A variety of Defence stories feature in today’s media, including reports that North Korea has launched four ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan. Britain’s most senior counter-terrorism policeman has said that security services have prevented 13 potential terror attacks since 2013. This comes as the police have launched a new campaign to get the public to contact the terrorism hotline. Elsewhere, there is coverage of the Defence Secretary is in Brussels, Northern Ireland veterans and an air proximity report.
DEFENCE SECRETARY IN BRUSSELS
A number of broadcasters report from the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels today, where the Defence Secretary reiterated our on-going commitment to defence and security in Europe.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:
Although we are leaving the European Union we continue to cooperate with our European partners on defence and security and in the fight against terrorism and aggression. This month we are deploying troops to Estonia, later to Poland and we are sending RAF jets to Romania.
We also continue to play our part in the European mission in the Mediterranean, rescuing migrants and tackling people smuggling. Today we are urging the European Union to cooperate more closely with NATO to avoid unnecessary duplication of structures and to work together on new threats including the need to strengthen cyber-security.
You can read more about the visit here.
NORTHERN IRELAND
The Sun and The Daily Telegraph report on negotiations between the Government and Sinn Fein regarding devolution, and the ramifications this could have for veterans currently being investigated for killings during the Troubles.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
The overwhelming majority of those who served in Northern Ireland did so with great bravery and distinction. Any member of the military affected by this process will rightly be supported throughout and will receive free MOD legal representation.
CHINOOK AIRPROX
The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, Daily Mirror and Daily Mail all report on UK Airprox’s report into a near collision between a Chinook and an unknown drone. They write that the investigation found that the helicopter came within 130ft of the one-meter wide drone. The articles reported that the inquiry concluded that the incident was “another example of a growing problem” of near misses involving civilian and military aircraft and drones in British skies.
IMAGE OF THE DAY
Drummer Sargent Callum Marr of the Royal Military Police (Leuchars Station) and Pipe Major Peter MacGregor of 4 SCOTS scooped the top places in their respective disciplines at an Army competition this weekend.
Callum won there Army Champion Drummer trophy, and Peter the Army Champion Piper.
The Army Piping and Drumming Championships in Edinburgh brought together the finest solo and band musicians from the British Army to compete for the coveted trophies on offer.
Callum took his drumming to new heights in his victory lead at the barracks in Colinton saying, "I am overjoyed at winning, makes it all worthwhile!"
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