Tag: Ministry of Defence

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 6 December 2022.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 5 December 2022.

A new, tri-service and independent body has been launched to investigate criminal offences within the Armed Forces, including rape and sexual assault, the Defence Secretary has announced.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 1 December 2022.

Project Cetus will deliver the largest and most complex crewless submarine operated by a European Navy.

A £15.4 million contract for a cutting-edge crewless submarine has been awarded to Plymouth firm MSubs by the Royal Navy. The vessel will be delivered to the Navy in two years’ time and will further advance the UK’s ability to protect our critical national infrastructure and monitor sub-sea activity.

Project Cetus – named after a mythological sea monster – enhances the Royal Navy’s experimentation with autonomous underwater systems. It is the first step in developing an operational autonomous submarine that will work side-by-side with crewed submarines – including the Astute-class hunter-killers and their successors – or independently.

Its maximum operational depth will exceed that of the current submarine fleet, meaning Cetus will equip the Royal Navy with even greater reach into the oceans in support of UK defence. It will be able to cover up to 1,000 miles in a single mission.

Cetus will be 12 metres long – the length of a double decker bus – 2.2 metres in diameter and weigh 17 tonnes. It will be the largest and most complex crewless submersible operated by a European navy. The bespoke vessel is being designed and built for the Royal Navy by Plymouth-based tech firm MSubs. This contract will create 10 and support 70 specialist jobs in the city.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

In order to meet the growing threats to our underwater infrastructure, the Royal Navy needs to be ahead of the competition with cutting edge capabilities. Project Cetus, alongside bringing forward the MROS ships, will help ensure we have the right equipment to protect the security of the UK and our Allies.

Having the skills base and specialist knowledge to develop and build this vessel in the UK, is testament to the UKs leading reputation in building surface and sub-surface ships.

The vessel’s size means that it will fit inside a shipping container and can therefore be transported around the world to wherever it is needed. It will be designed to operate with all of the ships from the Royal Navy fleet as well as those of our allies.

Cetus will be a platform for the Royal Navy on which to experiment and build cutting edge technologies and capabilities around, encouraging innovation and developing best practice. The unarmed vessel is battery powered, meaning its effective range can be increased by installing additional batteries.

It has also been designed to be modular, with an optional section that can be added to double the capacity of the vessel.

The crewless submarine is the latest step taken by the Royal Navy into autonomous systems, and have been for over a decade. Crewless minehunting systems are already operating in Scotland, and driverless Pacific 24 sea boats are undergoing testing. Various aerial drones are used by ships for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.

The Navy has invested in a dedicated tech trials ship, XV Patrick Blackett, to assess and test new equipment and determine how it could be used or integrated into the fleet. Cetus is the equivalent for sub-sea experimentation.

First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key said:

This is a hugely exciting moment for Project Cetus as the Royal Navy surges ahead with the development of autonomous technology.

This Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle is a capability step-change in our mission to dominate the underwater battlespace. And I am delighted that the project is able to support a small, innovative UK company which is at the cutting edge of this sector.

The contract is funded by the Anti-Submarine Warfare Spearhead programme, run by the Royal Navy’s Develop Directorate, headquartered in Portsmouth. The vessel will be delivered through the Submarine Delivery Agency in Bristol and is the latest in a series of novel underwater technologies being brought to life to deal with the threats of the next decade.

Brett Phaneuf, Chief Executive Officer at MSubs said:

The faith the Royal Navy has shown in our small business is humbling and we look forward to working closely together in the future, as we have in the recent past, to develop and deploy Cetus, in the national interest.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 30 November 2022.

Amazon and the Ministry of Defence are teaming up to scale up and accelerate work on advancing digital skills development across UK defence.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the MOD and Amazon Web Services (AWS) will see AWS supporting MOD’s Digital Skills for Defence Programme for the next three years.

It will deliver cloud-based skills development and training to thousands of personnel across UK defence, equipping the next generation of future leaders in the British Armed Forces and wider supply chain with the data and digital skills to defend the UK from emerging threats.

