Rule Britannia – Don’t be fooled, the UK can still impress
Despite all the negative publicity, the Royal Navy and RAF are still forces to be reckoned with
Montage © Facts4EU.Org 2024
Facts4EU.Org looks at the UK Carrier Strike Group in the Baltic, led by HMS Prince of Wales
Over the last few days we have seen an impressive show of force by the Royal Navy in the Baltic Sea. Led by the massive British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, British ships were joined by a NATO Amphibious Task Group and a range of aircraft off the coast of Norway as part of 'Exercise Nordic Response'.
HMS Prince of Wales led this NATO battle group. The media is full of stories about the problems recruiting military personnel but the UK can still pack a punch in Europe. Yes, we have advocated in the last eight years for a doubling of the defence budget (and continue to do so), but we thought readers might wish to see some positive news this weekend.
8 acres of British real estate off the coast of Norway
HMS Prince of Wales is a formidable warship. Together with the formation of more than 10 ships from eight nations gave the men and women on board the chance to practise close manoeuvres - overcoming language barriers and different ways of operating at sea.
In a show of might for NATO and its partners, the exercise allowed the vessels and their aircraft to demonstrate their ability to defend allied territory while simultaneously defending themselves from potential enemies.
Taking part were: Royal Navy ships HMS Prince of Wales, frigate HMS Portland, Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Tidespring and amphibious landing ship RFA Mounts Bay; Spanish frigate ESPS Almirante Juan de Borbon; German replenishment ship FGS Bonn; Norwegian frigate HNoMS Otto Sverdrup, corvette HNoMS Gnist, patrol vessels HNoMS Olav Tyrggvason and HNoMS Magnus Lagabote; Norwegian coast guard ship KV Bjornoya; Dutch support ship HNLMS Karel Doorman; Italian aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi; French frigate FS Normadie; and US destroyer USS Paul Ignatius.
There was also a fly past by Swedish JSA-39 Gripens and Finnish F-18 Hornets.
We may not yet have enough F35s but each one is a potent deterrent
One feature of the current exercise is the deployment of F35B fighter jets. Whilst we badly need many more of these, each one is capable of inflicting devastating damage on any enemy.
New helicopters will have double the range of the existing Chinooks
The role of helicopters in modern warfare is significant. On Thursday (14 Mar 2024) it was announced that a new contract has been announced for the fleet of Chinook helicopters.
Britain’s heavy lift capability will be bolstered with the purchase of 14 extended-range Chinooks (CH47-ER), which will pump an estimated £151 million into the UK economy.
The new Chinooks significantly enhance the UK’s strategic mobility with its ability to operate in challenging environments. From the desert to the Arctic, the helicopter has double the range of a standard Chinook and is capable of air-to-air refuelling, with the ability to carry up to 55 personnel or 10,000 kg of cargo.
With a top speed of 300 km per hour, the new helicopters will have a range of new capabilities, including an advanced digital cockpit and a modernised airframe to increase stability and survivability.
Meeting RAF Chinook personnel, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:
“Procuring these Chinook helicopters will mark a significant milestone in our efforts to modernise and enhance the agility of the UK Armed Forces, cementing our ability to respond at pace to situations and threats across the globe.
“The Chinook is one of our most iconic aircraft, having been operated in every major conflict since the Falklands War. Delivering on this deal not only enhances our capability, but will boost UK industry and skills.”
As part of the deal, UK companies will also produce components critical for manufacturing and maintaining the Chinooks, supporting jobs in areas such as aircraft avionics and electric power, supporting skills development and wider UK industry.
Observations
For the past eight years Facts4EU.Org has advocated for a radical increase in the defence budget. The Government’s current ‘aspiration’ is for an increase from 2% to 2.5% of GDP. We have consistently argued for 4%-5% of GDP because of the threats we saw coming.
It takes time to build up military capability and in our view the Government has left it much too late.
As one of the top six economies in the world – and as a known and respected military power – the UK simply must stand up to be counted. Unfortunately the mandarins at HM Treasury and the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt do not yet seem to have got the message.
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[ Sources: Ministry of Defence | NATO ] Politicians and journalists can contact us for details, as ever.
Brexit Facts4EU.Org, Sun 17 Mar 2024
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