This morning’s Defence news includes reporting on Russia and the Household Cavalry Regiment.
Russia
The Times reports of a leaked Army assessment of Russian military capability, claiming it includes comparisons with UK capability.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
Britain is a major defence power and a key part of the NATO alliance which, with four of the world’s ten biggest defence spenders, has unrivalled military capability. With the second largest defence budget in NATO and the biggest in Europe, Britain is meeting the 2% NATO spending target and growing its defence budget in real terms each year. Our £178 billion equipment programme means solid investment in stealth aircraft, nuclear submarines and cyber technology.
Household Cavalry Regiment
The Sun holds WhatsApp pictures alledged to be of Household Cavalry Regiment soldiers making racist comments. The Armed Forces do not tolerate any form of racism and there will be a thorough investigation into the allegation.
Brigadier John Donnelly, head of Army Personnel Services Group said:
This is a very serious allegation which is subject to an ongoing Service Police investigation. The Army will not tolerate this type of behaviour, and anyone who is found guilty of committing such an offence will be punished in accordance with our disciplinary processes, which can include dismissal.
RAF helicopter
There has been widespread coverage in this morning’s print media following yesterday’s incident where an RAF helicopter was involved in a precautionary landing in Snowdonia following a technical issue.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
A Griffin training helicopter safely completed a precautionary landing in Snowdonia yesterday afternoon following a technical issue. Everyone on board exited safely, subsequently the aircraft caught fire.
Armed Forces personnel were presented with "mutual protection" bracelets during a special event marking the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan.
Members of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force were presented with string bracelets, known as Rakhi, by the Hindu community in Bolton.
The tradition of presenting the Armed Forces with these bracelets which symbolise bonds of mutual protection within families and communities heralds back to ancient times.
The Raksha Bandhan festival, at the Shree Krishna Temple, was one of a series of events around the country organised by the Armed Forces Hindu Network.
These events recognise the long, proud tradition of Hindus in UK defence as well as the shared values which the religion has in common with the Armed Forces.
Crown Copyright
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