Tag: Ministry of Defence

The press release issued by Ministry of Defence on 9 August 2024.

The UK has demonstrated it’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific as a series of major multinational military exercises conclude.

• The Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Royal Marines have taken part in a series of major exercises in the Indo-Pacific region
• Deployments saw UK personnel operate alongside nearly thirty international partners in exercises taking place in Australia, India, and Hawaii
• Exercises demonstrate the UK’s enduring commitment to supporting security and stability in the region, which is critical for the UK economy

Hundreds of UK Armed Forces personnel have been deployed in the Indo-Pacific region this summer to participate in a series of major multi-national exercises across air, land, and sea in support of collective security and stability.

The Indo-Pacific is crucial to the UK’s economy due to the significant trade volume associated with the region and the UK works closely with partners and allies to promote its stability.

Activity throughout the last month has seen Royal Air Force fighter jets fly more than 9,000 miles to train in a series of exercises alongside aircraft from more than 20 different nations, while the Royal Marines landed on the northern shores of Australia as part of a series of amphibious assault exercises.

The deployments provided a unique opportunity to demonstrate the ability of the UK Armed Forces to conduct global deployments and work closely with partners and allies to integrate and operate alongside each other more effectively.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

This Government is determined to build on our Indo-Pacific commitments.

Euro-Atlantic security is inextricably linked to stability in the Indo-Pacific. These deployments of the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Royal Marines strengthen our bonds and interoperability with our important partners.

Our deployment of the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales next year will further deliver on our commitment to strengthening UK relationships in the region.

Flying more than 9,000 miles from the UK to Australia, six Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager refuelling aircraft joined more than 140 aircraft from 20 different nations for Exercise Pitch Black during July.

The journey to Australia, called Griffin Strike, was carried out jointly with the French Air and Space Force, further emphasising our deep defence ties during the 120th year of the Entente Cordiale.

In week one, the RAF practiced air-to-air combat engagements against another nation, while in weeks two and three the aircrew focused on intercept scenarios in a complex air environment, meaning participants were divided into either ‘red team’ or ‘blue team’, flying from separate locations attacking one another in varying scenarios. The overarching aim was to practice offensive counter-air and defensive counter-air combat in an airspace that is larger than the UK.

Meanwhile, landing on the beaches of Northern Australia, the Royal Marine Commandos conducted amphibious warfighting exercises with Australia, the US and the Philippines. Exercise Predators Run enabled the Commandos to practice deploying from small boats onto the shore, where they could form the spearhead of an assault onto land.

Patrolling the skies around Hawaii, two RAF P-8A Poseidon aircraft also joined 28 other nations at the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises for their longest and furthest range exercise ever. The P-8A is a state-of-the-art multi-role maritime patrol aircraft that excels at anti-submarine warfare, surveillance and search and rescue missions.

And starting this week, an RAF contingent of 130 personnel, six Typhoons, two Voyagers, and an A400M transport aircraft arrived in India to take part in India’s largest multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti. The RAF will fly alongside aircraft from the US, Germany, France, and other nations in the coming weeks.

International alliances are a crucial component of a secure Britain, and domestically the Government will ensure that defence and security are at the heart of economic growth and the prosperity of the UK. In 2023 the defence industry supported more than 200,000 UK jobs to make and sustain the critical equipment used globally by our Armed Forces.

The UK remains committed to upholding the stability of the Indo-Pacific as demonstrated through the Royal Navy’s maintenance of a persistent presence through HMS Spey and HMS Tamar, and in 2025 the Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group will deploy to region to exercise with partners and allies to help promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 8 August 2024.

British F-35B jets have started arriving in Iceland this week to take part in a NATO air policing mission.

This mission will see RAF pilots from 617 squadron defending the alliance’s airspace in the Artic Region.

NATO air policing is a permanent peacetime mission, that preserves the security of Allied skies. It is a collective task and involves the continuous presence of fighter aircraft and crews, which are ready to react quickly to possible airspace violations.

