British Military Current Events

[Kirkhill]

Naval expert's analysis of the strategic defence review

By WMNDavidWells  |  Posted: November 23, 2015

By Iain Ballantyne

SDSR-1

Prime Minister David Cameron (centre) talks to soldiers from the Royal Welsh Infantry as they stand in front of a Lockheed Martin Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle, during his visit to Royal Air Force station RAF Northolt, in west London ahead of his government's Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR)

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Naval expert and Westcountry-based author Iain Ballantyne gives his analysis of the Government’s Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) and the challenges facing the future of the Royal Navy

SDSR 2015 appears to be good news for the Royal Navy and the South West.

There were serious fears that only eight Type 26 frigates (or ‘Global Combat Ships’) would ever be ordered. Period.

That would have signalled a reduction in the surface combatant force to unacceptable levels and a decline at Devonport, both in terms of refit work and also ships based there.

However, the Prime Minister pulled a commitment to new ‘light flexible frigates’ out of his back pocket. These warships have been under consideration for some time, but there was no sign they would ever be ordered.

The crucial issue for Devonport is whether it will get the eight high-end Type 26 frigates or the less sophisticated ‘light flexible frigates’, which are, anyway, still only an ambition rather than an actual order. Scrutinising the fine detail of the defence review indicates the eight Type 26s promised are only the first batch, with a further five to come at some date.

The UK MoD has committed itself to a force of 19 frigates and the proposed light frigates will be in addition to this.

Another piece of good news for Devonport is the Prime Minister’s commitment to four new Trident Successor submarines as that will mean decades of refit work for the dockyard at the same level as today. Reducing the nuclear deterrent force to three vessels had been proposed when the Lib Dems were in power with the Tories.

A word of caution: the construction of the Trident Successor submarines has yet to be 100 per cent confirmed by government (though the green light seems likely in 2016).

When it comes to the Royal Marines, the defence review promises a future for them as the nation’s amphibious and Arctic warfare specialists.

One of the new aircraft carriers is to be enhanced especially to carry them into action.

In terms of fleet support, three additional logistics ships are to be constructed.

Beyond all the fine words about new equipment there remains a serious and very damaging concern about personnel levels.

The Navy is not getting all the extra manpower it needs to crew the new aircraft carriers and it allegedly wanted a 2,000-strong boost to recruitment.

It’s only receiving an extra 700. This means it will continue to siphon men and women away from Devonport-based warships, and even Royal Marines to ensure carriers can put to sea. It also means the Devonport-based amphibious warfare ships may all be mothballed to crew the new carriers.

There also has to be grave concern about the time it takes to replace existing warships and maintain force levels, with some Type 23 frigates sailing on well into the 2030s.

They will be very elderly ships, increasingly costly to run and maintain on operations.

The Prime Minister has also announced a further two OPVs will be built to fill patrol vessel gaps. Whether this will mean additional work for Devonport Dockyard or where they will be based is unknown.

A new national shipbuilding strategy has also been promised for 2016.

Despite all of the above, there remain huge challenges for the Royal Navy, which is at its smallest for centuries and faces an ever-growing portfolio of global tasks.

• Iain Ballantyne is the Editor of WARSHIPS IFR magazine www.warshipsifr.com and the author of several naval history books. He is currently working on ‘The Deadly Trade’, a history of submarine warfare (to be published by Orion Books).

Read more: http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Naval-expert-s-analysis-strategic-defence-review/story-28228249-detail/story.html#ixzz3sXcSOipo
Follow us: @WMNNews on Twitter | westernmorningnews on Facebook

http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Naval-expert-s-analysis-strategic-defence-review/story-28228249-detail/story.html

So it appears like 8x Type 26 now, 5x Type 26 in batch 2 and a further 6 at some future time - not all necessarily equipped to the same standard?

http://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2012/08/the-type-26-global-combat-ship-2/


In addition there is the light flexible frigate,

"Black Swan" or "Venator"

And finally two additional OPVs, presumably like the "Rivers"

My sense is the government is telling the RN to supply more hulls with a broader range of capabilities (some hulls more capable than others) and to cut the number of sailors necessary in each hull.

 

[dimsum]

RAF P-8s to be stationed at Lossie.

BRITAIN is to buy a new fleet of maritime patrol aircraft which will be based at RAF Lossiemouth.

