2013 United Kingdom Special Weapons News

Final Type 45 Destroyer enters service early UK MOD 30 Dec 2013 -- HMS Duncan, the Royal Navy's sixth Type 45 Destroyer, has entered into service four months ahead of schedule.
RAF evacuates Britons from South Sudan UK MOD 19 Dec 2013 -- RAF aircrew made a daring precision landing at an airfield in South Sudan to rescue British citizens fleeing turmoil in the African state.
Inquiry asserts UK complicity with US in rendition, torture Iran Press TV 19 Dec 2013 -- A newly-revealed inquiry shows that British intelligence agents have been involved in the controversial US rendition program, which involved torturing terror suspects.
Transfer of responsibility on Operation Althea UK MOD 17 Dec 2013 -- 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland has taken over the UK's commitment to the EU stabilisation mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
New investment in Successor submarines UK MOD 16 Dec 2013 -- The Defence Secretary has announced £79 million of investment in the next generation of Royal Navy submarines.
UK to unveil new contracts for Trident nuke system Iran Press TV 15 Dec 2013 -- Britain's Ministry of Defence (MoD) is to unveil new contracts for the next phase of renewal of the Trident nuclear weapons system.
New Typhoon squadron announced UK MOD 13 Dec 2013 -- One of the oldest squadrons in the Royal Air Force is to be re-equipped with the latest Typhoon jets.
RAF flies second wave of vehicles to French peacekeepers UK MOD 12 Dec 2013 -- The RAF has delivered more French armoured vehicles to the Central African Republic in support of France's peacekeeping operation.
HMS Illustrious completes Philippines aid mission UK MOD 11 Dec 2013 -- The Royal Navy vessel and her ship's company have completed their task supporting the post-Typhoon Haiyan relief mission.
UK plan to outsource military buying ditched: Defence secretary Iran Press TV 10 Dec 2013 -- The responsibility for buying 159 billion pound military equipment for the UK army will no longer rest with private companies, the country's defence secretary has announced.
HMS Illustrious continues Philippines aid effort UK MOD 09 Dec 2013 -- Royal Navy amphibious helicopter carrier HMS Illustrious has nearly completed her mission in the Philippines.
Royal Navy flagship sails into Gibraltar UK MOD 06 Dec 2013 -- Royal Navy flagship HMS Bulwark sailed into Gibraltar today, 6 December, on her way back to the UK.
UK in talks with France over support for CAR ops. Iran Press TV 06 Dec 2013 -- London says it is in talks with Paris over offering "limited logistical support" to France for its military operations in the Central African Republic (CAR).
UK support to international response in Central African Republic UK MOD 06 Dec 2013 -- Foreign Secretary announces UK air transport assistance to France for Central African Republic.
Independent report praises MOD reform UK MOD 05 Dec 2013 -- Significant progress has been made to transform MOD into a more professional and responsible organisation, an independent report has said.
HMS Illustrious in the Philippines UK MOD 03 Dec 2013 -- Since arriving in the Philippines, HMS Illustrious and her 'floating warehouse' of emergency supplies have been a hub of activity.
RAF Hercules detachment hands over Philippines role UK MOD 03 Dec 2013 -- The RAF C-130 Hercules detachment involved in humanitarian inter-island aid transport has handed over to the Philippines Air Force (PAF).
Handover of UK headquarters team in Afghanistan UK MOD 02 Dec 2013 -- A new headquarters team has arrived at Joint Force Support (Afghanistan) in Camp Bastion, Helmand province.
Helicopters begin delivery of aid to remote Philippine islands UK MOD 27 Nov 2013 -- Helicopters from HMS Illustrious have begun to deliver aid, personnel and equipment to small Philippine islands devastated by the typhoon.
Military Stabilisation Support Group leaves lasting legacy for Afghanistan UK MOD 27 Nov 2013 -- As the Afghan government takes greater control in Helmand, the work of the UK Military Stabilisation Support Group (MSSG) is nearing an end.
Upgraded RAF Puma takes to the skies UK MOD 26 Nov 2013 -- The RAF has begun training on the Puma Mk2 helicopter following a multi-million pound upgrade programme.
HMS Illustrious takes over from HMS Daring in the Philippines UK MOD 25 Nov 2013 -- HMS Illustrious has arrived in the Philippines to deliver humanitarian aid provided by the Department for International Development.