This latest mission comes as the Prime Minister underlined the UK’s cast iron commitment to NATO at its Summit in Washington last month, as he emphasised his determination to safeguard the future of the Alliance and face down global threats to Britain and its western allies.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard said:

The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to NATO. With threats increasing and growing Russian aggression, it is vital that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies.

This latest air policing mission in Iceland displays the UK’s ability to operate and deter our adversaries across the alliance’s airspace.

Following a successful mission in Romania, where six Typhoon fighter jets and over two hundred personnel were stationed at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, defending NATO’s eastern border, the RAF will now move to Iceland. This time, four cutting edge F-35B jets from 617 squadron will be patrolling Icelandic airspace, having travelled from RAF Marham.

This is the first time British jets have taken part in such activity in Iceland since 2019, when four Typhoon jets and flew 59 training sorties and more than 180 practice intercepts.

The F-35B Lightning is held at high readiness to deploy in support of UK and NATO operations Worldwide – from both land and sea.​

It is a multi-role combat aircraft equipped with advanced sensors, mission systems and low observable stealth technology. This means that enemy radar systems cannot easily detect the aircraft, giving those nations operating the F-35B a significant tactical advantage in many operational scenarios.

Lightning Force Commander, Group Captain John Butcher said:

This will be the first time that the Lightning Force has deployed to contribute to NATO Air Policing, and will no doubt once again prove the flexibility that this platform offers as it demonstrates its capability to operate from both a land and maritime environment.

RAF Typhoons and Voyagers also conduct air policing in the UK through the Quick Reaction Alert Force, based at RAF Coninsgby, Lossiemouth and Brize Norton, protecting UK airspace 24/7, 365 days a year.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 8 August 2024.

Trilateral statement on the signing of an agreement for co-operation on naval nuclear propulsion.

On 5 August 2024, AUKUS partners signed the trilateral Agreement Among the Government of Australia, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Government of the United States of America for Cooperation Related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion (the “Agreement”).

In March 2023, the AUKUS Leaders announced an ambitious plan to support Australia’s acquisition of a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability at the earliest possible date, while ensuring Australia’s capacity to safely operate, maintain, and regulate this technology. The Agreement will enable AUKUS partners to continue to share submarine naval nuclear propulsion information between the partners, and allow the United Kingdom and the United States to transfer material and equipment to Australia required for the safe and secure construction, operation and sustainment of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership.

Since the announcement of this endeavour, the AUKUS partners have been resolute that this initiative will be undertaken in a way that sets the highest non-proliferation standard, while protecting classified and controlled information, material, and equipment. To this end, the Agreement re-affirms, and is consistent with, AUKUS partners’ respective existing international non-proliferation obligations. As a non-nuclear-weapon State Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Australia has re-affirmed unequivocally that it does not have and will not seek to acquire nuclear weapons.

The Agreement is a significant milestone and a demonstration of the AUKUS partners’ commitment to delivering this critical capability.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 8 August 2024.

Plans to redevelop Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire, Wales to host a landmark radar initiative have been announced by the Ministry of Defence.

Known as the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC), the initiative will secure long-term jobs and help protect essential satellite communication and navigation networks.

DARC will see a network of ground-based radars in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States provide global space monitoring, increasing AUKUS nations’ ability to detect, track and identify objects in deep space, up to around 36,000km away from earth.

This capability will benefit these nations’ land, air, and maritime forces, as well as protecting critical infrastructure and benefitting domestic construction and space industries. DARC will play a crucial role in AUKUS nations’ ability to support safety and security in the Indo-Pacific and the rest of the world.

Defence Secretary, John Healey said:

The proposed redevelopment of Cawdor Barracks secures jobs at home and defence capabilities for the future.

Space plays a crucial role in our daily lives – used by everything from our mobile phones to banking services. It is also used by UK Defence to conduct vital tasks such as supporting military operations, navigating forces and gathering intelligence.

This new radar programme will not only enhance our awareness of deep space, but also help protect our space assets alongside our closest partners.

