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21/04/2004
MoD buys 64 cruise missiles for Royal Navy
In a move to replenish stocks after the hostilities in Iraq, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has bought 64 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the US government in a deal worth £70 million, it has been announced today.
The precision attack long-range Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM) will be carried by the Royal Navy's Trafalgar Class submarines as well as from the new Astute Class submarines when they enter service.
The new missiles, upgrades on the armed forces' existing 'Block III' weapons, will provide greater ability to retarget or abort mission in flight and will have a Battle Damage Indication capability, according to the MoD.
The ability to pre-position the missile covertly in attack submarines gives enormous flexibility to Britain's forces, an MoD spokesperson said.
However, some "limited upgrade work" will be needed to enable the submarine fleet to fire the missile. The adjustments will be carried out by BAE Systems and Ultra electronics in the UK.
Lord Bach, Minister for Defence Procurement, said: "I am delighted to confirm that we will be proceeding with the procurement of this vital capability for the Royal Navy. Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles are a key component of our inventory of precision weapons and have made a significant contribution to operations in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq.
"This announcement ensures that we will stay in line with the latest US developments of the Tomahawk missile and maintain the updated capability throughout the life of the Astute class submarine."
The missiles are made by the US company Raytheon and supplied to the UK by under the terms of a Foreign Military Sales case.
(gmcg)
The precision attack long-range Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM) will be carried by the Royal Navy's Trafalgar Class submarines as well as from the new Astute Class submarines when they enter service.
The new missiles, upgrades on the armed forces' existing 'Block III' weapons, will provide greater ability to retarget or abort mission in flight and will have a Battle Damage Indication capability, according to the MoD.
The ability to pre-position the missile covertly in attack submarines gives enormous flexibility to Britain's forces, an MoD spokesperson said.
However, some "limited upgrade work" will be needed to enable the submarine fleet to fire the missile. The adjustments will be carried out by BAE Systems and Ultra electronics in the UK.
Lord Bach, Minister for Defence Procurement, said: "I am delighted to confirm that we will be proceeding with the procurement of this vital capability for the Royal Navy. Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles are a key component of our inventory of precision weapons and have made a significant contribution to operations in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq.
"This announcement ensures that we will stay in line with the latest US developments of the Tomahawk missile and maintain the updated capability throughout the life of the Astute class submarine."
The missiles are made by the US company Raytheon and supplied to the UK by under the terms of a Foreign Military Sales case.
(gmcg)
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The keel has been laid for a second Royal Navy submarine as part of a £3.6 billion programme which will ensure jobs for around 5,000 people.
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19 August 2013
Whitehall War Office To Be Sold
A Ministry of Defence War Office building in Whitehall is to be sold to support "Defence priorities," it has been announced. The Old War Office was built in 1902 for the Imperial General Staff and was a focal point throughout the major conflicts of the 20th century. It housed numerous secretaries of state, including Winston Churchill.
Whitehall War Office To Be Sold
A Ministry of Defence War Office building in Whitehall is to be sold to support "Defence priorities," it has been announced. The Old War Office was built in 1902 for the Imperial General Staff and was a focal point throughout the major conflicts of the 20th century. It housed numerous secretaries of state, including Winston Churchill.
23 May 2003
War hero subject of second MoD probe
It has emerged today that Colonel Tim Collins, the British Army commander who won international plaudits for his moving pre-battle speech in Iraq, is the subject of a second MoD probe. The second inquiry surrounds the apparent suicide of an 18-year-old private soldier at Drumaad barracks, Co Armagh in Northern Ireland, two years ago.
War hero subject of second MoD probe
It has emerged today that Colonel Tim Collins, the British Army commander who won international plaudits for his moving pre-battle speech in Iraq, is the subject of a second MoD probe. The second inquiry surrounds the apparent suicide of an 18-year-old private soldier at Drumaad barracks, Co Armagh in Northern Ireland, two years ago.
15 May 2014
Divers Guilty Of Not Declaring Valuable Items From Shipwrecks
Two divers from Kent have pleaded guilty to not declaring valuable items from shipwrecks off the UK coast. David Knight and Edward Huzzey, both from Sandgate, admitted to 19 offences between them, contrary to section 236 and section 237 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.
Divers Guilty Of Not Declaring Valuable Items From Shipwrecks
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30 April 2012
2012 Olympics Security Tests Begin This Week
A major security exercise, aimed at testing security for the London 2012 Olympics, will take place this week. Exercise Olympic Guardian is being held on land, sea and air in the London and Weymouth areas between 2 and 10 May.
2012 Olympics Security Tests Begin This Week
A major security exercise, aimed at testing security for the London 2012 Olympics, will take place this week. Exercise Olympic Guardian is being held on land, sea and air in the London and Weymouth areas between 2 and 10 May.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
