The Guardian: Army chief says people of UK are ‘prewar generation’ who must be ready to fight Russia

Gen Sanders said that in the last 30 years, the British army has halved in size.

Ministry of Defence clarifies it has no plans for conscription after Gen Sir Patrick Sanders says UK should take steps to place society on war footing

Dan Sabbagh, defence editor, and Peter Walker, deputy political editorWed 24 Jan 2024 17.06 GMTFirst published on Wed 24 Jan 2024 12.56 GMT

Downing Street has dismissed a warning from the head of the British army that the UK public must be prepared to take up arms in a war against Vladimir Putin’s Russia because today’s professional military is too small.

Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson said the prime minister did not agree with comments made by Gen Sir Patrick Sanders in a speech on Wednesday, and was forced to insist there would be no return to national service, which was abolished in 1960.

“Hypothetical scenarios” involving possible future wars was “not helpful”, the No 10 spokesperson added, as the row opened up a rift between the Conservatives and the military at a time when cuts mean the army is at its smallest for more than 300 years.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) also distanced itself from the speech, which was released by the British army on behalf of the senior general, who is due to leave in the summer, having missed out on becoming head of the armed forces three years ago.

Speaking at a military conference, Sanders starkly described the British people as part of a “prewar generation” who may have to prepare themselves to fight in a war against an increasingly aggressive Russia. The chief of general staff highlighted the example of Sweden, which has just reintroduced a form of national service as it closes in on joining Nato.

During the speech in London, the army chief said the UK needed to broadly follow Stockholm’s example and take “preparatory steps to enable placing our societies on a war footing”. Such action was “not merely desirable, but essential”, he added.

The foundations for “national mobilisation” could not be confined to countries neighbouring or close to Russia, and as a result ordinary people in the UK would be forced to join the UK’s 74,110 full-time regular army to see off an active threat to mainland Europe.

He said: “We will not be immune and as the prewar generation we must similarly prepare – and that is a whole-of-nation undertaking. Ukraine brutally illustrates that regular armies start wars; citizen armies win them.”

Sanders has previously complained publicly and privately about defence cuts. A year ago, in an attempt to ensure politicians plugged the gap with future spending, he warned that gifts of weapons to Ukraine would “leave us temporarily weaker”.

Such public arguments over money have led him into conflict with the MoD, amid reports of clashes with the chief of defence staff, Adm Sir Tony Radakin. Some allies believe Sanders should have been promoted to replace Radakin, but he was asked to step down early after serving two of three years as army chief.

In his speech, Sanders said the cold war peace dividend was over, noting that “over the last 30 years, the army has been halved in size; in the last 12 years, we’ve absorbed a 28% reduction”. Recruitment remained a challenge, he said, although applications to join were “the highest in six years”.

Before Sanders gave his speech, the MoD issued a clarification, saying it had no plans to advocate a return to national service.

“The British military has a proud tradition of being a voluntary force and there is absolutely no suggestion of a return to conscription,” the MoD said, adding that £50bn was being invested in the military during the current year.

With an election looming, the military is hoping politicians make further pledges over defence spending. Labour has avoided making any firm spending commitments, but has criticised cuts to the size of the army and promised to launch a defence review if elected.

Grant Shapps, the defence secretary, this month repeated that the UK wants to increase defence spending from 2.1% of GDP to 2.5% in the future.

But Sanders said: “The army has a generous £44bn programme over 10 years, but that money is just 18% committed. During an electoral cycle, uncommitted money is vulnerable.”

D/C: Sounds almost as bad as Canada!!!!

This is the embarrassing moment a Royal Navy minesweeper crashed into another after an apparent mechanical failure left officers unable to stop it reversing, the latest in a string of incidents that have left Navy chiefs red-faced in recent weeks. 

 

Russia’s response!!

https://www.rt.com/news/591231-uk-army-conscription-russia/

Turkey approves Swedish NATO bid after long delay

2 hours ago

Turkish approval leaves Hungary as the last holdout to block the Scandinavian country from joining the Western military alliance.

