2011 United Kingdom Special Weapons News

£400m equipment package for troops in Afghanistan announced UK MOD 22 Dec 2011 -- A £400m package of protected vehicles and Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) technology to further improve the protection of British Forces in Afghanistan has been announced by Defence Secretary Philp Hammond today.
MOD invests in future combat air systems UK MOD 20 Dec 2011 -- he Ministry of Defence signed a new £40m contract with BAE Systems yesterday to ensure the UK retains a leading edge in the next generation of combat air systems.
UK Ministry of Defence Invests In Future Combat Air Systems BAE Systems 20 Dec 2011 -- The Ministry of Defence yesterday signed a new £40 million contract with BAE Systems to ensure the UK retains a leading edge in the next generation of combat air systems.
New ministerial committee to uphold pledges to armed forces UK MOD 20 Dec 2011 -- A new ministerial committee will ensure that the Government delivers promises made under the Armed Forces Covenant as part of a cross-Government effort to keep the interests of Service personnel at the heart of the Nation.
Government confirms commitment to the SBAs in Cyprus UK MOD 15 Dec 2011 -- The Government has accepted the recommendations in the Cyprus Review on Sovereign Base Areas and confirmed its enduring commitment to the SBAs in Cyprus.
Equipment Minister responds to PAC report on armoured vehicle delivery UK MOD 09 Dec 2011 -- Defence Minister Peter Luff has responded to a report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), published today on the delivery of armoured vehicles.
Cost of Libya operations UK MOD 08 Dec 2011 -- The net additional cost of Operation ELLAMY - costs incurred by the Department on operations which would not otherwise be incurred - is estimated at £212m, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond announced today.
UK troops stationed in Bahrain at start of uprising IRNA 08 Dec 2011 -- More than 100 British troops were stationed in Bahrain at the start of renewed pro-democracy protests, the UK government has confirmed.
Women to be allowed to serve on submarines UK MOD 08 Dec 2011 -- Women are to be allowed to serve on submarines for the first time in the Royal Navy's history, the Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond announced today.
HMS Diamond ready for operations UK MOD 07 Dec 2011 -- The UK now has three groundbreaking Type 45 destroyers ready to deploy on operations after HMS Diamond passed her final, demanding test.
First Commander of Joint Forces Command takes up post UK MOD 01 Dec 2011 -- Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach has taken up post as the first Commander of Joint Forces Command and will be responsible for commanding and generating allocated joint capabilities.
New Contract To Safeguard Future of HMS Victory BAE Systems 01 Dec 2011 -- HMS Victory, the oldest commissioned warship in the world, will undergo an extensive restoration at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard as part of a £16 million contract with BAE Systems.
HMS Bangor home from Libya mission UK MOD 25 Nov 2011 -- Royal Navy warship HMS Bangor returned home to Faslane today following 120 days of non-stop action supporting NATO operations off the coast of Libya.
Lockheed Martin Completes Assembly Of The First International F-35 For The United Kingdom Lockheed Martin 22 Nov 2011 -- The first international Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II rolled out of the factory Sunday evening. The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence will use the short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) jet, known as BK-1, for training and operational tests.
Defender completes her first sea trials UK MOD 21 Nov 2011 -- Defender, the Navy's fifth state-of-the-art Type 45 destroyer, has successfully completed her first set of sea trials, with her speed, manoeuvrability, sensors and weapons having been tested over three weeks off Scotland.
Malaysian exercise resounding success for RAF Typhoon squadron UK MOD 21 Nov 2011 -- Pilots and ground crew from Number 6 Squadron have gained priceless experience in operating the Tranche 2 Typhoon aircraft in unfamiliar conditions during Exercise Bersama Lima in Malaysia.
Britain's Iraq Inquiry Delayed By Six Months RFE/RL 17 Nov 2011 -- The release of an official British inquiry into the Iraq war will be delayed by at least six months due to debates over access to secret files.
US buying UK's decommissioned Harrier jump jets IRNA 16 Nov 2011 -- The US is buying Britain's entire fleet of 74 Harrier jump jets, which were controversially decommissioned in last year's defence review.
