In today's defence-related media there is reporting on the Defence Secretary’s interview with The Sun on the subject of Russia military activity in Syria and news of HMS Ocean's participation in Exercise Trident Juncture.
Syria/ISIL
An interview with the Defence Secretary features in this morning’s Sun, in which it is reported that he has suggested that analysis shows that the majority of Russian air attacks were not against ISIL. The report says that unguided munitions are landing in civilian areas. The article says that progress has been made in talks with MPs to win support for UK strikes against ISIL.
Russia’s air attacks also features in The Guardian, Financial Times, Daily Telegraph and Daily Express, which report that Britain and the US have demanded Russia halt its bombing of Syrian opposition groups and target ISIL instead.
A page lead in the Daily Mail reports that the Government is to delay a vote on extending RAF air strikes to Syria following Russia's intervention. The same article carries comments by Crispin Blunt MP about the campaign objectives.
Kunduz
Several outlets are reporting that a clinic in Kunduz, Afghanistan has been hit by an air strike, reportedly killing several workers. The articles say the US military are investigating possible involvement and report that the US has released a statement to say a strike may have resulted in collateral damage.
Watchkeeper
The Guardian carries an article suggesting that the Watchkeeper programme is expected to cost more than planned and has been delayed. Our position on the issue is here:
Watchkeeper has already proven its value in Afghanistan and will provide the British Army with a cutting edge remotely piloted air system. The project is on track to meet its planned Full Operational Capability of mid-2017.
Bomber Command
The Daily Telegraph reports that hundreds of Second World War airmen have gathered in Lincoln to commemorate their 55,000 comrades from the 1939-1945 conflict.
Exercise Trident Juncture
You can read here about HMS Ocean and HMS Bulwark's participation at the NATO exercise Trident Juncture, the largest of its kind since 2002.
