Today’s defence related news includes coverage of Navy personnel numbers and Army planning
Navy personnel
The Sunday Times covers an article in the Naval Review which talks about the Navy’s personnel numbers.
A Royal Navy spokesperson said:
More than 96% of the Royal Navy's posts are filled and we maintain a global presence, with nearly 9,000 Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel either deployed, getting ready to deploy or standing at high readiness.
Recruiting and retaining talent is one of our top priorities and we have a range of schemes, including direct entry into specialist trades and flexible working to make sure we attract and keep the skilled personnel we need.
The Royal Navy has recruited over 3,000 people in the past year and we remain committed to ensuring we have the right skills at every level of the Royal Navy, so they can continue to face intensifying global threats.
MOD suppliers
The Sunday Times and Sunday Telegraph continue coverage around the company Babcock, which is an MOD supplier.
An MOD spokesperson said:
We are committed to working closely with Babcock, to safely deliver submarine support work, including planned maintenance projects. As with other complex projects, it is normal practice to work closely with the company to support programme delivery.
Military contingency planning
Sunday Times speculates about Army preparations in a potential no-deal Brexit scenario.
An MOD spokesperson said:
The MOD routinely works with other Government departments on planning for a range of contingency scenarios.
Paratroopers to deploy to Afghanistan on NATO mission
The Sunday Express reports that 3 Para will deploy to Afghanistan as part of Britain’s contribution to the NATO mission in the country.
An MOD spokesperson said:
3 Para have deployed to Afghanistan as part of the UK contribution to the NATO mission. They will take over from the Welsh Guards within the UK-led Kabul Security Force (KSF), which plays a critical role in supporting NATO advisors in the city.
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