UK to review DU munitions IRNA 15 Nov 2011 -- The British government has ordered a belated review over the controversial use of depleted uranium weapons following a campaign by MPs.
Navy sub fires first Tomahawk missile UK MOD 15 Nov 2011 -- The first of the Royal Navy's new attack submarines, HMS Astute, has blasted Tomahawk missiles far across the North American skies.
Misleading media reports on Army redundancies and structure UK MOD 14 Nov 2011 -- There have been various misleading and inaccurate media reports this weekend speculating on the future number of soldiers and the future structure of the British Army.
UK: Missiles Could Be Used To Protect Olympics RFE/RL 14 Nov 2011 -- British Defense Secretary Philip Hammond says that ground-to-air missiles could be deployed to protect the 2012 Olympic Games in London if deemed necessary.
First tranche of Army unit moves confirmed UK MOD 10 Nov 2011 -- As part of the first tranche of Army unit moves confirmed by the MOD today as part of the Defence Rebasing Programme, 1,800 troops based in Germany will from January 2012 be brought back to the UK.
Navy's new Wildcat makes first landing at sea UK MOD 09 Nov 2011 -- The Royal Navy's next-generation helicopter, the Wildcat, has landed on a ship at sea for the first time.
British and French navies plan major exercise for 2012 UK MOD 28 Oct 2011 -- The flagships of the Royal Navy and the Marine nationale are lined up to work side-by-side next year to demonstrate the progress made between the two fleets.
Billion-pound upgrade to armoured vehicles announced UK MOD 25 Oct 2011 -- The Prime Minister has today announced that the Army's Warrior infantry fighting vehicle will benefit from a £1bn upgrade.
UAVs reaping benefits in Afghanistan UK MOD 25 Oct 2011 -- The RAF's Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are the eyes in the sky keeping tabs on the insurgency in Afghanistan.
35th British soldier killed in Afghanistan this year IRNA 17 Oct 2011 -- Britain's Ministry of Defence has announced the death of another UK soldier in Afghanistan, bringing the total to 383 since the overthrow of the Taliban regime 10 years ago.
British Defense Secretary resigns after abuse of power scandal RIA Novosti 14 Oct 2011 -- British Defense Secretary Liam Fox resigned on Friday, following a scandal with his close friend, Adam Werritty, who was involved in ministerial affairs despite having no official government role, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.
Construction begins on Navy's fifth Astute Class submarine UK MOD 13 Oct 2011 -- The main construction phase of the Royal Navy's fifth Astute Class submarine, Anson, officially began today with a traditional keel-laying ceremony attended by Minister for International Security Strategy Gerald Howarth.
16 Air Assault Brigade prepares for rapid reaction role UK MOD 12 Oct 2011 -- Soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade are taking part in Exercise Joint Warrior in Scotland to train for the resumption of their role as the British Army's rapid reaction force.
Review into single-source military equipment contracts published UK MOD 10 Oct 2011 -- A review of single-source military equipment contracts has found that the Government could potentially save hundreds of millions of pounds by introducing new rules for industry the MOD announced
RFA Fort Rosalie finishes her Libya mission UK MOD 03 Oct 2011 -- The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) vessel Fort Rosalie has completed her tasking under Operation ELLAMY, the UK's contribution to international efforts to protect Libyan civilians from attack by the former Gaddafi regime.
Royal Navy redundancies UK MOD 30 Sep 2011 -- As part of the Armed Forces Redundancy Programme, and following on from the Army and the RAF earlier this month, today the Royal Navy is notifying personnel selected for redundancy in Tranche 1 of the programme.
Libyan conflict could cost Britain $2.4bn RIA Novosti 26 Sep 2011 -- Britain's participation in the Libyan conflict settlement may cost the country 1.75 billion euros, or seven times more than estimates say.
ATK Awarded $37 Million Contract to Provide Lightweight 30mm Ammunition to the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence ATK 22 Sep 2011 -- ATK has been awarded a $37 million contract to provide lightweight (LW) 30mm ammunition – including the M788 TP (target practice) training round and the M789 High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) tactical round – to the United Kingdom's (UK) Ministry of Defence (MoD).
