Tag: Ministry of Defence

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 14 March 2023.

Scottish business McLaughlin & Harvey Construction Limited have been awarded a contract to build a new facility ready for the arrival of the UK E-7 Wedgetail fleet at RAF Lossiemouth.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 10 March 2023.

UK and France commit to continued support for Ukraine, working together as NATO allies to ensure Russia’s illegal invasion fails.

Defence and security were a key focus at today’s 36th UK-France Summit in Paris, with new initiatives to advance the already strong military relationship between the two nations.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace met France’s Minister for the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, reaffirming our longstanding partnership and friendship as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and President Macron outlined a shared vision to meet the greatest challenges the UK and France face, including in defence and security.

As permanent members of the UN Security Council, and as members of the G7, G20 and NATO, our nations already work closely to promote international security and tackle shared challenges. A joint statement was published covering a range of agreements made during the summit.

Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, joined the Defence Secretary for the dialogues taking place in Paris – focusing on Ukraine and ambitions for further integration of our Armed Forces over the next decade.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

It has been a great pleasure to meet again with my friend and defence counterpart Sébastien Lecornu. We have agreed to strengthen our defence and security partnership, committing to look at areas of cooperation to increase the interoperability of our joint defence capabilities – and to advance key projects to develop complex weapons systems.

Our shared and ongoing support for Ukraine remains unwavering. We will continue to provide that support for as long as it takes.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Minister Sébastien Lecornu set out how both our nations will continue our steadfast support for Ukraine, and work together as NATO allies to ensure that Putin’s aggression and illegal invasion will fail. The UK and France committed to do all they can to strengthen Ukraine’s abilities on the battlefield and ensure the country defend its people and critical infrastructure against Russian aggression. This includes increased cooperation on provision of equipment, in particular ammunition, and supporting the training of Ukrainian personnel, including marines, in the UK.

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

As our leaders meet in Paris, the British and French Armed Forces are working together in response to Russian aggression in Europe, and to protect our shared values and interests across the globe. Now we will deepen our cooperation be it supporting Ukraine today or meeting the challenges of tomorrow, from security in the Arctic to carrier deployments in the Pacific.

We will also pursue a host of joint endeavours from intelligence sharing to complex weapon development. This reflects the mutual respect and confidence that exists between us, our shared technological ambitions, our unwavering commitment to NATO and our recognition that the security of Europe and the Atlantic is tied to that of the wider world.

During the summit, the UK and France agreed to coordinate deployments of our aircraft carriers to provide complementary and a more persistent European presence in regions of shared interest. This will mean routinely providing support for each other’s task groups, cooperating in exercises to prepare our carriers for warfighting, and explore opportunities for the United Kingdom and France to demonstrate the sequencing of more persistent European carrier strike group presence in the Indo-Pacific.

Further integration of the UK and French Armed Forces over the next decade was also discussed, with a vision to enable seamless operations and draw on common intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data.

The UK and France also agreed to work to ensure interoperability of weapons and platforms across Europe and NATO, including advance landmark projects to develop their future complex weapons systems, such as the Future Cruise and Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) programme. An agreement was also reached on a new dialogue on defence industrial strategy, and to cooperate further on European air defence capabilities and directed energy weapons.

In addition, discussion covered strengthening our cooperation on homeland defence and greater focus on cyber activities. The nations also agreed to continue to harness the potential of the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), making it fit for the evolving security environment and new contested areas, including in the High North.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 6 March 2023.

Lieutenant General Tom Copinger-Symes, Deputy Commander of Strategic Command, visited Blackburn College to meet with students studying cyber, digital and law courses, and promote the exciting opportunities in the region.

During his visit, students heard how Strategic Command leads on the development of joint capabilities for UK Defence, including medical services, intelligence, digital systems and cyber.

The skills being taught to students at the College are in high demand as national security threats become increasingly complex and powered by the rapid development of technology.

Addressing these threats needs tech-savvy talent from across the UK, and Strategic Command is committed to supporting more apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and placements.

With over 10 years’ experience focused on how the Army and Ministry of Defence can make better use of data and information, Lt Gen Copinger-Symes has first-hand experience on the benefits that digital skills can bring.

Speaking about the visit, Lt Gen Copinger-Symes said:

It was a great pleasure to meet students at Blackburn College and hear about the amazing work they’re doing to improve their digital and cyber skills. There was a real buzz and energy around the College. I thoroughly enjoyed answering their questions, hearing what excited them and learning about the broad range of courses on offer.

I came away with a huge sense of optimism about the talented students, both young and old, who are eager to bring their skills to the exciting career opportunities in Lancashire.

With the National Cyber Force moving to Samlesbury, we have a unique opportunity to make a real difference to how we protect our nation and help it thrive.