RAF delivers more supplies to the Philippines UK MOD 25 Nov 2013 -- Over the weekend, an RAF C-17 Globemaster delivered further emergency supplies to the Philippine islands in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.
UK MoD cost-cutting plans not effective: Report Iran Press TV 25 Nov 2013 -- A new report has found that plans by Britain's Ministry of Defence (MoD) to cut army expenses by expanding reservist troops in place of regular soldiers are ineffective and costly.
HMS Illustrious en route to the Philippines UK MOD 22 Nov 2013 -- HMS Illustrious has today departed Singapore and is on her way to the Philippines with over 500 tonnes of disaster relief aid on board.
UK MPs back plans for army reserves Iran Press TV 21 Nov 2013 -- The British government has won a House of Commons vote on its plans to expand the army's reserve force in place of full-time soldiers.
HMS Illustrious picks up stores for Philippines aid UK MOD 21 Nov 2013 -- Royal Navy amphibious helicopter carrier HMS Illustrious is in Singapore taking on stores ready to render aid to the Philippines.
UK military continues to deliver aid to Philippines UK MOD 21 Nov 2013 -- A Royal Air Force C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft has flown its first missions delivering much needed humanitarian aid around the Philippines.
Royal Scots Dragoon Guards receive new Jackal vehicles UK MOD 20 Nov 2013 -- The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards have bid farewell to the Challenger 2 main battle tank and welcomed in the Jackal armoured vehicle.
First Rivet Joint delivered to the Royal Air Force AFNS 19 Nov 2013 -- The first of three RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft was officially delivered to the U.K. during a special ceremony at Royal Air Force Waddington, England, Nov. 12.
HMS Daring brings relief to isolated typhoon victims UK MOD 18 Nov 2013 -- HMS Daring has arrived in Cebu today to target UK medical assistance, emergency supplies and clean water to victims of Typhoon Haiyan stranded without assistance.
RAF delivers much needed JCBs to the Philippines UK MOD 18 Nov 2013 -- The RAF's C-17 aircraft has arrived in the Philippines bringing much needed equipment to the typhoon-battered islands.
Royal Gibraltar Regiment trains with Moroccan Army UK MOD 18 Nov 2013 -- Soldiers from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment are strengthening ties with the Moroccan Army by taking part in Exercise Jebel Sahara.
£35 million contract sustains RAF's precision weapon UK MOD 18 Nov 2013 -- The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is investing £35 million to sustain the RAF's stockpile of Brimstone missiles.
RAF C-17 departs UK for the Philippines UK MOD 15 Nov 2013 -- The C-17 aircraft left RAF Brize Norton for the Philippines to deliver emergency supplies for the Department for International Development.
HMS Daring conducts surveys of Philippine Islands UK MOD 15 Nov 2013 -- HMS Daring and her helicopter have begun surveying the outlying areas of the Philippines that have yet to be reached by aid organisations.
RAF units return from Cyprus UK MOD 14 Nov 2013 -- RAF units deployed to Cyprus as part of the UK response to the recent crisis in the Middle East have returned home.
Royal Navy aircraft carrier ramping up UK MOD 11 Nov 2013 -- The final section of the flight deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth has been fitted onto the Royal Navy's new aircraft carrier.
First Rivet Joint aircraft delivered to the UK UK MOD 12 Nov 2013 -- The first of 3 Rivet Joint signals intelligence aircraft has been delivered to MOD ahead of its entry into service with the RAF in 2014.
Royal Navy warship heads to Philippines UK MOD 12 Nov 2013 -- HMS Daring is on her way to assist the Philippines after the country suffered crippling devastation during Typhoon Haiyan.
New offshore patrol vessels for Royal Navy UK MOD 06 Nov 2013 -- MOD plans to commission 3 new ocean-going offshore patrol vessels for the Royal Navy.
UK accuses Spain of military provocation in Gibraltar Iran Press TV 02 Nov 2013 -- Britain has accused Spain of carrying out military maneuvers in the waters of the disputed British-held territory of Gibraltar.
British soldiers protecting major Helmand base UK MOD 01 Nov 2013 -- A company of soldiers from 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment have taken control of protecting one of the UK's last bases in Afghanistan.