British sailor jailed for submarine murder RIA Novosti 20 Sep 2011 -- A Royal Navy crewman who shot dead an officer and injured three other crewmen during in a drunken shooting spree has been sentenced.
Up-armoured vehicles begin Afghanistan operations UK MOD 15 Sep 2011 -- The first of the enhanced Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) [CVR(T)] fleet is now operational on the front line in Afghanistan.
Navy's newest Astute Class submarine named UK MOD 15 Sep 2011 -- The name of the Royal Navy's newest, most capable Astute Class submarine has been formally announced today - HMS Anson.
Defence cuts diluting UK influence, warns former Navy chief IRNA 12 Sep 2011 -- The British government should stop pretending that the country can remain a big international player without proper investment in defence, says former Navy chief and security minister Lord West.
UK soldiers committed gratuitous violence against Iraqis, inquiry finds IRNA 08 Sep 2011 -- British soldiers inflicted an 'appalling episode of serious gratuitous violence' on Iraqi civilians, inquiry into 2003 death found.
Prince Harry to train in U.S. as Apache pilot RIA Novosti 30 Aug 2011 -- Prince Harry of Wales will undergo training at two U.S. military bases in California as part of an Apache attack helicopter course.
Opinions Divided on Reasons for UK Social Unrest VOA 08 Aug 2011 -- Politicians say it’s been carried out by opportunistic criminals, but underlying social issues may also be playing a role.
London Riots Spread to Other British Cities VOA 08 Aug 2011 -- Violence has broken out in two more British cities, while London endures its third straight night of rioting.
Home Secretary cuts short holiday trip to examine London riots IRNA 08 Aug 2011 -- Home Secretary Teresa May returned from holiday to meet police chiefs following the outbreak of sporadic rioting around London over the weekend.
MPs concerned about military gaps left by defence review IRNA 03 Aug 2011 -- The parliamentary Defence Committee said Wednesday it is not convinced that UK Armed Forces will be able do what is asked of them after 2015, given the current financial climate and the drawdown of capabilities arising from the Strategic Defence and Security Review.
Veterans take nuclear cancer claims to UK Supreme Court IRNA 29 Jul 2011 -- Veterans of Britain's 1950s nuclear bomb tests in the Pacific Ocean and Australia have won a judicial review to take their claims for compensation to the UK's Supreme Court.
UK MPs call for publication of full cost of Afghan war IRNA 28 Jul 2011 -- The Ministry of Defence must put into the public domain the full cost of military operations in Afghanistan.
UK to suspend nuclear trains during London Olympics IRNA 27 Jul 2011 -- British government’s decision to suspend trains carrying highly radioactive nuclear waste during next year's Olympics.
UK pays compensation for drowned Iraqi teenager IRNA 22 Jul 2011 -- Britain's Ministry of Defence has agreed to pay £100,000 compensation to the family of Iraqi teenager who drowned after being detained.
Pakistani PM to meet British leaders in UK visit IRNA 19 Jul 2011 -- Pakistani PM Gilani left here for London on a five-day private visit, but will also have a series of official engagements aimed at enhancing Pak-UK bilateral relations.
Russia, Britain plan to improve military ties RIA Novosti 19 Jul 2011 -- Russia and Britain are planning to expand significantly their bilateral military cooperation after a long period of strained relations.
UK army to be cut by 20 percent IRNA 18 Jul 2011 -- Britain's regular army is to be cut to its smallest size for a century in a move to follow the model used in the US and Australia to increase reservists.
RAF's largest aircraft officially named Voyager UK MOD 15 Jul 2011 -- The RAF's largest ever aircraft has been officially named Voyager after being flown by an RAF pilot today at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford - its first public appearance.
Reduction in UK nuclear warheads begins UK MOD 29 Jun 2011 -- The programme for implementing the reductions in the number of UK nuclear warheads, as announced in the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), has commenced, Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox announced
Defence Secretary unveils blueprint for Defence Reform UK MOD 27 Jun 2011 -- A new vision for how the MOD will run and be managed has been outlined today by Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox as the report of the Defence Reform Review is published.
