Defence-related coverage in UK national newspapers today includes reports that a manufacturer is set to win a MOD contract to develop the Spear 3 missile, securing 700 jobs.
SPEAR 3 MISSILES
The Mail on Sunday and Sun report that missile manufacturer MBDA is set to win a £411 million contract from the MOD to develop the Spear 3 missile, in a deal that will secure 700 jobs.
The Spear 3 is described as the sister missile to the Brimstone which is currently in use with the RAF in Iraq and Syria against Daesh. It is reported that the Spear 3 is expected to come into service with the UK’s new F-35B Lightning II stealth aircraft in 2025.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
These new missiles combined with our new F35 Lightning will enable us to hit our enemies harder. They are both part of our commitment to increase defence spending to keep Britain safe.
CATTERICK GARRISON
The Daily Star on Sunday claims that soldiers posted a video to social media showing a party at an Army training base. Former Army commander Colonel Richard Kemp comments that the Army will not turn a blind eye to this behaviour.
An Army spokesperson said:
We expect very high standards of behaviour of our personnel and take reports of this nature very seriously.
This behaviour is unacceptable and if these allegations are true then appropriate action will be taken.
Those who fall short of the Army’s high standards or commit an offence under the Armed Forces Act are dealt with administratively, up to and including dismissal, or through the disciplinary process, as applicable.
MORALE
The Daily Star Sunday claims that service personnel have left the Armed Forces citing morale.
A MOD spokesman said:
We realise our Armed Forces do a challenging job and that’s why this Government has done more than any before it to ensure they feel valued and that their contribution is recognised.
We enshrined the Armed Forces Covenant in law and have introduced a raft of measures to improve service life for personnel and their families.
DAESH
The Mail on Sunday claims that British Special Forces have launched an electronic warfare attack on Daesh in Libya. Supposedly using an RAF Rivet Joint and supported by a GCHQ team on board HMS Enterprise, the operation is said to have crippled the group’s communications network around their stronghold of Sirte.
Our position is below.
The MOD neither confirms nor denies claims about special forces activity.
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