Downing Street said the nine new Boeing P8 maritime patrol aircraft would offer maritime surveillance, anti-submarine and anti-surface ship warfare capability, increasing further the protection of Britain’s nuclear submarines and new aircraft carriers. They will also provide maritime search and rescue and surveillance capabilities over land.

http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/new-maritime-patrol-aircraft-based-at-raf-lossiemouth-1-3955855

 

[daftandbarmy]

Army launches new Leadership Code

“The Army needs to move with the times,” according to General Sir Nick Carter KCB CBE DSO ADC Gen, Chief of the General Staff, as he launched the new Army Leadership Code to all the Regimental Sergeant Majors and Commanding Officers at a special event at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst yesterday (3 Sept 15).

Founded on the Army's core values and standards the code draws together and formalises elements of good leadership that have been practised for centuries. Key to the new code is the Army’s ability to tackle unreasonable behaviour, including bullying, harassment and discrimination.

Explaining his vision for a modern and inclusive Army that takes a no-tolerance approach to bullying General Carter said: “The operating context is very different to the one perhaps we grew up in 25 to 30 years ago. Therefore we feel it is important to lay out what it is we want people to do by way of leadership to help them have the tools that they need.

“What we don’t want to see are the values and standards we espouse not being adhered to both in peace time and in war time. And, it’s really important that we live by those values and standards, because they are the basis on which teamwork is built.”

http://www.army.mod.uk/news/27973.aspx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOdNxQhRGkY

 

[daftandbarmy]

The most powerful woman in the British Army: I've spent my entire career avoiding the 'female' tag

When Defence Secretary Michael Fallon announced the appointment of the first women in British history to be put in charge of a frontline brigade, she was in Latvia on operation and oblivious to the whole hoopla.

“I didn’t know the announcement was going to happen,” says the 45-year-old mother-of-two, originally from Northumberland. “I guess I thought it might have happened earlier.”

It is a fair assessment because, at the time, Nesmith had already been at her new post, making her the most powerful woman in the British Army, for nearly a year. Now, with the House of Commons poised to support airstrikes against Isil in Syria, she could soon find herself in a key position at the centre of escalating world events.

At a warfare conference in London in July, Fallon used her as a prime example of military progress: “We must work smarter,” he said. “Careers must be determined by ability. Again, we are seeing progress. Women are now piloting attack helicopters and, in the case of Brigadier Sharon Nesmith, commanding their own brigade.”

A flurry of national attention followed alongside column inches and much backslapping. She must have been pleased with the sudden, if unexpected, recognition?

“Ah, well. Sort of…” Nesmith shuffles in her seat in her sprawling office at Nato Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) headquarters in Gloucester. “Don’t take this personally, but I would have rather avoided all this.”

She makes a sweeping hand gesture encompassing me, my notepad, my pen and the photographer waiting in the ranks to take her picture after our conversation, the first interview she has given since her promotion.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/work/the-most-powerful-women-in-the-british-army-ive-spent-my-entire/?utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook

 

[CougarKing]

It seems that the RAF will be joining the US-led air campaign against IS in Syria after all:

BBC

Syria air strikes: MPs authorise UK action against Islamic State

MPs have overwhelmingly backed UK air strikes against so-called Islamic State in Syria, by 397 votes to 223, after an impassioned 10-hour Commons debate.

A total of 66 Labour MPs sided with the government as David Cameron secured a larger than expected Commons majority.

The PM said they had "taken the right decision to keep the country safe" but opponents said the move was a mistake.

(...SNIPPED)

 

[daftandbarmy]

Clear me before I die, pleads war hero: Ex Army chief, 91, accused of child sex abuse fears case could drag on for months despite no evidence being found to support claims

Field Marshal Lord Bramall, 92, desperate to clear his name before he dies
Former Army chief faces hotly disputed paedophile allegation 
D-Day hero had his home raided and has been interviewed under caution


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3346829/Clear-die-pleads-war-hero-Ex-Army-chief-91-accused-child-sex-abuse-fears-case-drag-months-despite-no-evidence-support-claims.html#ixzz3tPQYj4hR
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

 

[daftandbarmy]

Army trucks used as ambulances after flooding cuts power in Lancaster


Royal Lancaster infirmary running on generator after flooded substation cuts electricity to 55,000 homes and businesses in north Lancashire