The MoU sets out a number of initiatives designed to directly push the MOD’s Digital Skills for Defence programme forward at scale and pace. Key aspects of the collaboration will see the provision of:

• Training resources across the defence enterprise and in particular supporting the Digital Foundry, the visionary hub formed within Defence Digital that harnesses emerging technology to tackle some of the country’s most pressing defence challenges.
• A tailored programme of attachments for senior leaders responsible for driving the UK MOD’s digital transformation.

The agreement – the first of its kind globally – was announced at the AWS re:Invent 2022 conference, with the work taking place as part of a wider UK government programme with AWS to boost digital skills.

Laurence Lee, Second Permanent Secretary at the MOD, said:

It is crucial we keep Defence personnel at the forefront of digital skills as we’re faced with emerging threats in an ever-changing battlespace. The speed of digital change cannot be underestimated, and the Digital Skills for Defence programme will help us match global competitors.

This agreement with AWS exemplifies our focus on harnessing cutting-edge ways of working within Defence, drawing on the expertise of the public and private sectors, and we’re excited at the new opportunities for skills development this presents.

Charles Forte, Chief Information Officer at the MOD, said:

Today marks a key milestone in our delivery of our Digital Skills for Defence programme and the development of digital skills across UK Defence. Amazon’s agreement to build upon and scale up our work within the Digital Skills for Defence programme is a crucial priority that will help us realise digital transformation across Defence.

It serves as an important symbol of how we must deepen our work with the tech sector to realise our objectives. We are grateful for this commitment and look forward to developing this partnership with AWS and other companies and organisations across the sector.

The MoU will enable deeper collaboration between AWS and Defence Digital on skills development, outlining plans for equipping defence leaders and military and civilian personnel with game-changing technical skills to sustain military and business advantage.

Chris Hayman, Director Public Sector UK & Ireland at AWS, said:

We are proud to be the first company to sign an MoU of this nature with the UK Ministry of Defence. We are fully committed to supporting the Government’s skills agenda across the whole of the public sector, and this agreement reflects our determination to support the defence community in their development of a world-leading skills environment.

To better help defence organisations with their digital transformations, a clear understanding across Government and amongst senior military leaders about the benefits of emerging technology, such as cloud, to deliver critical missions is needed.

We are excited to be working with MOD to help upskill senior officials and military leaders in their understanding of cloud and associated technologies, such as quantum technology and artificial intelligence.

Digital Skills for Defence aims to deliver a critical digital skills capability uplift, for Defence Leaders, Digital Professionals and the whole Military and Civilian workforce. This is fundamental in building and retaining operational and business advantage, keeping up with and ahead of the competition. This ambition goes beyond education but looks to transform our learning culture and the way we work collaboratively across Defence.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 25 November 2022.

A £90 million contract to upgrade land-based radio capabilities will improve battlefield effectiveness while supporting over 200 jobs in Hampshire.

• £90 million contract boost local prosperity in Farnborough, Hampshire
• Modern radios to increase interoperability with allies and partners
• New technology to support ground-to-ground and ground-to-air communications

The new deal for 1,300 new Multi-Mode Radios (MMR), which has been awarded to L3 Harris Communications Systems, will see the portable radios operated by foot soldiers or those mounted on vehicles.

Technical advances and upgrades will allow the radios to work across a range of security classifications, with the first ones being delivered to the British Army before the end of the year, ahead of further deliveries in 2023.

Supporting multiple jobs in the UK supply chain, the contract will see the creation of 10 new jobs and the sustaining of 200 more at the L3 Harris HQ in Farnborough, Hampshire.

Defence Procurement Minister Alex Chalk said:

It’s vital we equip our Armed Forces personnel with modern capabilities to maintain their operational effectiveness on an ever-changing battlefield.

This contract boosts our interoperability with allies and is yet another example of British companies and employees supporting British defence.

The modern radios will replace legacy systems and improve the delivery of ground-to-ground and ground-to-air communications. They will also provide our Armed Forces with increased abilities to operate with allies and partners, boosting the communications capabilities of our deployed forces.

Colonel Elizabeth Mortimore said:

The arrival of the next generation of the multi-mode radio capability will offer significant enhancement to our Armed Forces across all three Services by delivering world-leading command and communications capability to the front line.