Tornado ground attack jets clock up one million flying hours UK MOD 27 Jun 2011 -- The RAF's ground attack Tornados currently serving in Afghanistan and Libya have clocked up a staggering one million flying hours over the course of their service.
Libya intervention may cost hundreds of millions, UK admits IRNA 20 Jun 2011 -- The cost of Britain's military intervention in Libya could run 'into the hundreds of millions' of pounds for taxpayers.
UK faces 'challenging decisions' on Libya, says navy chief IRNA 14 Jun 2011 -- Head of Britain's navy has underlined the precarious nature of the UK's leading involvement in the military intervention in Libya, saying the cost of the NATO-led campaign will soon create 'challenging decisions'.
MOD's Major Projects Review Board stands up UK MOD 13 Jun 2011 -- The Ministry of Defence's Major Projects Review Board, designed to scrutinise and hold to account some of the Department's most expensive projects, has met for the first time today, 13 June 2011.
U.S., U.K. Military Relationship Essential, Mullen Says AFPS 10 Jun 2011 -- The military relationship between the US and the UK is second to none in terms of strength and is without parallel in terms of shared sacrifice and commitment to similar ideals.
Production begins on second aircraft carrier BAE Systems 26 May 2011 -- Construction of HMS Prince of Wales, the second of the two new Queen Elizabeth (QE) Class aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy, started today at BAE Systems' Govan shipyard on the Clyde.
TYPHOON CENTURY FOR UK BAE Systems 26 May 2011 -- BAE Systems has celebrated the completion of the 100th Typhoon aircraft which was built in the UK’s final assembly facility at Warton in Lancashire. Typhoon is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat aircraft and it plays a vital role in sustaining key manufacturing skills in the United Kingdom.
Boeing Announces UK Supplier Team for Log NEC Boeing 26 May 2011 -- Boeing Defence UK, a subsidiary of The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], today announced seven UK companies that will support its efforts as the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Delivery Partner for the Logistics Network Enabled Capability (Log NEC), a contract awarded in November. They are Ark Continuity, BearingPoint, EMC, Hewlett-Packard, IBM UK, Miro Technologies, and Steria.
Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom in Joint Press Conference in London, United Kingdom The White House 25 May 2011
Remarks by the President to Parliament in London, United Kingdom The White House 25 May 2011
Strengthened Collaboration Between the United States and United Kingdom The White House 25 May 2011
FACT SHEET: The U.S.-UK Joint Strategy Board The White House 25 May 2011
Joint Fact Sheet: U.S. and UK Cooperation on Cyberspace The White House 25 May 2011
Joint Fact Sheet: U.S.-UK Task Force to Support Our Armed Forces Personnel, Veterans and Their Families The White House 25 May 2011
Joint Fact Sheet: U.S.-UK Higher Education, Science, and Innovation Collaboration The White House 25 May 2011
Joint Fact Sheet: The U.S.-UK Partnership for Global Development The White House 25 May 2011
Joint Fact Sheet: Peace Corps and VSO Partnership on Volunteerism to Promote Global Development The White House 25 May 2011
Obama in London: 'The Time for Our Leadership Is Now' VOA 25 May 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama sent a message that the United States and Great Britain will continue to lead efforts toward world peace and democracy.
Obama, Cameron Discuss Security Aspects of U.S., U.K. Ties AFPS 25 May 2011 -- The relationship between the US and the UK is the lynchpin for security for both nations, President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron said.
Obama Tells British Parliament Alliance Is 'Indispensible' To Future World Challenges RFE/RL 25 May 2011 -- US President Barack Obama has reaffirmed the importance of Washington's cooperation with the United Kingdom and Europe.
Shared Values Define U.S.-U.K. Ties, Obama Tells Parliament AFPS 25 May 2011 -- The US and the UK are drawn together not just by language and shared sacrifice, but also by shared values that are an example to the world.
Obama Trip to Britain Highlights His European Popularity VOA 25 May 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama is in Britain with his wife Michelle on a state visit aimed at strengthening the longtime "special relationship" between Britain and the United States.