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/dec/06/flooding-power-cuts-lancaster-army-trucks-ambulances

 

[CougarKing]

More on the naval front, including the planned forced structure of the Royal Navy:

Navy Recognition

An Overview of the Royal Navy’s Light Frigate Programme Following SDSR 2015

By Stylianos Kanavakis - Senior Defence Analyst
The new UK Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 set the ground for the future Royal Navy’s force structure. The force structure is outlined in an end-to-end strategic document, as it offers a complete view on UK’s strategic interests, objectives and the means to achieve them. After years of withdrawal from major global policy issues, Britain is looking into covering the lost ground and moving ahead, in an effort to better position itself for the upcoming challenges.

(...SNIPPED)

The new SDSR 2015’s holistic approach on defence and security sets the defence requirements, with the industrial base and the overall need for the UK defence and shipbuilding industry to maintain its global position in manufacturing and innovation. While the SDSR outlines the overall strategy, more details will be provided with the next year’s rollout of the UK Shipbuilding Strategy and the clearer picture on the technical requirements for the Type 26 and lighter frigate. The review solely offers a glimpse of the objectives and the strategy in maritime force structure and industrial strategy.

Navy Force Structure

According to SDSR 2015 the Royal Navy will be able to provide the necessary forces for the Joint Force 2025 through a pool of:
• 4 x SSBN (currently Vanguard-class submarines, which will be replaced by the Successor-class);
• 7 x SSN submarines (Astute-class);
• 2 x aircraft carriers (Queen Elizabeth-class);
• 19 x destroyers and frigates (Type 45 and Type 23 that will be replaced by Type 26 and lighter ones);
• 6 x offshore patrol vessels (River-class Batches 1 and 2);
• 12 x mine-hunters;
• 3 x survey vessels;
• 1 x ice patrol ship;
• Numbers of landing platforms; helicopters; fleet support vessels; and of course the Royal Marines.

(...SNIPPED)

UK Defence Journal

LRASM for the Type 26 Frigate?
TOPICS:type 26
mfc-lrasm-photo-01-main-h

Posted By: George Allison September 23, 2015

Lockheed Martin are eager to have their Long Range Anti-Ship Missile fitted to Royal Navy Frigates.

The Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) is a stealthy anti-ship cruise missile under development for the US Navy. The LRASM is intended as a replacement for the Harpoon, which has been in service since 1977. The Type 26 will feature a 24 cell MK 41 VLS positioned behind the Sea Ceptor silos. It is expected to a yet unannounced anti-ship missile, lending to speculation that LRASM is the favourite.

Unlike current anti-ship missiles the LRASM is expected to be capable of conducting autonomous targeting, relying on on-board targeting systems to independently acquire the target without the presence of prior, precision intelligence, or supporting services like Global Positioning Satellite navigation and data-links. These capabilities will enable positive target identification, precision engagement of moving ships and establishing of initial target cueing in extremely hostile environment. The missile will be designed with counter-countermeasures to evade hostile active defense systems

(...SNIPPED)

 

[daftandbarmy]

Marine A 'had mental illness' when he shot dead injured Taliban fighter as evidence from two psychiatrists boosts case for appeal
Sgt Alexander Blackman shot dead a wounded Taliban soldier in 2013

Thought to be the only British soldier convicted of battlefield murder
But psychiatric assessment said the former Royal Marine had combat stress and 'adjustment disorder' as campaign for fresh appeal grows
Family and friends launched fund to cover the costs of his appeal. To contribute, visit www.dailymail.co.uk/blackman


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3358609/Marine-mental-illness-shot-dead-injured-Taliban-fighter-evidence-two-psychiatrists-boosts-case-appeal.html#ixzz3uFL0Es6X
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

 

[CougarKing]

Never mess with the British SAS!

International Business Times

Fight against Isis: SAS sniper kills five Daesh fighters with 3 bullets

International Business Times
By William Watkinson | International Business Times – 19 hours ago

A veteran SAS sniper killed five Islamic State (ISIS) fighters with just three shots to foil a suicide bomb attack in Iraq. The sniper, who has served with the SAS for a decade, decided to shoot after he spotted the five Daesh (IS) fighters leaving a bomb making factory whilst wearing heavy and warm clothing in the desert sun.

