2012 United Kingdom Special Weapons News

David Cameron visits troops in Afghanistan UK MOD 21 Dec 2012 -- The UK Prime Minister praised armed forces success during visit to Camp Bastion.
MOD awards £258 million Sea King helicopter support contract UK MOD 20 Dec 2012 -- The MOD has agreed a £258 million contract to support Sea King helicopters, which will sustain 500 jobs across the UK.
MOD launches new Skynet satellite UK MOD 20 Dec 2012 -- A new satellite which will provide secure military communications for UK Armed Forces has been successfully launched into space.
Prime Minister announces reduction in UK troop numbers in Afghanistan UK MOD 19 Dec 2012 -- UK force levels in Afghanistan are to reduce to around 5,200 by the end of 2013, the Prime Minister announced today.
£65 million contract to refit Royal Navy's largest warship secures hundreds of UK jobs UK MOD 12 Dec 2012 -- HMS Ocean, the Royal Navy's largest warship which played a starring role during the London 2012 Olympics, will receive a £65 million upgrade, the MOD announced (12 December).
Royal Marines help train latest batch of Afghan police officers UK MOD 12 Dec 2012 -- Royal Marines have helped the latest batch of Afghan police officers complete their training in Helmand.
1 LANCS are first of 500 homecoming troops UK MOD 10 Dec 2012 -- The first tranche of British troops to be sent home from Afghanistan, as announced by the Prime Minister last year, returned to the UK at the weekend.
Prince of Wales welcomes home Welsh Guards from Afghanistan UK MOD 10 Dec 2012 -- His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has welcomed home members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards from their recent tour of Afghanistan.
£1.2 billion contract awarded for new attack submarine UK MOD 10 Dec 2012 -- The Ministry of Defence has awarded a £1.2 billion contract for Audacious, the latest Astute Class attack submarine to be built for the Royal Navy.
Afghans lead operation with 1 SCOTS to clear insurgents UK MOD 07 Dec 2012 -- Troops from 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 SCOTS) have supported the Afghan National Army (ANA) as they planned and led a large operation to clear an area of Afghanistan of insurgents.
No 7 Force Protection Wing takes control at Camp Bastion UK MOD 07 Dec 2012 -- The RAF's No 7 Force Protection Wing has taken over Force Protection duties at Camp Bastion in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
MOD awards £46m submarine command system contract UK MOD 06 Dec 2012 -- A £46m contract to support and maintain a new sophisticated combat system across the Royal Navy's world class submarine fleet has been awarded to BAE Systems.
Royal Navy directs anti-terror sweep UK MOD 06 Dec 2012 -- Two dozen Royal Navy personnel have overseen a concerted effort to tackle terrorism and piracy in the seas east of Suez.
Armed Forces Minister inspects growth of Typhoon Force in Scotland UK MOD 06 Dec 2012 -- Armed Forces Minister Andrew Robathan has paid a visit to RAF Leuchars to witness first-hand the progress that the RAF has made in growing the Typhoon Force in Scotland.
Royal Navy's 847 Squadron returns from USA trained and ready to fight UK MOD 27 Nov 2012 -- After a gruelling month-long training package in the hot and arid deserts of Arizona, 847 Naval Air Squadron personnel, along with their Lynx Mk9A aircraft, have made the 6,000-mile (9,700km) return journey to RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset.
Leeming Expeditionary Air Wing NATO-ready UK MOD 27 Nov 2012 -- An RAF Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) has been declared ready to support NATO following a series of gruelling tests which culminated in Exercise Agile Eagle held at RAF Waddington in mid-November.
Fifty-one new Foxhound vehicles for the front line UK MOD 23 Nov 2012 -- The MOD is investing £46m in acquiring fifty-one new Foxhound patrol vehicles for soldiers serving on the front line in Afghanistan.
HMS Northumberland prepares for patrol UK MOD 23 Nov 2012 -- Sailors and Royal Marines from Royal Naval warship HMS Northumberland have carried out final boarding training in Crete for their upcoming maritime policing patrol in the Indian Ocean.
