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.
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EUROPE
09 May 11. Afghanistan: OP HERRICK. A new tower at Camp Bastion’s airfield is nearing completion (OP MAINTOP), allowing the transfer of the logistics hub from Kandahar. (Desider, May 2011.)
Over 700kgs of dry opium were seized by Afghan forces and the Royal Military Police. (MoD, 9 May 11.)
The Regional Training Centre (South West) for Afghan Police in Helmand Province is currently being run by 2nd Bn The Royal Gurkha Rifles. (MoD, 10 May 11.)
A new training centre for Afghan National Army recruits has been established at Camp Shorabak, part of the Camp Bastion complex. (MoD, 12 May 11.)
Comment: The MoD advised (10 May 11) that the Military Stabilisation Support Team in Nahr-e Sarej is planning to create a cricket league from those who live and work in Gereshk. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 11/19, 16 May 11)
09 May 11. Libya: OP ELLAMY. Two Tornado GR4 destroyed a number of rocket launchers and missiles South of Sirte with Paveway bombs on 6 May 11. (MoD, 9 May 11.) RAF aircraft continued to engage land targets on 7/8 May 11. (MoD, 9 May 11.)
Tornado and Typhoon aircraft patrolled over Misrata on 9 May 11 and attacked a number of targets.
HMS BROCKLESBY has played a key role in keeping open the port of Misrata while HMS LIVERPOOL remains engaged in surveillance operations. (MoD, 10 May 11.)
18 nations are contributing aircraft or naval vessels to the region under UN Security Council Resolution 1973. A total of 34 nations are either providing or offering various kinds of support. (Written Answer (WA), 11 May 11.)
The regime artillery on the coast fired an inaccurate salvo of rockets at HMS LIVERPOOL, which returned fire with her 4.5 inch gun. The shore battery was silenced. (MoD, 12 May 11.)
RAF aircraft remained active on 10/11 May 11. (MoD, 12 May 11.)
A Typhoon destroyed two self-propelled artillery pieces with an Enhanced Paveway II bomb on 12 May 11. (MoD, 14 May 11.)
Comment: On 12 May 11 the Chairman of the Libyan National Transitional Council (Mustafa Abdul Jalil) visited London and met the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Foreign and the International Development Secretaries. The Foreign Secretary declared that the UK would “stand by” the Chairman and his colleagues. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 11/19, 16 May 11)
09 May 11. Bahrain: British Military Presence. The Armed Forces’ Minister said (9 May 11) that the UK Maritime Component Command in Bahrain consists of 60 personnel plus four mine countermeasures vessels (MCMV) and their shore support of 24. There are also two Communications Flight aircraft (a BAE 146 & an HS 125) with their support staff of 42. The Embassy Defence Section consists of two people.
Comment: The MCMV are two Hunt Class (currently HMS CHIDDINGFOLD & MIDDLETON) and two Sandown Class (HMS PEMBROKE & GRIMSBY), with crew rotation every six months. The vessels change after three to four years, with HMS QUORN and HMS RAMSEY having recently left the UK as relief ships. The Defence Attaché in Manama is at Commander/Lieutenant Colonel/Wing Commander level. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 11/19, 16 May 11)
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