Today's defence related news includes further coverage on the New Year Honours and the Royal Mint's new commemorative designs for 2018.
New Year Honours
Continued coverage in The Times of on the honour which will be bestowed upon Major John Chetty in the New Year Honours 2018.
A government spokesperson said:
There is a transparent and robust system in place for honours selection with nominations considered by one of nine expert honours committees. Each individual nomination is considered on his or her merit by the relevant independent committee.
The Royal Mint marks key anniversaries of 2018
Various coverage of Royal Mint’s new £2 and 50p coin designs. BBC Breakfast, The Daily Mail, The Sun and The Express all report that the new releases will include coins to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War and 100 years since the formation of the RAF.
2017
As we start the new year, the MOD has taken a look back on at some of the most memorable images, captured by service and MOD civilian photographers in 2017.
A collection of 85 photographs have been selected that show service personnel, their friends and family. View the photos here.
The Armed Forces have also released a video of highlights from 2017.
Image of the day
Pictured are a family posing for photographs whilst watching the Red Arrows display on the beach in Muscat, Oman.
Aircraft from the world-renowned display team performed a precision show of loops, rolls and close-passes in front of thousands of people lining a coastline of the capital and also a reception for senior government officials.
The display is part of a five-week overseas tour by the Red Arrows supporting UK interests.