HMS Westminster trains with Indian navy UK MOD 31 Oct 2013 -- HMS Westminster recently visited Goa where the ship's company trained alongside the Indian navy for Exercise Konkan.
Royal Navy trains off coast of Oman UK MOD 30 Oct 2013 -- The Royal Navy's Response Force Task Group has successfully completed a 6-day exercise with the Royal Omani Armed Forces.
Royal Navy sharpens claws for Exercise Omani Cougar UK MOD 28 Oct 2013 -- The Royal Navy and Royal Marines are putting all their core war-fighting skills to the test as they launch into Exercise Omani Cougar.
Britain to abandon pledge in getting MPs' consent to launch wars Iran Press TV 24 Oct 2013 -- The UK government is mulling over changing the course on whether it should win parliament's consent before engaging in acts of war, media reports said.
An Afghan-led future UK MOD 22 Oct 2013 -- Senior British military officers described the progress made in southern Afghanistan this summer at a media briefing in London yesterday.
SNP says Trident policy unchanged Iran Press TV 21 Oct 2013 -- The ruling Scottish National Party (SNP) has reaffirmed that it sticks to the pledge to remove Trident nuclear weapons system from Scottish soil if Scotland gains independence from Britain in the 2014 referendum.
Defence police leave Helmand stronger UK MOD 21 Oct 2013 -- The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) mentoring team has left Afghanistan for the last time.
Royal Navy helps apprehend Somali pirates UK MOD 21 Oct 2013 -- A group of Somali pirates have been stopped dead in their tracks by a counter-piracy task force involving Royal Navy personnel.
UK govt. to announce new nuclear plant deal Iran Press TV 20 Oct 2013 -- The British government is to announce a deal to build the country's first new nuclear plant, media reports say.
Kit movements run smoothly as Afghanistan drawdown continues UK MOD 18 Oct 2013 -- As base closures and handovers continue in Helmand, the flow of equipment through Camp Bastion and out of Afghanistan is well underway.
End of British military flying in Germany UK MOD 11 Oct 2013 -- The last 1 Regiment Army Air Corps Lynx helicopter has left Gütersloh in Germany, marking the end of British military flying in the country.
MOD orders more Starstreak missiles UK MOD 11 Oct 2013 -- The Ministry of Defence is to buy 200 extra missiles as part of a multi-million-pound deal announced today by the Prime Minister.
Army logistic regiment completes Afghan tour UK MOD 07 Oct 2013 -- A British Army logistic regiment has driven the distance from Earth to the moon during a 6-month tour of Afghanistan.
Dambusters prepare for Afghanistan deployment UK MOD 04 Oct 2013 -- 70 years after their most famous mission, the Dambusters of 617 Squadron are off to Afghanistan for their final tour with the Tornado GR4.
Final Type 45 destroyer commissioned UK MOD 27 Sep 2013 -- HMS Duncan, the sixth and last of the Royal Navy's new-generation Type 45 destroyers, has been formally commissioned into the fleet.
RAF space monitoring station reaches milestone UK MOD 17 Sep 2013 -- RAF Fylingdales has reached 50 years of service in the fields of space surveillance and missile early warning operations.
UK and Afghan soldiers' operation success UK MOD 13 Sep 2013 -- Soldiers from 4th Battalion The Rifles have assisted the Afghan National Army in a successful operation in Helmand's Nahr-e Saraj district.
Lightning II jets in vertical night landing tests UK MOD 12 Sep 2013 -- UK military pilots have been involved in the second round of vertical night landings at sea of the new F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft.
Military helicopter support contract awarded UK MOD 11 Sep 2013 -- The MOD has awarded a £367 million contract to provide engine maintenance for 2 of the UK's military helicopter fleets.
More Foxhound vehicles for British Army UK MOD 11 Sep 2013 -- The MOD is to buy an additional 24 Foxhound vehicles for the British Army in a new £23 million contract.
New armour research and development centre announced UK MOD 11 Sep 2013 -- A new partnership between MOD and industry will develop the UK's first centre of excellence for ceramic armour development.
Royal Navy missile contract sustains 500 UK jobs UK MOD 10 Sep 2013 -- A new naval air defence system that can intercept and destroy enemy missiles is to be manufactured in the UK under a £250 million contract.
