Tag: Ministry of Defence

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 21 July 2024.

• Major advances made in body-worn technology for UK soldiers.
• Improving operational advantage by connecting soldiers to data tools and new technology.
• A range of technologies, such as laser detection systems and on person drone control will enhance battle fighting tactics.

The next generation of body-worn technology has been put through its paces by British soldiers, bringing a modernised advantage to the battlefield. The aim of the trials is to integrate available technology into wearable tech for soldiers, advancing battlefield awareness and allowing faster tactical decision making.

This announcement comes as part of the new government’s commitment to procuring state-of-the-art defence capabilities. The Future Soldier programme delivers on the aim of adapting military equipment programmes to meet emerging requirements, as outlined in the launch of the Strategic Defence Review this week.

Examples of the technologies being looked at by the Army include laser detection systems to warn if enemies are targeting personnel, drone thermal detection to identify enemies, and ground sensors to detect enemy movement with alerts sent to body-worn systems.

The digital system is standardised and provides customised control that can be tailored to each individual mission.

Troops from Leicestershire-based 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, tested cutting-edge data visualisation tools, integrated sensors, and live intelligence feeds all connected in a single system.

The trial, conducted by scientists from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), demonstrates that even minor changes to infantry-level tactics with Command and Control, Communications, Computing and Information Systems, can vastly improve operational outcomes.

Improved outcomes can include:

• Increasing the tempo of a battle – outthinking the enemy by creating a faster understand, decide, act loop.
• Increase situational awareness meaning better informed decision making based on real-time local operating picture of where friendly and enemy forces are, as well as other assets are on the battlefield.
• Enhanced decision making – the ability to send data, such as images and full motion video, from the soldier to wider teams.

Minster for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle said:

This government is clear in our commitment to advancing technology that ensures the safety and superiority of UK Armed Forces. This cutting-edge technology will bolster operational lethality and elevate battlefield awareness.

I welcome the continued collaboration between government, industry, and scientists on this innovative programme.

Dstl scientists are carrying out this research as part of the Future Integrated Dismounted Soldier Vision (FIDSV) with research into how the next generation of ‘digitally connected soldier’ technology can improve capability and operational advantage.

The range of technologies tested includes:

• A helmet mounted strobe alert system to identify friend or foe.
  • An electronic system that emits an identifiable beacon when it detects an incoming laser.
• Laser detection system to warn if enemies are targeting personnel.
  • A system that detects the wavelengths of incoming lasers and warns the user.
• On person drone control which gives the user the ability to control and pre-programme drones.
• Drone thermal detection to aid enemy detection.
• Laser range finder – a device on the weapon that calculates the range of an object/target.
• Advanced digital day and night optics for weapons, powered via the weapons’ Picatinny rail.
• Smart hub – the ‘brain’ of the integrated power and data supply for all digital devices.
• Mesh network – a type of radio configuration that permits “hopping” from one soldier’s radio to another to enhance range.
• Ground sensors to detect movement with alerts sent to body-worn systems.

Dstl chief executive Dr Paul Hollinshead OBE MBA said:

Dstl is working closely with industry to develop and integrate technologies that will transform our armed forces, making them more capable and lethal.

Building on our decades of expertise, this work is delivering mission success, protecting the nation and helping it prosper.

Jon Russell, Dstl’s Senior Principal Scientist on the research, said:

This technology will protect the lives of our Armed Forces by improving operational capability by giving them the advantage over the enemy.

It is great to see the Future Integrated Dismounted Soldier Vision is clearly proving how a soldier system containing multiple knowledge capabilities that are designed to combine crucial data to improve operational advantage.

“Our aim is to develop the most capable armed forces in the world, by merging different technologies to advance battlefield awareness.”

Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) at the infantry Trials and Development Unit said:

The trial, led by Dstl, was a showcase of future technologies and digital integration. The research has now advanced, bringing together industry to enhance capabilities with Command, Control, Communications, Computing and Information Systems.

As the Army’s lead in dismounted close combat trials and development, we are at the forefront of improving operational advantage and look forward to supporting its future development.

Dstl, in partnership with industry, will make use of the lessons learned from this latest testing on Salisbury Plain’s military training area to develop the need for future equipment for defence.

