Today’s Defence-related news includes continued coverage of military support to UK airports over drone disruption, and news that the RAF’s F35 Lighting jets are now combat-ready.
Heathrow Drones
The Times and The Sun describe the equipment the RAF have been using at Heathrow Airport, explaining that experts were drafted in to clear the skies and that their kit can cut the radio signal and cause drones to fall from the sky. The Press and Journal, Financial Times and The Herald all also note the military’s involvement.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
At the request of the Metropolitan Police, our Armed Forces deployed to assist and support them. Our Armed Forces are always there when needed, ready to support the civilian authorities with our capabilities.
F-35s combat-ready
The Telegraph ran a piece noting that the F-35 jets are now combat-ready, as well as showcasing the upgrade of the Typhoon fleet’s weapons systems. This article came ahead of an announcement made by the Defence Secretary today at RAF Marham.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
As we bid farewell to the RAF's first century, we are setting our sights on the next 100 years. Our nation is moving into a new era outside the EU, and our huge achievements in air capability make our commitment to a role on the world stage clear to both our allies and our enemies.
The incredible F-35 jets are ready for operations, a transformed Typhoon has the power to dominate the skies into the 2040s and we continue to look even further into an ambitious future. The RAF has long shown Britain at its great and global best, and today it lifts our nation to even greater heights.
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