Tag: Ministry of Defence

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 31 March 2023.

Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton KCB FREng is to be appointed as Chief of the Air Staff and Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty in the rank of Air Chief Marshal.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has confirmed that His Majesty The King has approved the new appointment of the Chief of the Air Staff.

Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton KCB FREng is to be appointed as Chief of the Air Staff and Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty in the rank of Air Chief Marshal, in succession to Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston KCB CBE ADC, in June 2023.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

I am delighted to congratulate Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton on his promotion and appointment in June as Chief of the Air Staff. His previous roles have equipped him well to lead a modern, innovative and diverse Service. As the first ground branch officer to command his Service, his appointment marks a new milestone for the Royal Air Force.

Under Air Marshal Sir Richard’s leadership, the Royal Air Force will be in excellent hands. He takes up his appointment at a crucial moment for the Royal Air Force as it evolves to meet future threats while continuing to conduct operations to protect our security and support our allies and partners.

I would also like to recognise Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston’s loyal service to the nation over his military career. Sir Mike has delivered a lean, effective, modernised force that has offered phenomenal operational effect across the globe and I wish him all the best in the future.

Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said:

I am very pleased to welcome Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton as the next Chief of the Air Staff. The first engineer to lead his Service, he is just the person to seize the extraordinary technological opportunities that await the Royal Air Force, to become even more lethal and agile, and to reach even further into cyber and space.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston has been a valued friend and colleague. Throughout his time as Chief of the Air Staff, the RAF has sustained an extraordinary tempo of operations, protecting UK and NATO skies and helping to defeat Daesh in Iraq and Syria. Under his leadership the RAF established Space Command and contributed to the success of Carrier Strike. His stewardship of the Global Combat Air Programme has shaped the future of the RAF, and Britain’s aerospace sector, for the next half-century. It is a worthy finale to almost four decades of service.

Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton said:

I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the next Chief of the Air Staff at such an important time for the Royal Air Force. The Prime Minister was clear in the Integrated Review Refresh that the world is now more volatile and contested. Air and Space power are critical to defending the UK, its interests and our allies. I am delighted to be given the opportunity to build on the modernisation and phenomenal operational success led by my predecessor.

The Royal Air Force is operating the most advanced capability in its history, but this is nothing without the brilliant people who are at the heart of what the Royal Air Force delivers. I am enormously proud to lead our people, and will work tirelessly to support them in continuing to modernise and run the Royal Air Force.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 31 March 2023.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 30 March 2023.

Changes have been made to policies on alcohol, as well as the creation of the sexual harassment task force and a new code of conduct.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 30 March 2023.

The first Regional Office of NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) was opened in London today.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 30 March 2023.

The British Army’s Experimentation and Trials Group (ETG) have been testing improving future urban operations using a new experimental force concept.

The study called Urban Phalanx, involves a number of concepts for achieving small unit dominance in future urban combat for dismounted light forces. The specific focus was on ways to improve urban combat effectiveness through changes in structures and lethality. These areas were developed in collaboration with Army and Royal Marines urban combat experts, as well as the US Marine Corps’ Warfighting Laboratory, and they performed very well during Dstl-led testing and simulation. The results then fed into British Army decision making.

The Army’s new experimentation battalion, 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, have now been restructured around this concept and were deployed as the Next Generation Combat Team (NGCT) on both Project CONVERGENCE 22 and Exercise CERBERUS 22 to further develop it. The next step in this evolution is deployment onto Exercise WESSEX STORM 1/23 to test a new company Order of Battle (ORBAT) and increased lethality at the company level.

Dstl’s urban operations research lead and designer of the Urban Phalanx, Stuart Lyle, said:

Due to the complexity of urban terrain, urban combat quickly devolves into multiple, dislocated small unit battles fought at very close quarters, sometimes even between parts of the same building. The short engagement ranges and urban clutter also reduce the ability to employ supporting firepower assets, like mortars and artillery. This puts much greater emphasis on the performance of junior leaders and individual soldiers in deciding the outcome of an urban operation than in more rural combat.

The complexity of the terrain and the proximity of the enemy also places a greater burden on junior commanders to act as information sources for higher commanders, adding greater demands on these individuals.

Therefore, the key aims of the Phalanx Platoon concept are to reduce cognitive load on junior commanders while enhancing their ability to defeat threats with their own assets.

The NGCT that ETG are experimenting with is based around 2 Phalanx Platoons and a Manoeuvre Support Group. The Phalanx Platoon is built of 3 sections of 10 personnel, an anti-armour/anti-structure capability, a platoon systems operator, a platoon commander and a platoon sergeant.

The new section consists of 2 4-person fire teams and an independent command element comprising section commander and a section systems operator. This command element was shown to increase the situational awareness of the section, through the employment of drones and intelligence kit, while reducing the cognitive burden on the section commander.

The systems operator is also removed from the fire teams to focus on controlling the small uncrewed air systems (UAS) and updating the Dismounted Situational Awareness (DSA) system, providing greater situational awareness to both the section commander and platoon headquarters.