The next phase will include vehicle mounted options, as well as develop a joint soldier system with UK allies. Further development and experimentation will continue over the next five years and will evolve as and when new technologies become available.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 19 July 2024.

The Defence and Business Secretaries met with President Zelenskyy and industry leaders in London on Thursday evening (18 July) to discuss deeper cooperation and the need to boost industrial production for Ukraine.

Since Putin launched his illegal invasion of Ukraine, the defence industry has provided vital equipment and munitions to Ukraine.

The meeting at Lancaster House with President Zelenskyy and senior representatives from UK Export Finance, BAE Systems, Thales UK, MBDA, KBR and Babcock came as two of the UK’s largest defence companies, BAE Systems and Babcock International Group confirmed updated contracts in support of Ukraine.

The developments came during this week’s European Political Community summit, hosted by the Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which has seen Ukraine’s President, visit to hold bilateral meetings, alongside his Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov.

Defence Secretary, John Healey, said:

The UK is united for Ukraine. The Ukrainians are fighting with huge courage, the military and civilians alike. Our new government has already pledged to step up support, confirming £3bn a year to help Ukraine and a new package of ammunition, anti-armour missiles and artillery guns.

Meeting with industry leaders, I emphasised the Government will continue to work in partnership with industry and the need to boost industrial production of vital military kit for both Ukraine and our own Armed Forces.

From industrial sites at home, to facilities in Ukraine, the UK defence industry has been providing critical equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Working with local partners, BAE Systems is providing maintenance and repair for weapons supplied by the UK from a facility in Ukraine.

Babcock International also announced a six-month extension to its contract with the MOD to continue to provide the maintenance, repair and asset management of vehicles.

Whilst this week, the MOD agreed to regenerate the UK’s ability to produce forgings for gun barrels, working in partnership with Sheffield Forgemasters, supporting the repair and overhaul of Ukrainian vehicles; this is the first step towards UK sovereign barrel production which has been developing for 20 years.

UK industry support of this kind will enable Ukraine’s armed forces to get maintain vital equipment, such as L119 Light Guns and the AS90 self-propelled gun, keeping it in the fight and repairing battle damaged equipment as quickly as possible.

Kevin Craven, CEO of the Defence trade organisation ADS, said:

The UK defence industry’s support to Ukraine continues and is unwavering. It is an honour for ADS and our members to work in such close collaboration with our partners.

Our industries have clear opportunities for collaboration, done so with the knowledge that we are protecting our collective security.

These industry announcements follow on from the success of the outward ADS-led trade mission earlier this month. The robust pipeline of trade missions have enabled industry, from Primes to SMEs, to contribute to Ukraine’s defence and also to learn from our allies in their turn.

It is clear that the war in Ukraine has become one of industrial production. Government and industry are united in our shared commitment to Ukraine and by working together, we are setting the building blocks for our 100-year partnership.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

We cannot have economic growth at home, without security and stability abroad.

The UK has been a steadfast friend and ally to Ukraine and they deserve our continued unwavering support. That’s why we will use our strong partnership with industry to deliver the military support essential for the country’s defence.

These announcements reaffirm the UK’s continued support for Ukraine. From recommitting to spending £3 billion a year of military support to the Government’s recent commitment to fast-track deliveries, the UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 18 July 2024.

The King’s Speech announces the Armed Forces Commissioner who will be a strong, independent champion to improve life for UK service personnel and their families, while the Government reinforces the UK’s unshakeable commitment to NATO.

The new Government’s commitment to defence and Armed Forces personnel has been strengthened in the King’s Speech, with the announcement of a new, independent Armed Forces Commissioner.

The Armed Forces Commissioner, the first of its kind in the UK, will act as a strong independent champion for our service personnel and their families, committed to improving service life and strengthening parliamentary oversight.

The King’s Speech also:

• Confirmed the launch of a root and branch Strategic Defence Review
• Reinforced the UK’s unshakeable commitment to NATO and the UK’s leading role in the alliance

Meanwhile, the Defence Secretary, John Healey, opening the first full day of debate following the King’s Speech yesterday, emphasised that a secure Britain – through strong defence – is essential for economic growth and prosperity in an increasingly volatile world.

He also reaffirmed that the first duty of this new government is to keep its people safe. He committed to action, not words to ensure that the UK is secure at home and strong abroad.