Cawdor Barracks has a long history of supporting the UK’s military. The site has been both a Royal Air Force flying station and a Royal Navy base. Currently home to 14 Signal Regiment, the Ministry of Defence announced in 2016 that the barracks would close no earlier than 2028. The redevelopment of the site for DARC would keep the site open, with a permanent presence of up to 100 personnel to operate and maintain the radar capability.

Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens said:

The proposed redevelopment of Cawdor Barracks will help secure jobs in the area as well as protecting our national security.

This is an important project for Pembrokeshire and this government is committed to working with the local community to ensure it is a success.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to undertaking all necessary planning and environmental processes required to gain consent for the proposed redevelopment of the site and its safe operation. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment, including a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, is underway in support of a planning application to Pembrokeshire County Council. The Council’s granting of planning permission is conditional on DARC meeting all the required safety standards.

In particular, the safety processes will ensure that DARC meets international environmental and health standards as set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the World Health Organisation, and this is standard practice for all MOD installations.

Engagement will also take place with the local community in developing proposals for DARC and there will be two local public information events prior to the statutory consultation period that is required by Pembrokeshire County Council. Members of the MOD DARC programme team will attend these events to discuss the proposals, answer any questions and hear local community views.

Public information events are being hosted over the period 13-14 September 2024.

Friday, 13 September 2024

4pm-7pm

Solva Memorial Hall, 39 High St, Solva, Haverfordwest SA62 6TE

Saturday, 14 September 2024

10am-2pm

St David’s City Hall, High St, St Davids, Haverfordwest SA62 6SD

The information boards will also be uploaded to a dedicated engagement website on Monday, 16 September 2024.

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

Key NATO partner joins UK Carrier Strike Group global deployment in 2025.

Norway will join the UK’s Carrier Strike Group deployment to Japan and the Indo-Pacific region in 2025, Defence Secretary John Healey has announced today.

It comes as the Defence Secretary welcomed his Norwegian counterpart Bjørn Arild Gram to London today, where the Ministers discussed the maritime deployment, industrial collaboration, support to Ukraine and the urgent need for de-escalation in the Middle East.

The Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, one of Britain’s two aircraft carriers, and accompanied by her escorts and aircraft, will work alongside the Japanese Self Defence Forces and other partners to help defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Norway is a long-standing NATO ally, and part of the Joint Expeditionary Force and Northern Group, whilst also being a strong trade partner with the UK. Their involvement will bolster the Strike Group with two ships, including one frigate, demonstrating that the security of the Euro-Atlantic region and Indo-Pacific is indivisible.

Defence Secretary, John Healey said:

This Government is determined to strengthen our partnerships with European allies to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

As a close strategic partner, we are delighted to have the Norwegian Navy join the Royal Navy on this historic deployment.

It’s an exciting demonstration of the strength of our nations’ maritime partnership and the deepening of our relationship in the months and years to come.

Norwegian Defence Secretary, Bjørn Arild Gram, said:

The UK is Norway’s closest and most important European Ally. We have a long-standing and very close defence relationship. With this joint deployment we are developing this cooperation even further. The Indo-Pacific is an area of growing importance for global security and stability, also for Europe.

During this deployment we will be able to operate with NATO and other important partners in this part of the world. Finally, during this deployment our Armed Forces will develop skills and proficiency from taking part in allied carrier operations. This is critically important for our national defence.

The Carrier Strike Group deployment in 2025 highlights the strength of the UK’s determination to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific. This has been bolstered by the Royal Navy’s persistent presence in the region through HMS Spey and HMS Tamar.

The deployment will last for around seven months and bring a range of military, security and prosperity benefits for the UK and participating nations. It will reinforce the UK’s commitment to global security, anchored on the NATO Alliance, but also build partnerships with those who share our world view around the globe.

A Carrier Strike Group is a versatile and lethal resource that few countries possess. Always led by an aircraft carrier embarked with F-35B Lightning jets, the rest of the UK formation can be made up of submarines, warships and support vessels, including from other allied navies.

The Carrier Strike Group offers cutting-edge air, surface and underwater defence, but it is also a focal point for delivering wider strategic objectives.

