Defence news today includes the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, F35 training, Exercise Joint Warrior, and continued reporting on the situation in Mosul.
AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
The Daily Record reports that divers inspecting the hull of the HMS Queen Elizabeth discovered that the top coat of paint had failed to adhere properly.
A Royal Navy spokesperson said:
There are areas of the hull of HMS Queen Elizabeth where the top-coat of paint has not adhered to the undercoat.
We have worked with our suppliers to find out the reasons why and are putting in place a process to bring this to the right standard ahead of sea trials.
F-35 TRAINING
The Daily Record reports that pilots training to fly the F-35 are doing increasingly more simulator training.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
The F-35 Lightning is a world-beating combat aircraft. Backed by a rising defence budget, innovative new technology means that both simulated and live training gives our pilots the best operational preparation possible. We continue to work with our international partners to ensure our pilots get the best training.
The nuclear deterrent is the ultimate guarantee of our security, and the investment required to maintain it is not at the cost of other conventional capabilities.
MOSUL
There is widespread print and broadcast coverage of the continuing battle for Mosul, where there have been reports that coalition airstrikes have killed civilians.
An MOD spokesperson said:
As operations to liberate western Mosul and Raqqa intensify, the RAF continues to provide precision close air support to ground forces engaged in difficult urban combat. We conduct detailed assessments after each strike and review information from organisations such as Airwars and we have not seen evidence that we have been responsible for civilian casualties so far. Through our rigorous targeting processes we will continue to seek to minimise the risk of civilian casualties, but that risk can never be removed entirely.
JOINT WARRIOR
The Scotsman and The National (online) states that thousands of military personnel from NATO states are in Scotland for one of Europe’s largest military exercises, Joint Warrior.
Over 35 naval units and 50 aircraft will take part in the bi-annual exercise, with live firing taking part in at an MOD range in Cape Wrath.
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