Royal Navy air squadron reformed to fly new jets UK MOD 09 Sep 2013 -- A historic naval air squadron is to be resurrected as the first Royal Navy formation to fly the Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.
New partnership to equip defence sector for long-term success UK MOD 09 Sep 2013 -- Prime Minister David Cameron will today give his backing to a new joint government and industry vision for growth in the UK defence sector.
Russia Edges Closer to UK Nuclear Reactor Market RIA Novosti 05 Sep 2013 -- Russia’s nuclear giant Rosatom signed two deals that could help smooth its path to entering the UK’s market for new-build nuclear power plants.
Task Force Helmand HQ leaves Lashkar Gah UK MOD 19 Aug 2013 -- The headquarters of UK military forces in Afghanistan has moved from Lashkar Gah to Camp Bastion in an early morning helicopter operation.
MOD to sell iconic Whitehall property UK MOD 19 Aug 2013 -- The MOD's Old War Office building in Whitehall is now surplus to requirements and is to be sold in order to invest in Defence priorities.
UK Defence Equipment Minister visits North East Asia UK MOD 14 Aug 2013 -- Philip Dunne has visited North East Asia to review growing equipment cooperation relationships with both Japan and the Republic of Korea.
British army faces recruitment crisis amid spending cuts Iran Press TV 13 Aug 2013 -- The British army is rapidly declining in terms of numbers amid a recruitment crisis which is putting the government's attempts to reshape the armed forces in danger of collapse, local media reported.
UK eliminating 3 nukes a year based on pledge made in 1998 Iran Press TV 12 Aug 2013 -- Britain is gradually eliminating its nuclear warheads based on a commitment to cut its nuclear weapons from 225 to 180 by the mid 2020's.
Army Reserves exercise in Germany UK MOD 12 Aug 2013 -- Nearly 200 reservists of the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) travelled to Germany for an action packed annual exercise.
Royal Navy set for Cougar 13 UK MOD 08 Aug 2013 -- A potent maritime force is ready to sail from the UK on Monday 12 August for an annual deployment to the Mediterranean and Gulf region.
Russian, UK Inspectors to Conduct 'Open Skies' Mission Over Sweden RIA Novosti 07 Aug 2013 -- Military inspectors from Russia and the United Kingdom will on Wednesday carry out an inspection flight over Swedish territory as part of the international Open Skies Treaty, a Russian nuclear security official said.
HMS Richmond sets sail for the Atlantic UK MOD 06 Aug 2013 -- Portsmouth-based warship HMS Richmond has sailed for a routine 7-month Atlantic Patrol Tasking.
3 YORKS becomes 1 YORKS UK MOD 26 Jul 2013 -- The Yorkshire Regiment held an Exchange of Colours parade in Warminster yesterday, as it reorganises as part of Army 2020 restructuring.
Forces radio contract secures 300 UK jobs UK MOD 24 Jul 2013 -- MOD has awarded a £45 million maintenance contract for the Armed Forces Bowman radio system that will secure up to 300 British defence jobs.
Royal Navy receives upgraded Merlin helicopters UK MOD 23 Jul 2013 -- The first of the UK's fleet of next-generation anti-submarine maritime patrol Merlin Mk2 helicopters have been delivered to the Royal Navy.
Sixth Astute Class submarine keel laid UK MOD 18 Jul 2013 -- Assembly of the Royal Navy's sixth Astute Class attack submarine, Agamemnon, has begun at Barrow-in-Furness.
Dambusters to be first Lightning II squadron UK MOD 18 Jul 2013 -- The Royal Air Force's famous 'Dambusters' will be the first operational UK squadron to use the Lightning II aircraft.
Written ministerial statement on the Trident Alternatives Review UK MOD 16 Jul 2013 -- The Prime Minister announced the publication of the Trident Alternatives Review on 16 July 2013. Originally given at Parliament.
Scots U-turn on anti-nukes policy PressTV 25 Jun 2013 -- The Scottish government has U-turned on its pledge to remove Trident nuclear weapons from the Scottish soil if Scots vote for independence in the 2014 referendum.
Russian Nuclear Chief Eyes UK Opportunities RIA Novosti 21 Jun 2013 -- Head of Russia’s nuclear behemoth Rosatom indicated his confidence that cooperation with the United Kingdom could lead to Russia, being involved in building new nuclear power plants in that country.