HMS Illustrious visits Malta UK MOD 22 Nov 2012 -- HMS Illustrious has arrived at the Mediterranean island of Malta for a five-day visit.
Royal Marines storm former Cold War base UK MOD 16 Nov 2012 -- Royal Marines and Albanian forces recently joined together for an assault on an abandoned Soviet submarine base as part of Exercise Albanian Lion.
HMS Monmouth sharpens skills for the Gulf UK MOD 16 Nov 2012 -- The ship's company of Royal Navy warship HMS Monmouth have been keeping themselves in shape and ready for operations in the Gulf while transiting the Mediterranean.
Royal Marines stateside for live firing exercise UK MOD 16 Nov 2012 -- Despite the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Sandy, 42 Commando Royal Marines have commenced training in Twentynine Palms, California.
Bagger meets Type 45 for first time UK MOD 15 Nov 2012 -- A Royal Navy airborne surveillance Sea King helicopter has worked together with a Type 45 destroyer for the first time.
Army soldiers support Defence Exports UK MOD 15 Nov 2012 -- A group of 30 Army personnel are part way through a secondment with the UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation where they are supporting UK businesses exporting defence products to foreign investors. Report by Leigh Hamilton.
Hundreds gather in Barnsley to welcome home the Light Dragoons UK MOD 14 Nov 2012 -- Hundreds of people lined the streets of Barnsley yesterday to welcome home soldiers of the Light Dragoons from Afghanistan.
New fleet of RFA tankers named UK MOD 14 Nov 2012 -- Four new Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) tankers, which will be bought as part of the Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) programme, will be called the Tide Class.
Royal Navy Lynx joins French frigate for counter-piracy ops UK MOD 14 Nov 2012 -- The first Royal Navy Lynx helicopter to join a French frigate for a full counter-piracy deployment has arrived on board the ship in Toulon, on France's south coast.
MOD scientists use flower power to detect toxic substances UK MOD 08 Nov 2012 -- New research by the MOD's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory has found that plants could be used to detect nerve agents.
Defence Secretary announces further £350m for Successor submarines UK MOD 29 Oct 2012 -- The Defence Secretary announced an additional £350m worth of funding for the next stage of design work for Successor, the future generation of UK nuclear-armed submarines.
Russia Wants to Build UK Nuclear Plants – Shuvalov RIA Novosti 29 Oct 2012 -- Russia wants to build nuclear power plants in the UK, First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov said.
Upgraded ship simulator aids Royal Navy training UK MOD 10 Oct 2012 -- The most advanced ship simulator in the Navy has been installed at Dartmouth, featuring photo-realistic recreations of key harbours to train bridge teams.
New anti-laser eyewear for pilots tested UK MOD 12 Oct 2012 -- A new type of laser eye protection (LEP) for pilots is being tested by the Ministry of Defence.
Commandos practise beach assaults ahead of Cougar 12 UK MOD 09 Oct 2012 -- Royal Navy and British Army air and sea power combined on the sands of Cornwall at the weekend as a large scale beach landing was played out in Carlyon Bay.
HMS Northumberland sails for Middle East deployment UK MOD 09 Oct 2012 -- Royal Navy warship HMS Northumberland has sailed from Plymouth for an eight-month deployment to keep shipping lanes open east of Suez.
Scotland set to host largest military exercise in Europe UK MOD 28 Sep 2012 -- Scotland will host elements of the largest tactically-focused military exercise in Europe from 1 October, when Exercise Joint Warrior begins.
HMS York bows out UK MOD 28 Sep 2012 -- A ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Base has officially marked the end of HMS York's 27-year Royal Navy career.
Naval force gears up for Cougar 12 UK MOD 27 Sep 2012 -- More than 3,000 sailors and marines are gearing up for a three-month training deployment to the Mediterranean - this year's key workout of the UK's high-readiness task force.