Defence Secretary, John Healey, said:

I want Defence to be central to the future security of Britain and central to the country’s success in this new era. This is a government of service that will always stand up for those who serve our country, and our Armed Forces will always have its full support.

That’s why at the NATO summit in Washington the Prime Minister confirmed this Government’s unshakeable commitment to NATO. That’s why this week the Prime Minister launched a first-of-its-kind Strategic Defence Review.  And that’s why in the King’s Speech we announced legislation to create a new Armed Forces Commissioner.

Together, we will make Britain more secure at home and strong abroad.

The Armed Forces Commissioner is a step to renewing the moral contract with those who make extraordinary sacrifices to serve the nation, and the families who support them. The Commissioner will be a strong public voice for personnel and their families, committed to improving service life from basic training, throughout their military career and beyond.

As a direct point of contact for serving personnel and their families, independent and outside their chains of command, they will be empowered to investigate individuals complaints and review issues which are affecting the lives of our serving personnel, further strengthening parliamentary oversight.

Elsewhere in the speech, the King confirmed that a root and branch review of UK defence has been launched by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday to make Britain secure at home and strong abroad for decades to come.

The Strategic Defence Review, confirmed in the King’s Speech, will be done at pace and report in the first half of 2025, with work starting immediately in recognition of the urgency of the threats facing the UK.

The review – headed by three external Reviewers in a first-of-its-kind for UK defence – is the next step following a successful NATO Summit in Washington, where the Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK’s unshakeable commitment to the alliance and the “serious commitment” to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence.

The Government will also continue to work with international allies and partners to step up support for Ukraine through the international Capability Coalitions and the £3bn pledge on military aid, whilst speeding up the delivery of equipment promised to Ukraine.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 16 July 2024.

New Defence Secretary, John Healey, has set out Britain’s commitment to the AUKUS partnership as an important driver of jobs and growth.

• Defence Secretary and Australian Deputy Prime Minister tour UK military steel production plant.
• Site supports hundreds of local skilled jobs with bright future under AUKUS.
• Steel components from Sheffield to be used on future UK and Australian nuclear-powered submarines.

New Defence Secretary, John Healey, has set out Britain’s commitment to the AUKUS partnership as an important driver of jobs and growth in Yorkshire and across the UK.

Joined by the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, on a tour of a key military steel supplier in Sheffield, the pair saw first-hand how the business is benefiting from AUKUS – the trilateral defence and security partnership between the UK, US and Australia.

John Healey today reaffirmed the UK’s staunch commitment to AUKUS and the jobs and growth it can deliver for Britain.

The AUKUS submarine programme will generate 7,000 additional British jobs. At its peak, there will be over 21,000 people working on the SSN-AUKUS programmes in the UK supply chain.

The visit comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, with the leaders outlining their commitment to the strong AUKUS partnership.

Australia and the UK are close partners, working together on the most pressing global security issues. The two ministers also discussed UK-Australian cooperation to support Ukraine, our close coordination in the Indo-Pacific and our joint commitment to ensuring the AUKUS partnership fully delivers its potential.

Defence Secretary, John Healey said:

Working with allies and partners is fundamental to our security and so it is a pleasure to host my Australian counterpart within my first fortnight as Defence Secretary. The UK and Australia are the closest of friends and our work through AUKUS is testament to this.

Sheffield Forgemasters is a shining light of UK industry that helps boost global security and employs skilled staff from the local community. This is just one example of how our hugely important partnership with our Australian and American partners can help drive jobs and growth across Britain.

Sheffield Forgemasters manufacture specialist steel parts used in critical UK defence programmes, including highly complex, nuclear-grade steel components for nuclear-armed submarines. Their parts will also be used in future UK and Australian conventionally armed, nuclear-powered, submarines – known as SSN-AUKUS – which will be the largest, most advanced and most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy.

Deputy Prime Minister for Australia, Richard Marles said:

Australia and the United Kingdom’s relationship is enduring and forged in deep history.

Be it under the defence and security cooperation agreement, or the work we continue to achieve under AUKUS, we are modernising our partnership.

And importantly, we continue to work together on our support for Ukraine and to support a global rules-based order.

Opportunities through the AUKUS supply chain for British industry could be worth billions across the coming decades, supporting thousands of jobs in both countries.

