach a total market size of $1 trillion by 2030. Semiconductors also underpin future technologies, such as artificial intelligence, quantum and 6G.

This government recognises the strategic importance of semiconductors as a critical technology for the future of the UK and a significant enabler of the government’s growth and clean energy missions.

Work has already started to implement best practice governance that will ensure appropriate financial oversight to secure the company’s future success.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 26 September 2024.

The Government is set to surpass its commitment to deliver 12 AS90 artillery guns within 100 days of taking office, with 16 units now on course to be delivered.

The UK will send more vital artillery guns to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s illegal invasion after the UK recommits to £3 billion a year of military support for Ukraine until 2030/31 and for as long as it takes.

The announcement comes as the UK speeds up the delivery of vital military support, with the new government set to surpass its pledge of delivering 12 AS90 artillery guns within 100 days of taking office.

A total of 16 units are now on course to be delivered, with 10 already delivered and six more to follow in the coming weeks. Artillery has played a vital role in providing cover for Ukrainian troops and destroying key Russian targets.

The government have also announced a new joint MOD and FCDO Ukraine unit – led by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey –which will integrate expertise and help drive a new whole-of-government approach to Ukraine.

Alongside this, defence is creating a new direct cyber pathway to help boost the UK’s cyber resilience, with different tailored selection and basic training requirements.

This scheme would create direct entry paths into cyber careers in Defence and provide routes for lateral entry for specialists who are mid-way through their cyber careers, expanding Defence’s appeal, increasing workforce diversity, and in turn complementing other trades in the services, rather than acting in competition.

The Government has also announced that more than 100 outdated policies have been scrapped or updated since July. These include measures blocking recruitment within the Armed Forces of some sufferers of hay fever, eczema and acne, and some injuries that have fully healed, with work ongoing at pace to modernise recruitment.