HMS Blyth takes command of NATO task group UK MOD 27 Sep 2012 -- HMS Blyth, the Clyde-based minehunter currently deployed in the Mediterranean, has taken up position as 'command platform' of a NATO task group in the region.
HMS Edinburgh embarks on final voyage UK MOD 24 Sep 2012 -- Type 42 destroyer HMS Edinburgh left Portsmouth today, Monday 24 September, on her final deployment, to conduct routine operations across the Atlantic.
Royal Navy unveils carrier training facility UK MOD 20 Sep 2012 -- A training facility has been opened to prepare Royal Navy sailors to man the first of the Queen Elizabeth Class carriers, due in 2016.
RAF's Quick Reaction Alert revealed UK MOD 20 Sep 2012 -- RAF's Quick Reaction Alert continues to defend British airspace seamlessly, night and day, in a way that has changed little in more than 70 years.
Defence Secretary on progress in Afghanistan UK MOD 14 Sep 2012 -- In a wide ranging interview published in today's Guardian, the Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond, restated why UK Forces are operating in Afghanistan and the tangible progress they are making.
West Midlands Soldiers prepare to keep peace in Cyprus UK MOD 14 Sep 2012 -- Soldiers from the West Midlands have been completing their training to join the UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus.
Royal Navy's newest attack submarine ready for sea trials UK MOD 13 Sep 2012 -- Ambush, the second of the Royal Navy's Astute Class attack submarines, is today preparing to leave her builder's yard to begin sea trials.
Dealing with redundant ammunition in Afghanistan UK MOD 12 Sep 2012
MOD sets out future of Invincible Class carriers UK MOD 10 Sep 2012 -- Plans to preserve the legacy of the Royal Navy's Invincible Class aircraft carriers have been outlined today.
Prince Harry arrives in Afghanistan to begin tour of duty UK MOD 07 Sep 2012 -- Prince Harry, known as Captain Wales in the military, arrived today at Camp Bastion in Helmand province to start an operational tour as an Apache helicopter pilot.
Army Reserves regiment soars to new heights with Wildcat trials UK MOD 07 Sep 2012 -- Army Reserves ground crew were all set to soar to new heights as they tested out the Army's next-generation helicopter, the Wildcat, during their annual training exercise.
Scottish Government publishes Armed Forces Commitments Paper UK MOD 07 Sep 2012 -- A united approach to ensure the well-being of Scotland's Service personnel and veterans was announced on Wednesday, 5 September, by Veterans Minister for the Scottish Government Keith Brown and senior representatives of the three Armed Services in Scotland.
HMS Echo returns from 19-month deployment UK MOD 16 Aug 2012 -- Royal Navy survey ship HMS Echo has returned to her home port of Plymouth after a marathon 19-month deployment.
HMS Diamond joins forces with USS Enterprise UK MOD 15 Aug 2012 -- HMS Diamond has joined the USS Enterprise to exercise with US Carrier Strike Group 12 in the Middle East and demonstrate the Type 45's outstanding air defence capabilities.
HMS Blyth heads up Black Sea exercise UK MOD 14 Aug 2012 -- Clyde-based minehunter HMS Blyth recently led NATO operations in the Mediterranean and Black Sea after leaving her home port of Faslane at the end of June.
New £25m landing craft home takes shape in Devonport UK MOD 14 Aug 2012 -- A £25m new complex for Royal Marines landing craft and assault boats in Devonport is well on the way to completion.
HMS Westminster returns from successful Middle East mission UK MOD 13 Aug 2012 -- Portsmouth-based warship HMS Westminster returned home today from a deployment to the Middle East which included a £14m drugs bust.
Minehunters protect drifting ship in pirate waters UK MOD 02 Aug 2012 -- While Royal Navy warships protect the London Olympics, others have rushed to prevent a pirate attack in the Middle East.
HMS Chiddingfold ready to go back to work UK MOD 02 Aug 2012 -- Royal Navy minehunter HMS Chiddingfold is back in the water after spending eight months in dry dock for a significant upgrade.
