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  • PRESS RELEASE : NATO welcomes innovators to help tackle security challenges [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : NATO welcomes innovators to help tackle security challenges [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 19 June 2023.

    Applications have today opened for world-class innovators from the UK and across NATO with novel ideas to help solve critical defence and security problems.

    • Applications open for world-class innovators to help solve security challenges
    • Work to take place with leading innovators and entrepreneurs – from early-stage start-ups to more mature companies.
    • NATO has selected accelerators for the 2023 pilot challenge programme.

    NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) aims to support the best and brightest innovators to develop innovative technologies which could have defence and security benefits.

    Staffed by experts in innovation, working with universities, industry and governments across NATO’s 31 member countries, DIANA will work to deter and defend against future threats.

    The first pilot challenge call, which will run until late August, focuses on three areas:

    • Energy resilience – providing resilient power in disaster or conflict
    • Sensing and surveillance – gathering information from underwater
    • Secure information sharing – providing trusted data anywhere

    In the face of continually evolving threats across the globe and rapid technological development, NATO has recognised that the Alliance must work hard to understand and keep pace with this changing environment. DIANA will identify, develop and support the adoption of the dual-use emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs), such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

    In line with the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, the DIANA programme aims to support the foundation, growth and success of start-ups working to drive innovation and forward-thinking in Defence.

    Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said:

    We cannot underestimate the importance of prioritising technological innovation to tackle global security challenges.

    The launch of the DIANA work is a key step for NATO and will help harness the expertise that can be found across the Alliance. The UK is proud to be working closely with our Estonian counterparts and other NATO Allies.

    The European Regional Office is based at Imperial College London and will work in lock-step with our Estonian partners, based in Tallinn, who will soon open a regional hub. In May, President of Estonia, Alar Karis, joined Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, on a visit to the White City site to see how it had become home to some of the world’s most innovative organisations. A regional office for North America will open in Halifax, Canada.

    Having achieved initial operating capability today, and expected to be fully operational by 2025, DIANA has access to NATO resources including grant funding, accelerator programming, and pathways for innovators to adapt their solutions for defence and security needs. DIANA will work very closely with the NATO Innovation Fund, a separate body, which will invest in start-ups developing dual-use technologies. The NATO Innovation Fund is the world’s first multi-sovereign venture capital fund, backed by 23 NATO Allies and €1 billion.

    NATO has selected five accelerators, in the US, Estonia, Italy, and Denmark, to take part in the pilot challenge, with the UK supporting our partners in Estonia. These accelerators will help equip businesses with the skills and knowledge to navigate the world of deep tech and dual-use innovation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK and France’s most senior military officers have gathered in London [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK and France’s most senior military officers have gathered in London [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 18 June 2023.

    The UK and France’s most senior military officers have gathered in London to celebrate the importance of our military relationship, while attending ceremonial events including the Trooping of the Colour for the King’s birthday.

    UK Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, hosted his French counterpart, Chef d’État-Major des Armées (CEMA) General Thierry Burkhard, during visits to watch the Trooping of the Colour in London, and Navy Ceremonial Divisions at HMS Collingwood.

    The UK and France share an incredibly close defence relationship enshrined in the Lancaster House Treaty, cooperating on shared NATO commitments in eastern Europe, ongoing military support for Ukraine, and previously conducting joint operations in Africa, the Caribbean and the Indo-Pacific. In a joint statement at the UK-France summit in March, a broad range of priorities were agreed, to promote security and stability in Europe, as well as to deepen economic ties – in line with the UK Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy.

    CDS and CEMA signed a joint letter of intent in Admiralty House before the Trooping of the Colour on Saturday, providing direction to drive forward the outcomes of the UK-France summit. They encouraged rapid progress on key priorities agreed at the summit, specifically on deepening the integration of UK and French forces throughout the next decade, continuing to adapt the UK-France Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), and working closely together in the Indo-Pacific.

    The meeting was followed by an audience with the Prime Minister in Downing Street before attending the Trooping of the Colour and a lunch in Lancaster House, which included the chiefs’ extended network.

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

    “The first Trooping the Colour of the new King’s Reign is a historic moment, and I am privileged to host not only my French counterpart, General Thierry Burkhard, but also all of his supporting military chiefs and our exchange officers. Having all of our most seniors officers united today, is highly symbolic and  demonstrates the strength and depth of the UK-France Military relationship, which is critical to the security of Europe and the World.

