Armée Britannique/British Armed Forces

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Citation :: Commercial Sale of Type 22 Frigates

(Source: UK Ministry of Defence; issued Dec. 17, 2012)

It is the Disposal Services Authority (DSA) intention to invite expressions of interest in tendering for the Type 22 Frigates (HMS Chatham, HMS Campbeltown, HMS Cumberland and HMS Cornwall) for the following:
•Further Use
•Sinking for an Artificial reef
•Recycling

At this stage the DSA does not require interested parties to specify which Vessel/s they wish to bid for.

It is the DSA intention to award at least one vessel to a UK Ship Recycler; this is in part to secure detailed knowledge of the UK’s capacity to recycle vessels. Any decision to award to a UK Ship Recycling company will be made in accordance with transparent and objective evaluation criteria which will be issued at the Invitation to Tender stage.

All interested parties should note that only Bidders that have completed and passed a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) will be sent an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for the vessels and allowed access to view the vessel.

The vessels are moored at Portsmouth and will be sold from there.

The DSA are planning on hosting viewings 25th February - 15th March 2013.

As previously requested all bidders intending to undertake inspection of the vessels will be required to wear the correct PPE clothing i.e. steel toecap boots, high vis jackets (overalls optional). Please be assured that if you do not have steel toecap boots on arrival you will be refused access to the vessels.

Only Bidders that have received a copy of the ITT will be allowed access to inspect the vessels.

Bidders should not book travel until they have received a copy of the ITT and understood the requirements.

A copy of the PQQ can be down loaded from the bottom of this page or you can e-mail the DSA’s Commercial section requesting a copy at deslcsls-dsa-comrcl-3b@mod.uk

The closing date for returning the PQQ to the DSA and expression of interest is 17.00 GMT Wednesday 23rd January 2013.

-- HMS CUMBERLAND
formally a Warship Frigate F85 was built at Yarrow Shipbuilders, Glasgow UK in 1988 and is now lying at HMNB Portsmouth. The vessel ceased service on the 23rd September 2011 and is due to be tendered early 2013.
All interested parties should beware that only companies that have successfully completed a Pre Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) will be sent an invitation to tender for this vessel.

-- HMS CAMPBELTOWN
formally a Warship Frigate F86 was built at Cammell Laird ship yard Birkenhead UK in 1987 and is now lying at HMNB Portsmouth. The vessel ceased service on the 7th July 2011 and is due to be tendered early 2013.
All interested parties should beware that only companies that have successfully completed a Pre Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) will be sent an invitation to tender for this vessel.

-- HMS CHATHAM
formally a Warship Frigate F87 was built at Swan Hunters Shipbuilders in Wallsend UK in 1989, and is now lying at HMNB Portsmouth. The vessel ceased service on the 20th October 2011 and is due to be tendered early 2013.
All interested parties should beware that only companies that have successfully completed a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) will be sent an invitation to tender for this vessel.

-- HMS CORNWALL
formally a Warship, Frigate F99 was built at Yarrow Shipbuilders, Glasgow UK in 1988 and is now lying at HMNB Portsmouth. The vessel ceased service on the 20th October 2011 and is due to be tendered early 2013. All interested parties should beware that only companies that have successfully completed a Pre Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) will be sent an invitation to tender for this vessel.

http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/141126/uk-to-sell-off-four-type-22-frigates.html

Citation :: MBDA proposes Brimstone derivative for future UK Apache AH-64E

Robin Hughes, London - IHS Jane's Missiles & Rockets
25 July 2016

Key Points
Trial firings from an AH-64E were conducted at Yuma Proving Grounds in June
MBDA is also developing a common intelligent launcher interface solution for Brimstone
European missile house MBDA is proposing a spirally developed version of its latest Brimstone precision-guided weapon as the primary multirole armament for the British Army's future Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 11 July confirmed that the army will acquire 50 new AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters under a USD2.3 billion Foreign Military Sales contract agreed between the UK and US governments. The AH-64E is expected to enter service with the Army Air Corps in 2022.

The latest spiral development of Brimstone - designated 'Brimstone 2' in UK Royal Air Force (RAF) service - has now entered service with the RAF's Tornado GR4 multirole combat aircraft, and going forward will equip the Typhoon FGR4 aircraft from December 2018 and Reaper MQ-9A remotely piloted aircraft system.