MOD calls for ideas on IED detection UK MOD 02 Aug 2012 -- Ministry of Defence scientists are inviting UK industry and academia to showcase their innovative ideas for detecting improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
HMS Daring returns from maiden deployment UK MOD 01 Aug 2012 -- HMS Daring returned to her home in Portsmouth today after completing her maiden operational deployment to the Middle East.
RAF Kinloss becomes Kinloss Barracks UK MOD 31 Jul 2012 -- RAF Kinloss marked the end of an era last week as the base was handed over to the Army and became Kinloss Barracks.
HMS Triumph returns from marathon deployment UK MOD 30 Jul 2012 -- HMS Triumph returned from a 10-month deployment to a warm welcome from families, friends and loved ones at her home base of Plymouth yesterday, 29 July.
MOD signs Trident support contract UK MOD 27 Jul 2012 -- The Ministry of Defence signed a 15-year contract with ABL Alliance to provide support of the Trident Strategic Weapon System.
HMS Diamond joins Australian warship east of Suez UK MOD 20 Jul 2012 -- HMS Diamond has joined Australian ship HMAS Melbourne as she takes her place in the international naval effort to counter criminal activity on the seas east of Suez.
British PM Warns Taliban against Attempts to Destabilize Afghanistan RIA Novosti 19 Jul 2012 -- British Prime Minister David Cameron on Thursday warned the Taliban that it would be totally erroneous to believe that its insurgent forces can destabilize Afghanistan after NATO troops withdraw from the country in 2014.
David Cameron visits troops in Afghanistan UK MOD 19 Jul 2012 -- David Cameron has travelled to Helmand province in Afghanistan to talk to troops and find out more about the transfer of security responsibility to Afghan forces.
UK takes delivery of first Lightning II fighter jet UK MOD 19 Jul 2012 -- The first of the UK's next generation stealth combat aircraft has today been handed over to the MOD.
Panetta Lauds First International F-35 Delivery to UK AFPS 18 Jul 2012 -- After a meeting this morning with the United Kingdom's top defense official, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta lauded an important milestone in the U.S.-U.K. defense relationship.
Royal Navy Merlins arrive at Yeovilton for Olympics duties UK MOD 18 Jul 2012 -- Royal Navy Merlins from 814 Naval Air Squadron have arrived at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in preparation for their key role in contributing to maritime security operations in support of the Dorset Police.
British soldier instructs next generation of Afghan bomb search experts UK MOD 17 Jul 2012 -- A British soldier serving in Afghanistan's Helmand province is teaching the next generation of Afghan military bomb disposal experts.
British helicopter engineers overcome the heat in Afghanistan UK MOD 17 Jul 2012 -- As daytime temperatures soar towards 50 degrees Celsius in the shade in Afghanistan the heat is on for the engineers who keep the fleet of helicopters in the air.
Navy submarine HMS Turbulent retires UK MOD 16 Jul 2012 -- A ceremony marking the retirement of Royal Navy submarine HMS Turbulent took place this weekend at Her Majesty's Naval Base Devonport in Plymouth.
HMS Dragon celebrates successful Sea Viper trials UK MOD 17 Jul 2012 -- HMS Dragon has successfully tested her Sea Viper weapon system by knocking a target out of the sky at the Outer Hebrides missile range off Scotland.
RAF's newest transport aircraft named Atlas UK MOD 06 Jul 2012 -- The RAF's next generation military transport aircraft has officially been named Atlas at the Royal International Air Tattoo, which is taking place at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
Flying Tigers hunt submarines off Norway UK MOD 06 Jul 2012 -- Merlin helicopters and crews from 814 Naval Air Squadron (814 NAS) have returned from the Norwegian Sea, where they took part in a NATO anti-submarine warfare exercise.
Future Reserve Forces 2020 UK MOD 05 Jul 2012 -- Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has announced that the Government accepts the broad thrust of the six recommendations made in the review of the United Kingdom's Reserve Forces published on 18 July 2011.
