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Defence in the media

https://modmedia.blog.gov.uk/2015/09/30/defence-in-the-media-30-september-2015/

Defence in the Media: 30 September 2015

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In today's defence news there is further reporting from the UN about efforts to tackle ISIL in Iraq and Syria and a feature about the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

UN General Assembly - ISIL

The way forward in Iraq and Syria appears unclear amid the ‘continuing stand-off’ between the US and Russia, writes the Independent. The Sun reports that David Cameron has warned that world leaders remain 'miles apart' over ending the civil war in Syria and The Times writes that Russia has sent six of its most advanced fighter bombers to Syria as it seeks to ‘tilt the war in Assad's favour’. The paper suggests that hours after Obama told Putin that Assad ‘must go’, a group of fighters were spotted at an airbase in Latakia, an Assad stronghold. The article speculates that military build-up has alarmed Washington as it suggests that Russia wants to prop up the Assad regime.

Other articles report that while Jeremy Corbyn is opposed to air-strikes over Syria, many of his party feel that military intervention is required.  

F-35 fighter 

The Daily Mail’s Defence Correspondent Larisa Brown has written an in-depth article on the capability of the new F-35, following an afternoon in a simulator. The article refers to the aircraft as the world’s ‘most advanced stealth fighter jet’ and features an extensive infographic which highlights all the key elements of the craft. Soundbites are carried from the international business development director for the F-35 programme who said the eight F-35s which have been brought by the UK make Britain “a formidable power”, suggesting the aircraft would be ‘ideal’ for scenarios such as those in Syria.   

Trident

There is analysis of the Trident debate at the Labour Party Conference yesterday, saying that conflict 'looks certain’ over the issue. Articles reference that the Shadow Defence Secretary Maria Eagle supports Trident renewal, while the Daily Mail writes that Jeremy Corbyn has vowed to ‘push ahead’ with his plans to scrap Trident. 

Kunduz, Afghanistan

A number of today’s papers, including The Independent report that Afghan forces backed by US air power fought back yesterday against Taliban militants who had captured Kunduz a day earlier. Outlets report that it is the first time militants have pushed Afghan forces into retreat and seized a provincial capital since their removal from power 14 years ago.

Help for Heroes

The Times and Daily Mail carry further articles developing on yesterday’s story about how charity Help for Heroes has spent its funds. Today’s story in the Mail suggests the paper has analysed the company’s available accounts and concludes that Help for Heroes has more than £45m waiting to be spent on injured troops. The Times reports that former defence minister Kevan Jones has called for a parliamentary committee to consider opening up spare capacity at the centres. 

King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery 

This week horses from the King’s Troop have taken part in training runs by the sea during a break from ceremonial duties in London.

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