Today's defence-related news includes coverage on the cost of renewing Trident and reporting on defence mental health facilities available for the Armed Forces.
Trident renewal
The Sunday Times reports that the Ministry of Defence has spent £100.7m on studies to support a decision whether to refurbish or replace the existing Trident warhead design.
An MOD spokesperson said:
Work is ongoing on Trident warhead replacement options and these studies are part of this continuing work. It remains the case that a decision will be made during this Parliament on whether to refurbish or replace the existing warhead.
Mental health
The Sunday People report that the MOD must to do more to support troops and veterans who are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health illnesses.
An MOD spokesperson said:
We are committed to the mental fitness of our personnel having launched our new strategy and partnered with the Royal Foundation to tackle mental health issues head on.
Ministers and services chiefs are unequivocal in their commitment to help those in need; anyone who is suffering will be get the support they deserve.
The Mail on Sunday also reports that specialist military wards at facilities in Aldergrove, Northern Ireland and Edinburgh will close outside office hours leading claiming that troops are worried that the will have to visit NHS hospitals in Republican areas to seek help.
An MOD spokesperson said:
We take the mental health of our Armed Forces extremely seriously and work to tackle the stigma of mental illness, including partnering with the Royal Foundation to improve training and education.
Mental health services for Armed Forces personnel are provided at 20 sites across the country, and we are investing millions of pounds to ensure they get the help they need and deserve.
Defence Secretary on the Russian threat
Following an interview with the Daily Telegraph in which the Defence Secretary highlighted the threat from Russia to UK infrastructure, the Sunday Times incorrectly reports that the Defence Secretary released classified material.
An MOD spokesperson said:
We can confirm that the Secretary of State did not release any classified material at any point during discussions with the media, and there has been no leak of intelligence on this subject from either the Secretary of State or the Ministry of Defence.
Picture of the day