Vice President and Managing Director L3Harris CS UK Keith Norton said:

As lead user for this capability for Defence, the British Army has worked with Defence Digital to procure new MMR radios to add capability to deployed forces. These will enable land forces to easily communicate and interoperate with NATO and US allies as well providing a solution that can be easily tailored for each deployment.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 25 November 2022.

Military personnel from across the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force have been recognised for outstanding acts of bravery, commitment, and commendable service in the latest Armed Forces Operational Honours and Awards List, published today.

Recipients have all shown courage and dedication while on operations, from Operation Kipion in the Middle East to United Nations peacekeeping missions in Africa.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

I am thrilled to see such an impressive range of awards in the list, demonstrating some truly remarkable acts of courage and dedication.

The UK is involved in pivotal operations across the globe, and it is absolutely vital that we have the best talent available to ensure their continued success. Again, the list confirms that we do.

Congratulations to the brilliant service men and women who have received an award.

Minister of State Baroness Goldie said:

It is a privilege to see at first hand the calibre of our people in Defence, and the exceptional work they do to keep this country safe. The Operational Honours and Awards List is a testament to their dedication, talent and bravery.

I would like to congratulate these brilliant men and women, who time and time again demonstrate why we should be proud of our Armed Forces.

From the Army, Sergeant Adam Humphreys of 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards has received a Mention in Dispatches (MiD) for demonstrating tremendous bravery while on United Nations peacekeeping operations in Mali, including for his actions on two different occasions that led to the detention of armed men and the seizure of weapons. On another occasion, his actions contributed to saving the lives of two soldiers when their patrol was engaged with machine gun fire. His courage demonstrated the resolve of the United Nation’s peacekeepers and strengthened the reputation of the British Army among international allies.

Sergeant Adam Humphreys said:

My troop was out on patrol when we came across two armed men near a river. When they saw us, they fled, so we searched the area to see if we could find them. I found one of them hidden in the water and detained him.

I was really surprised, to be honest, and very proud. I was just doing my job and although I never expected this award, it is a great honour.

Other awards for Army personnel include a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service (QCVS) for Acting Corporal Stefan Cole, who saved the life of a civilian suffering from heat stress by winching them to safety in the Brunei rainforest under extremely difficult circumstances, while Lance Corporal Fraser Gee has been awarded a Queen’s Commendation for Bravery (QCB) for providing first-aid to casualties of a road traffic accident and rescuing an elderly civilian from one of the vehicles at risk of catching fire.

From the Royal Navy, Rear Admiral Stephen Moorhouse OBE has been awarded a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE). As commander of last year’s Carrier Strike Group during the UK’s inaugural operational deployment of HMS Queen Elizabeth, he was responsible for its leadership, planning and execution. Commodore Moorhouse led 3,500 personnel from across all three services, the Civil Service and international partners.

Rear Admiral Stephen Moorhouse said:

Receiving this national recognition is humbling and I feel incredibly privileged.

However, none of the successes we saw during the Carrier Strike Group’s inaugural deployment would have been possible without the truly exceptional commitment from the nearly 3,500 men and women who deployed with the Strike Group at the height of Covid.

Their professionalism, dedication, and resilience along with the unwavering support of our families underpinned all that we achieved.

Commander Claire Thompson, Commanding Officer of HMS Montrose, has been awarded an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her role while deployed on Operation Kipion; the UK’s long-standing maritime presence in the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean to promoting peace and stability in the region, as well as ensuring the safe passage of trade vessels. Commander Thompson delivered significant tactical, operational and strategic effect during her four-month deployment, including the Royal Navy’s first weapon interdiction operation in theatre, resulting in the successful seizure of illicit weapons.

Commander Claire Thompson said:

I feel hugely privileged and extremely humbled by the news that I have been awarded an OBE.

It is an incredible honour, and for me this award represents each and every one of my ship’s company and their hard work, professionalism and dedication whilst deployed on operations over significant periods of the last year.

The success of HMS Montrose over that period is well documented but the selfless commitment of the men and women who serve in her must be highlighted as without them none of that success is possible.

