British Armed Forces

[mike2000 is back]

Apache Packed and Flown Back to UK

On 14 July the Joint Movements Unit, assisted by troops of the Army Air Corps (AAC), successfully loaded an AH47 Apache helicopter onto a RAF C17 aircraft. The AAC helicopter is being returned to the UK, where it will under an intensive cleaning, servicing and inspection process. The helicopter was replaced as part of a routine rotation.

 

[Vergennes]

@mike2000 is back Any recent pics/infos on the SAS ? or SBS ?
And thank you for keeping this thread updated !

 

[mike2000 is back]

@mike2000 is back Any recent pics/infos on the SAS ? or SBS ?
And thank you for keeping this thread updated !

yes bro. SAS always has updates since they are always in action somewhere around the globe.

How crack SAS team snared Jihadi John with DIY DRONES: Troops snuck deep inside Raqqa and launched 1lb helicopter to pin point British executioner before calling in air strike that wiped him out

• Jihadi John - real name Mohammed Emwazi - was 'evaporated' by airstrike in ISIS's de facto capital of Raqqa in Syria
• An SAS team tracked him down and called in the strike from just five miles outside of the terror group's stronghold
• Eight special forces soldiers 'dug in' outside Raqqa and one assembled four 'nano helicopters' with cameras fitted
• Drones were programmed to fly outside Emwazi's hideout and beamed footage to SAS HQ and US Central Command

By MARC NICOL, DEFENCE CORRESPONDENT FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY

PUBLISHED: 01:23, 6 December 2015 | UPDATED: 14:11, 6 December 2015


A crack team from the SAS tracked down IS executioner Jihadi John and called in the air strike that killed him in Syria, it can be revealed today.

Until now the top-secret operation to eliminate the masked British extremist – who beheaded UK hostages Alan Henning and David Haines – was thought to have been conducted entirely from the air without any Western troops.

But The Mail on Sunday has learned that the perilous plan depended on a team of eight men from the Special Forces regiment risking their lives to penetrate deep inside the IS stronghold of Raqqa.

Scroll down for video

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Eight SAS soldiers sneaked to within five miles of ISIS's de facto capital of Raqqa in Syria and from there, they flew four 'nano helicopters' fitted with cameras that spied on Jihadi John

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ISIS's chief executioner Jihadi John - real name Mohammed Emwazi - was evaporated near a clock tower where the terror group carried out several brutal executions


And the secret weapon used to identify Jihadi John was a 1lb helicopter drone launched by the soldiers.

The daring mission began in darkness on November 11 when two US Chinook helicopters skimmed low across the Syrian desert to land at an isolated spot.

Avoiding all roads, the team of soldiers drove in desert buggies 35 miles south towards Raqqa. At about 3am, they 'dug in' five miles outside the city, where they remained undetected.

The following evening, while the rest of the team were on lookout, one man assembled four 3ft nano-helicopters with infrared and night-vision cameras in the nose. They were pre-programmed to fly to Jihadi John's hideout – a six-storey building in Raqqa.

The first drone set off towards its target, then entered 'hover and stare' mode, recording the movements of IS suspects at a building near the Sharksa mosque.

It beamed footage by satellite back to SAS HQ in Hereford and the US Central Command in Doha, Qatar.



Read more: How crack SAS team snared Jihadi John with DIY DRONES | Daily Mail Online
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

more and more........
Hero SAS sniper foils suicide bomb attack by killing five jihadis with just THREE bullets
A HERO SAS sniper has foiled a terror attack by killing three jihadis and two ISIS guards - using just three bullets.
By JOEY MILLAR
PUBLISHED: 06:51, Tue, Dec 15, 2015 | UPDATED: 08:07, Tue, Dec 15, 2015

GETTY

The SAS marksman took out five terrorists using just three bullets during the operation
The sharp-shooter took out three terrorists, at least two of whom were wearing explosive vests, as they made their way to carry out a suicide mission.

The unnamed veteran, who joined the SAS a decade ago, saved potentially hundreds of lives by unleashing three well-aimed shots from a distance of 800m.

The operation took place two weeks ago at a bomb factory around 10km outside the ISIS-occupied city of Mosul.

GETTY

A photo taken in ISIS-occupied Mosul, located near the operation, last year
The decision to open fire was given when three men were seen leaving the factory wearing heavy coats, despite the hot weather.

This was an attempt to hide their suicide vests as they made their way to attack civilians in a nearby town, an attack which could have killed a huge number of innocent men, women and children.