CGS outlines rationale behind today's Army 2020 announcement UK MOD 05 Jul 2012 -- Writing in The Times newspaper, Chief of the General Staff General Sir Peter Wall has outlined the thinking behind the changes to be made to the Army in today's Army 2020 announcement.
Army 2020: transforming the British Army for the future UK MOD 05 Jul 2012 -- Today the Secretary of State announced the outcome of the Army 2020 review setting out how the Army will transform to become a smaller, integrated and more adaptable army than it is today.
Army's Foxhounds prepare to be unleashed in Helmand UK MOD 04 Jul 2012 -- British Army crews and commanders are training with the new Foxhound vehicles at Camp Bastion before the platform heads outside the wire.
UPDATED: RAF Tornado incident UK MOD 04 Jul 2012 -- The RAF has confirmed that one crew member has died and two remain unaccounted for following an incident in the Moray Firth area involving two Tornado GR4 aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth on Tuesday.
MOD announces shortlisted FM bidders for English regions UK MOD 28 Jun 2012 -- Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has announced the private sector bidders shortlisted for each of three major new prime contracts for the delivery of facilities management to Defence establishments across England from 2014.
HMS Protector returns from maiden deployment UK MOD 27 Jun 2012 -- Royal Navy ice patrol ship HMS Protector has returned home to Portsmouth today, 27 June, from her maiden deployment.
HMS Vigilant returns to the fleet following refit UK MOD 27 Jun 2012 -- Royal Navy submarine HMS Vigilant has recently returned to her home on the Clyde in Scotland following a multi-million pound, three-year overhaul.
HMS Illustrious trains with French Navy UK MOD 27 Jun 2012 -- Royal Navy helicopter carrier HMS Illustrious has been undertaking air warfare training alongside the French Navy in the Bay of Biscay.
Royal Navy submarine contract awarded UK MOD 18 Jun 2012 -- The MOD has secured a supplier to produce new reactor cores for the Royal Navy's nuclear submarines and to upgrade the plant where they will be built.
UK to Allocate $1.5 Bln to Build Reactors for Next Generation Submarines RIA Novosti 17 Jun 2012 -- The UK will allocate 1 billion pounds ($1.5 billion) for building two reactors for next-generation nuclear-powered submarines, the BBC reported on Sunday.
HMS Diamond sets sail on maiden deployment UK MOD 13 Jun 2012 -- HMS Diamond set sail from Portsmouth for the Middle East today on her maiden operational deployment.
HMS Ledbury destroys mine in Mediterranean UK MOD 13 Jun 2012 -- Royal Navy divers from HMS Ledbury have helped to blow up a Second World War mine found off Sardinia's busiest port.
Service personnel selected for Tranche 2 Redundancy Programme UK MOD 12 Jun 2012 -- Personnel from all three Services will today be notified if they have been selected for redundancy in the second tranche of the Armed Forces Redundancy Programme.
Address to the Royal United Services Institute Land Warfare Conference 2012 UK MOD 07 Jun 2012
Defence Secretary on Army 2020 UK MOD 07 Jun 2012 -- Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has discussed the key considerations behind the role of the Army in Future Force 2020.
Navy minehunters sail for Gulf UK MOD 31 May 2012 -- Royal Navy minehunters HMS Shoreham and HMS Atherstone set sail this week for three-year deployments to the Gulf region.
Irish Guards prepare for contingency role UK MOD 30 May 2012 -- Troops from No 1 Company of the Irish Guards have been conducting public order training to prepare them for their upcoming role as part of the UK's contingency operations battalion.
Afghan and British troops discover huge drugs and explosives cache UK MOD 29 May 2012 -- Working closely with Afghan security forces, soldiers of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment have made a considerable discovery of insurgent narcotics and supplies in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province.
MOD contract for RAF Hercules fleet sustains 500 UK jobs UK MOD 28 May 2012 -- A new £350m MOD contract to maintain the Royal Air Force's Hercules aircraft will support 500 UK jobs.