From the Royal Air Force, Warrant Officer Kevin Jones has been awarded a QCVS for his leading role in the recovery of an F-35B Lightning, which had crashed into the Mediterranean Sea and settled 2000 metres below the surface. Warrant Officer Jones displayed exceptional leadership in what was a hugely complex operation, being responsible for the planning and execution of all activity once the wreckage had been recovered.

Warrant Officer Kevin Jones said:

I am extremely humbled to receive this award, both for myself and on behalf of the Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Squadron team that deployed in support of Operation Prowling.

I believe the recovery of the F35B from the Mediterranean Sea to be the most complex aircraft recovery of modern times, of which I am immensely proud to have been a part of.

It amazes me what can be achieved and this operation has definitely been a highlight of my career.

Three other Royal Air Force personnel were recognised with awards.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 November 2022.

James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary, has travelled to Ukraine as part of ongoing UK efforts to ensure the country has the crucial practical support it needs through the winter.

• the Foreign Secretary has travelled to Ukraine to underline the UK’s unwavering support for the country following devastating Russian attacks on critical national infrastructure
• during the visit he has announced a further £3 million of support to the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine to rebuild vital local infrastructure
• comes as he and the Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey announce that the UK is also committing £5 million for Ukraine-led initiative to ship grain to countries at risk of famine

The Foreign Secretary has travelled to Ukraine as part of ongoing UK efforts to ensure the country has the crucial practical support it needs through the winter.

The visit comes as Russia tries to exploit the harsh winter in Ukraine by continuing its brutal attacks on the country’s civilian and energy infrastructure to exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

During a visit to Kyiv on Saturday, the Prime Minister announced a £50 million package of defensive military support, and the Foreign Secretary will use this visit to ensure that the UK is following through on other key commitments, including further support to help Ukraine through the winter, and to rebuild and recover in the longer term.

That includes providing an additional 35 emergency vehicles, including 24 ambulances and 6 armoured vehicles, which are to arrive in Ukraine from the UK, to support civilians caught in conflict. He will also announce that the UK will step up its support on demining, increasing its support from £2 million this year.

While in Ukraine, the Foreign Secretary will meet President Zelenskyy, as well as Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and other key members of the Ukrainian government, including ministers involved in reconstruction efforts. He is also meeting members of civil society who are fighting to protect human rights, and the UK’s embassy staff in Ukraine.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

As winter sets in, Russia is continuing to try and break Ukrainian resolve through its brutal attacks on civilians, hospitals and energy infrastructure. Russia will fail.

The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. I have today announced a package of hands-on support for our Ukrainian friends in their fight, from ambulances to crucial support for survivors of the sexual violence carried out by the Russian military.

I’ve seen here first-hand how the UK’s efforts are helping brave citizens to resist and rebuild. Our support will continue for as long as it takes for this remarkable country to recover.

During the visit the Foreign Secretary has seen the scale of catastrophe wrought indiscriminately by Putin, and how the UK – with its international partners – is providing concrete support for recovery.

Through this fund the UK is supporting the Government of Ukraine, local officials and Ukrainian communities to rebuild vital local infrastructure. This is enabling people to return to normal life by clearing debris from Russian attacks, making areas safe and secure, and rebuilding schools and shelters in towns and villages. This new funding will be targeted to areas recently liberated from Russian control in southern Ukraine, including Kherson Oblast.

He is also visiting a school, which will re-open for 350 students in the next fortnight after being rebuilt by volunteers, including parents and teachers, with UK support.

Ahead of the UK hosted PSVI (Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative) conference next week, the Foreign Secretary will announce a further £3.45 million for the UN Population Fund to boost survivor centred gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health services, and ensure continued access to expert support for survivors of sexual assault.

The consequences of Putin’s war in Ukraine are also being felt across the world, and impacting some of the world’s most vulnerable countries. Today the Foreign Secretary, alongside the Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey also announced that the UK is committing £5 million to a Ukrainian led initiative, delivered through the UN World Food Programme, to supply grain to countries most at risk of famine, including Yemen and Sudan.

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:

I am pleased the UK government can support President Zelenskyy’s work to help Ukraine’s grain reach some of the poorest and most vulnerable nations in the world.