Brimstone 2 adds significant capability over preceding millimetric wave (mmW) and dual mode (semi-active laser [SAL]/mmW) Brimstone developments. This includes a new, more robust modular airframe, a new insensitive munition (IM)-compliant Vulcan rocket motor sourced from Roxel, and an IM-compliant multi-effects, tandem shaped-charge warhead manufactured by MBDA subsidiary TDW in Germany. Brimstone 2 also introduces an enhanced version of the MBDA-developed dual-mode seeker, while improved autopilot algorithms increase the missile's engagement envelope, providing for an increased high off-boresight engagement capability and significantly extended range for low-level release.

MBDA is offering a derivative of this missile, which it is marketing as Future Attack Helicopter Weapon (FAHW), to meet the specific requirements of the UK's new AH-64E platform.

This includes development in "close concert with the [Ministry of Defence] MoD" of a new mmW attack mode specifically for non-armoured targets in land and sea domains, but will not compromise Brimstone's anti-armour capability; a cockpit-selectable trajectory, which will allow line-of-sight engagement (flat trajectory) and high and low missile flight profiles to avoid close-in obstacles; a cockpit-selectable capability that allows the pilot to determine the elevation and impact angle on the target to maximise weapon effect; and a new set of warhead 'modes, which includes delayed, airburst, impact and proximity fuzing.

Citation :: UK Gazelle helicopters to have lives extended until 2025

Tim Ripley, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
25 July 2016

The British Army's Westland Gazelle AH.1 observation and utility helicopters are to remain in service for another nine years, according to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).

This extension will take the Gazelle past its 50th anniversary in UK military service in 1971 and make it the oldest helicopters in active UK inventory.

Details of the extension emerged after the MoD confirmed to IHS Jane's on 22 July that it is to run a new competition for all elements of the helicopter's in-service support, in time for new contracts to be in place to be re-let by March 2018

The new contracts to keep the veteran helicopters in UK Army Air Corps (AAC) service will run from 2018 to 2025.

The AAC currently operates a fleet of 34 Gazelles spread between a flight in Canada supporting the Suffield training site, manned aerial surveillance tasks with 5 Regiment AAC at Aldergrove airport in Northern Ireland, and special forces support at RAF Odiham in Hampshire. Training takes place at the Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop in Hampshire.

According to data released by the MoD in March, some 15 Gazelle were routinely undergoing maintenance and 19 in daily use.

Depth maintenance support and overhauls are currently provided by Cobham Aviation Services and Airbus Helicopters have a contract to provide post-design services (PDS) and logistic support for Gazelle. Leonardo Helicopters (formerly AgustaWestland) also provide PDS support for the UK-specific parts of the aircraft and Safran Helicopters provide PDS and logistic support to the engine.

Citation :: Nucléaire : Londres approuve, Obama… inquiète

26 juillet 2016/ Actualité Stratégie et politique

Après un rapide débat à la Chambre des Communes, le parlement britannique a adopté le programme de production de SNLE de nouvelle génération pour remplacer la classe actuelle Vanguard. Ce vote (472 voix pour, 117 voix contre) permet à Theresa May de recréer un sentiment de majorité au sein des Tories et a accru les tensions chez les Travaillistes.

La prochaine génération de SNLE sera équipée de missiles Trident II D-5. Le coût de la production de cette nouvelle génération de SNLE est estimé à environ 15 milliards de livres et le gouvernement a indiqué que le budget global (production et maintenance) des quatre futurs SNLE sera de 31 milliards de livres sur 35 ans.

Ce vote intervient au moment où la presse fait état de rumeurs sur la possible vulnérabilité des Vanguard aux systèmes de drone sous-marin. Cela alors qu’à Washington ont lieu des débats — et des fuites — sur les intentions prêtées à Obama à propos du nucléaire ! Ainsi que les contre-feux de ceux qui redoutent que les déclarations à venir du Président «plombent» l’assurance de bon nombre d’alliés sur la couverture qu’offre en ce domaine la puissance nucléaire américaine. A Tokyo, déjà on s’inquiète d’un futur «ne jamais tirer le premier», pensant à la Corée du Nord et à son grand voisin…

http://www.ttu.fr/nucleaire-londres-approuve-obama-inquiete/

Citation :: UK RAF completes Brimstone 2 operational evaluation trials on Tornado GR4

Robin Hughes, London - IHS Jane's Missiles & Rockets
27 July 2016

Key Points
Intended May 2016 IOC date as yet not confirmed
First Use In Service Date on the GR4 originally intended as November 2015
The United Kingdom Royal Air Force (RAF) has successfully conducted and completed Operational Evaluation trials of the Brimstone 2 fast-jet precision attack surface-to-air missile.

The trials are the final milestone before a 'Release to Service' and declaration of Initial Operating Capability (IOC) with the RAF Tornado GR4 multirole combat aircraft, which was originally intended for May 2016.

