Defence news today includes coverage of Britain's new F-35 aircraft's first overseas deployment, and reporting on the situation around Afghan interpreters.
F-35 deployment
There is media coverage today on the announcement that Britain’s new cutting-edge F-35B aircraft will depart their home station of RAF Marham in Norfolk later this year for Cyprus in their first overseas deployment. Coverage is carried in The Guardian, The Scotsman, and on ITV online.
Owned and operated by the RAF, the Lightning Force is jointly manned by both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. This deployment will allow personnel from both services to gain vital experience in maintaining and flying the aircraft in an unfamiliar environment.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
These formidable fighters are a national statement of our intent to protect ourselves and our allies from intensifying threats across the world.
This deployment marks an important milestone in this game-changing aircraft’s journey to becoming fully operational.
Read more about the F-35 deployment here.
Afghan interpreters
The Daily Mail carries a story on its front page that places focus on the situation around Afghan interpreters eligible to be relocated in the UK, reporting that following a policy extension to the criteria made last year, none of the 50 estimated interpreters that would qualify have arrived in the UK.
An MOD spokesperson said:
Our specialist team is working hard to identify which Afghan interpreters are eligible for relocation under the expanded scheme. This requires close collaboration with other Government departments, the Afghan Government and the International Organisation for Migration, and therefore takes time.
We recognise the vital role interpreters and local staff played in operations in Afghanistan, and we encourage anyone who experiences intimidation because of their employment by the UK to contact our Intimidation Investigation Unit.
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