    “Britain and France share a global outlook that reflects our responsibilities as permanent members of the UN Security Council and G7 economies, but also our democratic and humanitarian values. At the recent Paris Summit, Prime Minister Sunak and President Marcon reaffirmed our commitment to even closer defence cooperation.

    This will build on our joint presence in NATO’s Eastern flank, our shared commitment to Ukraine and many years of joint operations in Africa and the Middle East. In the years ahead, we will coordinate our activity in the Indo-Pacific and explore new technological projects that will ensure Britain and France remain Europe’s strongest and most capable defence partners.”

    During the visit, CDS was supported by his Vice Chief of Defence Staff, The First Sea Lord, The Chief of the Air Staff, a representative of the Chief of General Staff, and the UK’s Military representative to NATO.

    They were joined by over 100 members of the extensive military exchange and liaison network shared by both nations, with soldiers, airmen, sailors and civil servants represented.

    The Trooping of the Colour has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign for over 260 years. 2023 will mark His Majesty King Charles III’s first Trooping of the Colour as Sovereign, with more than 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians ready to demonstrate military precision, horsemanship and fanfare, as part of the ceremony.

    Chef d’État-Major des Armées, General Thierry Burkhard, said:

    “It is a great honour to be part of such an historic event and I am very grateful to my counterpart for his invitation. This ceremony allows the French chiefs of staff delegation to witness the devotion of British soldiers to the King and their country. It is very impressive and it is always inspiring for a nation to see that some of its members are prepared to sacrifice their lives for the common good.

    “Admiral Radakin also took the opportunity to bring together all the French and British liaison and exchange officers serving on both sides of the Channel. This highly symbolic moment undoubtedly contributes to the consolidation of our bilateral relationship. This is more important than ever as we seek to deepen our interoperability at a time when warfare is presenting new faces.

    “Among the French Armed Forces, the value of the British Armed Forces no longer needs to be proven. Indeed, we are all still inspired by the commitment of our veterans during the Second World War. Moreover, our soldiers, sailors and airmen have since been fighting and training together on a daily basis for many years. In Estonia, for example, a French company is integrated into a British battalion. Living together for several months, training together in harsh conditions creates bonds that make all the difference in combat. At the same time, our staffs are also working hard to share their assessments of the situation, the potential for using new technologies in our courses of action, and the development of procedures to facilitate our joint operational effectiveness.”

    In addition to Trooping of the Colours, on Friday, the two chiefs attended ceremonial divisions at HMS Collingwood, where CEMA was the guest of honour and gave a speech. This is the largest Royal Navy ceremonial parade outside of State-level events, with around 900 personnel on parade.

    The chiefs took the salute from officers and ratings on parade and presented awards and prizes to a number of individuals reflecting both academic achievement and exemplary service.

    The visit by CEMA was the latest in a series of activities between the UK and France this year – following the joint summit attended by the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary and other Ministers in Paris in March – as well as the Defence Secretary’s visit to Normandy this month, in which he gave a speech reflecting on European security and urging continued support for Ukraine. Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, will visit Paris on Monday to meet French President, Emmanuel Macron, and the French Minister for the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Armed Forces veteran community celebrated in HM The King’s Official Birthday Honours List [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Armed Forces veteran community celebrated in HM The King’s Official Birthday Honours List [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 16 June 2023.

    Armed Forces veterans are amongst those recognised for incredible service in this year’s HM The King’s Birthday Honours List 2023.

    Veterans, and those who have worked in the veteran community for decades have been honoured.

    The List includes many individuals who have raised funds for veterans causes, campaigned tirelessly for military charities and volunteered their time to support those who have served.

    Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer MP, said:

    When you join the military, you pledge to fight for King and country.

    So it’s immensely poignant that those who have served, or have helped veterans, have been honoured today in the Birthday Honours

    The range of contributions, from charity work, to supporting veterans mental health, are inspiring and I warmly congratulate all the recipients.

    Major (Rtd) Sally Orange has been awarded an MBE for her work to reduce the stigma associated with mental ill health. Over a 30-year period, Sally has run over 70 marathons and fundraised for over 40 different charities, mainly of a military nature, raising over half a million pounds in donations.