Erdogan first announced he would support Sweden’s bid to join NATO last JulyImage: Henrik Montgomery/ASSOCIATED PRESS/picture alliance

Turkey’s parliament approved Sweden’s entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Tuesday.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to sign it into law within a few days, leaving Hungary as the only NATO member state not to have approved Sweden’s membership.

Erdogan had previously opposed Sweden’s bid, casting doubt on the Baltic state’s accession to the alliance, but he made a U-turn last summer and gave the go-ahead.

Sweden ‘one step closer’ to NATO membership

Lawmakers voted 287-55 in favor of the Nordic nation’s bid to become the 32nd member of the alliance after it won public backing from Erdogan.

Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson welcomed the decision as a positive step.

“Today we are one step closer to becoming a full member of NATO,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg also welcomed the move by Turkey to ratify Sweden’s membership of the military alliance, adding that he would “count on Hungary to complete its national ratification as soon as possible.”

The German government said the Turkish parliament’s approval of Sweden’s accession to NATO was “an important and correct decision. 

“Sweden’s imminent accession, like Finland’s already completed accession, will further strengthen the North Atlantic Alliance as a whole,” government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said. 

“The German government assumes that the accession process can now be completed quickly,” he added.

The United States also praised the move. “We welcome the Turkish parliament’s vote approving Sweden’s application to join NATO,” National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on X, adding that Sweden would make the alliance “safer and stronger.”

Hungary has not ratified Sweden’s accession yet

Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO in 2022 in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Finland joined the Western military alliance in April last year — vastly expanding Russia’s land border with the alliance.

However, Turkey and Hungary delayed their approval for Sweden, effectively vetoing its entry as all new member states must be agreed unanimously.

Erdogan has been able to pressure Sweden into taking a tougher stance against Kurdish groups based in Stockholm that Ankara views as “terrorists.”

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Tuesday invited his Swedish counterpart to Budapest to discuss the bid.

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said he saw “no reason” to negotiate with Hungary about Stockholm’s NATO candidacy “at this point”

NATO begins huge military exercise

Sweden’s membership would make the entire Baltic coastline NATO territory, except for the Russian coast and its exclave Kaliningrad.

What can Sweden contribute to NATO?

Now that Turkey has dropped its opposition, the path is clear for Sweden to join NATO. What are the expectations on both sides regarding Swedish membership of the Western military alliance?

D/C: It will now be almost impossible for Hungary not to join NATO .. although we will see.

Meanwhile Sweden has been preparing for this way ahead of time.

Baltics prepare for war with Russia!

https://mark3ds.wordpress.com/?s=sweden

https://mark3ds.wordpress.com/?s=Finland

Incomplete Without Sweden: Finland’s NATO Accession and the Future of ‘Nord-NATO’: What now? Turkey?

This is the embarrassing moment a Royal Navy minesweeper crashed into another after an apparent mechanical failure left officers unable to stop it reversing, the latest in a string of incidents that have left Navy chiefs red-faced in recent weeks.

In a gaffe that could compromise UK operations in the Gulf at a crucial time, HMS Chiddingfold reversed into HMS Bangor, which was docked at a port in Bahrain. 

The accident ripped a huge hole in the hull, which is constructed of glass reinforced plastic. There was internal damage but no injuries.

Navy sources suggested there was no timeline yet for when the vessel can return to frontline duties. 

One said: ‘HMS Chiddingfold got stuck in reverse. 

The accident ripped a huge hole in the hull, which is constructed of glass reinforced plastic (pictured)

Navy sources suggested there was no timeline yet for when the vessel can return to frontline duties

‘The understanding at the moment is when she was attempting to go astern, there was a malfunction.

‘The crew couldn’t alter her course so they were forced to look on helplessly as she careered into HMS Bangor’s rear quarter bow first. 

‘Her interior was ripped apart too. The ship won’t be in action for a while.’

This isn’t the first time HMS Chiddingfold has crashed into a friendly vessel. 

NavyLookout reported that Chiddingfold struck HMS Penzance and was out of action for three months as it underwent repairs. 

The specialist site said that Hunt class vessells can be difficult to manoeuvre in harbours, and are vulnerable to high-speed winds.   

Rear Admiral Edward Ahlgren, Commander Operations, told the Telegraph he was ‘aware’ of the incident and ‘would like to stress that thankfully nobody was hurt in the collision, but some damage was sustained’.

‘Why this happened is still to be established. We train our people to the highest standards and rigorously enforce machinery safety standards, but unfortunately incidents of this nature can still happen.

‘I assure you that a full and thorough investigation is already under way and any changes in procedure that could prevent further incidents will be rapidly implemented. In the meantime, the UK will continue to play a key part in ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region.’

Footage of the collision was shared by military site Claims Bible and has since been viewed hundreds of thousands of times online. 

Bangor is one of the Royal Navy’s seven Sandown-class mine counter-measures vessels. 

The ship plays an important role in ensuring the security of the UK and global trade routes. Pictured, damage aboard HMS Bangor after the crash

Her standard crew of 39 includes mine warfare specialists and mine clearance divers. 

EXCLUSIVEREAD MORE: Navy turns to ‘refer-a-friend’ scheme in bid for new recruits – Desperate chiefs offer sailors £500 if they get friends to enlistl

Ordinarily she is based at the Clyde naval base in Faslane, Scotland, but she has been on long-term deployment to the Gulf.

According to the Ministry of Defence, Bangor is equipped with SeaFox unmanned underwater vehicles that trawl the ocean floor searching for mines.

While the ship plays an important role in ensuring the security of the UK and global trade routes, the incident is the last in a series of embarrassments faced by the Royal Navy. 

Earlier this month, it was revealed that drastic shortages of sailors forced the Royal Navy to decommission two of its warships, HMS Westminster and HMS Argyll. 

The warships were retired so that their crews could transfer to new frigates.  

The retirement of HMS Westminster is controversial as it underwent expensive repairs in 2017 and only recently returned to service. 

The decommissioning of the ships comes as record numbers of sailors, such as navy divers and engineers, are signing off. Many have been headhunted by private sector companies who can double their wages. 

According to official statistics, the Royal Navy has performed the worst of the services for recruitment in the last 12 months.

Its intake of recruits dropped by 22.1 per cent in the 12 months to March 2023, while the RAF dropped by almost 17 per cent and the Army by nearly 15 per cent.

In response to the crisis serving Royal Marines have been offered £500 to persuade friends on ‘civvy street’ to enlist.

Royal Navy chiefs have been pushed into the unprecedented move because nobody in uniform is either qualified for or interested in the £150,000 role

Chiefs want a retired or part-time officer to return to full service and are relying on social media to find them

Recruitment is a growing issue in the Royal Navy, even among the top brass. Desperate Royal Navy chiefs turned to business social media site LinkedIn in their efforts to find a commander for their submarines and nuclear operations.

They have been pushed into the unprecedented move because nobody in uniform is either qualified for or interested in the £150,000 role.

Chiefs want a retired or part-time officer to return to full service and are relying on social media to find them.

Royal Navy ships have been deployed to protect international shipping lanes, which have been targeted by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, with around 30 cargo vessels and tankers being struck.

The attacks have continued despite UK and US air strikes on Houthi bases. 

D/C: This isn’t the first time HMS Chiddingfold has crashed into a friendly vessel. What the hell is going ????