During the latest operational evaluation trials, conducted at the US Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake, California in February this year, GR4 assets from RAF 41 (R) Test & Evaluation Squadron fired 11 Brimstone 2 missiles in a variety of operational scenarios.

Citation :: UK orders Mk 45 Mod 4 guns for Type 26 frigates

Richard Scott, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
29 July 2016

Key Points
BAE Systems will manufacture three MIFS systems and one trainer
The Mk 45 Mod 4 guns being delivered under the MIFS programme will be reconditioned and upgraded Mk 45 Mod 2 mountings incorporating new-build ordnance elements
BAE Systems has received a GBP183 million (USD240.3 million) contract from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to supply the Maritime Indirect Fires System (MIFS) for the Royal Navy's (RN's) Type 26 Global Combat Ship programme.

Under the contract announced on 28 July the company will manufacture three MIFS Integrated Gunnery Systems (IGS) and one trainer system. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2020.

The MIFS IGS includes the Mk 45 Mod 4 5-inch/62-calibre Naval Gun System, together with an automated ammunition handling system, a gun fire control system, and qualified ammunition. The contract includes an option for five additional systems for the remainder of the planned eight-ship Type 26 programme.

BAE Systems was confirmed as preferred bidder for MIFS in 2015 after a competition with Babcock, which had partnered with Oto Melara (now Leonardo Defence Systems) to offer the latter's 127/64 LW gun medium-calibre gun system.

The Mk 45 Mod 4 guns being delivered under the MIFS programme will be reconditioned and upgraded Mk 45 Mod 2 mountings incorporating new-build ordnance elements. Work on the MIFS contract will be performed at BAE Systems' facilities at Louisville (manufacture), and Minneapolis (ammunition handling system engineering design and Mk 45 installation, commissioning, and system integration) in the United States, and at Barrow-in-Furness (safety case), Frimley (gunfire control system design and manufacture), and Glascoed (ammunition test and qualification) in the United Kingdom.

Citation :: A UK air defense battery of the 16th Regiment Royal Artillery armed with Rapier surface-to-air missiles arrived on Friday at the Emari airbase near Tallinn to take part in drills, the General Staff of the Estonian Defence Forces said.

TALLINN (Sputnik) – Jaak Tarieni, commander-in-chief of the Estonian air forces, said that air defense systems are a primary need of the Estonian Defence Forces, which makes using UK experience in the sphere very important for the country, the statement at the Estonian Defence Forces’ website said.
The UK battery commander Andy Bates said that the drills would boost capabilities of the allies.
The UK Eurofighter Typhoon jets that in late April started air policing in the Baltic states as well as US A-10 Thunderbolt planes that arrived in Estonia in July 25 will also take part in the drills, according to the statement.
Since 2014, NATO has been building up its military presence in Europe, especially in Eastern European countries neighbouring Russia, using Moscow’s alleged interference in the Ukrainian conflict as a pretext. The Russian authorities have said such moves undermine stability.

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/military/20160729/1043770920/uk-defence-arrives-estonia.html#ixzz4FubP7BiO

Citation :: British Navy Sees Delay In Delivery Of South Korean-Built Tanker
Andrew Chuter2:30 p.m. EDT August 1, 2016

London — The first of four fleet tankers being built in South Korea to support Royal Navy operations still has not been accepted by the British Ministry of Defence, seven months after it was due to be handed over.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Tidespring was expected to be accepted off contract by the British in January this year with the expectation it would enter service in September. But the vessel, part of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) program, is still undergoing trials with builder Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) in South Korea.

It is unclear exactly what has triggered the delay in the handover of the tankers.

The MoD declined to answer questions about the delay in accepting the tanker or when the Tidespring would sail for the UK.

On her arrival in the UK the tanker is due to enter the A&P yard at Falmouth, western England, for fitting with sensitive equipment like self-defense weapons, ballistic protection and communications systems.

One source said the vessel had performed well on sea trials, particularly on handling and maneuverability tests.

“However, there remain a few first-of-class issues to resolve to ensure that all the naval and civilian approving authorities are content and to enable the MoD to accept the vessel off contract,” the source said.

http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/naval/2016/08/01/british-navy-sees-delay-delivery-south-korean-built-tanker/87918638/

Citation :: BAE Systems develops improved small-calibre ammunition for UK military

Anthony G Williams, London - IHS Jane's International Defence Review
03 August 2016

The UK armed forces have begun the process of acquiring new types of 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm calibre ammunition to improve the effectiveness of their rifles and machine guns, after decades of employing NATO standard rounds with only minor modifications.

