NEWS IN BRIEF
EUROPE
17 Nov 08. Iraq: OP TELIC. From 1 Jan 06 to 31 Oct 08, 315 personnel were categorised as Wounded in Action and 1,650 were aeromedically evacuated. (MoD, 17 Nov 08.) From 16 to 31 Oct 08 the figures were nil and 16.
UK Forces are expected to continue to train the Iraqi 14th Division in Basrah into the first half of 2009.
(MoD, 17 Nov 08.)
“Across Iraq, dialogue continues between the coalition, the Government of Iraq and unreconciled groups.” (Ministerial Answer (MA), 17 Nov 08.)
“….we expect that a fundamental change in the UK military mission should be possible in the first few months of 2009.” (MoD, 21 Nov 08.)
A centre for joint military Operations in Basrah Province was handed over to Iraqi control on 20 Nov 08. The Provincial Joint Operations Centre (PJOC) was designed by staff from HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. The £1.5m cost of PJOC was funded by the UK Government and the Transition Command in Baghdad.
Comment: Reuters reported (22 Nov 08) that “thousands” demonstrated in Baghdad against the proposal before the Iraqi Parliament which would allow US troops to stay in the Country until 31 Dec 11. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 0846, 24 Nov 08)
15 Nov 08. Afghanistan: OP HERRICK. A Colour Sergeant from 2nd Bn The Royal Gurkha Rifles was killed when his Warrior vehicle was struck by an explosive device in the Musa Qaleh District of Helmand on 15 Nov 08. UK deaths since the start of Operations in October 2001 thus rose to 125, of whom 98 were killed as a result of hostile action. (MoD, 15 Nov 08.)
From 1 Jan 06 to 31 Oct 08, 508 personnel were categorised as Wounded in Action and 1,479 were aeromedically evacuated. (MoD, 17 Nov 08.) From 16 to 31 Oct 08 the figures were 16 and 45.
“Any requests for an increase in force levels will be considered very carefully….” (MA, 17 Nov 08.)
The number of direct engagements involving ISAF and insurgents in Helmand Province was 736 in 2006, 2,213 in 2007 and 1,475 in 2008 (as at 15 Oct 08). (MA, 17 Nov 08.)
£178m was expended on ammunition in Afghanistan during the financial year 2007/08. (MA, 17 Nov 08.)
Of the 8,000 UK Service personnel in Afghanistan about 500 are based in Kabul, about 2,100 are based at Kandahar Airfield and about 5,400 are based in Helmand Province. (MA, 18 Nov 08.)
“….we will not negotiate with the Taliban.” (MA, 20 Nov 08) (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 0846, 24 Nov 08) (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 0846, 24 Nov 08)
19 Nov 08. Tactical Support Vehicles (TSV): Preferred Bidders. The Defence Secretary nominated (19 Nov 08) the preferred bidders for the three new classes of TSV to be deployed to Afghanistan.
* TSV (Heavy) or Wolfhound is to be based on a Cougar 6×6 flatbed from Force Protection Industries, uparmoured by NP Aerospace.
* TSV (Medium) or Husky is to be based on the International MXT-MVA from Navistar Defence, in three variants (utility, ambulance & command post).
* TSV (Light) or Coyote is to be based on a 6×6 derivative of the Jackal designed by Supacat.
Comment: The MoD anticipates that contract negotiations for the three new vehicles will be completed early in 2009. Provisional figures released in a Written Answer (11 Nov 08) indicate expenditure of £120m for about
95 TSV (Heavy); £170m for about 260 TSV (Medium) and £65m for about 80 TSV (Light). TSV will be used to accompany patrols, carrying essential supplies. TSV (Heavy) are designed to support and re-supply Cougar 6×6 Mastiff vehicles in the highest threat areas. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 0846, 24 Nov 08)
17 Nov 08. Type 45 Destroyers: Fourth of Class Launched. HMS DRAGON was named and launched by Mrs Susie Boissier, wife of Vice Admiral R P Boissier CB, at Govan on 17 Nov 08.
Comment: A Class of 12 Type 45 destroyers was originally planned but, on 19 Jun 08, the Armed Forces’ Minister announced that there were only to be six. A summary of the build programme is below:
TABLE 2: TYPE 45 DEST