Software Issues are also slowing down Integration of weapons. It will be many years before the F35 will do what it says on the box. I do believe Paveway IV will be one of the first UK weapons to be done.

Thanks Shark Bait and MarkTigger its a little clearer now. HMS Clyde I know has been quite busy this year in the South Atlantic. I suspect the high cost is due to keeping people employed at the Shipyards, until the T26 starts.

Having just read Gabbies blog post re the Rivers, I am confused now, maybe its my old age, and a lack of grey matter. So I will ask the question just how many rivers are we going to end up with? Is it three Batch 1 plus three Batch 2, or Six Batch 2 with the three Batch 1 being sold after only 14 ye...

Yes its disgusting, revolting and abhorrent. We have lawyers working overtime to put our soldiers in the dock over events in Iraq, Afghanistan and even Northern Ireland. Meanwhile Health and Safety experts are putting in claims for loss of hearing, mental stress etc. And meanwhile the government are...

They developed the refuelling probe for the C130k in a few days if I recall.

Thanks Arfah I forgot about Cobham buying Flight Refuelling Ltd. As you mentioned a handy little earner.

So it seems that its technically possible to fit a probe to some of the Chinooks, and Merlin Helicopters. What now seems not possible is using the Voyager Airtanker or even the A400 to refuel them. Is this why the MOD intends to retain 14 C130 for SF use. Bearing in mind that the C130j has been heav...

With regards to the software one of the problems its complexity, and the hours and hours of testing to make sure it works and is safe.

With the occasional take off and rough landing.

Seems to me that with Ken Livingstone on the defence team we can kiss goodbye to our defence if Labour get into power. So yes a white flag would be appropriate.

Yes I had the pleasure of travelling in one at Malta a few year back. Not very pleasant when the seas a bit choppy.

Interesting I assume they will be replacing some of the older models as well as equipping the carriers and OPV's.

Emily Thornbury was forced to resign in 2014 after posting a picture of a white van in Rochester during the by election campaign.

Corbyn is determined to wreck not only Labours Defence team but anyone who opposes his Super Left policies.

Good news that the official request has been made. No doubt we will have good use of one or two in the meantime under project seedcorn.

Well a OPV is better than no navy ship pity its not got more in the way of armament, although it can take a Helicopter when needed.

Well there is a choice turn a blind eye to Saudi activities including funding of questionable mosques and schools in the UK and continuing to sell them weapons which could fall into the wrong hands, or not. My personal preference is not to sell them arms that as we have seen recently are being used ...

Merry Xmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year to everyone. Looking forward to whatever 2016 brings in the world of UK Defence.

So if the uk is to have 24 F35B available as per the recent SDSR, then when are they actually going to order them, or make advance purchases of parts. All I have seen is the order for 14 spread over several years.

The article also talks about the uk wanting to keep the cost of us equipment down maybe buying more from uk.

cj do the venetian blinds and drapes match the wardroom carpet?

Maybe the welding hasn't been completed yet.

Well here we go again another waste of tax payers cash to fill the PC Human rights brigades coffers. Perhaps the nude rear could be filled by shoving a large stick of dynamite up it and igniting it.

I have seen one of these at RAF Cosford Museum don't know if its still on display as I haven't been there for a while.

The problems with the paintwork appear quite serious in that video.