Today’s defence related news includes coverage of the Syrian Democratic Forces’ announcement that Daesh has been defeated territorially.
Fall of Daesh
There’s widespread media coverage today on the announcement that all territory previously held by Daesh has been liberated.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
This has been a long campaign ending the misery of millions, as Daesh swept through Syria and Iraq, and came so close to taking the city of Baghdad. But due to the tireless efforts of our service personnel, we have been able to beat them back, depriving them of territory and making sure that Britain is safer.
But we cannot be complacent. They’ve dispersed, and they’ll continue to pose a threat to Britain, and that is why we will always remain vigilant.
E-7 Early Warning Aircraft Deal
The Financial Times, Defense News, Daily Star and the Telegraph cover the announcement yesterday by MOD of a $1.98bn deal with Boeing for 5 E-7 early warning radar aircraft.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
The E-7 provides a technological edge in an increasingly complex battlespace, allowing our ships and aircraft to track and target adversaries more effectively than ever. This deal also strengthens our vital military partnership with Australia.
We will operate the same state-of-the-art F-35 jets and world-class Type-26 warships, and this announcement will help us work even more closely together to tackle the global threats we face.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, said:
Today’s announcement about the procurement of five E-7 ‘Wedgetail’ Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft is excellent news for both the RAF and wider Defence. This world-class capability, already proven with our Royal Australian Air Force partners, will significantly enhance our ability to deliver decisive airborne command and control and builds on the reputation of our E3D Sentry Force.
Along with Defence’s investment in other cutting-edge aircraft, E-7 will form a core element of the Next Generation Air Force, able to overcome both current and future complex threats.
Image of the day
Air to Air refuelling of coalition aircraft over the Middle East from an RAF Voyager in support of Operation Shader, the Counter-Daesh mission.