Top defence stories today include continued coverage of operations in western Mosul, where the RAF are providing close air support to Iraqi Security Forces; the announcement of an £8million investment in unmanned air systems; criticism of the Royal Navy’s Type 26 programme; and calls from military wives for better treatment for PTSD.
Mosul
There is print and broadcast coverage of operations in Mosul with The Sunday Times reporting that residents of liberated eastern Mosul remains fearful, with more than 2,000 Daesh fighters thought to remain in the west of the city, drones carrying grenades sent from the west, and resentment amongst the majority Sunni population toward the Shia-majority government’s forces.
The BBC and Sunday Times cover the death of Kurdish journalist Shifa Gardi while reporting on the battle while The Independent reports that thousands of letters “of love and hope” have been dropped on western Mosul amid fears for the 750,000 civilians trapped in the area, as Daesh use of drones increases.
Unmanned air systems investment
The BBC reports on an £8m joint MOD-Leonardo investment in unmanned rotary drone research and in an interview with BBC radio, Minister for Defence Procurement Harriet Baldwin talked about the potential of unmanned air systems for future military use. Local MP Marcus Fysh said around 300 jobs will be supported by the research agreement.
Chief Executive Officer of the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support Organisation, Tony Douglas, said:
Investing in innovation is a priority in DE&S and research programmes, such as the Rotary Wing Unmanned Air System, demonstrates our commitment to ensuring our Armed Forces have the best and most advanced equipment and support possible.
This project also highlights how we collaborate effectively with industry, utilising skills across both organisations to fully understand the emerging capabilities in the unmanned arena.
Type 26
The Sunday Times reports that the Royal Navy’s Type 26 frigates may enter service without missiles for the launchers which will be fitted. The paper speculates that the MOD’s Equipment Plan does not name any missile for the launchers or allocate money for their manufacture.
A Royal Naval spokesman said:
The Type 26 Frigate will be delivered with cutting edge weapons and sensors that build on the excellent operational record of the Type 23.
Backed by a rising defence budget and a £178 billion equipment plan, investment in the MK 41 launcher enables the Royal Navy the option of investing in a wide range of additional capabilities at short notice and according to the threat.
PTSD
Ahead of a BBC Radio documentary, The Observer writes that military wives are demanding adequate treatment for partners whose military careers have been cut short by PTSD and The Sun reports that an Army widow is suing the MOD over her husband’s PTSD after he was returned to Afghanistan and Iraq despite being ill.
An MOD spokesperson said:
The mental health of our people is of the utmost importance, which is why we provide a variety of support including education and access to health services.
We encourage those that need help to come forward and get the assistance they deserve.
The Global Combat Ship will be a highly capable and versatile multi-mission warship designed to support anti-submarine warfare, air defence and general purpose operations anywhere on the worlds oceans.
The Type 26 will replace the UKs Type 23 frigates, with the first set to enter service in the early 2020s and the last remaining in service beyond the middle of the century.
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