Sheffield Forgemasters is fully owned by the Ministry of Defence, employing around 650 skilled workers, with more than £900 million invested to date to modernise and expand the business. Both the UK and Australian governments have made hundreds of millions of pounds of joint investment into the infrastructure and capability of the business. This investment shows the commitment both governments are making in the region and to the wider UK supply chain supporting the AUKUS endeavour. Latest statistics show £330 million is spent annually with the defence industry in Yorkshire & The Humber, with more than 2,500 jobs supported.

The tour at Sheffield Forgemasters followed Richard Marles visiting HMNB Clyde in Scotland to see first-hand how the UK operates its nuclear submarine base, including exposure to an Astute Class submarine and the UK approach to the operation, maintenance and regulation of these attack vessels.

Just last week the first three Royal Australian Navy officers graduated from the Royal Navy’s Nuclear Reactor Course at HMS Sultan in Gosport. The graduates will now go on to serve in Astute-class submarines side-by-side with the Royal Navy to gain first-hand at-sea experience with naval nuclear propulsion technology.

Their success marks a significant milestone in developing the skilled workforce needed to operate Australia’s future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability being developed under the AUKUS partnership.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 6 July 2024.

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, this morning.

The leaders exchanged congratulations on their respective election wins, and reflected on the strength of the relationship between the UK and India.

The Prime Minister said he looked forward to further deepening the strong and respectful relationship between both countries, and welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s leadership on key global challenges, such as climate change and economic growth.

Discussing the importance of the living bridge between the UK and India, and the 2030 roadmap, the leaders agreed there was a wide range of areas across defence and security, critical and emerging technology, and climate change, for the two countries to deepen cooperation on.

Discussing the Free Trade Agreement, the Prime Minister said he stood ready to conclude a deal that worked for both sides.

The leaders hoped to meet at the earliest opportunity.

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

Royal Navy warship HMS Trent will deploy to the Cayman Islands to offer UK support following the devastation brought this week by Hurricane Beryl.

HMS Trent, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, is scheduled to arrive in the Cayman Islands this weekend, where her crew will be ready to offer assistance with equipment and support to help communities affected by flooding and storm damage.

The hurricane, which has previously been rated Category 5, could bring winds of more than 155mph and has already caused a large amount of destruction in the region this week.

HMS Trent is crewed by more than 50 sailors and departed from Puerto Rico yesterday, carrying bottled water, basic emergency supplies, and equipment.

The ship has a Crisis Response Troop embarked, comprising members of 24 Commando Royal Engineers and their equipment, and further augmented with personnel to support planning, information operations, meteorological forecasting, and image capture.

Additional personnel include a team from 700X Naval Air Squadron who provide HMS Trent’s embarked PUMA Flight (Remote Piloted Air System), allowing them to conduct airborne reconnaissance and damage assessment in direct support of 24 Commando activity.

A specialist Rapid Deployment Team has already travelled to the Eastern Caribbean to provide consular assistance to any affected British Nationals. The UK continues to work with the Caribbean’s crisis response organisation, CDEMA, to provide assistance for the worst affected islands, including St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada.

In previous years, members of the Armed Forces have deployed to the Caribbean under Operation Ventus to provide humanitarian assistance in the form of food and basic medical relief, as well as engineering to repair damaged homes and infrastructure, and creating flood and hurricane defences.

Hurricane Beryl has been described as the earliest ever Category 5 storm to form in the Atlantic, with storms of this scale usually recorded later in the summer.

HMS Trent has been deployed to the Caribbean since the end of 2023, where she has been disrupting drug networks across the world following a series of drugs seizures at sea.

In May, it was confirmed HMS Trent’s crew had seized more than £204 million worth of cocaine following an intercept in the Caribbean Sea – which followed a double-bust earlier in the year where nearly £300 million was seized.

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

The graves of six soldiers from Welsh regiments, who went missing in France and Belgium during World War One, have now been marked more than a century after their deaths.

Though all six soldiers had been buried at the times of their deaths, their names had been lost. Their graves were only identified recently after researchers submitted cases to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC).

Further research by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’, the CWGC, and the National Army Museum, used sources such as war diaries, service records, grave registration reports and other documents. Following this, the original findings were confirmed allowing each soldier to be commemorated by name.

