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
04 May 11. Afghanistan: OP HERRICK. From 1 Jan 06 to 15 Apr 11, 1,664 personnel were Wounded in Action and 4,525 were aeromedically evacuated. From 1 to 15 Apr 11 the figures were 10 and 63. (DASA, 4 May 11.)
The Defence Secretary said that Osama bin Laden’s death was “an important milestone in the struggle against global terrorism”. (MoD, 2 May 11 – bin Laden was killed in a US engagement in Pakistan on 1 May 11.)
A new training centre for Afghan troops was opened on 30 Apr 11 in Camp Shorabak, next to Camp Bastion. A tri-Service UK team is based at the centre. (MoD, 3 May 11.)
From 2001/02 to 2009/10 inclusive the cost of Operations in Afghanistan was £9,530m. The estimated cost for 2010/11 is £4,497m. (Written Answer (WA), 3 May 11.)
Soldiers from 2nd Bn The Royal Gurkha Rifles, along with members of the Afghan National Army and Police, conducted a search operation (OP TORA GORGA) in the Nad ‘Ali District. (MoD, 4 May 11.)
Royal Marines from 42 Commando are conducting daily patrols in the Shahzad area. One Senior NCO forecast “an increase in the kinetic activity” after the poppy harvest. (MoD, 6 May 11.)
Comment: The Foreign Secretary announced (3 May 11) the publication of the fifth progress report on developments in Afghanistan. The report focuses on key developments during March 2011 and is published on the FCO website (www.fco.gov.uk). (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 11/18, 09 May 11)
09 May 11. Man shot dead in Shepherd’s Bush, west London. A man has been shot dead in west London, the Metropolitan Police have said. The victim was attacked at about 1610 BST on Monday in Lakeside Road in the Shepherd’s Bush area. An air ambulance attended but the victim, believed to be black and in his 20s, died at the scene. Officers have refused to confirm whether the incident was thought to have been gang-related. It is expected that Trident, which investigates shootings in London’s black communities, will investigate. Officers have identified him but are still trying to trace his next of kin. A 19-year-old man was arrested soon after the shooting and a 17-year-old was held on Monday night. Both remain in custody on suspicion of murder. The Metropolitan Police’s Operation Trident unit, which investigates shootings in London’s black community, is investigating the incident. Det Insp Mark Gower said: “This incident happened at a busy time of the day just off the Shepherds Bush Road and there would have been lots of people in the area at the time (Source: BBC)
BATTLESPACE Comment: The Editor was working on this week’s Update when a helicopter flew over the office and parked in the street below, pure precision flying. Ambulance crews rushed to the scene of the shooting but the man was dead at the scene.
10 May 11. Aerospace, defence, security & space sectors primed for further export growth. A|D|S, the UK’s aerospace, defence and security trade organisation, welcomes today’s (Tuesday) announcement from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) of a UK Government-wide strategy to support UK exports with significant ministerial support. The strategy will also be underpinned by commercial diplomacy from