    Volunteer work is being recognised in this year’s List, including an MBE for Thomas Hall for his work linking the charity and healthcare systems to create a coherent care pathway in Wales. He has created a series of health discussion groups to share best practice and advice on veteran care, helping to improve understanding of their healthcare needs.

    Margaret Bracey has been awarded a BEM to mark her outstanding commitment to the Royal British Legion as one of their longest serving poppy collectors. Margaret sold her first poppy for one penny in 1945 at the age of 12, and continues to volunteer for the charity almost eight decades later.

    Anthony Cooper has been awarded an MBE for voluntary services to veterans. Following an extensive injury from an IED, including losing both legs, many fingers, and an eye, Anthony joined the Royal British Legion as an ambassador and works tirelessly to share his story with others, and has raised thousands of pounds for veterans charities.

    Charitable services to veterans is also being recognised in this year’s List, with Christine Evans receiving a British Empire Medal recognising her innovative fundraising ideas, including organising a ‘Red Ball’ fundraiser to mark the Centenary of the First World War. To date, Christine’s Poppy Appeals have raised over £300,000 for military charities.

    Following a 25 year military career, Albert Duffus is receiving a BEM to recognise his work organising fundraising events for a range of veterans charities and ensuring that the role of the Queen’s Own Highlanders regiment is remembered.

    Work to support the veterans of the war in Ukraine featured in this year’s list, with Major General Nicholas John Caplin receiving a CBE for his tireless work to help build Ukrainian capability in the provision of sight loss services for veterans. He is also credited with the establishment of the Disabled Veterans Charity Partnership, a partnership fostering collaboration between key military charities.

    Kenneth Keld of North Yorkshire is receiving an MBE for his persistent work to ensure Korean veterans receive recognition for their service.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The Military division of The King’s Birthday Honours List [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The Military division of The King’s Birthday Honours List [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 16 June 2023.

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

    Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

    Congratulations to the Service personnel who are receiving state honours from His Majesty The King, in his first Birthday Honours List. These prestigious awards are testament to the talent and dedication of our Armed Forces, and highlight the huge range of skills and talents across our brave personnel.

    Royal Navy Awards

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

    As Knight Commander

    • Vice Admiral Richard Charles THOMPSON, CBE

    As Companion

    • Rear Admiral James Godfrey HIGHAM, OBE

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

    As Commanders

    • Commodore James Robert DEAN, OBE
    • Rear Admiral Timothy Christopher WOODS

    As Officers

    • Commander Charles Michael BARROW
    • Commander Ian Gerald DANBURY
    • Colonel Jonathan Wyn DOWD
    • Captain Francis Durham HIRONS
    • Captain Stephen Andrew LARGE
    • Lieutenant Colonel Michael John SCANLON
    • Commander Fergus Steven WALKER

    As Members

    • Lieutenant Zachariah Thomas Sidney BLOW
    • Warrant Officer 1 Andrew Charles CORNISH
    • Petty Officer (Diver) Andrew Robert COULSON
    • Warrant Officer 1 (Mine Warfare) John COWAN
    • Warrant Officer 2 Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering) Jamie Paul DOUGAL
    • Sergeant James DUNLOP
    • Chief Petty Officer (Royal Navy Welfare) Victoria GLASSEY
    • Lieutenant Commander Amy GLOVER
    • Lieutenant Commander Anthony James Rodney LOFTS
    • Sub Lieutenant Adaiah Jekamiah Pelailiah PROVIDENCE-CULZAC, Royal Naval Reserve
    • Petty Officer Engineering Technician (Weapon Engineering Submarines) Barry John TURNER-MACDONALD
    • Captain Richard Ian WATSON
    • Major Christopher Alan WEBBER

    Royal Red Cross

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

    • Commander Karen McCULLOUGH, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service

    Army Awards

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

    As Knight Grand Cross

    • General Sir Mark Alexander Popham CARLETON-SMITH, KCB, CBE

    As Knight Commander

    • Lieutenant General Nicholas Robert Macrae BORTON, DSO, MBE

    As Companions

    • Major General Paul Raymond GRIFFITHS
    • Major General Timothy John HODGETTS, CBE, KHS
    • Major General Colin Richard James WEIR, DSO, MBE