GETTY

A British soldier using a sniper during a mission
The sniper shot the first jihadi in the chest, detonating his explosive device and killing him instantly, along with two ISIS guards sat in a nearby car.

The second terrorist was killed with a headshot, as he and the third man tried desperately to get back into the locked factory.

The third jihadi also died when his explosive vest was set off by a third and final well-aimed shot from the colour sergeant.

An Army source said: “This was a classic SAS mission. The unit had been operating in the area for several weeks, mainly working as spotters for air strikes and gathering intelligence.

“About three weeks ago the intelligence guys got information that a bomb factory had been set up in a nearby village.

GETTY

The targets were taken out from a distance of 800m

The unit was sent in to see if they could identify the house and the bombers.

“There were too many civilian homes nearby and children were often around so an airstrike was out of the question.

GETTY

A British Army sniper in action
With just three well-aimed shots that single team has probably saved the lives of hundreds of innocent people

Army source

“Instead, the SAS commander in Iraq decided to use a sniper team and the operation was a complete success.

“With just three well-aimed shots that single team has probably saved the lives of hundreds of innocent people.”


Hero SAS sniper foils terror attack by killing five extremists - with just THREE bullets | World | News | Daily Express

 

[mike2000 is back]

EPA
1 of 27
Abdelhamid Abaaoud posing with a Koran and the ISIS flag at an undisclosed location [EPA]

But at least one British MP believes boots on the ground in a non-combat role will not be enough to rid Libya of the barbaric death cult.

Tory Daniel Kawczynski, a member of the Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee, suggested British air strikes could be needed to stop ISIS if it attempted to get hold of valuable oil fields in Libya.

He warned the terror group was shifting to Libya from Syria, where it is already being targeted by international forces including the UK.

He said: "We have to take them on, whether it's in Syria or whether it's in Libya. Now is the time to show extensive force against them, in coalition with other countries, to try to eliminate them.

"If we don't take them on in Syria and we don't take them on in Libya then we are leaving ourselves to the possibility that they will just magnify in strength, their tentacles will spread even further."

Express.co.uk reported this week that Daesh made another land grab in Libya in a bid to seize vast oil reserves and chemical works near the hometown of deposed dictator Colonel Gaddafi.

The radical Islamist regime has already claimed the Mediterranean coastal town of Sirte as its de facto North African capital.

Fighters have been drawn away from ISIS strongholds in Iraq and Syria after months of punishing airstrikes by Western and Russian jets.

French reconnaissance sorties recently found fighters were expanding east along the coast and inland in search of oilfields to bolster their income.

Islamic State Libya - Britain to send 1,000 troops to tackle spread of ISIS Daesh | World | News | Daily Express

SAS troops in bitter battle to stop Taliban overunning key stronghold in Afghanistan
BRITISH troops have been deployed to the frontline in Afghanistan to help local forces prize back a key town after it was taken by the Taliban.
By JAKE BURMAN
PUBLISHED: 10:00, Tue, Dec 22, 2015 | UPDATED: 11:32, Tue, Dec 22, 2015
39

GETTY

One unit of at least 30 SAS soldiers has been deployed
UK soldiers have been mobilised to help Nato forces seize Sangin in Helmand province from the terrorr group.

The Ministry of Defence said the troops would not take a combat role and would only provide advisory support.

But the deployment reportedly includes at least one SAS unit of around 30 soldiers who were backing American special forces and the Afghan National Army in the bid to retake the key town.

A spokesman for the MoD refused to comment on any operations involving the SAS.

GETTY

The Taliban have retaken control of the town
She said: "As part of the UK's ongoing contribution to Nato's Resolute Support Mission, a small number of UK personnel have deployed to Camp Shorabak in Helmand province in an advisory role.

"These personnel are part of a larger Nato team which is providing advice to the Afghan National Army. They are not deployed in a combat role and will not deploy outside the camp.

"In total the UK has around 450 troops in Afghanistan mentoring and supporting the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces and the Afghan Security Ministries."

GETTY

More than 100 UK troops lost their lives in and around Sangin

GETTY

The soldiers have been deployed to help retake Sangin
It is important that the West honours its commitment to protect the Afghan people

Lord Richards of Herstmonceux

Former Nato commander in Afghanistan General Lord Richards of Herstmonceux said Britain and its allies should be prepared to increase the number of support troops in the country if needed.

He said: "It is important that the West honours its commitment to protect the Afghan people as well as the memory of those who fought and died there to keep us safe from extremism."

Sangin was the scene of fierce fighting during the Afghan campaign, with more than 100 British troops losing their lives in and around the town.

