In a quieter day for Defence news, outlets cover yesterday’s launch of the RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert, as well as the Chilcot inquiry.
QRA
A number of papers and online outlets report on yesterday’s Quick Reaction Alert launch, saying that two RAF Typhoons were scrambled to escort a private jet last night after the pilot failed to respond to air traffic controllers.
An RAF spokesperson said:
Quick reaction alert Typhoon aircraft were launched today from RAF Coningsby to identify an unresponsive civilian aircraft. Communications were re-established and the aircraft has been safely escorted to Cardiff airport.
Arms Trade
The Times claims that British weapons are being offered for sale to terrorist gun traders on Facebook. The paper reports that revolvers, light machine guns, rifles and sub-machine guns that were built or designed in Britain have been put up for sale in secret arms-trading groups on the social network.
Chilcot Inquiry
The publication of the Chilcot inquiry is to be delayed until after the EU referendum, reports the Daily Mail.
Picture of the Day
![ADMIRAL SIR PHILIP JONES REFLECTS ON NAVY’S BRIGHT FUTURE AS HE TAKES OVER AS FIRST SEA LORD FROM ADMIRAL SIR GEORGE ZAMBELLAS Pictured - Admiral Sir George Zambellas right and Admiral Sir Philip Jones. The torch of Naval leadership today [Friday April 8] changed hands as Admiral Sir Philip Jones took over as Britain’s senior sailor and his predecessor, Admiral Sir George Zambellas, stepped down after 35 years’ serving his nation. In the great cabin of the world’s oldest commissioned warship, HMS Victory, Admiral Zambellas formally handed over command of more than 30,000 men and women, nearly 90 warships, nuclear submarines and support vessels, the helicopters and jets of the Fleet Air Arm and the elite Naval infantry of the Royal Marines to the man who has overseen the day-to-day operations of the Royal Navy since 2013 as its Fleet Commander. During his three-year spell in charge, Admiral Jones will oversee the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth’s entry into service. Her sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales, will begin sea trials and the world’s most advanced fifth generation jet aircraft, the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter, will operate from a Royal Navy ship for the first time.](https://modmedia.blog.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/142/2016/04/FX160087029c.jpg)
Pictured - Admiral Sir George Zambellas right and Admiral Sir Philip Jones.
The torch of Naval leadership today [Friday April 8] changed hands as Admiral Sir Philip Jones took over as Britain’s senior sailor and his predecessor, Admiral Sir George Zambellas, stepped down after 35 years’ serving his nation.
In the great cabin of the world’s oldest commissioned warship, HMS Victory, Admiral Zambellas formally handed over command of more than 30,000 men and women, nearly 90 warships, nuclear submarines and support vessels, the helicopters and jets of the Fleet Air Arm and the elite Naval infantry of the Royal Marines to the man who has overseen the day-to-day operations of the Royal Navy since 2013 as its Fleet Commander.
During his three-year spell in charge, Admiral Jones will oversee the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth’s entry into service. Her sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales, will begin sea trials and the world’s most advanced fifth generation jet aircraft, the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter, will operate from a Royal Navy ship for the first time.