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

    As Commanders

    • Brigadier Andrew Stuart GARNER, OBE
    • Brigadier Anna Clare LUEDICKE, OBE
    • Brigadier Toby Lloyd ROWLAND
    • Colonel (now Acting Brigadier) Nicholas THOMAS

    As Officers

    • Colonel Richard David Hadley BALL
    • Colonel Sharon Mary BEATTY, ARRC
    • Lieutenant Colonel James CAMPBELL, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Army Reserve
    • Colonel David Ronald COCKWELL, MBE
    • Lieutenant Colonel Belinda Lorraine FORSYTHE, MBE, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)
    • Lieutenant Colonel (now Acting Colonel) Rebecca Sarah JACQUES-GREY, Royal Corps of Signals
    • Colonel (now Acting Brigadier) Tobias LAMBERT
    • Lieutenant Colonel Philip Robert NATHAN, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment
    • Warrant Officer Class 1 Andrew John STOKES, MVO, Coldstream Guards
    • Colonel Tim John SYMONDS
    • Colonel Andrew Derrick WATSON

    As Members

    • Captain Steven John ADAMSON, Royal Corps of Signals
    • Lieutenant Colonel (now Acting Colonel) Stuart Richard ALLEN, Adjutant General’s Corps (Educational and Training Service Branch)
    • Major Daniel Robert AUSTIN, Royal Army Medical Corps
    • Sergeant Liam James BAYFORD, Royal Corps of Signals
    • Warrant Officer Class 1 Robbie George BEECH, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps
    • Lieutenant Colonel James Leonard BROWN, The Royal Logistic Corps
    • Lieutenant Colonel Rosanne Kathleen BUCKLEY, Intelligence Corps
    • Major (now Acting Lieutenant Colonel) Christopher Paul CARTER, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment
    • Major Peter James CORNISH, The Royal Logistic Corps
    • Sergeant Thomas COUPER, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
    • Colonel Peter Michael John COWELL, The Yorkshire Regiment
    • Major Hamish Lawson DAVISON, Royal Tank Regiment
    • Lance Corporal Natasha Maria Linda DAY, Royal Army Medical Corps
    • Major Steven George DAY, The Yorkshire Regiment
    • Warrant Officer Class 2 Johannes Jakobus DU TOIT, The Royal Logistic Corps
    • Warrant Officer Class 1 Deborah Anne FAIRCLOUGH, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
    • Lieutenant Colonel Wendy FAUX, VR, Royal Regiment of Artillery, Army Reserve,
    • Major Paul John GANUSZKO, Royal Regiment of Artillery
    • Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Gareth Russel HALL, Royal Army Medical Corps
    • Captain Melissa Jane HENLEY, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)
    • Major Craig HUTTON, Scots Guards
    • Captain Helen JASPER, VR, Royal Regiment of Artillery, Army Reserve
    • Lieutenant Colonel (now Acting Colonel) Iain LAMONT, Corps of Royal Engineers
    • Lieutenant Colonel Danny Scott Alan LESLIE, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
    • Captain (now Acting Major) George Wayne LONG, The Mercian Regiment
    • Lieutenant (now Acting Captain) Bartholomew Philip LUCAS, Army Cadet Force
    • Major Robert MARSHALL, The Royal Logistic Corps
    • Major Iain Veitch McDAVID, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
    • Captain (now Acting Major) Matthew Speirs McNAIRN, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
    • Major Robert Edward MORFORD, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
    • Major Harry Anthony NOBLE, Intelligence Corps
    • Major William James Devine PATRICK, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
    • Warrant Officer Class 2 Deborah Christine PENNY, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
    • Warrant Officer Class 2 James Stephen Christopher ROCHESTER, Corps of Royal Engineers
    • Corporal William James ROSS, The Royal Logistic Corps
    • Warrant Officer Class 1 Abbas SALIHU, The Royal Logistic Corps
    • Major Keith William SCOTT, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)
    • Major Helen Mary Morrell STAMP, Corps of Royal Engineers
    • Major Anthony Russell VINEY, The Yorkshire Regiment
    • Major Edward Charles WATTS, The Yorkshire Regiment
    • Major (now Acting Lieutenant Colonel) Joseph Francis Caven WOOD, Corps of Royal Engineers

    Royal Red Cross

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

    • Staff Sergeant Lindsey Anne COLLINSON, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps

    King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

    • Warrant Officer Class 2 Craig BLANEY, VR, Royal Regiment of Artillery, Army Reserve
    • Captain David Gary BURGESS, VR, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
    • Colonel David Ronald McNEIL, TD, VR, Army Reserve
    • Warrant Officer Class 2 Lee Jay SHAW, VR, Corps of Royal Engineers, 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 Vice-Marshal Ranald Torquil Ian MUNRO, CBE

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

    As Commanders

    • Air Commodore Anthony John BEASANT
    • Air Commodore Emily Jane FLYNN, OBE
    • Group Captain Sara Bridget MACKMIN

    As Officers

    • Wing Commander Tracey Louise AFFLECK
    • Group Captain Leonie BOYD
    • Group Captain James Matthew CALVERT
    • Wing Commander Victoria Ann FULTON
    • Wing Commander Craig Robert LEDIEU, MBE
    • Wing Commander Anthony John LETT
    • Wing Commander Victoria Tuesday WILLIAMS
    • Wing Commander Jonathan Robert Gibson YOUNG

    As Members

    • Sergeant Matthew James BREESE
    • Squadron Leader David Gary COOPER
    • Warrant Officer Andrea Jane CULLEY
    • Chief Technician Martin Richard DARBON
    • Squadron Leader Elizabeth Margaret DAWSON
    • Squadron Leader Brendan Christopher DUNNE
    • Squadron Leader Robyn Elizabeth HACKWELL
    • Wing Commander Lorna Jayne HOBAN
    • Air Specialist 1 (now Acting Corporal) Prem Dorje LAMA
    • Squadron Leader William Anthony LEATHER
    • Sergeant Paul David MITCHELL
    • Squadron Leader Gary MONTGOMERY
    • Sergeant (now Acting Flight Sergeant) Robyn Caroline MUSCROFT-BLOOMFIELD
    • Squadron Leader Andrew SPOUR
    • Flight Lieutenant David Alexander TAYLOR
    • Squadron Leader Princejit Singh UBHI

    Royal Red Cross

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

    • Flight Sergeant Anita Rosemary WIEJAK

    King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

    • Flight Lieutenant Graham John BLACKBURN
    • Air Specialist Class 1 Westley WHYTE
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK commits £60 million to NATO’s Ukraine fund [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK commits £60 million to NATO’s Ukraine fund [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 16 June 2023.

    As defence ministers meet in Brussels, the Defence Secretary announced a £60 million contribution to the Comprehensive Assistance Package.

    • UK providing £60 million to NATO Comprehensive Assistance Package, bringing UK contribution to more than £80 million
    • NATO Ministers agree new UK-based Maritime Centre to support the security of undersea infrastructure
    • Defence Secretary Ben Wallace is in Brussels with NATO counterparts where the expansion of the ammunition warehousing project was agreed

    An additional £60 million of funding from the UK to NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) has been announced by the Defence Secretary, bringing the UK’s total contribution to over £80 million since February last year.

    The CAP is the way that NATO’s support to Ukraine has been organised since 2016, and the funding supports a wide range of capacity-building programmes that are focused on key areas including cyber and logistics.

    The package provides secure communications; combat rations, fuel, medical supplies; body armour; winter clothing and equipment to counter mines and chemical and biological threats. The UK and NATO allies continue to deliver on a shared and unwavering commitment to support Ukraine.

    Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

    The international community is working together to secure a stable Europe including our critical infrastructure, and to support Ukraine.

    This new contribution for NATO’s Ukraine fund is part of our ongoing commitment to provide Ukraine with the equipment and training it needs.

    The funding from the UK is in addition to the extensive and ongoing bilateral support that the UK is providing Ukraine, and initiatives such as the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU). Earlier this week, the UK announced two significant air defence support packages with allies and partners.

    The £60 million contribution to the CAP was announced by the Defence Secretary at a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in Brussels. The meeting of the 31 NATO members focused on European security and stability, and Ministers agreed to establish a new Maritime Centre for the Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure at NATO Maritime Command in the UK. This new centre is part of a long term plan for the alliance to better secure critical undersea infrastructure.

    The centre will result in better coordination between allies and with industry to share expertise, creating a NATO-wide picture of the threat and best way to tackle the challenges including best practice and innovative technologies, such as the UK’s two Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance (MROS) ships – the first of which, HMS Proteus, is due to sail shortly.

