A variety of Defence stories feature in today's news, including our Challenger 2 tanks and the MOD art collection.
SAS
The Mail on Sunday reports on three soldiers who died in the Brecon Beacons three years ago.
An MOD spokesperson said:
We do not comment on individual discipline cases. Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of Corporal James Dunsby, Lance Corporal Craig Roberts and Trooper Edward Maher.
TANKS
The Sunday Times reports the Army’s inventory of tanks.
An MOD spokesperson said:
The Challenger 2 fleet is due to have a £700 million life extension project that will ensure capability until 2035. We are also investing in the transformational, multi-role AJAX armoured vehicle and the Warrior infantry fighting vehicle. The project is not fixed and could potentially include upgrades to the main gun, ammunition or armoured protection. We’re open to innovative, cost effective proposals that could improve the capability.
ART
The Sunday Times writes about the MOD’s art collection in comparison to equipment.
An MOD spokesperson said:
This is complete nonsense and a totally incongruous comparison. Last year we invested £5.6bn in equipment, and over the next decade we'll be investing £178 billion. Backed by a rising defence budget the Armed Forces have the kit they need to keep Britain safe.
IHAT
The Sun writes about the Iraq Historical Allegations Team.
An IHAT spokesperson said:
These expenses were appropriately paid to personnel recruited by Red Snapper in the context of work which has disposed of around 70% of the allegations made about the behaviour of UK Armed Forces personnel in Iraq.
IMAGE OF THE DAY
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon visited Portsmouth today (25 Nov 2016) to view some of the final preparations for the arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth. Sir Michael toured parts of HM Naval Base Portsmouth to see the progress of the latest work in preparation for the first of the largest warships ever built for the Royal Navy. The Defence Secretary also opened the new Ark Royal building on Princess Royal jetty, which has been set up in support of the new carriers.
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