A variety of Defence stories are covered in today’s media, including a compensation payments, and a new Deepcut inquest.
NEW DEEPCUT INQUEST
There is widespread coverage of the High Court’s decision yesterday to allow a second inquest into the death of Sean Benton at Deepcut barracks.
An Army spokesperson said:
We care deeply about our young recruits and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Private Sean Benton. It would be inappropriate to comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing - we will assist the Coroner as necessary.
LIBYAN CADETS
The news that the Ministry of Defence has paid tens of thousands of pounds in compensation to people sexually abused by Libyan military cadets brought to Britain for training with the army is carried widely.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
Compensation payments have been made to two people treated appallingly by several Libyan cadets being trained in the UK. We have previously expressed regret that there were things we could have done better with this programme.
RUSSIA WARSHIP
The Telegraph and The Times report that Russia will sail its only aircraft carrier through the English Channel later this month.
A Royal Navy spokesperson:
UK and NATO assets routinely monitor warships from other nations when they enter our area of interest and this will be no different.
ARMOURED FLEET
The Times report that the army is poised to buy a fleet of armoured vehicles from Germany.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
While no decision has been taken on the acquisition strategy for MIV, our approach is competitive procurement wherever possible.
IMAGE OF THE DAY
Worlds first large scale demonstration of marine robotic systems hosted by the UK.
The Royal Navy is leading Unmanned Warrior 16, an innovative demonstration of autonomous systems which could transform the way in which the Armed Forces of the future help keep Britain safe.
Held off the coast of west Scotland and west Wales, Unmanned Warrior 16 brings together 40 industry partners and international allies to showcase the latest in remote technology. Over 50 aerial, surface and underwater Maritime Autonomous Systems (MAS) are taking part in a range of demonstrations on the themes of surveillance, intelligence-gathering and mine countermeasures. This collaborative approach is at the heart of the new Defence Innovation Initiative and the £800million fund that supports the generation of ideas to benefit both defence and British businesses.
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