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/jan/21/royal-navy-warships-crashed-into-each-other-due-to-faulty-rewiring-say-sources

Pakistan’s Air Force says it has hypersonic-capable missiles

Pakistan’s Air Force fighter jets fly in formation during a Pakistan Day parade in Islamabad on March 23, 2022. (AFP)

Short Url

https://arab.news/g3xma

• Hypersonic missiles are capable of traveling at hypersonic speed, defined as between 5 and 25 times the speed of sound
• A number of countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including China and India, are caught up in global hypersonic weapons race

Updated 19 January 2024

Arab News Pakistan

January 19, 2024 13:43

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) said this week it has bolstered its war fighting capabilities by acquiring new technology including hypersonic missiles, weapons that are capable of traveling at hypersonic speed defined as between 5 and 25 times the speed of sound or about 1 to 5 miles per second.
A number of countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Pakistan’s ally China and archrival India, are caught up in the global hypersonic and directed-energy weapons race, with these regional powers having either developed or publicly stated intentions to develop such technology.
“Pakistan Air Force has undertaken a transformative modernization initiative to counter evolving threats in the current geostrategic threat scenario, prioritizing the induction of modern systems through smart acquisitions and indigenization,” PAF said in a statement this week.
“The acquisition of J-10C fighter jets, Unmanned Aerial Systems, modern electronic warfare platforms, force multipliers, state-of-the-art integrated air defense systems, air mobility platforms, High to medium air defense [HIMAD] and hypersonic missile capabilities at an unprecedented pace has bolstered the PAF’s war fighting capabilities.
PAF said it had adopted a “comprehensive strategy” to rebalance the power dynamics in the region and become a next generation force “with induction of niche technologies, state-of-the-art equipment and human resource trained on modern standards with contemporary architecture for Full Spectrum Cross Domain Multi Arena warfare readiness in the fields of Aviation, Space, Cyber, Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology to address the modern aerial warfare challenges.”
A key milestone in this strategic transformation has been the acquisition of fifth generation stealth fighter jets, PAF added. 
According to Defense News, a website and newspaper focusing on national security and published by Sightline Media Group, Pakistan’s main supplier of military equipment, China, unveiled its air-launched YJ-21E hypersonic missile at the 2022 Zhuhai Airshow. However, a H-6K Badger bomber carried the weapon, an aircraft type not in service with Pakistan.
Timothy Wright, a military analyst the International Institute for Strategic Studies think tank, told Defense News Pakistan’s hypersonic missile was likely not a new weapon but a CM-400AKG, which the country acquired five years ago for its JF-17 Thunder jets. The service’s release included a video featuring the CM-400AKG missile.
“According to the missile’s manufacturer [Aviation Industry Corporation of China], the CM-400AKG can travel at hypersonic [Mach 5-plus] speeds,” he told Defense News. “However, there has not been an independent assessment of this claim.”
“It is possible the missile is instead a high-supersonic system” reaching speeds between Mach 3 and Mach 4.9, he added.

BBC: N Korea conducts ‘underwater nuclear weapons system’ test – state media

19th January 2024, 12:10 EST

Frances MaoBBC News

RODONG SHINMUNNorth Korean state media published these images of the “underwater nuclear system” when the drones were revealed last April

North Korea says it has carried out a test of its “underwater nuclear weapons system” in response to drills by the US, South Korea and Japan this week.

The test of its supposedly nuclear-armed underwater drones took place off its east coast, state media reported.

The North has claimed tests of its “Haeil-5-23” system before but the weapons have never been independently verified.

South Korea and allies have yet to respond to the latest provocation.

But it comes as the North has ramped up military action in recent weeks, including claiming to have deployed a new solid-fuelled intermediate-range ballistic missile on Sunday.

That followed live-fire drills at the maritime border with South Korea in the first week of January.

Pyongyang leader Kim Jong Un has also been increasingly aggressive in his policy direction and rhetoric – ending several agreements aimed at peace-keeping in recent months.

On Friday, North Korea said it had been provoked by joint drills by Washington, Seoul and Tokyo to carry out a test of its underwater weapons, according to a report by state agency KCNA.

It accused the exercises of “further destabilising the regional situation” and threatening the North’s security.