Secretary Clinton Remarks With British Foreign Secretary William Hague US Dept. of State 23 May 2011
US, Britain to Form Joint Security Board VOA 23 May 2011 -- The United States and Britain are planning to form a joint national security council, designed to allow the two allies close cooperation in dealing with security challenges.
Libya intervention expected to cost UK £1bn IRNA 23 May 2011 -- Britain's military intervention in Libya will cost the country's taxpayer as much as £1 billion if it continues into the autumn as expected, according to estimates based on data and expert analysis.
UK pulling out last remaining troops in Iraq IRNA 19 May 2011 -- Britain is withdrawing its last remaining troops -more than 100 Navy personnel – in Iraq, effectively ending its military involvement in the eight-year old war, one of the most controversial in recent history.
Army's Apache fires first Hellfire missiles at sea UK MOD 13 May 2011 -- British Army Apache helicopters have recently fired Hellfire missiles for the first time whilst flying from a Royal Navy warship.
HMS Diamond joins the fleet UK MOD 06 May 2011 -- The latest of the Royal Navy's new Type 45 air defence destroyers has been formally commissioned into the fleet today.
UK aviation command changes hands in Afghanistan USMC News 19 Apr 2011 -- The United Kingdom's Joint Aviation Group and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) welcomed a new commander for the deployed U.K. rotary aviation community in a ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, April 15.
UK sending military advisers to assist Libyan rebels IRNA 19 Apr 2011 -- The British government Tuesday markedly stepped up its involvement in the Libyan civil war with Foreign Secretary William Hague announcing the despatch of a team of military advisers to assist the rebels based in Benghazi.
HMS Liverpool protects Libya's civilian population UK MOD 19 Apr 2011 -- As part of the UK's ongoing involvement in Operation ELLAMY, Royal Navy destroyer HMS Liverpool has been working tirelessly to protect Libya's civilian population under threat of attack from Colonel Gaddafi's forces.
UK military liaison advisory team to be sent to Libya UK MOD 19 Apr 2011 -- The Foreign Secretary, William Hague, has announced that the National Security Council has decided to expand the diplomatic team already in Benghazi, led by Christopher Prentice, to include an additional military liaison advisory team.
Britain to send military advisers to Libya RIA Novosti 19 Apr 2011 -- Britain will send a group of military advisers to the town of Benghazi in eastern Libya to coordinate the actions of scattered rebel forces, media quoted British Foreign Secretary William Hague as saying Tuesday.
RAF armourers ensure strike missions continue in Libya UK MOD 18 Apr 2011 -- Royal Air Force armourers are making sure that Britain continues to play a full part in delivering precision strikes against forces loyal to the Gaddafi regime in Libya.
HMS Cumberland welcomed home from Libya operations UK MOD 18 Apr 2011 -- HMS Cumberland's ship's company received a rapturous welcome home to the UK as she returned from six-and-a-half months of operations, including high-profile roles evacuating refugees from Libya and enforcing an arms embargo against the country.
Britain to end up with less than half of the 232 Typhoons ordered IRNA 15 Apr 2011 -- Britain's most advanced fighter jet has been subjected to years of delays and soaring costs and is now suffering from planes being grounded after being cannibalised due to a shortage of spare part and trained pilots, according to a parliamentary report.
Thales's Lightweight Multirole Missile to enter production Thales 13 Apr 2011 -- Following three years of development, Thales UK's Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) will now move forward into full development, qualification and initial production following contract award by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Operation ELLAMY update - 9 April 2011 UK MOD 09 Apr 2011 -- Royal Air Force aircraft hit seven Main Battle Tanks on Friday 8 April 2011, as part of the UK's continued support for NATO's Operation Unified Protector to protect Libyan civilians and enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1973.
RAF Reaper reaches 20,000 hours over Afghanistan UK MOD 08 Apr 2011 -- The RAF's Remotely Piloted Air System, the Predator MQ-9 Reaper, has notched up a landmark 20,000 operational flying hours over Afghanistan.
