Today’s defence news covers reports of the two Saudi Air Force cadets training at RAF Cosford and yesterday’s Quick Reaction Alert.
Quick Reaction Alert
There is widespread reporting in the Guardian, Daily Telegraph, Independent, the Sun, and the Times, with a larger article in the Daily Star, of the RAF Typhoon jets scrambled yesterday to intercept two Russian Blackjack aircraft which were flying near to UK territorial airspace.
A RAF spokesperson said:
We can confirm that quick reaction alert Typhoon aircraft from RAF Coningsby have intercepted two Russian Blackjack bombers and escorted them while they were in the UK area of interest. At no point did the Russian aircraft enter UK territorial airspace.
Daesh
The Sun and the Daily Telegraph, report that a small quantity of a highly radioactive isotope has been stolen in Iraq, prompting fears it could be used by Daesh to create a so-called 'dirty bomb'. Articles say that a laptop-sized case containing the material went missing from the compound of an American oil services company in Basra in November.
Saudi Cadets
The Daily Mail reports that two Saudi Air Force cadets training in Britain have been arrested over an alleged rape. The story says that the recruits, both 21, who are currently stationed at RAF Cosford in Shropshire, were held after a woman complained she was sexually assaulted in nearby Telford last week.
A RAF spokesperson said:
We can confirm that two overseas students based at RAF Cosford have been arrested by West Midlands Police on suspicion of rape and conspiracy to commit rape. The RAF is fully co-operating with West Midlands police who have primacy for the investigation. It would be inappropriate to comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing.
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