Army and RAF step up training for close quarters combat UK MOD 24 May 2012 -- Two new training facilities have opened this week as operations in Afghanistan draw down, and the Army and the RAF Regiment are preparing for possible future operations and the need for urban warfare skills.
RAF Tucanos support front line operations UK MOD 24 May 2012 -- RAF Linton-on-Ouse is using its fleet of Tucano aircraft to help train pilots and Army controllers for front line duties.
New RAF C-17 aircraft touches down in the UK UK MOD 24 May 2012 -- A new C-17 transport aircraft has been unveiled today by the Defence Secretary at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
UK and Saudi Arabia agree deal on officer and aircrew training UK MOD 23 May 2012 -- The United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia have reached agreement for the UK to support a programme that will provide the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) with cutting-edge officer and aircrew training.
Contracts awarded for the design of future nuclear deterrent submarines UK MOD 22 May 2012 -- Contracts worth £350m have been awarded today to UK companies to design the next generation of nuclear deterrent submarines, sustaining hundreds of British jobs.
MOD announces investment in nuclear facilities UK MOD 15 May 2012 -- The MOD is to sustain its commitment to the nuclear deterrent by continuing to invest £1bn a year in facilities at the Atomic Weapons Establishment.
Defence Secretary balances MOD budget UK MOD 14 May 2012 -- The MOD's budget deficit has been wiped out for the first time in a generation, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has announced.
CDS explains reasons for changes to Joint Strike Fighter capability UK MOD 11 May 2012 -- Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir David Richards has written in today's Daily Telegraph why the MOD's decision to use the short take-off and vertical landing variant of the Joint Strike Fighter to deliver the UK's Carrier Strike capability is the right one. Here follows the full article.
Oral Statement on Carrier Strike Capability - Defence Secretary 10 May 2012 UK MoD 10 May 2012
MOD announces change of Joint Striker Fighter jet UK MOD 10 May 2012 -- Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has announced that plans to deliver Carrier Strike capability will now be executed using a different type of Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) jet than was planned.
Royal Navy duo in multinational anti-sub exercise UK MOD 08 May 2012 -- HMS Westminster and a Trafalgar Class submarine led the Royal Navy's involvement in Exercise Arabian Shark, a test of coalition navies to deal with submarines in the Gulf of Oman.
Reduction of 500 Service personnel from Afghanistan explained UK MOD 26 Apr 2012 -- The way in which UK forces will achieve a reduction of 500 Service personnel in Afghanistan by the end of this year has been announced today by Defence Secretary Philip Hammond.
Foreign Secretary - we're on track to complete transition UK MOD 26 Apr 2012 -- We remain on track to complete the transition process by the end of 2014, Foreign Secretary William Hague told Parliament today.
RAF Reserves combine for major UK exercise UK MOD 26 Apr 2012 -- RAF reservists from squadrons across the country have taken part in a major exercise on Salisbury Plain.
Hellfire-first as Apaches exercise with Navy off Scotland UK MOD 25 Apr 2012 -- Army Apache helicopters, launched from HMS Illustrious off the Scottish coast, have fired tank-busting Hellfire missiles in the UK for the first time, during one of the biggest military exercises of the year.
MOD personnel help secure portable air defence systems UK MOD 12 Apr 2012 -- MOD personnel deployed in Libya to make safe man-operated portable air defence systems (MANPADS) have now returned to the UK.
Navy minehunter in Gulf exercises with US Navy UK MOD 12 Apr 2012 -- Royal Navy minehunter HMS Middleton has recently flexed her hunting prowess during a recent exercise with the US Navy in the Gulf.
Royal Engineers ready for Helmand UK MOD 12 Apr 2012 -- Royal Engineers who will help develop road networks and canal and irrigation systems in Afghanistan have finished their final training exercise.
12 Mechanized Brigade takes command of Task Force Helmand UK MOD 11 Apr 2012 -- 12 Mechanized Brigade has taken command of Task Force Helmand in Afghanistan, officially marking the start of Operation HERRICK 16.