Largs Bay acquisition Australia Department of Defence 06 Apr 2011 -- Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that Australia has been successful in its bid to acquire the United Kingdom's Bay Class amphibious ship Largs Bay.
Royal Navy and Army release redundancy scheme details UK MOD 04 Apr 2011 -- The Royal Navy and the Army today released the details of their redundancy programmes to their personnel.
UK air force stretched to limit by Libya mission, says air chief IRNA 04 Apr 2011 -- Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton has said that Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF) will need 'genuine increases' in its budget over the coming years if it is to continue running the range of operations the government is demanding.
HMS Lancaster To Get New Lease Of Life BAE Systems 31 Mar 2011 -- The Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigate, HMS Lancaster, is undergoing an extensive refit at Portsmouth Naval Base as part of a £17.9 million contract with BAE Systems, reflecting the Company’s continued growth in support services.
Northrop Grumman Awarded Production Contract to Supply Bridge and Navigation Suite for Next-Generation U.K. Aircraft Carriers Northrop Grumman 29 Mar 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Sperry Marine business unit has signed a full production contract for the Integrated Navigation Bridge System (INBS) for the U.K. Ministry of Defence's (MoD) Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) Aircraft Carrier Programme.
Brimstone missiles destroy armoured vehicles in Libya UK MOD 26 Mar 2011 -- It has been announced that RAF Tornado aircraft have destroyed three armoured vehicles in Misrata, and three further vehicles in Ajdabiya, following a missile strike.
Transcript: Operational update on Libya - 25 March UK MOD 25 Mar 2011 -- Colonel Gaddafi continues to mount indiscriminate attacks on his own people but it is clear that coalition operations have saved many innocent lives, Major General John Lorimer, the Chief of the Defence Staff's Strategic Communications Officer, said today.
British submarine launches further strikes on Libyan air defence systems UK MOD 24 Mar 2011 -- A Royal Navy submarine has launched further missile strikes against Libyan air defence targets as part of co-ordinated coalition action in support of enforcing UN Resolution 1973.
MP seeks assurance UK census details not passed to CIA IRNA 24 Mar 2011 -- A backbench Labour MP has made a last minute intervention to seek assurances from the British government that personal details from this weekend's mandatory census in the UK is not passed to any US agency, including the CIA.
HMS Westminster supports Libya operations UK MOD 23 Mar 2011 -- HMS Westminster is currently patrolling off the coast of Libya and stands ready to support any humanitarian or embargo actions as required by the coalition to enforce UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973.
Libyan Air Force neutralised UK MOD 23 Mar 2011 -- The RAF's commander of the air operations over Libya, Air Vice-Marshal Greg Bagwell, has reported that the Libyan Air Force 'no longer exists as a fighting force'.
RAF Typhoons patrol Libyan no-fly zone UK MOD 22 Mar 2011 -- CRAF Typhoons flew their first ever combat mission yesterday while patrolling the no-fly zone over Libya in support of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973.
Operations in Libya having a very real effect UK MOD 22 Mar 2011 -- Coalition operations against Colonel Gaddafi's forces are having a very real effect in protecting the city of Benghazi, Major General John Lorimer, the Chief of the Defence Staff's Strategic Communications Officer, said today, Tuesday 22 March 2011.
Iraq war haunts UK debate on Libya intervention IRNA 22 Mar 2011 -- Prime Minister David Cameron won overwhelming parliamentary support for the UK government taking a leading role in military action against Libya, but at the expense of many MPs expressing serious misgivings.
UK defends military action against Libya IRNA 21 Mar 2011 -- The British government has responded to criticism of the scale of military attacks launched in Libya by insisting that it is in line with the UN mandate provided by last week's Security Council resolution.
BAE Systems To Deliver £22.5M Contract For Royal Navy Warfare Training Systems Support BAE Systems 21 Mar 2011 -- BAE Systems has been awarded a £22.5m Training Systems support contract by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) that will provide a cost effective solution for the Royal Navy’s overall Submarine and Mine Warfare Command Team training whilst ensuring the operational readiness and effectiveness of its operational training systems.
Updated: Second UK strike against Libyan defence assets UK MOD 21 Mar 2011 -- British Armed Forces participated in another co-ordinated strike against Libyan air defence systems last night, Sunday 20 March 2011.