The visit to Lancashire comes as the National Cyber Force, a partnership between Defence and GCHQ, and responsible for using cyberspace to counter threats and contest malicious acts, prepares to move its headquarters to the North West.

With Blackburn College located close to the future headquarters of the National Cyber Force, it is a very real possibility that Lancashire’s homegrown cyber talent will be at the forefront of protecting the UK.

 

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 6 March 2023.

The joint missions are the first of their kind, with the aim of full NATO integrated air policing missions in future.

Royal Air Force and German Air Force Typhoon jets will be flying joint air policing missions in Estonia for the first time, as the UK prepares to lead NATO’s mission in Estonia.

These integrated missions will be the first of their kind, with the eventual aim of carrying out full joint and integrated NATO Air Policing missions in the future.

Around 300 RAF personnel from the 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) will soon be in Estonia, as the RAF prepares to take the lead on the long-established NATO air policing mission from the German Air Force for four months, starting from April.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

Our RAF personnel in Estonia are undertaking a vital role, ensuring the security of Europe’s skies and bolstering NATO’s presence in eastern Europe.

Joint operations of this kind, demonstrate the strength and unity of the NATO Alliance and our shared resolve to maintain peace and security across the region.

The EAW will be carrying out the long-established NATO Air Policing mission from Estonia. IX (Bomber) Squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth are operating the RAF Typhoons that have deployed from Scotland.

Wing Commander Scott Maccoll, Commanding Officer of 140 EAW said:

Today marks a great ‘first’ for our two Air Forces. We have been working together for some time and the level of cooperation has now reached a new level. It continues to be an absolute pleasure to work with our German allies on all aspects of our mission – from maintenance and operation of the jets to planning and logistic activities.

I would also like to thank our Estonian hosts; they are vital to what we have achieved here. What better way to demonstrate the strength and unity of the NATO Alliance, than through successful, shared operations such as this?

To operate successfully side by side, personnel from the two air forces have trained together to understand each other’s processes including maintenance and operating procedures. Both air forces fly the Eurofighter Typhoon, but there are national differences this is the first time a joint detachment will fully integrate all aspects of operations. Jets will now fly together on live NATO controlled intercepts.

The air policing mission is part of the UK’s wider NATO commitment in Estonia, alongside the presence of around a thousand British soldiers as part of NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence.

As part of the UK’s deployment to Estonia, established in 2017 under the name Operation Cabrit, 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.

Lieutenant Colonel Christoph Hachmeister, the German Detachment commander, said:

Working together with our allies from the Royal Air Force in a live mission is what we have been looking forward to since we started this mission. Now we can demonstrate interoperability in these difficult times to protect our Baltic partners and NATO’s eastern flank. The many years of good practice in working together will be the baseline for a successful cooperation.

The German Air Force detachment is from the 71 Tactical Air Wing ‘Richthofen’. Once they hand over the lead of the NATO Air Policing Mission in April, they will remain in Estonia until the end of the month, conducting integrated scrambles before returning to Germany.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 5 March 2023.

A Royal Air Force Chinook from RAF Odiham has been conducting live firing training at a range in Lincolnshire.

During the exercise, the Chinook fired twin M134 Miniguns and single M60D General Purpose Machine guns at a mix of purpose-built targets.

The firing is done by the onboard Weapons System Operators, who are required to conduct this training regularly to ensure they maintain their skills and safety qualifications. Firing from a moving helicopter is particularly difficult and the accuracy of the firing was assessed as part of the training. The training includes responses to various threat scenarios, such as self-defence when the aircraft is taking-off and landing.

After completing the daylight firing serials, the aircraft landed at RAF Coningsby to refuel and replenish the ammunition. It then completed the same training at night, with the crew using night vision goggles.

Operating the aircraft and airborne gunnery at night requires additional skills, especially when ambient light levels are low. Whilst operating over the sea on a dark night at 200 feet above the water, the crew have very few references outside of the aircraft with which to gauge their height or attitude.

Precision air-to-ground firing requires exceptional teamwork.  The pilots must position the aircraft accurately and provide a stable platform from which to employ the guns. Red tracer rounds are used to gauge accuracy and are especially vivid at night as they leave long trails across the sky until they burn out.

Royal Air Force Chinooks conduct a wide variety of tasks from carrying troops and equipment, transporting injured service personnel from the battlefield to medical care and supporting wider-Government efforts in times of national crisis.

More recently, Royal Air Force Chinooks have been deployed to Estonia as part of the bilateral agreement between the Defence Ministers of Estonia and the UK. Whilst in Estonia they supported NATO’s enhanced forward presence in the region.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 3 March 2023.

Defence Ministers from participating nations meet in Italy to discuss the pan-Europe Eurofighter Typhoon programme.