The US, South Korea and Japan say they have conducted more exercises in the past year as a deterrence response to the increasing frequency of North Korea’s military actions, which include multiple tests of its nuclear ballistic missiles and launches of new weapons. All such actions are in breach of UN sanctions.

But Mr Kim has repeatedly said his regime is building up its military arsenal in preparation for war that could “break out at any time” on the peninsula.

Over the New Year period, he signalled some fundamental policy shifts in his regime’s stance to South Korea.

And earlier this week he declared the former bedrock goal of re-unification with South Korea was over, designating the South as the “principle enemy”.

The rhetoric follows several claimed advances in his country’s military and nuclear capabilities – including in its underwater operations.

• N Korea fires artillery shells towards border island
• North Korea says it will launch new spy satellites in 2024

Last September, the North revealed what it claimed was its first submarine capable of launching nuclear weapons.

Since March 2023, it has also claimed tests of its Haeil system – unmanned, underwater nuclear-armed drones. Haeil means “tsunami” in Korean.

Little is known about these weapons or their claimed performance but North Korean media has described them as being able to sneak into enemy waters and cause large underwater explosions.

Analysts have said that if the weapons function as presented by the North, they would be seen as a less significant weapon than the regime’s nuclear ballistic missiles.

“Considering North Korea’s defence science level and the fact that the weapon is still in a developing stage, it is not yet at a stage to pose a significant threat,” Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher at the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told news agency AFP

Late last year Pyongyang also declared it had successfully put a spy satellite in space after earlier failed attempts and has pledged to put three more up this year.

Whether the satellite is actually functioning has yet to be independently verified.

But South Korea said the North had managed to get its satellite up with help from Russia, which in turn reportedly received arms from the North for its war in Ukraine.

Mr Kim had high-profile meetings with Russia’s leader Vladimir Putin and defence minister Sergei Shoigu last year. North Korea’s foreign minister was also in Moscow this week.

D/C: Kim really hates to being ignored. Dangerous!! Trump wined and dined him, now Russia is feeding his ego!!

ABC: Kim Jong Un joined by Chinese and Russian officials for North Korean military parade marking 70 years since end of Korean War

https://mark3ds.wordpress.com/?s=North+korea

The Times has reported that next month the UK will to deploy 20,000 military personnel across eastern Europe as part of the NATO exercise Steadfast Defender. They will be accompanied by one of the Royal Navy’s two aircraft carriers, eight other warships and F35 fighter jets.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that in the first half of 2024, 20,000 service personnel from the Royal Navy, the British Army, and the Royal Air Force will deploy across Europe to take part in Exercise Steadfast Defender 24.

The exercises will see the UK’s Armed Forces join thousands of personnel from 31 NATO allies and Sweden, operating across multiple countries, coinciding with the NATO Alliance’s 75th year.

The following is an excerpt of this speech given by Shapps.

“If Putin thought we’d be distracted by the events in the Middle East then last week, because of the long-term decisions this government has taken, his hopes were surely dashed. In a complex world, no nation can afford to go it alone, so we must continue strengthening our alliances so the world knows they cannot be broken. Defence is in many ways the cornerstone of our relations across the world.

That’s why the UK has committed nearly the totality of our air, land and maritime assets to NATO. But, in 2024, I am determined to do even more.

Which is why I can announce today that UK will be sending some 20,000 personnel to lead one of NATO’s largest deployments since the end of the Cold War, Exercise Steadfast Defender. It will see our military joining forces with counterparts from 30 NATO countries plus Sweden, providing vital reassurance against the Putin menace. 

Our carrier strike group will be out in full force, with our magnificent flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth leading the way. And flying from her decks will be the fifth generation F35 lightning jets, accompanied by a fearsome phalanx of frigates, destroyers and helicopters. We’ll also have a submarine patrolling the depths, and one of our Poseidon P8 aircraft conducting surveillance from the skies above, and more than 400 of our brilliant Royal Marines will be training in the Arctic Circle, contending with some of the toughest environments anywhere on the planet.