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

David Lammy and John Healey visited Israel to push for an immediate ceasefire and drive de-escalation in the Middle East, after their joint visits to the region this week.

• meetings in Qatar, Lebanon and Israel this week aimed to drive de-escalation
• Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary pushed calls for peace and stability on a visit to the Middle East
• the joint visit demonstrates UK’s commitment to keeping the UK safe at home and secure abroad

Defence Secretary John Healey visited Israel today to push for an immediate ceasefire and drive de-escalation in the Middle East, following joint Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary visits to the region this week.

The meeting in Tel Aviv with Israeli Defence Minister Gallant follows a call that John Healey had with the Palestinian Authority earlier this week.

The UK is pushing for an end to fighting, and the Defence Secretary spoke in Tel Aviv on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and to get more aid to Palestinians. He also stressed the importance of a path to a two-state solution.

The visit comes less than a month into the new government, and follows the Foreign and Defence Secretaries first joint visit this week, meeting leaders in the Qatar and Lebanon to encourage de-escalation in the Middle East amid rising tensions.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

This is a critical moment, there’s no doubt about it.

In Lebanon, I had discussions with counterparts on the urgent need for de-escalation. It is in no one’s interest for this conflict to spread across the region.

The risk that the situation on the ground could deteriorate rapidly is rising. My message to British nationals in Lebanon is clear – you should leave while commercial flights are running.

We also need to see an immediate ceasefire, hostages released and aid getting in in sufficient quantity to alleviate the suffering in Gaza.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

De-escalation must be the first focus in the Middle East.

Meeting with senior leaders across the region, including today in Israel, we urged all sides to show restraint and dial down the tension at this critical moment.

Our government is determined to lead a renewed push for peace. The loss of life we have seen in the region is unbearable and thousands remain in the crossfire.

To set this region on the path to peace, all sides must step back from conflict and step-up diplomacy.

In Lebanon on Thursday, David Lammy and John Healey saw the work being done by British Embassy Beirut to deliver consular support to British nationals in Lebanon. British nationals should not travel to Lebanon and those who are already there should leave Lebanon while commercial flights are still available. The risks in the region are rising and the situation could deteriorate.

Consular teams are working to be prepared for all scenarios but if the conflict escalates, the government cannot guarantee evacuation immediately.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has launched Register Your Presence in Lebanon so we can communicate any important updates directly to British nationals in the country. The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon. British nationals in Lebanon are advised to register their presence and follow travel advice for updates.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 30 July 2024.

Government Armed Forces Pay Announcement confirms starting Armed Forces salary will be in line with National Living Wage for the first time.

The government will “renew the nation’s contract with those who serve”, as it confirms that Armed Forces personnel will receive a 6% pay rise – the largest in 22 years.

This year’s pay award recognises the extraordinary sacrifices made by Armed Forces personnel to protect and serve the UK – and will help address recruitment and retention challenges.

It will also see new recruits awarded the largest increase for more than 20 years, meaning that, for the first time, the starting Armed Forces salary will be in line with the National Living Wage.

It comes as the new government sets out a clear commitment to improving service life and making military careers more attractive. In the recent King’s Speech, the government announced the creation of a new Armed Forces Commissioner – a strong, independent voice for service personnel and their families.

The Defence Secretary has also pledged to bring the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law. Taken together, these measures show a government getting on with the job of supporting Britain’s service personnel and tackling recruitment challenges.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

We will renew our nation’s contract with those who serve. Our new government’s first duty is keeping the British people safe. And the strength of our defence lies in the serving men and women of our forces.

This pay award will benefit every member of the Armed Forces. It is an important step towards turning around the declining morale and recruitment crisis we have faced in recent years. A clear demonstration of our government’s commitment to improving service life.

This is a first step and we know there is so much more to do. Our new Armed Forces Commissioner will be a strong, independent voice for service personnel and their families, and we will place the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law.

I want to attract the brightest and the best into our Armed Forces, because only with strong national security can we build a confident, prosperous country.

