Web page sponsored by Force Protection Europe Ltd.
http://www.forceprotectioneurope.co.uk
Force Protection Europe (FPE) was established in 2009 to provide a UK-based vehicle support organisation for the world renowned Cougar vehicles (Mastiff, Ridgback and Wolfhound). Over 700 of these vehicles are in service with the UK MoD and continue to save heroes’ lives. Since its formation, FPE has developed a revolutionary light protected patrol vehicle, Ocelot. In 2010, Ocelot was awarded the contract for the UK’s Light Protected Patrol Vehicle Programme and named Foxhound by the MoD. It is the best protected vehicle for its weight and size available today. Patrol, utility load bed and weapons pods offer Ocelot flexibility and fleet coherence.
———————————————————————–
EUROPE
23 Mar 11. Afghanistan: OP HERRICK. A Major and a Lance Sergeant from 1st Bn Irish Guards were killed on 23 Mar 11 by an improvised explosive device in the Nahr-e Saraj District. UK deaths since the start of Operations on 7 Oct 01 thus rose to 362, of whom 318 were killed as a result of hostile action. (MoD, 23 Mar 11.)
Lashkar Gah was one of the areas named by President Karzai which are to enter into the security transition process from May/June 2011. UK Forces will thus no longer be in “a combat role” in Afghanistan by 2015. (Foreign & Defence Secretaries, 22 Mar 11.)
A new crossing built by Royal Engineers is providing a lifeline to rural communities in Helmand District.
(MoD, 23 Mar 11.)
The MoD judges that Force levels and posture are robust enough to deal with any Spring offensive by the Taliban in UK areas of operation. The MoD is considering options for the UK’s military contribution after 2015: no decisions have yet been taken. (Defence Secretary, 23 Mar 11.)
The new runway at Camp Bastion, suitable for air transport aircraft, opened on 10 Feb 11 and routine flying started on 1 Mar 11. (Ministerial Answer (MA), 23 Mar 11.)
Soldiers from 5th Bn The Royal Regiment of Scotland, working with members of the Afghan Police, engaged enemy fighters in the Shindac Mandah area. (MoD, 24 Mar 11.)
Comment: Speaking at the Royal United Services Institute (23 Mar 11) US General D H Petraeus said it was ISAF’s view that “the momentum achieved by the Taliban in Afghanistan since 2005 has been arrested”. This achievement had been made possible by the deployment of 87,000 additional troops and 1,000 civilians since 2009. The General also gave an assurance that resources had not been diverted from operations in Libya, despite “limited” intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 11/13, 28 Mar 11)
19 Mar 11. Libya: OP ELLAMY. US/French/UK Operations, authorised by UN Security Council Resolution (SCR) 1973 of 2011 started on 19 Mar 11. UK Operations included Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from a Trafalgar Class SSN(HMS TRIUMPH); Tornado GR4 from 9 Squadron at RAF Marham launching Storm Shadow missiles and the deployment of surveillance assets (E-3D Sentry & Sentinel aircraft). (MoD, 20 Mar 11.)
Typhoon aircraft deployed to the Italian Air Force base at Gioia del Colle from RAF Coningsby and RAF Leuchars, forming up as 906 Expeditionary Air Wing. 907 Expeditionary Air Wing at RAF Akrotiri is made up from VC10, Nimrod R1 and Sentinel aircraft. C-17 and C-130 aircraft have also been used in the deployment. HMS TRIUMPH, HMS WESTMINSTER & HMS CUMBERLAND remain in the region. (MoD, 21 Mar 11.)
The Prime Minister introduced a Debate in the House of Commons on UN SCR 1973, identifying HMS TRIUMPH as the SSN in the Mediterranean and listing several other involved allies: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Norway, Qatar & Spain. The House voted to ‘welcome’ the UN SCR, and to deplore the use of violence by the Libyan regime, by 557 votes to 13. (Hansard, 21 Mar 11.)
Operations are having a real effect in protecting Benghazi. UK Typhoon continue to pa