29 Apr 16. Iraq and Syria: OP SHADER. On 19 Apr 16 Tornados and Typhoons attacked Daesh targets in Northern and Western Iraq, including three mortar and two machine-gun teams. Typhoons provided close air support to Iraqi forces in Western Iraq on 20 Apr 16 while Tornados destroyed two buildings in the North of Iraq. The following day Tornados deployed deep penetration Enhanced Paveway III bombs against a bunker complex in Western Iraq. On 22 Apr 16 Reapers destroyed a car-bomb facility and a terrorist vehicle in Syria. Typhoons provided close air support in Western Iraq while Tornados destroyed a Daesh-built bridge and a communications post in Northern Iraq. Tornados attacked a Daesh compound and sniper position in Western Iraq on 24 Apr 16. (MoD 29 Apr 16.)
Comment: 21 Apr 16 saw the first use of the RAF’s Enhanced Paveway III (EPWIII) against Daesh. EPWIII is a guided bomb with a 2000lb deep penetration warhead and is held in reserve for use against particularly challenging underground hardened targets. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 16/17, 02 May 16)
24 Apr 16. Libya: Royal Navy Operations. Following media coverage of naval operations in the Mediterranean, the Defence Secretary stated (24 Apr 16) that “I plan for HMS ENTERPRISE to continue its crucial role during the Summer. But if we can increase the scope of the operation, I would also like to see an increased UK role”. Intelligence gathering operations could be extended to the Eastern Mediterranean “to deal with the smuggling of illegal arms into Libya, a key source of weapons for Daesh”. The Defence Secretary also added that “the operation should move into Libyan territorial waters as soon as possible”.
Comment: HMS ENTERPRISE is currently deployed in support of OP SOPHIA, the EU’s counter-migration mission. In Written Answers on 22 Apr 16, the Armed Forces’ Minister confirmed that there were no immediate plans to increase naval patrols in the Mediterranean but that “we are keeping our contribution under review as the operation’s requirements change”. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 16/17, 02 May 16)
25 Apr 16. Tunisia: UK Military Personnel. The Armed Forces’ Minister confirmed (25 Apr 16) that there are currently 10 military personnel deployed in Tunisia. This figure includes the resident Defence Attaché and Assistant Defence Attaché while the remaining eight personnel are deployed on a temporary basis, involved in either co-ordinating or delivering training to Tunisia’s security institutions or supporting UN and EU missions.
Comment: As reported a Short Term Training Team of about 20 personnel, from 4th Infantry Brigade, deployed in early February 2016 to train Tunisian forces responsible for countering illegal cross-border movement from Libya. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 16/17, 02 May 16)
25 Apr 16. National Defence Medal: No Plans. A Cabinet Office Minister reiterated (25 Apr 16) that there are no current plans to introduce a National Defence Medal. The cost of producing a National Defence Medal had been estimated at £475m.
Comment: The case for introducing a National Defence Medal was considered by Sir John Holmes, following his Military Medals Review published on 17 Jul 12. The cost estimation was based on seven million recipients who had completed four years of Regular or Reserve Service or completed National Service (from 1945). (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 16/17, 02 May 16)
25 Apr 16. Aircraft Carriers: Automated Small Calibre Gun (ASCG). The Defence Procurement Minister confirmed (25 Apr 16) that HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH will be fitted with four ASCG. The ASCG 30mm calibre gun system (produced by MSI Defence Systems Ltd) was selected by the Royal Navy to provide improved defensive anti-surface warfare capability, following a procurement competition launched in 2003. ASCG was subsequently selected for installation on HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH.
Comment: A Notice dated 5 Apr 16 published in the ‘Tenders Elec