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

This year’s pay award is testament to the hard work and extraordinary dedication of the Armed Forces at a pivotal time for our security. Alongside a comprehensive benefits package, it aims to ensure our people feel properly recognised and rewarded.

The significant increase in starting pay for new recruits underlines the enormous stock we place in those young people who step forward to serve their nation.  As the world becomes more contested and uncertain, this Award will help us to recruit and retain the high calibre people we need to keep the country safe and help it prosper.

The independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body and Senior Salaries Review Body recommendations for 2024 have been fully accepted by the Government and will be backdated to 1 April 2024.

Highlights from the 2024 Pay Award are:

• Initial Pay (payable to Other Ranks during their first six months or until completion of initial training; whichever is sooner) will increase to £25,200 from 1 April 2024.
• Most Service Personnel up to and including 1-star rank and others in the Armed Forces Pay Review Body’s remit group (including Medical and Dental Officers) will receive an overall 6% pay increase (against 1 April 2023 rates) back dated to 1 April 2024.
• The lowest paid personnel (OR2-01) have been awarded a higher level of investment. In April 2024 they received a 7.25% pay increase, both ensuring they received National Living Wage uplifts at the same time as other public sector workforces and providing a pay rise of c.£1,700 per year for around 6,700 personnel.
• The MOD had also implemented small increases to OR2-02/3 rates on 1 April 2024; This group will see a further uplift under the pay award, providing them with an overall 6% increase above 1 April 2023 rates.
• All members of the senior military (2-star rank and above) will receive a 5% consolidated increase to their base pay.
• The pay award will also see increases to other targeted forms of remuneration.
• The nominal average salary in the Armed Forces will see an annual increase of c.£2,800, as well as an annual increase of c.£1,878 in the starting salary for an officer.
• Service Personnel receive a comprehensive benefits package including subsided food, medical and dental care, accommodation, and childcare.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 24 July 2024.

A new joint defence declaration with Germany has been signed by the Defence Secretary.

• John Healey MP makes first visits as new Defence Secretary to France, Germany, Poland and Estonia.
• In Germany he signed the most comprehensive joint defence declaration agreeing to closer cooperation as the first step in a deep new UK-German defence relationship.
• Defence Secretary meets with counterparts as part of the UK Government’s reset of relationships with European Allies – and thanks UK service personnel defending NATO’s eastern border.

A new joint defence declaration with Germany has been signed by the Defence Secretary as part of a 48-hour drive of defence diplomacy, making his first visits to France, Germany, Poland, and Estonia.

Meeting counterparts across Europe, the Defence Secretary will set out the new government’s commitment to deepen defence ties with European allies, within a ‘NATO-first’ defence strategy.

It follows last week’s European Political Community Summit, hosted in the UK, where the Prime Minister Keir Starmer fired the starting gun on resetting relations with Europe.

In a demonstration of how European security is the new government’s foreign and defence priority, the Defence Secretary and his German counterpart signed a new joint declaration on closer defence cooperation. This will be the most comprehensive defence agreement that has been signed between the UK and Germany.

Our international alliances are a crucial component of a secure Britain, and domestically the Government will ensure that defence and security are at the heart of economic growth and the prosperity of the UK.

Last night, the Defence Secretary met counterparts in France, alongside the Chiefs of Defence Staff from both nations, and thanked British personnel helping to support security at the Paris Olympics.

In Germany, the Defence Secretary signed a joint declaration, committing the UK and Germany to deepen defence cooperation. This the first step of a new defence relationship between the UK and Germany and a new UK German Defence Agreement as discussed by Olaf Scholz and Keir Starmer at the recent NATO Summit.

On Thursday, the Defence Secretary will travel to Estonia to meet UK military personnel deployed to protect NATO’s eastern border with Russia. He will pay tribute to the role UK forces are playing in the region as an example of how NATO is the cornerstone of Europe’s defence. On the visit, he will present personnel with the wider service medal.

As part of the UK’s joint defence declaration with Germany today, ministers are expected to agree six defence priorities for closer working following Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, recognising the need to collaborate more closely to defend our shared values and reaffirm our commitments to NATO and collective security in Europe.

