Today's defence related news includes the £3.7bn deal for the manufacture of the first three Type 26 frigates.
£3.7bn Type 26 deal
The Sunday Times, The Sunday Telegraph (Business and Money), The Sun, The Financial Times, The People, The Mail On Sunday, The Sunday Mirror, The Sunday Herald (Glasgow), The Sunday Express, and the Scotland on Sunday all report on the £3.7bn contract to begin manufacturing the first three of eight new frigates for the Royal Navy. These will be built by the early 2020s, securing 3400 British high-skilled jobs throughout the supply chain across the UK until 2035.
The Sunday telegraph (business and Money) covered the story on the front page and referenced that the new Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier began sea trials last week. The People adds that the new frigates will act as escorts for the two new aircraft carriers and will replace the Type 23 fleet.
Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon said:
The Type 26 Frigate is a cutting-edge warship, combining the expertise of the British shipbuilding industry with the excellence of the Royal Navy. We will cut steel on the first ship later this month – a hugely significant milestone that delivers on our commitment to maintain our global naval power. These ships will be a force to be reckoned with, there to protect our powerful new carriers and helping keep British interests safe across the world.
Backed by a rising defence budget and a £178bn Equipment Plan, the Type 26 programme will bring vast economic benefits to Scotland and the wider UK. The contract is structured to ensure value for taxpayers' money and, importantly, now designed to protect them from extra bills from project overrun. The investment will secure hundreds of skilled jobs at BAE Systems on the Clyde for the next twenty years, and thousands of jobs in the supply chain across Britain.
Admiral Sir Philip Jones, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, said:
For an island nation, dependent on maritime trade, a strong Royal Navy is essential for our national security and economic prosperity. Today there are over 500 submarines in the world operated by 40 navies. As one of the quietest and most potent submarine-hunters of any Navy, the Type 26 will have a crucial role to play to protect the nuclear deterrent and our two new aircraft carriers.
Although designed to fight and win in the most demanding scenarios, they will also work alongside our international partners to protect and promote the United Kingdom’s interests around the world.
Operation Northmoor
The Sunday Times reports on Op Northmoor, the Royal Military Police Investigation into allegations of criminal behaviour by the Armed Forces during the war in Afghanistan.
The Sun covers the allegations and references that there are also 27 investigations left over from IHAT.
An MOD spokesperson said:
The Royal Military Police has found no evidence of criminal behaviour by the Armed Forces in Afghanistan. They have discontinued over 90% of the 675 allegations made and less than 10 investigations remain.
Our military served with great courage and professionalism and we proudly hold them to the highest standards. Where allegations are raised it is right they are investigated.
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