First pilots complete new fast jet training UK MOD 13 Jun 2013 -- The first pilots have graduated from the UK's new advanced fast jet training course.
Last Type 42 warship decommissions UK MOD 06 Jun 2013 -- HMS Edinburgh, the last of the Royal Navy's Type 42 destroyers, officially bows out of service today, Thursday 6 June.
Army receives new Terrier vehicle UK MOD 05 Jun 2013 -- The British Army has taken delivery of Terrier, its newest and most advanced engineering vehicle.
Packages for locally engaged staff in Afghanistan UK MOD 04 Jun 2013 -- Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has announced the redundancy options available for the UK's locally engaged staff in Afghanistan.
UK Merlin choppers leaving Afghanistan Iran Press TV 04 Jun 2013 -- Britain is pulling out its fleet of Merlin choppers from Afghanistan in another sign of London's phased withdrawal of troops from the Asian country.
UK Merlins' Afghanistan mission over UK MOD 04 Jun 2013 -- The UK's Merlin helicopter fleet has concluded operations in Afghanistan after providing nearly 4 years of continuous front line support.
Royal Navy Lynx crews leave Helmand for last time UK MOD 22 May 2013 -- The final tour of duty in Afghanistan of the Commando Helicopter Force fliers of 847 Naval Air Squadron (847 NAS) has ended today, 22 May.
Royal Navy takes the lead in international exercise UK MOD 21 May 2013 -- UK mine warfare experts have swapped Scotland for the Gulf to play a pivotal role in the world's largest ever mine countermeasures exercise.
North West troops welcomed home from Afghanistan UK MOD 21 May 2013 -- Soldiers of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment were welcomed back from operations in Afghanistan by crowds in Cumbria yesterday, 20 May.
Joint Strike Fighter UK MOD 20 May 2013 -- A small team of UK personnel are learning all about the fifth-generation stealth aircraft at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.
Apache Hellfire missiles restocked in £15 million deal UK MOD 20 May 2013 -- The MOD has signed a £15 million contract to replenish the Army's stock of supersonic Hellfire missiles used by Apache helicopters.
HMS Protector returns to Portsmouth UK MOD 10 May 2013 -- HMS Protector, the Royal Navy's ice patrol ship, returned home to Portsmouth today, 10 May, following a 9-month deployment to Antarctica.
UK minehunter heads for the Med UK MOD 08 May 2013 -- Royal Navy minehunter HMS Ledbury sailed from Portsmouth yesterday, 7 May, for a 4-month NATO mission in the Mediterranean.
British and Afghan troops destroy insurgent explosives cache UK MOD 08 May 2013 -- British and Afghan soldiers have destroyed a significant insurgent bomb cache in Helmand province.
Fusiliers hand Helmand checkpoint to Afghan Police UK MOD 07 May 2013 -- British soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers have handed Afghan security forces control of a checkpoint in Helmand province.
First drone strike launched from UK soil PressTV 03 May 2013 -- Britain’s Royal Air Force has operated its first drone strike from a base situated on UK soil.
British nukes could hamper Scots’ push for independence PressTV 01 May 2013 -- A report by the House of Commons, has called into question the aspirations of the Scottish government for an independent state free from nukes.
British and French troops jump into Joint Warrior UK MOD 26 Apr 2013 -- British and French paratroopers yesterday parachuted into Exercise Joint Warrior in Scotland.
Significant milestone for defence acquisition reform UK MOD 25 Apr 2013 -- The final assessment phase in a programme that could lead to the overhaul of MOD's equipment and support management commences today.
Parliament welcomes 4th Mechanized Brigade home from Afghanistan UK MOD 23 Apr 2013 -- Men and women of 4th Mechanized Brigade have marched through London to the Houses of Parliament to mark their return from Afghanistan.
UK MPs call parl. debate against army cuts Iran Press TV 22 Apr 2013 -- A group of British Conservative MPs have joined forces to counter cuts to the military personnel, calling for a parliamentary debate to block the Ministry of Defense's cuts plan.
UK forces put to the test in largest European exercise UK MOD 11 Apr 2013 -- Nearly 13,000 military personnel from 9 countries, including 5,250 from the UK, set to take part in largest military exercise in Europe.