From the start of operations in October 2001, 456 British forces personnel or MoD civilians were killed while serving in Afghanistan.

Nato's combat role in the country came to a close at the end of last year after a 13-year campaign.

SAS troops in bitter battle to stop Taliban overunning key stronghold in Afghanistan | UK | News | Daily Express

 

[mike2000 is back]

First Sea Ceptor Firings Are A Double Success

MBDA’s advanced air defence system for the British Army enters assessment phase.

The trial demonstrated the functionality of Sea Ceptor’s Command and Control (C2) system and its ability to process data from a third party radar and then command an engagement by a CAMM missile.

The CAMMs both performed as expected, with their active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker acquiring the targets shortly after launch and staying in track until they intercepted their respective targets.

CAMM is to be used by the Royal Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy in the Sea Ceptor system and the British Army with the Future Local Area Air Defence System (FLAADS) Land system.

Missile systems, defence systems - MBDA missiles

Four ROYAL NAVY RIVET CLASS OPVs under construction.2,000 tons. Lightly armed but capable of performing maritime patrols and economic zone management. Similar to US Coast Guard cutters of that size. To be commissioned in 2017 The River Class OPVs have evolved into an enhanced design already in service with the Brazilian Navy and Royal Thai Navy with further modifications to meet the requirements of the Royal Navy.

 

[mike2000 is back]

HMS Richmond successfully destroys sea-skimming targets
15 December 2015

The UK Royal Navy's Duke-class type 23 frigate HMS Richmond (F239) has successfully test fired its the Seawolf Missile System as part of the live firing exercise off the south coast exercise areas.The trials involved the launch of two Seawolf surface-to-air missiles, which successfully hit the fast two designated sea skimming targets, and validated its capability.Aimed at offering a vital self-defence capability, the anti-air warfare system enables the type 23 frigate to protect itself, as well as other vessels from highly agile missile and fast jet attacks. Integrated with command to line-of-sight (CLOS) guidance and radar and electro-optic tracking capabilities, the missile is claimed to be capable of destroying a target the size of a cricket ball, travelling at three times the speed of sound. "This type of firing proves she is capable of just that, there is no substitute for a live firing to confirm the system is working correctly, and can deal with the latest threats.

Brazil has chosen British CAMM missiles for it's new corvettes and Chile is also planning to follow the same route to upgrade it's type 23 frigates and become 4th customer in the world after the UK (primary/original inventor/user), new zealand and brazil. The Type 26 global combat ship will also be using 48 CAMM missile VLA cells in addition to 24-cell Flexible Strike Silo fitted with Mk 41 launchers.

Britain’s Future Warship: The Dreadnought 2050
by Brendan McGarry on September 2, 2015




A front view of the T2050. (Image copyright 2015 Startpoint)


The British defense firm Startpoint Group this week released conceptual images of a future warship dubbed The Dreadnought 2050.

The sleek-looking trimaran whose name honors the famed early 20th-century battleship was dreamed up by naval designers at the company at the request of the Ministry of Defence.

The craft, called the T2050, is envisioned with an acrylic hull that could be ballasted with water to turn the ship into a stealthy semi-submersible, an exterior electromagnetic rail gun, an interior operations room with “Google Glass” walls to display tactical information and a garage in the transom with a “moon pool” capable of launching underwater drones, among other innovative features.

Check out some of the graphics:


An aft view of the T2050. (Image copyright 2015 Startpoint)


A view of T2050’s transom garage. (Image copyright 2015 Startpoint)



Tactical system operators are seated around the circumference of the Ops room with banks of 2D multi-functional displays. Seats can be rotated round to face Google Glass-like walls that enable operators to overlay additional information on a 360 degree hemispheric outside view. (Image copyright 2015 Startpoint)

 

[mike2000 is back]

The aft aviation facility on board T2050 is primarily configured to operate and support remotely piloted air vehicles, and the flight deck itself is large enough to handle the simultaneous launch and/or recovery of two UAVs. However, the superstructure around the flight deck can be rotated so as to create space to enable helicopters to land side-on. Furthermore, the hangar space is big enough to take a medium-sized helicopter. Electrically-driven submerged waterjet propulsors are fitted in the outriggers or “amahs.” (Image Copyright 2015 Startpoint)


An electromagnetic (EM) railgun is fitted forward. The EM railgun uses high-power electromagnetic energy, instead of explosive chemical propellants, to fire hyper-velocity projectiles at ranges of up to 200 km. These projectiles will destroy targets using kinetic energy rather than conventional explosives. (Image copyright 2015 Startpoint)


Ship-wide automation will allow T2050 to operate with a minimal core crew. (Image copyright 2015 Startpoint)