On land, we’ll be deploying over 16,000 soldiers, led by our 7th Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team which superbly led our recent response in Kosovo. All of which, makes this our largest deployment of land forces to NATO for 40 years.”

Here’s a breakdown of what is going where.

The Royal Navy:

• The Royal Navy will be deploying eight warships and submarines, and more than 2,000 sailors.
• A UK Carrier Strike Group, centred on a Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier and her air group of F-35B Lightning jets and helicopters, and surrounded by escort frigates and destroyers, will operate as part of a potent naval force of allied warships and submarines in the North Atlantic, the Norwegian Sea and the Baltic Sea.
• More than 400 Royal Marines Commandos will be deployed to the Arctic Circle at the heart of an allied amphibious task group designed to land in the high north and defend the alliance in one of the world’s harshest environments.

The British Army:

• 16,000 troops from the British Army will be deployed across eastern Europe from February to June 2024, taking with them tanks, artillery, helicopters, and parachutes.
• There will be live fire manoeuvres, parachute jumps, an Army and Navy joint helicopter force, and Army Special Operations Forces on deployment.
• The British Army will deploy to test and strengthen the readiness of the UK’s land forces in defending NATO, and to bolster its ability to operate jointly with allied armed forces.

The Royal Air Force:

• The Royal Air Force will be making use of some of its most cutting-edge aircraft, including F35B Lightning attack aircraft and Poseidon P8 surveillance aircraft.
• The RAF will practice flying in simulated conflict scenarios against near-peer adversaries, proving its ability to deter and defend against threats.

George Allison

George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. He also previously worked for the NHS. George is on Twitter at @geoallison.

Europe:

Also from a very good site:

: https://warandsecurity.com/2024/01/15/british-troops-readied-for-show-of-force/

The Times has reported that next month the UK will to deploy 20,000 military personnel across eastern Europe as part of the NATO exercise Steadfast Defender. They will be accompanied by one of the Royal Navy’s two aircraft carriers, eight other warships and F35 fighter jets.

The article quotes Grant Shapps, the UK Defence Secretary, as warning that the world had moved to a ‘prewar’ phase as global conflicts escalated. He urged NATO allies to increase their defence spending to meet the alliance’s target of 2 per cent of gross domestic product in what h says is ‘far more dangerous world.’

Shapps argues that the war in the Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East have the foundations of world order have been shaken ‘to their core.’ He states that the ‘peace dividend’ enjoyed by the west since the end of the Cold War is now over and ‘the foundations of the world order are being shaken to their core.’

Britain is also part of the Joint Expeditionary Force along with the three Baltic countries [Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania], the five Nordic ones [Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden] and the Netherlands. According to a Times column by Edward Lucas, these 10 countries have a combined GDP and defence budget greater than Russia.

However, they lack plans, stocks of munitions and a clear political decision making process. Also, Poland, the strongest military power in the region is absent.

D/C: No wonder Sweden’s defence was warning its citizens of war a few days ago!

Swedish alarm after defence chiefs’ war warning

JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFPThe warnings from Sweden’s defence leaders are being seen as a wake-up call

A warning to Swedes from two top defence officials to prepare for war has prompted concern and accusations of alarmism.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67935464

D/C: Time to seriously refocus on Putin’s psychotic vision of a long past greater Russia?!!

Delivery of Canada’s F-35 fighter jets could be delayed — extra costs possible

Depending on the length of the delay, Canadian taxpayers could have to spend between $400 million and $700 million extra for the stealth fighters.

David Pugliese  •  Ottawa Citizen

Published Dec 27, 2023  •  Last updated 1 day ago  •  4 minute read

A demonstration of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning jet fighter during the International Paris Air Show at the ParisLe Bourget Airport in June. Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND /AFP via Getty Images

A top U.S. military officer has warned that the delivery of F-35 aircraft ordered by Canada and other allies could be delayed because of ongoing technical problems.