The development of the ammunition is being led by BAE Systems Munitions, whose Radway Green site has the last surviving British mass-production small-arms ammunition plant. The factory was refurbished a few years ago after the government signed a 15-year Munitions Acquisition Supply Solution (MASS) contract guaranteeing a minimum level of orders to make the investment worthwhile.

The first small arms to benefit are those in 7.62 mm calibre, principally the L7A2 general purpose machine gun (GPMG) and the L129A1 sharpshooter rifle.

Citation :: UK Armed Forces deployments tackle security threats in Africa
Around 30 British troops have recently arrived in Somalia to bolster a United Nations mission, while a 35 strong RAF team have been training Nigerian personnel helping to fight Boko Haram.

An RAF Short Term Training Team have been advising the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in how to defend their airbases from threats such as that from extremist group Boko Haram.

Personnel from No.5 Force Protection Wing and 51 Squadron RAF Regiment are also helping to boost the NAF’s skills in improvised explosive devices (IEDs), tracking insurgents, identifying weapons caches and navigation. They have also worked with the Nigerian Army on improving ground-to-air coordination.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: "We stand united with Nigerian efforts to defeat this brutal terrorist organisation.That is why we are increasing our support to their armed forces as they fight extremism."

This mission is part of a step up in UK support announced by the Defence Secretary in December, paving the way for multiple deployments of up to 300 UK military personnel across 2016.

More than 5,000 members of the Nigerian Armed Forces have now benefited from UK training since April 2015, which has also included medical training, infantry skills, media operations, command and leadership, and support to Nigerian military training schools.

Around 30 British troops have recently arrived in Somalia to bolster a United Nations mission helping to ensure security against the threat of extremism.

In a demonstration of the flexibility and global reach of the UK’s armed forces, the personnel will provide medical, logistical and engineering support as part of UN support to the African Mission in Somalia, which is working to build stability and help counter the threat posed by terrorist group Al-Shabaab.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: "We are determined to tackle terrorism wherever it appears and this deployment demonstrates our commitment to help stabilise Somalia.

The extra 30 troops brings the current number in-country to around 40, after an initial British team arrived in May to help strengthen infrastructure ready for this deployment. Up to 70 UK personnel will travel to Somalia in 2016 as part of the deployment.

http://www.armyrecognition.com/august_2016_global_defense_security_news_industry/uk_armed_forces_deployments_tackle_security_threats_in_africa_50808162.html

Citation :: Photos Emerge of UK Ground Forces in Syria

UK special forces were shown for the first time operating on the ground in war-torn Syria, a broadcaster reported.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Photographs obtained by the BBC on Monday and dated from June reveal UK soldiers on patrol vehicles equipped with sniper rifles, machine guns and anti-tank missiles.

According to the broadcaster, the troops appear to be in a defensive role following an attack by the Daesh jihadist group on the so-called moderate New Syrian Army opposition on the Syria-Iraq border.
The opposition group’s spokesman admitted to the BBC that the New Syrian Army had been receiving special forces training from the United Kingdom.

The US-led coalition of more than 60 nations has been carrying out airstrikes in Syria and Iraq against Daesh outlawed in Russia and many other countries since the summer of 2014. However, there are currently no international ground troops officially deployed to Syria.

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160809/1044076708/uk-ground-troops-syria.html

Citation :: UK Army Admits Russian Weapons More Powerful Than British Equivalents

The British army acknowledged the Russian Armed Forces' edge on the battlefield.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The UK army admitted that the Russian military forces can outgun the British ones on the battlefield, in a leaked report cited by The Times on Wednesday.

"In the unlikely event of a direct confrontation between NATO and RUS [Russia], we must acknowledge that RUS currently has a significant capability edge over UK force elements," the report said, as quoted by the news outlet.

According to the report, Russia's rocket launchers, air defense systems and other weapons are more powerful than the British equivalents, while Britain's planned fleet of lightly armored army vehicles would be "disproportionately vulnerable" to Russian fire in case of a war.
According to the newspaper, the report was produced under the direction of Gen. Sir Nick Carter, the chief of the British Army, in March.

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160810/1044118191/uk-russia-armies.html

Citation :: Griffin helicopter of Royal Air Force burst into flames on a Snowdonia peak
Aug 9, 2016

A Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) B412 Griffin HT1 helicopter made a precautionary mountain top landing after an apparent technical fault prior to catching fire

There were 4 military personnel and 1 civilian in the aircraft plus 1 military on the mountain top. All 6 safe & unharmed.