The grave rededication services were organised by JCCC, and saw named headstones provided for Second Lieutenant (2/Lt) Noel Osbourne Jones; 2/Lt Herbert Taggart; Private (Pte) Lionel Grove and Captain (Capt) Clifford Nichols, all of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, as well as Lance Corporal (L/Cpl) Arthur Dowding of the Monmouthshire Regiment and Pte George Price of the South Wales Borderers. The services were attended by serving soldiers and representatives of The Royal Welsh.

The services were held in France on 2 July at CWGC’s Bellicourt British Cemetery and Cabaret Rouge British Cemetery, as well as in Belgium, on 3 July, at Bedford House Cemetery and Chester Farm Cemetery. The family of Captain Nichols attended.

JCCC Caseworker, Alexia Clark, said:

Researching these six men and getting to know their individual war stories has been a fascinating journey. It has been a privilege to have played a part in the conclusion of those stories and to know that their families finally have answers to what happened to them.

2/Lt Noel Osborne-Jones, 2/Lt Herbert Taggart, and Pte Lionel Grove were all killed on 8 May 1916 while conducting a trench raid. Their bodies were recovered by the Germans and buried by them at Fournes, before being moved to the Cabaret Rouge Cemetery after the war. Unfortunately, the Germans did not know their names, and as such they identified their bodies only by rank and regiment. Following the war, all three men were named on the Memorial to the Missing at Loos.

L/Cpl Dowding was killed in action near Ramicourt in October 1918, just weeks before the end of the war. Although he was buried at the time of his death, key information about his grave was lost in the chaos of conflict, and after the war he was named on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial.

Captain Nichols was killed during the Battle of Passchendaele on 31 July 1917. At the time of his death, he was listed as a member of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers who had been attached to 164 Machine Gun Company. His body was recovered from an unmarked field grave near Spree Farm in 1923, and his rank and regiment were identified by his buttons and badges. Unfortunately, there was nothing to indicate his name at the time, and he was buried as an unknown officer. Following the war, Capt. Nichols was commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing in Ypres.

Private Price was killed in action near Hill 60, Belgium in October 1917. He was originally buried in a field grave, but by the end of the war all recordings of his name had been lost. He was commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing.

The services were conducted by The Reverend Richard Mutter CF, Chaplain to 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh.

The Reverend Richard Mutter CF said:

To restore the names to these young men and to honour their sacrifice here in this place is a very special thing. I am pleased to have led these services of rededication and to help close the final chapter of these men’s stories.

The headstones over the graves were replaced by CWGC. Xavier Puppinck, France Area Director at CWGC, said:

It is an honour for the CWGC to care for the graves of these six valiant soldiers of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, the Monmouthshire Regiment and the South Wales Borderers who went missing in France and Belgium during World War One. They paid the ultimate price while fighting on the Western Front, more than 100 years ago. And now, it is our privilege and duty to care for their graves in perpetuity.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 14 June 2024.

A number of military personnel have been granted state honours in the King’s Birthday Honours list for their work in the Armed Forces.

Royal Navy Awards

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath.

As Knight Commander

• Lieutenant General Charles Richard STICKLAND, CB, OBE

As Companion

• Rear Admiral Rex John COX

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

As Commanders

• Rear Admiral Paul BEATTIE
• Commodore David Andrew JOYCE
• Commodore David Christopher MOODY
• Major General Philip Mark TOTTEN, OBE

As Officers

• Commodore Andrew John AITKEN
• Commander Stephen BRIAN
• Lieutenant Colonel Oliver William DENNING
• Commander Iain Buchan FERGUSSON
• Commander James HOWARD
• Colonel Aran Ernest Kingston JESS
• Lieutenant Colonel (now Acting Colonel) Craig Edward RENNEY

As Members

• Major Matthew ADAMS
• Colour Sergeant David Robert BARTLETT
• Warrant Officer 2 Marcus BASSETT
• Commander Liam Bernard BYRD
• Major Mark Ashley CARROLL
• Petty Officer Engineering Technician (Communications and Information Systems Submarines) Matthew CONNICK
• Chief Petty Officer Engineering Technician (Communications and Information Systems) Adrian David GRIMES
• Commander Christopher HILL
• Lieutenant Commander (now Acting Commander) Alasdair MAGILL
• Lieutenant Commander Lyndsay Ann OLDRIDGE
• Captain Mark WILLIAMS

King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

• Warrant Officer 1 Gary Robert DOKE, Royal Naval Reserve

Army Awards

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath.