Coalition operations in Libya to continue UK MOD 21 Mar 2011 -- Colonel Gaddafi is still in breach of the UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Libya so the coalition will continue operations, Major General John Lorimer, the Chief of the Defence Staff's Strategic Communications Officer said today, Monday 21 March 2011.
Updated: British Armed Forces launch strike against Libyan air defence systems UK MOD 20 Mar 2011 -- A Royal Navy submarine and RAF Tornado jets have participated in coordinated strikes against key Libyan military installations as part of the coalition plan to enforce UN Resolution 1973.
Libya update UK MOD 20 Mar 2011 -- The Chief of the Defence Staff's Strategic Communications Officer, Major General John Lorimer, briefed the media this morning, Sunday 20 March 2011, on Operation ELLAMY, the UK's military action in support of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973.
Defence Chief told to prepare to enforce UN resolution on Libya UK MOD 18 Mar 2011 -- Prime Minister David Cameron has said that he and Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox have now instructed the Chief of the Defence Staff to work urgently with our allies to put in place the appropriate military measures to enforce UN Resolution 1973 - including a no-fly zone over Libya.
All-party campaign to suspend UK's new nuclear programme IRNA 17 Mar 2011 -- An all-party campaign has been launched in the British parliament to suspend the country's new nuclear programme.
Five Nuclear Disasters Waiting To Happen RFE/RL 16 Mar 2011 -- The troubles surrounding Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant have set off a debate on the safety of nuclear power in general.
UK troops 'on standby' to go to Libya IRNA 05 Mar 2011 -- A battalion of 600 British troops was reported Saturday to be on standby to go to Libya at 24 hours’ despite warnings that the country should not militarily intervene.
Russia's Lavrov urges anti-terror coop with British intelligence RIA Novosti 02 Mar 2011 -- Russia’s FM hopes cooperation between Russian and British intelligence services will help improve damaged relations.
Cuts damage UK’s military capability, former defence chiefs warn IRNA 25 Feb 2011 -- Defence cuts, announced by the government, undermines the UK’s Navy ability to protect the Army or Royal Marines on amphibious operations, former military chiefs have warned Prime Minister David Cameron.
UK seeking Israel assurance not to forge more passports one year on IRNA 18 Feb 2011 -- The British government is still awaiting a pledge from Israel never to again clone or forge passports.
HMS Queen Elizabeth Steps Out Into The Lime Light BAE Systems 13 Feb 2011 -- Construction of the first of the two new aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy, HMS Queen Elizabeth, took a huge step forward today as workers at BAE Systems' Govan yard moved two giant sections of the hull together for the first time.
UK vetting nuclear weapons report IRNA 10 Feb 2011 -- The British government is currently scrutinising the latest assurance report on the safety of its nuclear weapons programme to conceal any secret information, Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey has told MPs.
Defence cuts jeopardise safety of UK nuclear weapons IRNA 28 Jan 2011 -- The safety of Britain's nuclear weapons and submarines is being jeopardised by staff shortages and spending cuts, according to secret Ministry of Defence (MoD) reports.
Scrapping Nimrods risks UK security, former defence chiefs warn IRNA 27 Jan 2011 -- The government’s decision to destroy nine new MRA4 Nimrod surveillance aircraft to save money is “perverse” and could cause serious long-term damage to the country’s interests, six former defence chiefs warned Thursday.
7th Boeing C-17 for Royal Air Force Arrives in United Kingdom Boeing 21 Jan 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and its Boeing Defence UK subsidiary today announced the arrival of the Royal Air Force's seventh C-17 Globemaster III airlifter at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, England. The aircraft was officially delivered on Nov. 16 from Boeing's facility in Long Beach, Calif., and underwent modifications at the company's San Antonio facility before flying to the United Kingdom.
Defence cuts adds to UK's international decline in 2010 IRNA 05 Jan 2011 -- In foreign affairs address at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet, PM Cameron conceded that Britain had lost 'respect' because of its national finances.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

2011 United Kingdom Special Weapons News