HMS Defender sails through second sea trials UK MOD 10 Apr 2012 -- The fifth of Britain's Type 45 destroyers is getting closer to being taken in to operational services after completing her second period of sea trials off Scotland.
Army's rapid reaction force takes to the air UK MOD 10 Apr 2012 -- Troops from the British Army's rapid reaction force have taken part in an aviation skills master class.
New Joint Forces Command established UK MOD 02 Apr 2012 -- The new Joint Forces Command (JFC) achieved Initial Operating Capability today, 2 April 2012.
British and Afghan forces bring security to Nahr-e Saraj UK MOD 29 Mar 2012 -- Progress towards greater security has moved apace in the Nahr-e Saraj area of Helmand province thanks to the combined efforts of British and Afghan forces.
HMS Vigilant sets sail after refuel and upgrade UK MOD 29 Mar 2012 -- Royal Navy submarine HMS Vigilant sailed from Plymouth on Tuesday, 27 March, after nearly three-and-a-half years undergoing work to replace her nuclear fuel and to upgrade key areas.
UK 'driving efforts' on global nuclear security UK MOD 28 Mar 2012 -- As the Deputy Prime Minister attends a summit on nuclear security in Seoul, Minister of State for the Armed Forces Nick Harvey has released a statement on the issue.
British soldiers deliver transition to Nad 'Ali UK MOD 27 Mar 2012 -- British troops in Nad 'Ali have helped Afghan forces take on more of the burden for security in the region, facilitating the process of transition.
HMS Liverpool's long and eventful career draws to a close UK MOD 27 Mar 2012 -- HMS Liverpool made her final entry into her Portsmouth home yesterday as an eventful 30-year career draws to a close.
UK commits more troops to Balkans peacekeeping mission UK MOD 27 Mar 2012 -- Up to 120 UK troops are to be made available to the EU-led peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it has been announced today.
£350m upgrade for HMS Vengeance UK MOD 26 Mar 2012 -- The future of 2,000 British jobs will be secured by the signing of a multi-million pound deal to upgrade one of the Royal Navy's nuclear deterrent submarines.
HMS Bulwark lands commandos in the Arctic UK MOD 16 Mar 2012 -- HMS Bulwark has landed Royal Marines from 42 Commando on the shores of Norway for NATO's winter war games, Exercise Cold Response.
Cameron and Obama - we will not give up on the Afghanistan mission UK MOD 15 Mar 2012 -- 'We will not give up on the mission in Afghanistan', Prime Minister Cameron said at a joint press conference with US President Obama yesterday.
Navy Merlins take part in anti-submarine exercise UK MOD 15 Mar 2012 -- Two Merlins from 820 Naval Air Squadron have been taking part in the world's biggest anti-submarine exercise, NATO's Proud Manta.
Paratroopers train with French Airborne Cavalry UK MOD 15 Mar 2012 -- British and French troops have been training together to improve their urban fighting skills and develop co-operation between the two armies.
Dragon and Defender take to the sea for trials UK MOD 13 Mar 2012 -- Two of Britain's latest state-of-the-art destroyers have taken to the sea to further test their capabilities before initial deployments.
Head of the Army reaffirms commitment to Afghanistan mission UK MOD 12 Mar 2012 -- General Sir Peter Wall has said that despite the losses of the past week the commitment to the mission in Afghanistan is as strong as ever.
Minehunter's upgrade reaches major milestone UK MOD 12 Mar 2012 -- The installation of two new engines marks a major milestone in the 12-month upgrade of Royal Navy minehunter HMS Chiddingfold.
Defence Secretary - why we are in Afghanistan UK MOD 08 Mar 2012 -- Following the loss of six soldiers in Afghanistan this week, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond writes about why we are in Afghanistan and what is being achieved there
TA soldiers welcomed home from Afghanistan UK MOD 05 Mar 2012 -- Territorial Army soldiers paraded through Liverpool on Saturday, 3 March 2012, following their return from a demanding tour in Afghanistan.