He fired three well-aimed shots from 800 metres away, killing five of the over-dressed jihadis near the IS-controlled Iraqi city of Mosul. In August this year, another British sniper saved the life of a Shiite man and his eight-year-old son, who were seconds from being

(...SNIPPED)

 

[Kirkhill]

Marine A 'had mental illness' when he shot dead injured Taliban fighter as evidence from two psychiatrists boosts case for appeal
Sgt Alexander Blackman shot dead a wounded Taliban soldier in 2013

Thought to be the only British soldier convicted of battlefield murder
But psychiatric assessment said the former Royal Marine had combat stress and 'adjustment disorder' as campaign for fresh appeal grows
Family and friends launched fund to cover the costs of his appeal. To contribute, visit www.dailymail.co.uk/blackman


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3358609/Marine-mental-illness-shot-dead-injured-Taliban-fighter-evidence-two-psychiatrists-boosts-case-appeal.html#ixzz3uFL0Es6X
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

Berserkers used to get medals.... Jus' sayin'

 

[daftandbarmy]

Berserkers used to get medals.... Jus' sayin'

I'm sure being called a 'soldier' would be punishment enough for a Royal Marine SNCO.

 

[daftandbarmy]

Within four days of this haunting photo, these Royal Marines would ALL be dead, maimed or profoundly traumatised. No wonder Sergeant Blackman, who took it, cracked

Sergeant Alexander Blackman was convicted of murder in 2013
He was accused of shooting dead a 'mortally wounded' Taliban terrorist 
Sgt Blackman took the poignant never-before-published image of heroes
New legal dossier to be handed to the Criminal Cases Review Commission
It follows a fund launched by supporters to cover the costs of his appeal


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3360222/Within-four-days-haunting-photo-Marines-dead-maimed-profoundly-traumatised-No-wonder-Sergeant-Blackman-took-cracked.html#ixzz3uSF7lCfD
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

 

[daftandbarmy]

I can hear the cheers from here:

Thomas 'Slab' Murphy guilty of tax evasion

The alleged former IRA "chief of staff", Thomas 'Slab' Murphy, has been found guilty of tax evasion.

The 66-year-old was convicted of nine charges at the Republic of Ireland's non-jury Special Criminal Court.

The three judges were told how he had significant dealings in cattle and land and received farming grants, but failed to submit tax returns for nine years.

The prosecution was brought after an investigation by the Irish Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB).

Murphy, who lives at Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, County Louth, on a farm that straddles the border with Northern Ireland, had denied the charges.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35123356

 

[daftandbarmy]

Hallelujah!

Bloody Sunday paratroopers win High Court battle against being arrested and taken to Northern Ireland for questioning by police over 1972 shootings

Seven ex-soldiers, now in their 60s and 70s, won legal bid
Court order bans Police Service of Northern Ireland from arresting the men
They can still question them at agreed locations in England and Wales
But men have said they intend to answer all questions with 'no comment'
Servicemen told how they fear new police probe is politically motivated


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3363849/Bloody-Sunday-paratroopers-win-High-Court-battle-against-arrested-taken-Northern-Ireland-questioning-police-1972-shootings.html#ixzz3ueDleCCG
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

 

[jollyjacktar]

Good news indeed.

 

[The Bread Guy]

... The alleged former IRA "chief of staff", Thomas 'Slab' Murphy, has been found guilty of tax evasion ...

The "Al Capone" model of getting them off the streets, I guess.

 

[daftandbarmy]

Putting women soldiers on frontline 'crazy political correctness' blasts military expert

MILITARY experts have blasted David Cameron's decision to place women soldiers on the frontline as "crazy political correctness" which will undermine the fighting strength of the British Army.

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/628484/British-Army-women-soldiers-frontline-Cameron-Colonel-Richard-Kemp-Lord-West

 

[daftandbarmy]

SAS 'fighting to stop Taliban overrunning Sangin'

SAS unit of around 30 men said to be among British troops sent to save Afghanistan district where more than 100 British soldiers have laid their lives down since 2006

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/12063421/SAS-fighting-to-stop-Taliban-overrunning-Sangin.html

 

[daftandbarmy]

HMS Conqueror’s biggest secret: a raid on Russia

The submarine that sank the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano during the Falklands war was involved in a much more daring and dangerous Cold War operation only weeks later


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/9602103/HMS-Conquerors-biggest-secret-a-raid-on-Russia.html