From the UK, the Minister for Defence Procurement, Alex Chalk KC, joined the cohort in Milan to discuss on-going cooperation on the programme – a joint venture between UK, Germany, Spain and Italy, under the governance of NATO.

They discussed existing Eurofighter export campaigns and ongoing investment in the aircraft to further increase its military capability in the coming years.

As previously announced, Typhoon fighter jets are to be fitted with the world’s most advanced radar – as part of a £2.35 billion investment and the programme continues to support more than 20,000 jobs throughout the UK.

Showcasing the successes of defence collaboration between allied nations, the Eurofighter Typhoon continues to be a highly capable, combat proven, air defence and ground attack aircraft with a range of world-beating capabilities.

Minister for Defence Procurement, Alex Chalk KC, said:

The Eurofighter Typhoon continues to be a world-beating aircraft and that is thanks to the strong and enduring relationship we have with our partners on the programme.

I am reassured by their commitment and look forward to further strengthening those ties in Combat Air Capability.

With 137 serving with the RAF, the Eurofighter Typhoon forms the backbone of the UK’s combat air capability. It entered service in 2003 and is planned to remain in service until at least 2040.

The fighter has been vital to UK operations in air-policing in Estonia, Op SHADER in the Middle East, quick reaction alerts at home and in the Falkland Islands, as well as working with the Qatari Emirati Airforce to provide air-security at the FIFA World Cup 2022

The UK’s defence cooperation with Italy extends further than the Eurofighter Typhoon programme. The UK and Italy have a proven 50-year track record of working closely together on Combat Aircraft development.

Last year, the Prime Minister announced that the UK, Italy and Japan would form an international coalition to develop the next generation of combat aircraft through the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

Combat air capabilities will remain vital to controlling airspace, helping protect our nations, our allies and our interests worldwide, and making a vital contribution to our overall military capability across all domains.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 March 2023.

UK and US worked together to detect and intercept smuggling vessel.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 March 2023.

A major review into the veteran welfare services for veterans has been announced today by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and the Ministry of Defence.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 March 2023.

During the visit, the Defence Secretary met his Saudi counterpart HRH Prince Khalid bin Salman.

The Secretary of State for Defence the Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP is visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (28 February to 2 March). The Defence Secretary held a number of bilateral meetings, including with HRH Prince Khalid bin Salman, the Minister for Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and others in the Saudi government.

It was an opportunity to reflect on the strength and depth of the UK-Saudi partnership, including following the signing of the Defence Cooperation Plan in December 2022. The Defence Secretary reaffirmed the UK’s enduring commitment to work with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with discussion of how to enhance the bilateral relationship yet further in support of regional stability and security.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia following the recent commitment of $410 million in aid for Ukraine, announced during Foreign Minister HH Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud’s visit to Kyiv last weekend.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

It was a pleasure to meet with HRH Prince Khalid bin Salman, the Minister for Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and build on the long history of UK-Saudi defence collaboration. The Statement of Intent signed today will strengthen our Saudi-UK combat air relationship and our ability to address shared security challenges for decades to come, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 aspirations.

The Defence Ministers signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) during the visit, which will initiate a Partnering Feasibility Study to explore how we can best position our decades long combat air relationship for the future. Both Governments confirmed a common desire for closer industrial collaboration, to develop key capabilities and boost prosperity in both nations, including in support of Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 1 March 2023.

British parliamentarians visited the Falkland Islands this month to see what life is like for service personnel stationed in the South Atlantic region.

As part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS), a group of MPs and peers were received at the Mount Pleasant Complex (MPC) for four days.

The visitors spent time with soldiers, sailors, and aviators at the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI) base, which is administered by Strategic Command, to better understand the issues that affect the Armed Forces community.

The trip started off with a tour of a Royal Navy vessel, HMS Medway, where the group met the Ship’s Company.

Next, they spent some time with the newly-arrived Roulement Infantry Company, provided by the British Army’s 1st Battalion Scots Guards, on the Onion Ranges training area.

There the group observed virtual and live firing demonstrations using rifles and pistols, before spending a night under the stars to try out night vision devices.

Close to the heart of any Scots Guardsman, a battlefield study of Mount Tumbledown saw the party given an overview of the famous 1982 battle.

Next on the agenda was a trip to the RAF’s 1435 (Typhoon) Flight, where they were shown around one of the fighter aircraft permanently stationed at MPC; the RAF then flew the group over the islands on an A400M Atlas transport.

The party was also shown the Resident Sky Sabre Battery (RSSB), the British Army’s newest air defence system, at Poon Hill and observed the Bristow Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters which work alongside the military.

A meeting with local dignitaries in the territory’s capital, Stanley, concluded the AFPS visit to the Falklands and the hosting service personnel can reflect on a job well done.