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23 Jan 18. Iraq and Syria: OP SHADER. On 15 Jan 18 a Reaper destroyed a lorry-bomb and a terrorist truck in Eastern Syria. On 17 Jan 18 a Tornado/Typhoon flight attacked three groups of terrorists in Eastern Syria and on the following day two Reapers engaged six terrorist targets, also in Eastern Syria. On 19 Jan 18 Tornados and Typhoons struck six terrorist positions and a truck-bomb in Eastern Syria. A Reaper destroyed a Daesh-held building in Eastern Syria on 20 Jan 18 as Typhoons demolished a second. On the next day a Reaper attacked three terrorist targets in Eastern Syria. (MoD, 23 Jan 18.)
Comment: Government forces have been accused of using chlorine gas against the civilian population on 13 Jan and 22 Jan 18 in the Eastern Ghouta region of Syria. Following the attack on 13 Jan 18, which is
reported to have affected six people, the Foreign Secretary confirmed that “UK officials are in regular contact with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), whose investigators are investigating the allegations of chlorine use in Eastern Ghouta…….”. At least 21 civilians were said to have been treated for symptoms consistent with chlorine exposure following the attack on 22 Jan 18. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 18/04, 29 Jan 18)
25 Jan 18. Modernising Defence: Statement. During a Statement to the House of Commons (25 Jan 18) on the Modernising Defence Programme the Defence Secretary explained that the National Security Council, which is undertaking a National Security Capability Review (NSCR), had agreed (23 Jan 18) that the MoD should take forward a separate programme of
work to modernise Defence. The Programme is set to deliver a modernised, more effective Joint Force, the elements of which were articulated in the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review. The work will focus on
how the MoD is organised, further efficiencies, business modernisation, performance on commercial and industrial issues as well as the capabilities required by Defence to contribute to national security.
Earlier in the week the Chief of the General Staff gave a speech at RUSI (22 Jan 18) during which he described Russia as “the most complex and capable security challenge we have faced since the Cold War” and advised
“….we need to acknowledge that we have some capability issues that have to be addressed”.
Comment: In answer to questions from MPs, the Defence Secretary said: “We must look at getting additional resources for our Armed Forces so that they have the capability to protect and truly defend Britain’s global
interests.” The Defence Secretary also confirmed that “the review will remain in the hands of the MoD……it is the first time we have done it this way since 2010….” The NSCR report is due to be published in late Spring while it is “hoped” to publish the Modernising Defence review before the Summer recess. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 18/04, 29 Jan 18)
25 Jan 18. Type 26 Frigates: Production Started. During his visit to the Clyde Shipyards the Defence Procurement Minister witnessed progress on the Type 26 programme as production started on the second hull section of GLASGOW, the first of the City Class frigates. Manufacture of GLASGOW began in July 2017 and is progressing well, with production starting on the second zone of the ship. The second zone houses the main machinery space, aviation stores and a Senior Rates’ recreational area.
Comment: The MoD awarded a £3,700m contract to manufacture the first batch of three Type 26 frigates in June 2017 and steel was first cut for GLASGOW in July 2017. It is anticipated that GLASGOW will be structurally complete in “the early 2020s” and to enter service in “the mid 2020s”.The names for the first and third Type 26 frigates have been released as HMS GLASGOW and HMS BELFAS