As Knight Commander

• Lieutenant General Ian John CAVE, CB

As Companions

• Major General John Richard COLLYER
• Major General Anna-Lee REILLY
• Lieutenant General Richard WARDLAW, OBE

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

As Commanders

• Brigadier Richard Charles BROWN
• Brigadier Edward John Rafe CHAMBERLAIN
• Colonel (now Acting Brigadier) Gavin Paul HATCHER, OBE
• Brigadier Justin George Edward STENHOUSE, DSO, MBE

As Officers

• Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Caradoc BLACKMORE, Intelligence Corps
• Lieutenant Colonel Simon Charles BOYLE, The Royal Welsh
• Colonel James David FORREST, Army Reserve
• Lieutenant Colonel Adrian HOLLIS, Royal Regiment of Artillery
• Lieutenant Colonel Carl Edward Robert MEYER, Royal Army Medical Corps, Army Reserve
• Lieutenant Colonel Robert Rowland PHILIPSON-STOW, The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons)
• Colonel Katherine Morag RICHARDSON
• Colonel Zarack Dilwyn Coulson SCOTT
• Colonel Sion Duncan WALKER, TD, VR, Army Reserve
• Lieutenant Colonel Adam James ZIPFELL, Army Air Corps

As Members

• Major (now Acting Lieutenant Colonel) James Edward ALLEN, Royal Regiment of Artillery
• Major Ranjankumar BADGAMI, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
• Captain William John BARRACLOUGH, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
• Major Jenny Elizabeth CONNELL, Adjutant General’s Corps (Army Legal Services Branch)
• Major Jean-Sebastien CORMIER, Royal Regiment of Artillery
• Major Liam Terence CRANE, Royal Corps of Signals
• Major (now Acting Lieutenant Colonel) Michael Olaf Chetwynd DOBBIN, DSO, MC, Grenadier Guards
• Warrant Officer Class 2 Rupert John DOWDESWELL, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
• Major Thomas Edward DUDLEY, The Queen’s Royal Hussars
• Captain Dannielle Jade DUNN, Corps of Royal Engineers
• Major Michael Graham ELLIOTT, The Rifles
• Major Andrew David FORD, The Royal Logistic Corps
• Sergeant Peter HARVEY-JONES, Intelligence Corps
• Major George Thomas HOLDCROFT, The Royal Logistic Corps
• Major Andrew James HORSFALL, The Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeth’s Own)
• Captain Theodoros Roezelt JORDAAN, Adjutant General’s Corps (Educational and Training Services Branch)
• Major (now Acting Lieutenant Colonel) Jodie Anne Bowie KENNEDY-SMITH, VR, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
• Lieutenant Colonel Simon Philip MAGGS, The Queen’s Royal Hussars
• Warrant Officer Class 2 John Stanley MAUCHLEN, The Parachute Regiment
• Captain (now Acting Major) Renata Dawn McKINNELL, Intelligence Corps, Army Reserve
• Captain Chris MUDGE, Intelligence Corps
• Warrant Officer Class 1 Marjorie Shamiso MUZAVAZI, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
• Lieutenant Colonel Katherine Hazel PRUDHOE, Adjutant General’s Corps (Educational and Training Services Branch), Army Reserve
• Major Lucy Christina SCOTT, Royal Regiment of Artillery
• Sergeant Kelly Louise STEPHENSON, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)
• Major Ronald Benjamin TASKER, The Queen’s Royal Hussars
• Major Andrew John THACKWAY, The Royal Logistic Corps
• Major Timothy James Hamilton TOWLER, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
• Captain Paul David TYRER, The Mercian Regiment, Army Reserve
• Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Ruthven WILSON, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
• Warrant Officer Class 2 Nicholas WITHERS, The Parachute Regiment
• Lance Corporal Yan-Hap David WONG, Corps of Royal Engineers

Royal Red Cross

As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class

• Major Robert Stuart GARBETT, VR, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, Army Reserve

King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

• Corporal Nicholas Anthony CRANFIELD, VR, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Army Reserve
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles Edward Dyer FIELD, VR, The Royal Yeomanry, Army Reserve
• Staff Sergeant Kevin William McLEAN, VR, Royal Corps of Signals, Army Reserve
• Colonel Jonathan Layton PRICHARD, Army Reserve

Royal Air Force Awards

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath.