Key facts of the T2050 include a length of 155 meters, beam of 37 meters, range of unlimited distance (depending on the type of powerplant), crew of between 50 and 100 persons, and speed of 50 knots. (Image copyright 2015 Startpoint)


A large ‘garage’ area in the ship’s transom will provide an area for the launch, recovery, maintenance and storage of rigid inflatable boats, swimmer delivery vehicles (SDVs), unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). A moon pool within the garage enables the deployment of SDVs and/or UUVs when the transom door is closed. (Image copyright 2015 Startpoint)


The low-observable wave-piercing trimaran ‘sea-frame’ combines speed, stability and efficiency, and also allows for a larger flight deck area. One option is that the hull could be ballasted down with water, allowing it to be transformed into an ultra-stealthy semi-submersible for missions where covertness is a priority. (Image copyright 2015 Startpoint)

Read more: http://defensetech.org/2015/09/02/britains-future-warship-the-dreadnought-2050/#ixzz3kceQmrx2

 

[mike2000 is back]

After much speculation about the cost of the Type 26, we were given a ballaprk figure 2 months ago. Around £12Billion for 13 ships. Not in current, but future pounds though.

With a 8,000 tons displacement, with 8 x 6 CAMM VLS Cells, and 3 x 8 MK-141 full length VLS cells...that's a total of 72 VLS cells right there...with a 4.5 inch main gun, 2 x 20mm CIWS, 2 x 30mm auto cannons, 2 x mini-guns, 4 x general MG mounts, with two torpedo launchers, an oversized flight deck and enclosed hanger for 1 or 2 ASW helos, and then with the Type 997 Artisan Radar, the Type 2050 Bow sonar array, the 2087 towed sonar array...heck, $1 billion will be a bargain i believe

http://www.defensenews.com/story/de...k-cost-revealed-royal-navy-frigates/72796134/.

In short, it's a destroyer by all means not a frigate. Since it's just a little bit smaller than our world class Type 45(too bad we didn't build 12 of these as planned though. ). @Bundeswehr , @FrenchPilot

 

[mike2000 is back]

The Viking all-terrain amphibious vehicle was developed in partnership between the UK Ministry of Defense and Land Systems Hagglunds of Sweden. It can be used in jungle, desert, and Arctic conditions and is the first vehicle of its type to be capable of deploying straight from ship to sea through a ship's well-dock

The British Forces currently have 70 Apache helicopters. The Apache is designed to hunt and destroy tanks and can operate in all weathers. Here, an Apache fires rockets at insurgents during a patrol in Afghanistan in 2008.

The HMS Cornwall primarily involved in counter-piracy missions. Here, a soldier shoots the Cornwall's 20mm close range guns during a night firing exercise.

The HMS Protector is a Royal Navy ice patrol ship, built for long Antarctic expeditions.

Sea King helicopter takes off from the HMS Illustrious.

One of the HMS Dragon's Lynx helicopters fires infrared flares during an exercise over the destroyer

The Type 42 Destroyer has been replaced by Type 45 destroyers like the HMS Dauntless (pictured). It has been called the "world's best air-defense ship'.

 

[mike2000 is back]

The HMS Edinburgh

40 Commando of the Royal Marines was deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan, where the Siege of Sangin took place.. The battle led General David Richards to declare Afghanistan the most intense combat British military has seen since the Korean War.

Army regulars and reservists often work alongside each other, like this exercises at an artillery aiming post.

At the Defence Diving School on Horsea Island, instructors provide military diving training for Royal Navy and Army personnel. The facility includes a saltwater lake, a diving tank, recompression chambers, and surface and underwater engineering facilities.

The L118 light gun is a 105mm howitzer that was originally produced for the British Army in the 1970s. The popular gun has been widely exported since, including to the United States.

The Rapier is a surface-to-air missile developed for the British Army. It is the UK's primary air defense weapon. Here, British Army Gunners set up a Rapier system to protect London during the 2012 Olympic Games.

The British Army's Mastiffs and Ridgebacks are heavily armored patrol vehicles, designed for convoys and road patrols. They also provide logistic support for troops and are protected against small arms, land mines, and improvised explosive devices

 

[truthseeker2010]

RAF Red Arrows and RAF F-35

Yes that is F-35

 

[mike2000 is back]

The MOD recently confirmed they will be going ahead with the building of 4 new SSBN's for the Royal navy. They will join and replace the Royal navy's current fleet of Vanguard-Class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) - HMS Vanguard, HMS Vengeance, HMS Victorious and HMS Vigilant - with three or four next-generation Successor submarines at an estimated cost of £14bn.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “The UK has been committed to a continuous at-sea deterrent for more than 45 years. This is because it is the responsibility of the British Government to protect its citizens and provide this vital line of defence. It is therefore crucial that we continue to invest in the Successor programme to be ready for a final decision on renewal next year. Building four 16,000 tonnes submarines is a national endeavour. It is a project that is around nearly twice the budget of Crossrail. It is around three times the budget of the London Olympics.''

