Latest MOD defence news

RSS feed for MOD.uk displayed here.

C-IED troops make a difference to Op MOSHTARAK
- The Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Task Force were among the first troops to be involved in Operation MOSHTARAK, helping ensure that, when the infantry launched the first assaults just over two weeks ago, routes were clear.
RAF support to Op MOSHTARAK
- When the main clearance phase of Op MOSHTARAK was launched from Camp Bastion Airfield three weeks ago, the RAF completed 167 air moves and coordinated 90 aircraft in just four hours.
IN PICTURES: Afghan and British soldiers give insurgents a clear message
- An Afghan Army patrol, mentored by British soldiers based at Patrol Base Shaheed, which was set up following Operation MOSHTARAK, gave insurgents a clear message during a recent encounter.
Corporal Stephen Thompson killed in Afghanistan
- It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Corporal Stephen Thompson from 1st Battalion The Rifles (1 RIFLES), serving as part of the 3 RIFLES Battle Group, was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday 7 March 2010.

Defence

The Key Issues

The UK's Armed Forces remain at a high operational tempo and face a changing threat in an uncertain world. This places a premium on the need to transform to smaller, more agile, flexible, network-enabled forces to deliver precise effects. The Ministry of Defence has ambitious goals to ensure that those who deploy are well equipped, thoroughly trained and properly supported.

Particular emphasis is being placed on the Defence Acquisition Change Programme and the implementation of the Defence Industrial Strategy which articulates the requirement for a transformation whereby new relationships with industry will be defined. This will involve greater use of partnering between Government departments and industry and the need for industry to more fully understand the requirements of the MOD in a way that previously has not happened.

If this process is to be successful then the focus will need to be at the military capability level with both MOD and industry personnel embracing the Defence Acquisition Values, with both capability planning and delivery brought together on a through life capability basis. A well constructed change agenda, working with the right stakeholders, will be able to achieve these goals - striking the right chord between furthering MOD efficiency but balanced with the provision of effective military capability and value for money.

The transition period in particular will need to be meticulously planned and implemented to ensure current operations are able to continue successfully with manageable risk.