    The meeting also saw Multinational Ammunition Warehousing Initiative (MAWI) partners (Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and the UK) welcome four new nations to the project – Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany and Luxembourg.

    MAWI is a NATO project that was established in 2021 to enable partners to explore opportunities for common stockpiling solutions, facilitate information sharing and develop minimum standards for ammunition warehouses. This will strengthen cooperation across allies in managing the storage of munitions and should result in lower costs and increase the availability of weapons.

    The project will see a network of munition storage facilities that can host munitions in support of NATO’s multinational battle groups, including the UK-led group in Estonia.

    During the NATO meeting, the Defence Secretary also reiterated the UK’s support to Sweden’s accession to the alliance, and held meetings with his counterparts from Türkiye, Canada, Greece, and Italy. He also met with Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Cavoli, and Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Radford.

    Before the meeting began on Thursday, the Defence Secretary and Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, attended the 13th Ukraine Defence Contact Group where the delivery of hundreds more air defence missiles was announced, following an agreement between Denmark, the Netherlands, the US and the UK.

    The international community is committed to providing ongoing support to Ukraine – including equipment and training.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK joins international partners in delivering air defence equipment to Ukraine [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK joins international partners in delivering air defence equipment to Ukraine [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 15 June 2023.

    A major new fund will deliver hundreds of vital air defence missiles, the result of a partnership between Denmark, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA.

    • A major new fund announced today will deliver hundreds of vital air defence missiles.
    • Result of a partnership between Denmark, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA.
    • Announcement comes on the eve of the Defence Secretary discussing the future of NATO at a meeting of Alliance defence ministers in Brussels.

    The UK will contribute to the rapid delivery of a significant package of vital air defence equipment for Ukraine, working alongside international partners, the Defence Secretary has announced today.

    The announcement was made today by the defence ministries of Denmark, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA, during a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG). The UDCG brings together some 50 nations providing a variety of military support to Ukraine.

    Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

    Working with our international partners we are able to provide vital air defence equipment, which will help Ukraine support offensive operations and protect critical national infrastructure.

    Hundreds of short and medium range air defence systems will be procured via the fund. Delivery of the equipment has already begun and is expected to be completed within weeks. The package consists largely of Soviet-era missiles, supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s most pressing needs for systems to support offensive operations and protect critical national infrastructure.

    As well as attending the UDCG, the Defence Secretary will also be attending a meeting of NATO defence ministers at NATO HQ, Brussels, ahead of next month’s summit of the Alliance’s leaders in Vilnius. The Defence Secretary will reiterate the UK’s ambition for Sweden’s accession to the Alliance to be ratified ahead of the NATO Leaders’ Vilnius summit.

    Ministers will also discuss changes to NATO’s military structures, strengthening ties with defence industry, and making sure the Alliance has the resources it needs to tackle threats across all domains – laying the groundwork for the biggest transformation of NATO for decades.

    Funding for air defences is the latest UK support for Ukraine to be announced, following the recent delivery of long-range Storm Shadow missiles, and the announcement from the Prime Minister last week that the UK is donating other air defence systems and long range attack drones.

    Earlier this week, the Defence Secretary met his Joint Expeditionary Force counterparts in Amsterdam, and announced that the UK will commit a further £250 million to the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU), as well as a new package of vital air defence capabilities worth £92 million. The equipment will be procured in the coming months through the IFU to bolster Ukraine’s ability to protect its critical national infrastructure, civilian population, and front-line personnel. The package will provide radars to help protect from indiscriminate Russian strikes as well as guns and a significant amount of ammunition. Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland and Lithuania have all contributed to the fund.

    Other recent support for Ukraine has included the granting of Challenger 2 main battle tanks, armoured vehicles, and self-propelled guns, as well as running training programmes for Ukrainian infantry, marines, and pilots.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Coronation flypast rearranged for the King’s Birthday Parade [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Coronation flypast rearranged for the King’s Birthday Parade [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 15 June 2023.

    Aircraft from across the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force will take part in a spectacular flypast for the King’s Birthday Parade, marking the first Birthday Flypast for His Majesty King Charles III.

    Around 70 aircraft will take to the skies above the crowds on The Mall and over Buckingham Palace watched by Their Majesties the King and Queen, alongside other members of the royal family.

