In today's defence-related news there's reporting about Russian air strikes over Syria and the new Zephyr aircraft.
Zephyr
The Daily Mail reports that a solar-powered “spy drone” that can stay in the sky for 45 days is Britain’s latest weapon against terrorism. The paper describes the £4.3 million Zephyr S unmanned air vehicle as a cutting edge pseudo-satellite that will be used by the SAS to track terrorist targets worldwide. Read our story about Zephyr here.
The Zephyr aircraft
ASRAAM contract
There is online coverage including on ITV News and The Telegraph of the new £184 million contract signed with MBDA to equip Britain’s new F-35 fighter hets with ASRAAM missiles. Reporting references that the weapon is British-designed and that around 400 jobs will be guaranteed. Read our story here.
Russia
There is reporting, including in The Telegraph and the Financial Times, that Russia has launched bombing missions over Syria from an air base in Iran for the first time. The papers suggest this is a strengthening of Moscow’s position in the Middle East.
ASRAAM contract
There is online coverage including on ITV News and The Telegraph of the new £184 million contract signed with MBDA to equip Britain’s new F-35 fighter hets with ASRAAM missiles. Reporting references that the weapon is British-designed and that around 400 jobs will be guaranteed. Read our story here.
Anjem Choudary
There is extensive and prominent coverage in all papers of the jailing of “Europe’s most prolific hate preacher” Anjem Choudary. The papers welcome the news and focus their reporting on his support for extremist groups, most notably Daesh. Of interest for Defence, much of the coverage includes reference to his links with the murder of fusilier Lee Rigby.
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