As Companion

• Air Marshal Martin Elliott SAMPSON, CBE, DSO

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

As Commanders

• Air Commodore Mark David LORRIMAN-HUGHES, OBE
• Air Commodore James William Stephen THOMPSON
• Group Captain Sarah VAMPLEW

As Officers

• Wing Commander Christopher David BALL
• Group Captain David COLLINS
• Wing Commander Fiona Margaret DYSON
• Wing Commander Arthur MCGUIRE
• Wing Commander Wesley PEAD
• Wing Commander James SJOBERG

As Members

• Chief Technician Stuart William BENSON
• Flight Sergeant Keith Paul BURT
• Wing Commander Andrew Jon BUTTERFIELD
• Squadron Leader Richard Martin DODD
• Squadron Leader Howard FIELDER
• Squadron Leader Christopher GORDON
• Squadron Leader Barry LAWS
• Flight Sergeant (now Acting Warrant Officer) Jonathan Nigel OWENS
• Warrant Officer Michelle REES-MARTIN
• Warrant Officer Christopher David TAYLOR
• Flight Sergeant Christopher WORKMAN

Royal Red Cross

As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class

• Squadron Leader Harmony Avril SLADE

King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

• Wing Commander Stephen Michael FRY, DL
• Squadron Leader Simon James KIRKBRIDE
• Master Aircrew Dean William Edward PENLINGTON, MBE

Operational Awards

Royal Navy

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

As Officer

• Commander George Houston STORTON

As Member

• Lieutenant Commander David Wayne DONBAVAND

Army

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

As Officer

Lieutenant Colonel Haydn James GAUKROGER, The Parachute Regiment

As Members

• Warrant Officer Class 2 Osamah Omar AL-KHALDI, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
• Major Yugal ANGBO, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
• Lance Corporal Charlotte Sophie PARRY, Intelligence Corps

King’s Commendation for Bravery

• Trooper Lorcan Ignatius Valentine Noel GRAYDON, The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons)

King’s Commendation for Valuable Service

• Acting Brigadier Matthew Richard BAKER, OBE
• Lieutenant Colonel Shane Stephen BURTON, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
• Major David Alexander EDMONDSON, Army Air Corps
• Captain Barry Kieron GREEN, Royal Regiment of Artillery
• Major Ashley Michael NEVE, The Parachute Regiment
• Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Anderson FORREST, The Royal Irish Regiment

Non-Operational Gallantry

King’s Commendation for Bravery

• Acting Corporal Richard David HAYES, The Parachute Regiment
• Major Harry Alexander Robarts WALLACE, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Royal Air Force

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

As Member

• Squadron Leader Graham James ORME

King’s Commendation for Valuable Service

• Squadron Leader Daniel BLENKINSOP
• Sergeant James CASEY

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

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long.

Born in Bury St Edmunds, Mark was 43 years old.

While studying Economics at the University of Warwick, Mark learnt to fly on the University of Birmingham Air Squadron. He graduated from Initial Officer Training in 2003 and was subsequently sent to RAF Linton on Ouse to fly the Tucano, gaining his ‘wings’ in 2004. His Advanced Flying Training was on the Hawk and he was selected to remain on 208(R) Squadron to take on the role of an Instructor.

On completion of his instructional tour, Mark converted to the Harrier GR7/9 and was posted to 1(F) Squadron, RAF Cottesmore. He was the last RAF Harrier pilot qualified to conduct operations off an aircraft carrier.

In 2012 Mark joined the Typhoon Force, and was assigned to XI Squadron at RAF Coningsby, before an assignment to 29 Squadron in 2014 on instructional duties. In 2016 he was the Typhoon Display Pilot. His primary role was to teach the student pilots how to operate the Typhoon.

In addition to his instructional duties, Mark contributed to RAF Coningsby’s primary task of defending UK sovereign airspace by undertaking Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties, both in the UK and in the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (Falklands Islands), and additionally conducting QRA duties whilst on Baltic Air Policing Operations in Lithuania.