Defence Secretary John Healey, said:

In our third week, this Government is getting on with the job and resetting our relationships with European Allies to make Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

These visits send a clear message that European security will be this government’s first foreign and defence priority.

Our new defence declaration between the UK and Germany will kickstart a deep, new defence relationship, built on our nations’ shared values. And in France, Poland and Estonia we will continue to strengthen our defence ties with our European Allies – as we all stand steadfast behind Ukraine.

It is a privilege to visit and thank our British troops defending NATO’s eastern border with Russia. Their presence and fortitude in the face of Putin’s aggression shows that NATO is the cornerstone of European defence.

Objectives set out in Wednesday’s joint declaration include strengthening UK and German defence industries, reinforcing Euro-Atlantic security, improving the efficiency of joint operations, confronting evolving security challenges such as the cyber domain, and supporting Ukraine.

Both countries are among the biggest providers of military and economic support to Ukraine. The UK government will continue to do so by providing £3bn of military support every year until Ukraine wins and ramping up and speeding up the delivery of vital military aid.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 24 July 2024.

The Ministry of Defence of Germany and the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom commit to improve and further enhance bilateral defence cooperation to better meet the common challenges of the 21st century and to best secure the common interests of both countries in defence-related areas.

Recognising the imperative for closer collaboration in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges and shared security threats and building on existing lighthouses of bilateral cooperation between Germany and the UK, such as the German-British Amphibious Engineer Battalion 130 in Minden, the Defence Ministers of Germany and the United Kingdom endeavour to embark upon a new path of enhanced partnership and defence cooperation, to promote stability in NATO’s eastern flank and in Europe as a whole and beyond for the Euro-Atlantic area. We consider closer defence cooperation as an important first step in a new relationship between Germany and the United Kingdom.

Strategic Context

In light of the escalating security concerns, exacerbated by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and a deteriorating strategic environment, the preservation of European security demands a unified response. The Defence Ministers of Germany and the United Kingdom recognise the urgency of the situation and the imperative for closer collaboration to address these challenges collectively.

As staunch NATO Allies, we reaffirm our commitment to its principles, and acknowledge its indispensable role in securing our collective deterrence and defence. We recognise the need to strengthen the European contribution to NATO, which will enhance our capacity to respond effectively to evolving security threats.

Through strategic cooperation in defence procurement, research, and technological innovation, we aim to contribute within our responsibilities to bolstering our industrial capabilities and enhance our operational effectiveness. By leveraging our respective strengths and fostering interoperability, we will build a resilient partnership capable of addressing the complex security challenges facing our region.

As we confront these challenges together with partners, we are guided by our shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. By working hand in hand, Germany and the United Kingdom seek to contribute to maintaining the Alliance’s effective and credible deterrence and defence tasks. At the same time, both Germany and the United Kingdom remain committed to the security of Europe.

Priority Objectives

Strengthening Defence Industries:

Both Ministries of Defence will explore opportunities to contribute to nurturing and promoting the defence industrial base in Europe, foster joint procurement initiatives and interoperability, and advance research and development endeavours to enhance capability production and technological innovation.

Reinforcing Euro-Atlantic Security:

Affirming NATO as the cornerstone of our defence architecture, we will endeavour to do our part to strengthen NATO, bolster complementary cooperation between NATO and the EU, renew dialogue between Allies, and support collective action within international forums.

At the Eastern Flank of NATO, we are committed to enhance the cooperation in the framework of Forward Land Forces and NATO’s Advance Plans, in order to support deterrence activities and the ability to defend Allies’ territory. This also includes close coordination and cooperation within the 3+3 Defence Minister’s format, bringing together the three Baltic host nations and the three framework nations Germany, the UK and Canada.

Enhancing Interoperability:

Recognising the importance of seamless coordination, we endeavour to enhance interoperability between the German Bundeswehr and United Kingdom Armed Forces across all domains and strengthen standardisation in NATO.

Addressing Emerging Threats:

Confronting evolving security challenges, including hybrid warfare, cyber threats, and climate change, we shall explore joint efforts aimed at enhancing our collective resilience and response capabilities within the responsibility of our Ministries.