    The aircraft will take off from 15 different locations across the UK before joining up across the south-east of England and flying across the capital.

    Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton said:

    We are very proud to be able to showcase our capabilities to our Commander-in-Chief, on this historic occasion for His Majesty the King.

    We have planned a fitting and appropriate tribute for our monarch, that should be a true spectacle for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

    The event will feature a mix of aircraft ranging from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight dating back to the 1940s and the C-130 Hercules on its final ceremonial flight before retiring from service, to multiple Typhoon fighter jet aircraft and the Envoy IV CC1, making its flypast debut.

    At the front of the flypast will be a Juno HT1 piloted by Flight Lieutenant Tom Knapp from 60 Squadron, No.1 Flying Training School based at RAF Shawbury. The event will culminate in a spectacular show of red, white and blue from the pilots of the RAF Red Arrows.

    A similar sized flypast was planned for the King’s Coronation in May but was scaled down due to poor weather conditions. Therefore, this Birthday Flypast has been increased in size to pay tribute to the new monarch.

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

    It is a great honour to be part of His Majesty the King’s Birthday celebrations, where the flypast is an opportunity for us to showcase formation, precision and excellence in the air to our Commander-in-Chief on such a special occasion.

    The aircraft of the Armed Forces have a long and proud history of taking part in this occasion, with the first King’s Birthday Flypast taking place in 1913; and, most recently, formed part of Their Majesties’ Coronation in May and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee last year.

    Many of the aircraft taking part in the flypast have been actively involved in operations around the world this year including the NATO Air Policing mission in Eastern Europe and the evacuation of British citizens from Sudan.

    The King’s Birthday Flypast follows Trooping the Colour which takes place on Horse Guards Parade in the morning. The ceremony dates back to the reign of King Charles II, and became an annual event in 1760. This year, the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards will troop their colour in the presence of His Majesty the King.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on Ukraine by Denmark, the Netherlands, the UK, and the USA [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on Ukraine by Denmark, the Netherlands, the UK, and the USA [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 15 June 2023.

    A statement on delivering high priority air defence equipment to Ukraine.

    The Denmark, the Netherlands, and the UK defence ministries and the United States Department of Defense today announced that they are partnering together to deliver high priority air defence equipment to Ukraine, addressing its most urgent air defence requirements as Russia continues its brazen missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities.

    The initiative will deliver hundreds of short and medium range air defence missiles and associated systems required to protect Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure and further ensure the success of counter-offensive operations in coming months. Delivery of the equipment has already begun and should be complete within several weeks.

    The initiative was announced ahead of the June 15, 2023 meeting of the U.S.-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in Brussels, Belgium. The UDCG brings together some 50 nations providing a variety of military support to Ukraine.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £46 million contract awarded to support Armed Forces information access globally [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £46 million contract awarded to support Armed Forces information access globally [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 15 June 2023.

    The Ministry of Defence has signed a new Enterprise Agreement with Esri UK worth £46 million, helping UK Armed Forces personnel access the right information, in any situation, across any network and on any device.

    • £46 million contract awarded to provide Geographic Information Systems (GIS) globally.
    • Armed Forces Personnel to continue receiving the provision of live instant Geographic Information.
    • Enterprise Agreement sustains 25 jobs with plans to increase roles over the next three years.

    The Ministry of Defence has signed a new Enterprise Agreement with Esri UK worth £46 million, helping UK Armed Forces personnel access the right information, in any situation, across any network and on any device.

    Over the next three years, this contract – for the continuation and supply of Geographic Information Systems – will support the MOD’s digital transformation journey to achieve and maintain the information advantage, as well as to shorten decision-making cycles. It will sustain 25 jobs across the UK with plans to increase roles across multiple sites by 50% over that time.

    As the Ministry of Defence’s Strategic Geospatial Partner, Esri UK provides users across the MOD with access to its world-leading Geographic Information Systems (GIS), ArcGIS. Offering unique capabilities and deployed on most of the Department’s networks, military personnel use ArcGIS to gain greater insights by applying contextual tools to visualise and analyse their data and then collaborate via maps, apps, dashboards, and reports.

    This partnership will maintain the provision of live instant Geographic Information to British troops in remote locations around the world by providing broader and easier access to location-based technologies and services, with some of its uses including Field Operations, mapping, data science, imagery, and data collection and management.