Army signallers listen in on Taliban UK MOD 05 Mar 2012 -- Armed with receivers, satellite communications and other systems, 14 Signal Regiment serve as the finely-tuned ears of the British Army.
Sea King squadron home from Helmand UK MOD 05 Mar 2012 -- After more than 15 months in Afghanistan, 854 Naval Air Squadron has returned home to Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall.
Northrop Grumman Completes UK E-3D Sentry Repairs in Louisiana Ahead of Schedule Northrop Grumman 21 Feb 2012 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation has successfully completed repairs to a wing spar on a U.K. E-3D Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (UK AWACS) aircraft and delivered it to the Royal Air Force ahead of schedule.
Watchkeeper to be key pillar of Anglo-French defence cooperation Thales 17 Feb 2012 -- The largest tactical unmanned air system (UAS) in Europe was today announced as a key pillar of a broad Anglo-French defence cooperation in the field of UAS as the French Government confirmed its interest in working with the UK to develop Thales UK's Watchkeeper.
MOD sets out plans to ensure investment in state-of-the-art defence equipment UK MOD 01 Feb 2012 -- The Government has set out its plans to prioritise investment in Science and Technology, in order to ensure the UK's Armed Forces continue to have state-of-the-art technology, equipment and support.
Thales selected to supply proximity fuzes for new UK anti-air missile Thales 30 Jan 2012 -- Thales UK has been awarded an £11m contract by MBDA to provide the laser proximity fuze for Sea Ceptor’s common anti-air modular missile (CAMM). The contract is for the development and qualification of the laser proximity fuze, and includes options for various production quantities.
HMS Daring sets sail with world-class Thales systems Thales 30 Jan 2012 -- The first of the Royal Navy’s (RN’s) Type 45 destroyers, HMS Daring, has set sail on operational duty fitted with Thales UK’s new fully digital radar electronic support measures (RESM) system.
HMS Protector arrives in Antarctica UK MOD 26 Jan 2012 -- HMS Protector, the Royal Navy's new ice patrol ship, has arrived in Antarctica for the first time after her long sail south from Portsmouth.
HMS Westminster deploys to Middle East UK MOD 23 Jan 2012 -- Royal Navy warship HMS Westminster sailed from Portsmouth today, 23 January 2012, for a seven-month deployment to the Middle East and Indian Ocean.
Wildcat begins sea trials with Iron Duke UK MOD 12 Jan 2012 -- Wildcat, the Navy's next-generation helicopter, has begun its most extensive trials yet, joining a frigate at sea for the first time.
JAGO awarded for DataMan mapping system UK MOD 12 Jan 2012 -- The DataMan geographic system, developed by the MOD's Joint Aeronautical and Geospatial Organisation (JAGO), has been recognised as one of 2011's top five programmes and innovations in the ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) community.
HMS Daring sets sail on maiden deployment UK MOD 11 Jan 2012 -- The first Type 45 destroyer, HMS Daring, sets sail today, 11 January 2012, on her maiden deployment in a landmark event for the Royal Navy.
YORKS soldiers on patrol in Helmand UK MOD 10 Jan 2012 -- Soldiers from 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (1 YORKS) have been undertaking regular patrols in the Nahr-e Saraj area of Helmand province to improve security for the local population.
HMS Ledbury deploys to Mediterranean UK MOD 10 Jan 2012 -- HMS Ledbury became the first Royal Navy vessel to deploy in 2012 yesterday when she set sail from Portsmouth for the Mediterranean.
Thales welcomes seventh Royal Navy frigate sonar upgrade Thales 04 Jan 2012 -- HMS Kent, one of the Royal Navy’s (RN’s) most advanced Type 23 frigates, has been fitted with Thales UK’s Sonar 2087 system as part of a multi-million pound upgrade to her systems and operational capability. Kent now becomes the seventh Type 23 frigate to be upgraded with the Sonar 2087 system.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

2012 United Kingdom Special Weapons News