Web Page sponsored by Harris Corporation
http://www.harrisforcemodernization.com
————————————————————————
28 Mar 17. We are delighted to welcome Harris Corporation as our new sponsor for the NEWS IN BRIEF section. Harris Corporation is a leading technology innovator, solving customers’ toughest mission-critical challenges by providing solutions that connect, inform and protect. Harris supports government and commercial customers in more than 100 countries and has approximately $6bn in annual revenue. The company is organized into three business segments: Communication Systems, Space and Intelligence Systems and Electronic Systems. Learn more at harris.com.
28 Mar 17. Iraq and Syria: OP SHADER. On 22 Mar 17 Typhoons provided close support to Iraqi troops in West Mosul, hitting three Daesh positions. On
23 Mar 17 Typhoons attacked one of the main routes out of West Mosul as well as a Daesh position inside the city. On the following day Tornados and Typhoons struck a tunnel entrance near Tall Afar, a mortar team North West of Mosul and nine Daesh targets inside Mosul. On 27 Mar 17 Typhoons supported Operations in Mosul as Tornados eliminated a mortar team in Eastern Syria. (MoD, 28 Mar 17.)
Data from every UK (air) strike is routinely analysed to assess its effect. (Armed Forces’ Minister, 29 Mar 17.)
“The Coalition applies a rigorous targeting process to airstrikes, taking strict measures to minimise risk while providing the support needed on the ground….” (Defence Secretary, 29 Mar 17.)
From 2 Dec 15 to 2 Dec 16 there were an estimated 12 enemy wounded in action in Syria and a total of 120 enemy killed in action as a result of UK airstrikes. In the same period UK Forces launched 73 airstrikes over
Syria. (Armed Forces’ Minister, 30 Mar 17.)
From 2 Dec 15 to 2 Dec 16 there were an estimated 111 enemy wounded in action in Iraq and a total of 529 killed in action as a result of UK airstrikes. In the same period UK Forces launched 696 airstrikes over Iraq. (Armed Forces’ Minister, 30 Mar 17.)
Comment: In a statement released on 26 Mar 17, US Central Command said that “an initial review of strike data” indicated that the US-led anti-ISIS coalition “struck ISIS fighters and equipment, March 17, in West Mosul at the location corresponding to allegations of civilian casualties”. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 17/14, 03 Apr 17)
28 Mar 17. NATO: ‘Enhanced Forward Presence’. In a Written Statement (28 Mar 17) the Defence Secretary confirmed much of the detail which was released by the MoD on 22 Mar 17. The UK is providing the framework battlegroup of around 800 military personnel in Estonia, with some 200 additional troops from France and Denmark: the French joining later in 2017 and the Danes in 2018. The UK battlegroup is to “contribute to regional defence and security” and to “actively support the Estonian Defence Force’s 1st Infantry Brigade in its role deterring aggression”. The Defence Secretary also confirmed the deployment of a Cavalry Squadron to Poland (Item 3).
Comment: The Defence Secretary’s Written Statement is recorded in Hansard for 28 Mar 17. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 17/14, 03 Apr 17)
03 Mar 17. NATO: The Light Dragoons Deploy. MoD (Army) reported (3 Mar 17) that some 150 members of The Light Dragoons were deploying to Poland with the US 2nd Cavalry Regiment, as part of NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence. The battlegroup consists of some 1,300 soldiers from the US Army; A Squadron, The Light Dragoons; an Air Defence Battery from Romania and a Military Police Company from Romania.
Comment: The US-led Polish battlegroup is one of four NATO deployments to the Eastern part of the Alliance; with Canada, Germany and the UK leading on the others. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 17/14, 03 Apr 17)
27 Mar 17. Romania: Deployment Confirmed. The Defence Secretary confirmed (27 Mar 17) that RAF Typhoon aircraft fr