Global food security is in all our interests – and helping Ukraine’s farmers and agricultural sector to continue producing and exporting food in these most difficult of circumstances is vital for that security.

I want Ukraine’s farmers to know that all British farmers stand shoulder to shoulder with you.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 25 November 2022.

The latest Operational Honours and Awards List recognises the bravery, commitment and commendable service of Armed Forces personnel.

The recipients have all shown outstanding courage and dedication while on operations.

The full list is below:

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Commodore (now Rear Admiral) Stephen Mark Richard MOORHOUSE, OBE, Royal Navy

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Commander Claire Fiona THOMPSON, Royal Navy

Lieutenant Colonel William James MEDDINGS, The Royal Anglian Regiment

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Chief Petty Officer Logistician (Supply Chain) Laura PERRY, Royal Navy

Warrant Officer Class 1 Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering) Clint WHEELER, Royal Navy

Major Benjamin Sean Costello ATTRELL, Corps of Royal Engineers

Major Steven John HOWARD, Army Air Corps

Squadron Leader Jonathan Jack EDDISON, Royal Air Force

Flight Lieutenant Victoria Grace KELLAGHER, Royal Air Force

Mention in Despatches (MID)

Sergeant Adam James HUMPHREYS, 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards

Queen’s Commendation for Bravery (QCB)

Lance Corporal (now Retired) Fraser Alan Duncan GEE, Royal Tank Regiment

Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service (QCVS)

Petty Officer Warfare Specialist (Electronic Warfare) Timothy Stephen DODGE, Royal Navy

Lieutenant Commander Alexandra Katherine HARRIS, Royal Navy

Leading Warfare Specialist (Underwater Warfare) Jake Ryan HOBDAY, Royal Navy

Warrant Officer Class 1 Engineering Technician (Communications and Information Systems) Christopher ROBBINS, Royal Navy

Staff Sergeant (now Warrant Officer Class 2) Meghann Kylie BRADBURY, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps

Captain Andrew Robert MACBETH, Royal Tank Regiment

Corporal (now Acting Sergeant) Toyah Louise PALMER, Intelligence Corps

Captain Helena Katheryn RICHARDSON, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Acting Warrant Officer Kevin Edward JONES, Royal Air Force

Flight Lieutenant Graeme John RITCHIE, Royal Air Force

Acting Corporal Stefan COLE, Royal Army Medical Corps

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 24 November 2022.

His Majesty the King has approved the appointment of Rear Admiral (RAdm) Andy Kyte CB as the next Chief of Defence Logistics and Support (CDLS), in the rank of Vice Admiral, from September 2023.

RAdm Kyte has had a notable career in logistics covering posts in the Royal Navy, the Defence Support organisation and wider Defence. He will step into the role of CDLS and lead the organisation forward as it seeks to modernise and integrate how Support is delivered.

CDLS heads up the Defence Support organisation, under Strategic Command. As CDLS, RAdm Kyte will be responsible for overseeing the continued implementation of the Defence Support Strategy, the delivery of strategic military logistics and support advice, and as the Functional Owner developing, cohering and assuring support across Defence.

General Sir James Hockenhull, Commander United Kingdom Strategic Command said:

“I am pleased to announce RAdm Andrew Kyte’s appointment as the next Chief of Defence Support and Logistics, Defence Support organisation, in the rank of Vice Admiral. He will bring a unique insight as he steps into the role with a broad range of experience. Defence Support is a vital part of Strategic Command and wider Defence. I look forward to working with Andy going forward.”

Current CDLS, Lt Gen Richard Wardlaw, said:

“Having played a central role in the creation of the Defence Support organisation and been intimately involved in the development of the Defence Support Strategy, RAdm Kyte’s appointment as the next Chief of Defence Logistics and Support is to be celebrated. Andy will bring an innate appreciation of the challenges faced and as part of Strategic Command, the insights and experience required to drive forward the continued modernisation of Support”.

On his appointment, RAdm Kyte CB said:

“I am delighted and incredibly proud to have been selected as the next Chief of Defence Logistics and Support. It is a huge honour to be able to lead the organisation into the future and take forward Defence Support’s ambitious agenda as it seeks to modernise the delivery of Support”.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 23 November 2022.