Photographs show a fire on the mountain top. Yr Aran is a mountain peak on a ridge radiating south from Snowdon, Wales’ highest mountain.

All five people who were on board the training aircraft from RAF Valley on Anglesey have been reported safe and did not need hospital treatment. This was reported by www.bbc.com

Emergency services were called at about 13:45 BST to Yr Aran, a mountain peak on a ridge south of Snowdon. Walkers reported seeing 10ft-high (3m) flames.

An air ambulance was sent to the scene, along with a coastguard helicopter.

The Bell 412 is a twin-engine utility helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It is a development of the Bell 212 with the major difference being the composite four-blade main rotor.

Bell Griffin HT1 is an Advanced training helicopter based on the Bell 412EP, operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF) since 1997 as an advanced flying trainer. Operated by the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury and the Search and Rescue Training Unit at RAF Valley.

http://defence-blog.com/news/bell-412-griffin-of-royal-air-force-burst-into-flames-on-a-snowdonia.html

Citation :

4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment - 4 PARA.

Over the July period, members of C Coy conducted a Joint Exercise with the Army Air Corp all the way down in Salisbury. Exercise Pegasus Flight
was a Cambrian Patrol Style exercise with some demanding tasks thrown in for the troops from both Reserve Units to deal with. It has been a great
opportunity for members a C Coy to get on board the Air assets that are not normally available on normal Company Training weekends and likewise
the Army Air Corp conducting training with weapon systems not normally used on there training weekends. All in all a splendid and successful
Exercise from all members who took part.
Utrinque Paratus!!
Armée Britannique/British Armed Forces - Page 40 5581

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Citation :: Final bids in for Challenger 2 LEP

Nicholas de Larrinaga, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

11 August 2016

Final bids for the British Army's Challenger 2 main battle tank (MBT) upgrade programme were submitted by industry on 11 August.

Five bid teams have confirmed they have pitched to upgrade 227 of the British Army's MBTs (IHS/Patrick Allen)

The life extension programme (LEP) for the Challenger 2 aims to keep 227 of the MBTs in service until 2035 and will see the replacement of most of the tanks electronics, including its sighting systems. The LEP, however, does not envisage a major upgrade of the vehicle's drive systems or replacement of the MBT's 120 mm L30A1 rifled gun.

Five bidders are known to have pitched for the LEP programme, which is valued at around GBP250 million (USD325 million).

http://www.janes.com/article/62913/final-bids-in-for-challenger-2-lep

Citation :: Sea Platforms
UK loses operational maintenance and repair capability as Diligence is retired early
Richard Scott, London - IHS Jane's Navy International
12 August 2016
RFA Diligence, pictured here in 2008. The forward support vessel is being withdrawn from service in 2016, rather than 2020. Source: IHS/Jon Rosamond
Key Points
Out-of-service date for RFA Diligence is brought forward to 2016 (from 2020)
Options for the delivery of future operational maintenance and repair capability remain under consideration
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) forward support vessel RFA Diligence is being retired from service four years ahead of its planned out of service date (OSD), leaving the UK Royal Navy (RN) without a deployable operational maintenance and repair (OMAR) platform.

The decision to bring forward the ship's OSD to late 2016 was made in June. However, this previously unannounced cut, and the consequent OMAR capability gap, was only revealed by the publication of Ministry of Defence (MoD) disposal documents for the ship in early August.

Diligence (ex- Stena Inspector ) is a former North Sea oil supply vessel purchased by the MoD in October 1983. The ship entered RFA service in March 1984, after being converted to serve as a forward repair ship. Specific modifications included the addition of workshops, cranes, extra accommodation, supply facilities, communication systems, and a flight deck atop the bridge; the modifications also saw the introduction of a limited self-defence fit.

Diligence has been used to provide forward support to ships and submarines operating at reach from the United Kingdom. For most of the past 15 years, the vessel has conducted long-term deployments 'east of Suez'.

In 2010, the decision was taken to extend the ship's service life out to 2020. Diligence completed a major life-extension refit in 2013; work included modifications to enable support to be provided for Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarines.

Owing to RFA manpower shortages, Diligence has been laid up at Cammell Laird's Birkenhead shipyard since completing a short refit in March 2015. However, as recently as December 2015 the MoD had publicly stated that 2020 remained the ship's planned OSD.

A naval spokesman told IHS Jane's that the decision to bring forward Diligence 's retirement by four years was a savings measure "identified and endorsed by the RN in June," adding, "RFA Diligence is an aged singleton ship with increasing obsolescence issues, and for that reason early retirement is the most sensible and cost-effective option.

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