Fallon: UK Comitted to Successor Sub Programme | Naval Today

 

[Blue Marlin]

After much speculation about the cost of the Type 26, we were given a ballaprk figure 2 months ago. Around £12Billion for 13 ships. Not in current, but future pounds though.

With a 8,000 tons displacement, with 8 x 6 CAMM VLS Cells, and 3 x 8 MK-141 full length VLS cells...that's a total of 72 VLS cells right there...with a 4.5 inch main gun, 2 x 20mm CIWS, 2 x 30mm auto cannons, 2 x mini-guns, 4 x general MG mounts, with two torpedo launchers, an oversized flight deck and enclosed hanger for 1 or 2 ASW helos, and then with the Type 997 Artisan Radar, the Type 2050 Bow sonar array, the 2087 towed sonar array...heck, $1 billion will be a bargain i believe

http://www.defensenews.com/story/de...k-cost-revealed-royal-navy-frigates/72796134/.

In short, it's a destroyer by all means not a frigate. Since it's just a little bit smaller than our world class Type 45(too bad we didn't build 12 of these as planned though. ). @Bundeswehr , @FrenchPilot

how many type 26's are we getting then?

 

[mike2000 is back]

how many type 26's are we getting then?

8 have been confirmed recently bro. They will be built in Clyde Scotland instead of 13. However the catch here is that another 5 lighter frigates will be built as well, taking the number to 13. So instead of 13 type 26 we will be getting 8 type 26 and 5 new lighter frigates. The type 26 contract have been awarded already to BAE and will start construction next year. While the new light Frigates is in the design stages. Not perfect, but still okay IMO. Even though i know it would have been ideal if we built 13 of the type 26. But judging by the size(now 8000tons) and armaments on the type 26 i will call it a destroyer by all means not a frigate. So together with 5 new lighter frigates its not bad at all.

More spending will see bigger Navy - defence secretary - BBC News
Carrier preparing to come to Portsmouth - Portsmouth News

 

[mike2000 is back]

British Prime minister David Cameron said the government would purchase 20 “Protector” drones and spoke confidently about the prospects of a parliamentary vote to join air strikes targeting the Islamic State group in Syria. Britain currently has a fleet of 10 reaper UCAV drones and several dozens UAVs most of which are based in the middle east(Kuwait and Qatar) and controlled from RAF base in Waddington and have been used in several target strikes against Islamic state militants in Syria and Iraq. Only a few countries, including the U.S., Britain and Israel, are known to have actually used armed drones in military operations for ground strikes




Britain will double drone fleet: Cameron | Drone-RSS.com

Exercise Rock Dove
19 December 2015


Men and women of the Royal Air Force 90 Signals Unit train hard for global operations after successfully completing their latest exercise.

90 Signals Unit has been training to support Air Operations around the globe completing a 2 week exercise in November 2015 in cold and wet conditions at Swynnerton Training Area near Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.

Wing Commander Jason Young, Officer Commanding Tactical Communications Wing, said: “The Exercise forms a key part of the training undertaken by deployable personnel on 90 Signals Unit before being declared combat ready for Air Operations. I am immensely proud of all those who have taken part in the exercise and at the dedication and professionalism displayed throughout.”

2 Squadrons from 90 Signals Unit deployed on the exercise putting the Royal Air Forces high-tech communications equipment to the test. Senior Aircraftwoman Kate Francis, a Networks Technician on 2 (Field Communications) Squadron, said: “We hit full operating capability within the required time, we dealt with the real time faults as well as scenario faults to a high standard. The exercise allows us to put into practice the knowledge and skills we learnt on various courses and gives confidence knowing that in the worst situation we can do our job and to a high standard.”

90 Signals Unit, based at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire, is ready to deploy specialist men and women, often at a moment’s notice, to provide vital communications systems allowing forces all over the world to communicate between the UK and overseas.

Photographs:

An RAF communications technician maintaining a “REACHER” satellite communications system.

Two communications technicians working with a “SWE-DISH” satellite communication system. They are practicing carrying out maintenance in a high threat environment wearing full individual protective body armour