Today’s news blog includes coverage of F-35, Libya and a disciplinary case facing a lawyer who has pursued cases against Armed Forces personnel.
F-35
The Daily Telegraph (p8) reports that complex electronics in the RAF's new F-35 stealth jets will have to be sent to US for repairs for security reasons - even though the systems are made by BAE. The article suggests that due to US export regulations, RAF engineers will not be able to fully service the equipment. The MOD’s statement on this is below:
UK F-35 aircraft operating in the US are being maintained by RAF and Royal Navy specialists, who are able to undertake all necessary squadron work on avionics components. Whilst the aircraft remain based in the US, components requiring industrial-level maintenance are repaired there. The F-35 programme is looking to establish repair facilities around the globe before UK aircraft begin operating from RAF Marham in 2018.
LIBYA
The Times reports on the Libyan fighters battling to take back the Daesh stronghold of Sirte from the Islamist group. The article describes the deadliest day of the battle so far in the month-long campaign, saying the government brigades have suffered heavy losses and injuries. The article briefly references that the Libyan fighters have received assistance from British and US Special Forces.
It is the MOD’s long-held policy that we do not comment on the special forces.
LEGAL
Articles in the Times, Daily Mail and Sun report that Phil Shiner of Public Interest Lawyers, who has pursued cases against British soldiers over allegations of mistreatment in Iraq, has been charged with misconduct. He will now face a disciplinary tribunal after his case was referred by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
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