Supporting Ukraine:

Both Ministers aim to coordinate long-term military support for Ukraine, fostering stability and bolstering the country’s defence capabilities in the face of external aggression.

Deep Precision Strike:

The Ministries of Defence of Germany and the United Kingdom will, together with partners, undertake a long-term, comprehensive cooperation in the field of long-range capabilities.

Intergovernmental Cooperation Structures

To facilitate strategic direction and oversight, our intended closer cooperation may include the establishment of a senior-level group tasked with steering defence cooperation and annual meetings with Defence Ministers. In addition, we propose enhanced dialogue between parliamentarians on defence matters as well as joint strategic planning fora.

Defence Industrial Collaboration

Drawing upon existing frameworks such as OCCAR, Eurofighter/Typhoon programme and Boxer User Group, and our bilateral Ministerial Equipment and Capability Cooperation (MECC), the Defence Ministers of Germany and the United Kingdom commit to fostering joint procurement initiatives, advancing NATO standardisation, and promoting technology sharing. The Ministries will also share views on defence exports in the framework of joint programmes, including through regular consultations, which enhance our shared security and support our respective defence industrial bases. We aspire to share our Ministries’ views regarding our defence industrial strategies, underpinned by structured dialogue and cooperative frameworks across land, air, and maritime domains.

Military to military

We will explore opportunities to increase our military cooperation, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to emerging security challenges. We intend to place a renewed emphasis on defence diplomacy, interoperability, military doctrine development and high-level strategic exchanges. We are committed to enhancing focused exchanges, fostering robust dialogue, and mutually supporting initiatives. Interoperability will remain a cornerstone of our partnership, strengthened by joint training programs and shared technological advancements.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 24 July 2024.

A significant number of Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) have been ordered by the Government from Thales UK for the supply of the versatile, precision weapon to UK Armed Forces.

The order is worth £176 million and will equip current and future short-range air defence capabilities for the British Army, such as Stormer combat vehicles, and be fired by the Royal Navy’s Martlet maritime anti-surface missile system deployed from Wildcat helicopters.

Weighing only 13kg each, LMM provides a precision solution against threats such as drones, helicopters, other aircraft, and small, fast maritime targets.

Supporting 135 jobs at Thales’ site in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the contract placed by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) – the MOD’s procurement arm – will also support economic growth through small and medium enterprises and the local supply chain.

Hundreds of LMMs have also been gifted to Ukraine, as they have fought to repel the illegal Russian invasion which started in February 2022.

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

In a more dangerous world, we must continue to provide weapons to Ukraine but also replenish our own stocks.

Our new order of Lightweight Multirole Missiles from Thales UK will support this, providing our Armed Forces with versatile missiles that can be used against threats such as drones, helicopters and small maritime targets.

This contract is also a great example of how defence investment can support economic growth and sustain jobs in the UK for years to come.

LMM were first fired from a Wildcat in the Bay of Bengal during the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group deployment of 2021, marking initial operating capability for the Martlet system.

Martlet has since supported operations including Operation Prosperity Guardian, helping to protect commercial ships from attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

Andy Start, DE&S CEO, said:

As we have seen during UK military operations and when used by our Ukrainian allies, LMM is a versatile and valuable missile in a variety of battlespaces.

Now more than ever we need to ensure UK Armed Forces and our allies are fully equipped to defeat the evolving global threats we face. This order with Thales UK is a key element of that collective effort.

The order follows a £69 million contract placed by DE&S earlier this year, also with Thales UK, to secure the supply chain for key components used in the manufacture of the missiles.

Production at the Thales Belfast site has doubled since the conflict in Ukraine as the global demand for air defence capabilities has increased.

Alex Cresswell, CEO of Thales UK, said:

Today’s contract announcement reflects the enduring partnership between the UK MOD and Thales for the provision of lightweight weapons.

I look forward to continuing to work closely together with the Ministry of Defence to deliver the capabilities our Armed Forces need, and to make industry more resilient to deal with increasing demand.