Today's defence related news includes coverage of RAF Typhoon fighter jets interrupting a Russian maritime patrol aircraft and the Northern Ireland Consultation.
RAF Typhoon interrupts Russian aircraft
Yesterday, the MOD released a news story about the RAF Typhoon fighter jets that interrupted a Russian maritime patrol aircraft’s path that was heading towards NATO airspace on 23 August. Launching from the Romanian Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, the RAF Typhoons responded to a Russian Be-12 heading south-west over the Black Sea from Crimea. Today, there has been coverage in the Telegraph, The Times, The Sun, The Scotsman, The Herald, Press & Journal, and online reporting by the Daily Mail, Daily Star, Metro and BFBS
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
Our commitment to NATO and European security is unwavering. Whether in the skies over the Black Sea and the Baltic, or on the ground in Estonia our actions send a clear message – we are collectively ready to respond to any act of aggression and will support our Eastern European allies deter any threats faced.
Northern Ireland Consultation
The Sun has covered the Northern Ireland Office Consultation that is asking for views on how to approach the legacy of the past.
A Government spokesperson said:
It is only due to the courageous efforts of our security forces that we have the relative peace and stability that Northern Ireland enjoys today. We are now consulting on new legacy institutions to improve the current system and ensure that there is no unfair and disproportionate focus on former members of the Armed Forces and police officers. The welfare of our personnel and veterans is of the utmost importance and we provide legal and pastoral support to any veteran who requires it.
The Defence Secretary has also launched a new team within the MOD to consider concerns over whether serving and former personnel are receiving the legal protection they deserve and will look at options to address any issues identified.
