Today's defence-related news includes support for the Royal Air Force's first ever female three-star officer and an historic defence agreement between the UK and Oman.
Royal Air Force appoints first female three-star officer
RAF engineer Sue Gray has been promoted to the rank of Air Marshal, making her the RAF's first ever female three star officer and the most senior woman in the British armed forces.
The Telegraph features the news on its front page and explores Air Marshal Gray's academic background, during which she studied physics and electronics.
The Daily Mail notes that Air Marshal Gray's distinguished career includes service in both Gulf Wars with Joint Helicopter Command and her appointment as Air Officer Commanding 38 Group.
In her new role as Director General of the Defence Safety Authority she will be responsible for defence safety regulations and accident investigation.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
This is an historic moment as we see the most senior female appointment in the British military. Air Marshal Gray's career shows that with hard work, skill and determination, gender is no obstacle to achieving the top ranks in the Armed Forces.
Having served in Iraq as the Chief Engineer for the Joint Helicopter Force, I hope that young girls will look up to Air Marshal Gray and see that a career in the Armed Forces will offer them every opportunity to succeed, irrespective of their gender and background.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier said:
I offer my most sincere personal congratulations to Air Marshal Gray on her promotion and I wish her every success in her important new role leading the Defence Safety Authority. Her promotion is proper recognition of her outstanding contribution to the RAF and Defence, as an engineer, as a leader and as a superb role model.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson signs defence agreement with Oman
The Times features news of an historic agreement between the UK and Oman, which Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson will sign today with His Excellency Sayyid Bader bin Saud bin Harib Al-Busaidi, the Omani Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs.
The paper notes that the agreement will allow Britain's new aircraft carriers to dock in Duqm, the only Gulf naval facility capable of hosting them. The announcement comes after the reopening of a Royal Navy base in Bahrain last year.
The report highlights the UK's longstanding and strong relationship with Oman.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
It is a pleasure to sign this agreement, bringing us even closer to one of our most important partners. This is an historic, landmark moment between our two nations and is a significant reinforcement of our mutual security.
Gulf security is our security, and it is crucial that we expand our horizons and become a truly global Britain after we leave the European Union.
Image of the day