    The technology will also enable specialist users to do high-end geospatial information (GEOINT) analysis from deployed front-line units to UK based Defence Intelligence analysts.

    Major General Richard Spencer, Director Delivery of Intelligence and Expeditionary Services in Defence Digital, said:

    I am pleased to be able to continue to work closely with our strategic partner, Esri UK. They have a key role in assisting us in our ambition to digitally transform all aspects of our business, from corporate workflows to front line operations, to help further improve and shorten our decision-making cycles.

    Victoria Cope, Defence Digital Commercial Director, Enterprise, said:

    Our partnership with Esri UK delivers critical operational outcomes and will save £21 million over the next three years.  This agreement forms part of our strategic approach to address digital spend and leverage our scale across the defence enterprise.

    Peter Wilkinson, Managing Director at Esri UK, said:

    We look forward to working with our extensive Partner network to help MOD achieve three key outcomes: building the MOD’s Location Infrastructure, with new location services and analytical capabilities; growing the reach of these capabilities across the entirety of MOD’s Enterprise; and developing a world-leading ecosystem of solutions that feed into and off of this Location Infrastructure, enabling a seamless two-way flow of information and intelligence across all their networks. This is how we will unlock the power of location to help MOD achieve and maintain Information Advantage.

    The Defence Digital organisation employs around 2,400 personnel including military, civil servants, and contractors. The organisation is responsible for making sure that effective digital and information technology (D&IT) is put into the hands of the military and business front line.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Army resumes training on Ajax [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Army resumes training on Ajax [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 15 June 2023.

    Units of the British Field Army have restarted training on the Ajax vehicles this week, highlighting continued progress in the programme.

    • Field Army have resumed training on the Ajax vehicles
    • Marks next positive step in progress on the Ajax programme
    • Ajax vehicles have driven more than 6,600km on trials so far

    Units of the British Field Army have restarted training on the Ajax vehicles this week, highlighting continued progress in the programme.

    Focused on individual and crew training, this step will mark the restarting of British Army training on the sophisticated vehicles. Conducted in Bovington and Bulford on the initial production standard of Ajax vehicles – Capability Drop 1 – this training will enable troops to learn how to operate the armoured vehicles and use the systems integrated into them.

    The training will also enable the crew to develop skills and experience with the vehicles before delivery of the later Capability Drop 3 vehicles, which will be fully deployable.

    44 vehicles at Capability Drop 1 have been delivered to the British Army, while a busy production line in South Wales manufactures the Capability Drop 3 vehicles that will provide the British Army with a battle-winning edge.

    Delivering a step-change in the surveillance and reconnaissance capability for the Army, with its suite of cutting-edge sensors, enhanced 40mm cannon, modular armour, and improved cross-country range and mobility, the programme will deliver 6 variants, totalling 589 vehicles that will allow the Army to operate in all weathers, 24 hours a day.

    Boosting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, the main Ajax contracts supports a UK-wide supply chain of more than 230 UK-based companies and more than 4,000 jobs throughout the UK, including a large number in South Wales.

    Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said:

    This is a significant moment for the British Army, marking a huge step forward for the Ajax Programme. The Ajax vehicles will provide a breakthrough in capability and I’m pleased to see such positive progress towards delivering a suite of battle-ready vehicles for our forces.

    Visiting Bovington Camp in the south west of England – where soldiers are currently training on the Ajax vehicles – Defence Minister James Cartlidge recently met with soldiers taking part in the Reliability Growth Trials that resumed earlier this year and instructors who were about to start training the Army.

    Through Reliability Growth Trials, AJAX, APOLLO, ATLAS and ARES variants have driven more than 6,600 kilometres through different terrains, completing a variety of representative battlefield tasks such as operating across a range of speeds, firing weapon systems, using the vehicles systems and communications and completing specialist tasks such as vehicle recoveries and repairs using the integrated crane.

    Earlier this year, the MOD also confirmed the resumption of payments to General Dynamics for the delivery of the programme. A robust firm price contract remains for the delivery of the 589 vehicles, which will ensure that General Dynamics are incentivised to deliver against agreed outcomes.

    As such, the whole programme remains within its originally approved budget level and the Department has worked collaboratively and constructively with General Dynamics to achieve this.