UK warship joins Kuwaiti forces in Gulf exercise UK MOD 11 Apr 2013 -- A Royal Navy frigate has conducted a series of manoeuvres with Kuwaiti armed forces in the Gulf.
The future of Afghanistan UK MOD 10 Apr 2013 -- Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has today responded to points made in a House of Commons Defence Select Committee report on Afghanistan.
1st Mechanized Brigade takes over in Helmand UK MOD 10 Apr 2013 -- The Army's 1st Mechanized Brigade has taken command of Task Force Helmand in southern Afghanistan marking the start of Operation Herrick 18.
RAF develops Typhoon multi-role capability UK MOD 10 Apr 2013 -- The RAF's 6 Squadron have dropped inert Paveway II bombs from a Tranche 2 Typhoon aircraft for the first time.
HMS Kent helps strengthen Libya-UK relations UK MOD 10 Apr 2013 -- Royal Navy frigate HMS Kent has visited Tripoli to enhance relations between Libya and the UK.
Royal Marines leave Afghanistan for last time UK MOD 09 Apr 2013 -- The last full Royal Marines commando group to serve in Afghanistan on Operation Herrick is returning to the UK.
New UK domestic spy agency chief named Iran Press TV 29 Mar 2013 -- Britain has named the current deputy director of its domestic spy agency MI5 as the new intelligence organization's chief with his mandate beginning next month.
UK and US service chiefs discuss future strategic challenges UK MOD 28 Mar 2013 -- This week, Britain's most senior military chiefs met with their US counterparts as a group, bringing them together as a Combined Chiefs of Staff Committee for the first time since 1948.
UK troops arrive in Mali to back up French war Iran Press TV 28 Mar 2013 -- British troops have begun arriving in Mali as part of the UK government's commitment to help France's war on the West African country, it has been announced.
British troops support Mali training mission UK MOD 27 Mar 2013 -- British troops have arrived in Mali to assist in the training of the Malian military as part of a European Union Training Mission.
HMS Duncan enters Royal Navy service UK MOD 22 Mar 2013 -- HMS Duncan, the 6th and final of the UK's advanced Type 45 destroyers, has been handed over to the Royal Navy by shipbuilder BAE Systems.
HMS Defender joins the fleet UK MOD 21 Mar 2013 -- The Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender has been commissioned into the Royal Navy.
Britain's rendition role to be examined Iran Press TV 21 Mar 2013 -- Britain's role in the so-called rendition of suspected terrorists to places where they even could not think of is to be partially unveiled, with UNHCR announcing plans to publish parts of a confidential report on the issue.
'British flotilla no more capable of defending Britain' Iran Press TV 19 Mar 2013 -- The UK Royal Navy has become too small to implement its duties because of severe cuts to spending as a result of Britain's huge budget deficit, according to a British naval historian.
New UK Chief of the Defence Staff appointed UK MOD 19 Mar 2013 -- General Sir Nicholas Houghton will succeed General Sir David Richards as the UK's next Chief of the Defence Staff in July 2013.
Army and Navy units deploy to Afghanistan UK MOD 19 Mar 2013 -- Soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland are deploying to Afghanistan and 847 Naval Air Squadron is already at work there.
Britain fails to make in top 5 arms exporters ranking for first time since 1950 Iran Press TV 19 Mar 2013 -- Britain has been forced down from the world's top five arms exporters list by China, which has for the first time achieved its highest ranking since the cold war, said a Sweden-based research institute.
UK Special Forces may be cut by half Iran Press TV 03 Mar 2013 -- The British government is to diminish its Special Forces units by 40 percent to the pre-Iraq war scale in cutbacks unseen in almost half a century.
UK Defense secretary's call for new welfare cuts criticized Iran Press TV 03 Mar 2013 -- British Liberal Democrat President Tim Farron has branded defense secretary Philip Hammond's call for cuts to welfare budget instead of defence spending as "morally wrong" and "economically stupid."
UK Defense Sec: cut welfare not defense Iran Press TV 02 Mar 2013 -- British Defense Secretary Philip Hammond has controversially called for cuts into welfare to protect the armed forces from further savings.
