Today’s Defence news includes coverage of Guardsman Chloe Allen, the launch of the Defence Innovation Initiative and claims that the EU is pursuing an EU Army.
Transgender Soldier
There is widespread coverage this morning reporting that Guardsman Chloe Allen has become the British Army's first female frontline soldier after being born a boy called Ben. The 24-year-old joined up four years ago as a man, but changed her name officially last month.
General Sir James Everard, Commander of the Field Army, said:
I’m delighted to have our first woman serving in a ground close combat unit. The British Army is really proving itself as an inclusive organisation where everyone is welcome and can thrive. Recent awards from Stonewall and the opening up of all elements of military service to women are clear evidence of this. Being the first of anything takes courage. I applaud Guardsman Chloe Allen for being a trendsetter and wish her every success.
Laser Weapon
Following yesterday’s announcement at the Defence Innovation Initiative launch, The Times, and The Telegraph, report that a futuristic ray that could be used to replace bullets in guns and missiles on warships will be developed for Britain's armed forces. The laser weapon is one of a range of innovations that the Ministry of Defence is investing in as part of a move to find the latest technological breakthroughs, aimed at giving soldiers, sailors and airmen the edge over their enemies.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
The UK has long enjoyed a reputation as a world leader in innovation. Our new Innovation Initiative will transform Defence culture to ensure that we stay ahead of the curve.
With a rising Defence budget, and a £178 billion equipment plan, our commitment to collaboration will deliver a safer and more prosperous Britain.
Read about the Innovation event here.
EU Army
The Times claims that Britain will veto measures to build an EU army for as long as it remains a member of the union. The report comes following an interview the Defence Secretary, with the article saying the UK would resist any duplication of NATO.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
We are still full members of the European Union and we will resist any attempt to unnecessarily duplicate NATO structures. We remain committed to the security of the European continent.
Armed Forces
The Financial Times has claimed Britain's armed forces cannot defend the UK against a serious military attack and have lost much of their ability to fight conventional wars – according to warnings from the recently retired head of the country's Joint Forces Command.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
Our Defence review last year put in place a plan for more ships, planes and troops at readiness, alongside greater spending on cyber and Special Forces. That plan was backed by a rising defence budget. And, crucially, it was backed by all of the service chiefs, who were heavily involved putting it together.
Royal Navy
The Times and The Telegraph, report that the Royal Navy's £6 billion fleet of Type 45 destroyers is spending more time berthed in UK ports than on duty overseas, according to data from an FOI request.
A Royal Navy spokesperson said:
We are meeting all of our operational tasks and our destroyers are not sitting idle. Ships operate out of ports while they are going through high intensity preparations for operations and while they conduct crucial defence engagement. Supported by a defence budget growing in real terms, HMS Daring has sailed to Malta en route to the Gulf, HMS Diamond is helping tackle arms trafficking in the Mediterranean, HMS Duncan and HMS Dragon will shortly sail for other operations and the rest of the class is preparing for refit.
Yemen
The Guardian reports that more than one-third of all Saudi-led air raids on Yemen have hit civilian sites, such as school buildings, hospitals, markets, mosques and economic infrastructure, according to the most comprehensive survey of the conflict. The findings, revealed by the Guardian on Friday, contrast with claims by the Saudi government, backed by its US and British allies, that Riyadh is seeking to minimise civilian casualties.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
The United Kingdom is not a member of the Saudi-led coalition, and UK personnel are not involved in directing or conducting operations in Yemen or in the target selection process. The MOD does provide training and shares best practice to the Royal Saudi Air Force, including training on targeting. We have also provided guidance and advice to support continued compliance with International Humanitarian Law.
Sennelager Ranges comes alive to the sound of Exercise VENERABLE GAUNTLET. Over 3000 personnel from 14 different NATO countries are taking part in this UK led, national validation exercise, for the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF).