Today’s defence-related coverage includes the reports on a request from Iraq for thermobaric weapons. The British Army has also supported the Hear it, Stop it anti-bulling campaign.
Thermobaric Weapons
The Guardian (p27) has reported that Iraq asked the UK for thermobaric weapons to fight Daesh. In a factual piece, the paper reports that the Ministry of Defence confirmed Armed Forces Minister Mike Penning met with Iraqi officials, but notes that the UK doesn’t have thermobaric weapons and all requests for equipment are first put to the Coalition against Daesh.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
The UK does not have Thermobaric weapons and will not provide them to third parties. All requests for assistance and equipment from Iraq are coordinated through the Coalition against Daesh.
The piece also reports that one sixth of the city has been liberated by Iraqi forces and that the RAF has used the Storm Shadow missile to strike underground bunkers Daesh in recent months.
Armoured Vehicles Contract
The Times (p20) using statements from unnamed sources, criticises the MOD’s contest for a £3 billion contract to supply armoured vehicles.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
These claims from unnamed sources are misleading. Ministers want a competitive process and this is an opportunity for any firm to set out what they can offer.