DIO supports troops' preparation for Afghanistan UK MOD 01 Mar 2013 -- The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has been supporting a major exercise on Salisbury Plain helping to prepare soldiers who are deploying to Afghanistan.
Gulf mine warfare exercise UK MOD 01 Mar 2013 -- Six Royal Navy and 2 American ships, plus helicopters and mini-robot submarines, have joined forces for the year's first major mine warfare exercise in the Gulf.
Scots Guards return from Afghanistan UK MOD 28 Feb 2013 -- 70 soldiers from the Scots Guards Battle Group have returned home early from Afghanistan as the Afghan Police take responsibility for security in their area of operations.
Reconnaissance force ready for Afghanistan deployment UK MOD 27 Feb 2013 -- Soldiers from the 1st Mechanized Brigade Reconnaissance Force (BRF) have conducted their final training exercise on Salisbury Plain.
Gurkha troops return to Kent UK MOD 20 Feb 2013 -- Gurkha soldiers returned to the UK today as British forces continue to reduce troop numbers in Afghanistan and hand over to local security forces.
HMS Argyll deploys on counter-narcotics operations UK MOD 19 Feb 2013 -- HMS Argyll left Plymouth yesterday to conduct counter-narcotic operations across the Atlantic.
UK blacklists Sri Lanka; sells it arms Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2013 -- Britain has raised eyebrows selling millions of pounds of weapons to Sri Lanka over the past year while British Foreign Office blacklists Colombo as a human rights abuser.
British personnel to join EU Mali mission UK MOD 18 Feb 2013 -- The UK will contribute 40 people to the European Union Training Mission in Mali, the Defence Secretary has announced.
MOD awards £800 million submarine propulsion contract UK MOD 13 Feb 2013 -- The MOD has awarded an £800 million contract to Rolls-Royce to deliver and maintain the UK's nuclear propulsion capability for submarines.
International defence engagement strategy published UK MOD 07 Feb 2013 -- A new strategy has been published outlining how international defence engagement will be better focused towards contributing to wider government objectives.
HMS Cattistock heads for the Med UK MOD 05 Feb 2013 -- Royal Navy minehunter HMS Cattistock has set sail on a four-month NATO mission in the Mediterranean.
Miniature surveillance helicopters help protect front line troops UK MOD 04 Feb 2013 -- British troops in Afghanistan are the first to use state-of-the-art handheld nano surveillance helicopters.
AF Sentinel aircraft deploys to Africa UK MOD 25 Jan 2013 -- A Sentinel aircraft from No 5 (Army Cooperation) Squadron has deployed in support of French military operations in Mali.
Top Afghan commander helps prepare UK forces for deployment UK MOD 24 Jan 2013 -- The commander of Afghan troops who work alongside British forces to provide security in Helmand province has visited the UK to help our troops prepare for deployment to the area.
Afghan forces take the lead in British-supported operation in Helmand UK MOD 24 Jan 2013 -- British-trained Afghan forces have demonstrated their expanding capability by successfully leading a large and complex operation to build a bridge over the Nahr-e Saraj canal in Afghanistan's Helmand province.
Third tranche of Armed Forces redundancies announced UK MOD 22 Jan 2013 -- The Army has today announced which employment fields will be liable for tranche three of the Armed Forces Redundancy Programme.
UK Defence ministers visit Armed Forces overseas UK MOD 11 Jan 2013 -- Two UK Defence ministers have travelled to Afghanistan and the Middle East to visit British Service personnel on operations.
RAF Typhoon aircraft exercise in UAE UK MOD 11 Jan 2013 -- Typhoon aircraft of 6 Squadron have been exercising with a multinational contingent at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.
Royal Navy Lynx aids capture of suspected pirates UK MOD 10 Jan 2013 -- Flight 217 of 815 Naval Air Squadron is currently deployed on board the French frigate FLF Surcouf as part of Operation Atalanta, the EU's counter-piracy mission off the Horn of Africa.
MOD invites tenders for UK construction projects UK MOD 04 Jan 2013 -- Ten private sector companies have been invited to tender for a new framework agreement to deliver construction projects across the UK Defence estate.
Keeping the UK military on the map UK MOD 03 Jan 2013 -- The experts at the Defence Geographic Centre near London are keeping UK Armed Forces worldwide on the right track.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

2013 United Kingdom Special Weapons News