Each Phalanx Platoon has a shoulder-launched rocket team, armed with a Carl-Gustaf weapon system. This enables a rapid, multi-shot capability that can utilise different warheads dependent on the mission and does not require a specialist user to operate in the same way that Javelin does. By having this capability independent of the sections, it allows a more effective employment of these capabilities while reducing the load on the sections in both weight and cognitive burden.

The Manoeuvre Support Group consists of assets that would traditionally be found in a support company, increasing the lethality options immediately available to a company commander. The entire company will be mounted in light mobility vehicles, to offer enhanced mobility but not a platform to fight from.

ETG Lead, Col Toby Till, said:

Dstl’s science has enabled us to look at increasing the size of the sections, which increases their survivability and enables them to remain effective, even whilst sustaining casualties. This increase also enables the section commander to be removed from a fire team, allowing a better focus on commanding the section and digesting the increased levels of information being generated by the systems operator.

The Manoeuvre Support Group also has 3 Javelin detachments to provide specialist anti-tank capability at the company level, with a greater range than that offered by the Carl-Gustaf Sensor Decider Effector (SDE) Teams and Indirect Fires. The Manoeuvre Support Group has 2 SDE Teams consisting of a Patrol Commander, Systems Operator/Mortar Fire Controller and a driver who also provides security. The company is assigned 2 81mm mortar barrels as integral indirect fires assets.

The SDE Teams will operate in the same way as a Fire Planning Cell at Battlegroup HQ level but is focussed on the assets integral to the company. The company also benefits from a MEP WOLFRAM, a Coyote vehicle fitted with a modular Brimstone missile launcher, to enable precision long range fires, as well as simulated Loitering Munitions, at Platoon and Company level.

Lessons learnt on Ex WESSEX STORM 1/23 will be taken forward and further refined on the ETG Live Firing Exercise (LIVEX), as well as the next Project CONVERGENCE event.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 29 March 2023.

Military veterans taking part in an archaeological excavation on Salisbury Plain Training Area explained their work to Defence Minister Dr Andrew Murrison MP as he visited the dig site.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 29 March 2023.

The UK and Swedish defence ministers signed a letter of intent relating to a new contract to deliver 14 Archer self-propelled guns.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 28 March 2023.

Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force bolster security in Estonia as part of NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force.

Royal Navy ship HMS Mersey has been deployed to the Baltic Sea for the last week, operating with the Estonian Navy and Royal Air Force in support of the nations’ security as Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) partners. This follows Mersey’s recent engagements with Swedish and Finnish Navies.

The British Army and Royal Air Force have also been operating in Estonia, supporting regional security as part of NATO. Estonia is a valued and strategically important defence partner for the UK and working together to respond to shared challenges provides an important boost for European security.

Four Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft have been conducting NATO air policing patrols alongside the German Air Force from Ämari Air Base, near Tallinn. Earlier this year, three Chinooks from 18(B) Squadron from RAF Odiham and approximately 100 RAF personnel deployed to Estonia following an agreement by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace in November 2022 to help bolster defence and security across the Baltic states.

The deployments by the Navy and RAF complement the British Army’s operation in Tapa, leading the NATO enhanced Forward Presence, called Operation Cabrit. Established in 2017, the UK leads a multinational, combat-ready battlegroup to protect and reaffirm the security of the alliance’s member states. British units rotate on a continuous basis alongside Danish, French, and host nation Estonian forces. Around 1,000 British Army personnel are deployed to Estonia on Operation Cabrit.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

The deployment of all three services to Estonia demonstrates the strength of our relationship, exercising and operating alongside allies and partners in support of regional stability in the face of Russian aggression.

The UK and Estonia are Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) partners – a multinational force made up of like-minded, northern European nations – the UK, together with Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. The deployment of HMS Mersey, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, reaffirms the UK’s capability and commitment to the JEF which is committed to European security with the Baltic region as one of its focus areas.

Portsmouth-based HMS Mersey has been working with the RAF Typhoons and long-range maritime patrol aircraft during its deployment. The RAF dispatched a P8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to waters off Estonia in a long-range mission – a round trip from its base at RAF Lossiemouth of more than 2,000 miles, The aircraft worked with HMS Mersey to compile a complete picture of maritime activity in the region.

HMS Mersey’s Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander James Mitchell said:

The capabilities that Poseidon brings are impressive, especially on a foggy day like today when we struggle to identify shipping contacts,” said

Operating together we were able to generate a recognised maritime picture of activity across the Baltic Sea region. It’s another demonstration of our ability to integrate and operate alongside partners and allies both under the JEF framework and as part of the NATO alliance.

Colonel Dai Bevan, Commanding Officer of Operation Cabrit, said:

We recognise the importance of the UK and Alliance presence in the Baltic region to bolster security.

Since 2017, the British Army has led the enhanced Forward Presence in Estonia and welcomes the additional capabilities from the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and JEF partners to help ensure the security of Eastern Europe.