Mark lived in Lincolnshire with his wife, two daughters and dog. 2024 was his fourth season with the BBMF.

Mark’s family said:

Mark lived his life with an unwavering passion with laughter, love, and dedication to his family. His talent for flying was there for all to see, and his ability to connect to everyone he met was infectious.  Mark will be cherished and deeply missed by us all.

Squadron Leader Mark Sugden, Officer Commanding Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, said:

In life, we are occasionally privileged to meet incredible people like Mark. Mark touched the hearts of everyone that he met, always prioritising the needs of others before himself. The epitome of a military fighter pilot, he personified the very best of the Royal Air Force and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. We were lucky to have him as part of the team and part of our BBMF family. Always a vision of calm, Mark faced life’s obstacles with a wry smile, a knowing nod and a pint of tea. Above all, he was a devoted husband and a proud father. Whilst words alone cannot adequately convey our loss, he will remain forever “the best boss that BBMF never had.

Wing Commander Andy Shaw, Officer Commanding 29 Squadron, said:

Mark was a humble, kind, generous family man as well as an outstanding fighter pilot, instructor, and Display Pilot. He inspired every single Typhoon pilot in the RAF, and taught many of them, bringing an infectious enthusiasm to every task. His loss will be keenly felt both throughout the Typhoon Force and by those who knew him in his Display and BBMF roles.

Throughout, he mentored and cared for all those around him. Personally, he was a great support and friend to me as squadron commander but, more tellingly, he mentored many of our more junior members, some of whom have been selected to be trained as pilots themselves. As a member of 29 Squadron for the last decade, Squadron Leader Mark Long will be deeply missed, and our thoughts are with his family and those who loved him at this time.

Group Captain Billy Cooper, Commander Air Wing, said:

My deepest condolences go out to Mark’s family and friends at this incredibly tragic and difficult time. Mark was a hugely respected fighter pilot, instructor, and friend, and one of the most talented aviators I have flown with. His service over many years has contributed such a huge amount to not only the operational effectiveness of the Typhoon Air Wing, but also had such a positive impact on the lives of so many. He was selected to be the Typhoon Display Pilot for the 2016 season, followed by his time with BBMF.

Nothing better demonstrates his outstanding skill as a pilot, his exemplary leadership, and his engaging and infectious personality than this unique achievement. Mark was the quintessential RAF Officer; respectful, humble, upbeat, and driven by an innate sense of service and professionalism and doing the right thing by others. His time as an instructor and leader has touched everybody on the Typhoon Air Wing and people’s lives are better because of him.

Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin, Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group, said:

I was deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic incident over the weekend and wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to Mark’s family and his loved ones.

A superbly talented Combat Air and Display Pilot, Mark inspired all those he met with his truly infectious energy, across both the Combat Air Force and all those serving at Royal Air Force Coningsby.

Having seen first-hand the difference Mark made within the Typhoon Force, the Display Wing, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, I know his talent and energy will leave a lasting legacy, which will continue to be a source of inspiration for us all.

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

The drones will be procured as part of the Drone Capability Coalition for Ukraine, co-led by the UK and Latvia.

In February, the UK and Latvia announced that they would lead the new Drone Capability Coalition, designed to rapidly supply Ukraine with tens of thousands of first person view drones.

Today, the UK and Latvia have opened the bidding for companies to supply FPV drones to Ukraine, on behalf of the Drone Capability Coalition. This competition aims to produce these drones at scale and at an affordable price point, leveraging the strength of Western industry.

Industry can find the details of how to apply via the Defence Sourcing Portal. This competition is open to industry from any nation in the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.

Companies have until 28 June 2024 to submit their proposals, which will then be considered by the Drone Capability Coalition members and evaluated. Successful companies will receive orders to supply drones to Ukraine and, upon receipt of positive operational feedback, the intent is to place larger, follow up orders for FPV drones. Additional FPV competitions are expected to take place through 2024, building on the lessons learned from this first competition.

First person view drones have proven highly effective on the battlefield since Russia’s full-scale invasion, providing Ukrainian operators with situational awareness to target enemy positions, armoured vehicles, and ships with explosive ordnance.

Members of the coalition include: UK, Latvia, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and Ukraine. Further countries are considering joining the coalition.