Wing Commander Ben Livesey, the Officer Commanding CXX Sqn and who flew on the sortie said:

This was an excellent example of what the Poseidon can do… reassuring our Allies and cooperating closely with our Royal Navy colleagues at range.

The ability to project our RAF Maritime Patrol capability into different areas like this allows us to better understand the battlespace, both above and below the waves, and this ability continues to grow as Poseidon builds towards Full Operational Capability.  Despite the poor weather, we were able to achieve our mission objectives whilst conducting valuable training, which prepares us better for future challenges, whatever those may be.

Estonian patrol vessel Kindral Kurvits joined HMS Mersey for three days of combined exercises off the coast of Tallin, and the Head of the Estonian Navy Commodore Yüri Saska embarked on the Royal Navy ship for a day to observe the activity.

For the final exercise during which snow limited visibility to half a mile at times, the Kurvits searched the Gulf of Finland for ‘hostile’ shipping – played by HMS Mersey – which simulated a ship refusing demands to comply during the exercise, prompting the Estonians to call in the RAF, deployed to the country as part of a NATO air policing mission. A jet from IX (Bomber) Squadron, 140 Expeditionary Air Wing, based at Ämari Air Base responded, making repeated low-level passes of the Royal Navy vessel in a show of force.

Lieutenant John Hawke HMS Mersey’s gunnery officer said:

There is a lot we can learn from the Baltic navies – they have different skillsets from us and they operate in a very different geo-political sphere.

Wing Commander Scott MacColl, the Commanding Officer of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing said:

“This was an excellent opportunity for the UK and 140 EAW to demonstrate the flexibility and agility we can bring from a deployed location in Estonia. From an Air Policing posture, the team were able to seamlessly transition into a maritime role, reinforcing our excellent working relationship with Royal Navy units and other RAF capabilities. This versatility is key to interoperability with a wide range of Allies and Partners, and enhancing broader Baltic Security.”

The Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force activities in the Baltic are part of the UK contribution to the NATO and the Alliance’s collective work to ensure security and stability in the region.

Having completed her work in Estonia, HMS Mersey will remain in the Baltic for further exercises with regional navies before returning to the UK in April.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 28 March 2023.

John Lewis becomes the 10,000th signatory for the Armed Forces Covenant – Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families attends latest signing at HQ.

More than 10,000 organisations have committed to improving the lives of service people and their families, with John Lewis becoming the latest signatory to mark this major milestone.

The retailer is the latest in a long line of large and small organisations to confirm their pledge to our serving Armed Forces personnel and veterans, demonstrating a commitment to work with and for our personnel.

Since 2011, when the concept was enshrined into law, the Covenant reinforced the moral obligation between nation, government and Armed Forces which has since seen UK organisations of all sizes commit to treating our Armed Forces Personnel, and their families, fairly.

In addition to fostering commitments to the Covenant, the government has committed millions of pounds in funding to ensure veterans’ mental health, accommodation, and childcare, among other issues, is well catered for and funded.

Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison said:

Today we welcome John Lewis as the 10,000th signing to the Armed Forces Covenant. The brave men and women of our Armed Forces sacrifice much in the service of their country, so it is only right we ensure that they and their families are supported.

That is why the Covenant is so important, and by working alongside all the partners and organisations that have signed so far, we can ensure that the UK’s promise to them is upheld.

Ben Farrell, Director of Operations Planning and Delivery at the John Lewis Partnership, said:

We’re incredibly proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, particularly at such a landmark moment as we become the 10,000th signatory.

The Partnership has a strong heritage of supporting the armed forces and as a Purpose-driven business that prides itself on inclusiveness, we are committed to ensuring we provide an opportunity to people from all kinds of backgrounds, including those with links to the military.

Chief of Defence People, Vice Admiral Phil Hally said:

I’m proud to see our nation has met this historic milestone. The 10,000 organisations which have pledged support to our Armed Forces community span multiple sectors of our society from education, healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, transport, retail and financial services and many more in between. I encourage every business and charity to consider joining them. Together, we can better protect those who protect us, by ensuring fair treatment for all who serve in the Armed Forces and their families.

The government is committed to support the Armed Forces community by working with a range of partners who have signed the Covenant, with the Covenant involving stakeholders nationally. This includes businesses, local authorities, charities, and the public.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 27 March 2023.

Ukrainian tank crews have completed training on Challenger 2 tanks in the UK and have returned home to continue their fight against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion.

The training began shortly after the announcement in January that the UK would donate 14 Challenger 2 tanks and accompanying ammunition and spare parts to aid Ukraine. UK military trainers spent several weeks training Ukrainian personnel how to operate and fight with the tanks. Instruction included how to command, drive and work together as a Challenger 2 tank crew and effectively identify and engage targets.

The Challenger 2 tank marks a step change in capability for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, ensuring they are better able to protect their crews and offering them some of the most modern and sophisticated gunnery systems in the world.

To mark the conclusion of training Ukrainian Challenger 2 crews, the Ministry of Defence has today released a 30 minute documentary on YouTube. The documentary shows an unprecedented behind the scenes look at the training.