If that happens, depending on the length of the delay, Canadian taxpayers could have to spend between $400 million and $700 million extra for the stealth fighters.

US Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt, the F-35 program executive officer, recently told American lawmakers that the jet program is facing significant challenges in the development of the latest version of the F-35, known as Block 4. Canada is one of several nations that have ordered that aircraft.

Schmidt warned that the problems, if not properly dealt with, could lead to the shutdown of aircraft production.

The Canadian Forces and National Defence acknowledged the concerns in an email to this newspaper.

“As with any developmental program, there are challenges in software and hardware production, testing and certification,” National Defence spokesman Andrew McKelvey said. “Canada is aware of the potential delivery delays; however, at this time Canada’s delivery of the initial aircraft in 2026 remains on track.”

McKelvey said the department’s fighter procurement office will continue to monitor the situation.

Canada is to receive the first Block 4 F-35s starting in 2026, according to National Defence.

The cost for any slippage in that delivery could be high for taxpayers, Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux has warned.

“Should there be delays in the delivery of these fighter jets for whatever reason, if there’s a slippage by a year, that would increase costs [by] about $400 million,” he told reporters on Nov. 2. “Or should there be a two-year slippage, the increase in costs should be about $700 million.”

F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin has informed U.S. media outlets Defense News and Forbes that some Block 4 components are in different stages of development and will be delivered incrementally.

Canadian government ministers, including former Defence Minister Anita Anand, have said they have faith that Lockheed Martin will deliver the jets on time.

In early January, Canada announced it was purchasing 88 F-35s in a deal valued at $19 billion. Another $6 billion will be spent on weapons for the aircraft.

That announcement marked the end of a decade-long process that first saw the Conservative government commit to buying the F-35 and then back away because of increasing costs and technical problems associated with the stealth jet.

During the 2015 election campaign, Justin Trudeau vowed that his government would never purchase the F-35.

As prime minister, Trudeau continued to point out the Canadian military had no need for the F-35. “Canadians know full well that, for 10 years, the Conservatives completely missed the boat when it came to delivering to Canadians and their armed forces the equipment they needed,” Trudeau said in June 2016. “They clung to an aircraft (the F-35) that does not work and is far from working.”

The Liberal government also noted the F-35’s “stealth first-strike capability” was not needed to defend Canada.

But in announcing the purchase on Jan. 9, Anand said the F-35 was needed to protect Canada and fulfill the country’s obligations to allies.

Analysts and academics with close connections to the Canadian Forces and the defence industry have praised the Liberal government’s decision to overturn its election promises and proceed with the F-35 purchase.

But social justice and peace groups have argued against spending billions on the jets, saying the money could instead be used on health care, education and affordable housing.

More than 780 F-35s have already been delivered to the U.S. military and allies, but the stealth fighter is still plagued with technical problems.

At a technical briefing held by the Canadian government on Jan. 9, 2023, a senior official claimed that the problems dogging the F-35 are “historical.”

That, however, isn’t true.

In April 2022, the U.S. government watchdog, the Government Accountability Office, reported more delays in operational testing that is needed to be completed so full-rate production of the F-35 can begin. There are still hundreds of problems left to solve on the aircraft, and companies are redesigning and replacing equipment on the planes that have already been delivered. “The more aircraft produced and delivered prior to resolving deficiencies, the greater the likelihood that the program will have to retrofit aircraft, at the expense of the government,” the Government Accountability Office report stated\

Canada is a partner in the F-35 program and has contributed more than $600 million U.S. in funding for the aircraft’s development over the years.

Under the F-35 agreement, partner nations such as Canada are prohibited from imposing requirements for industrial benefits as the work on the fighter jets is determined on the best value basis. Canadian firms compete, and if they are good enough they receive contracts. Canadian firms have earned more than $3 billion in contracts to build F-35 parts, according to the federal government.

What is the US-supplied white phosphorus Israel is accused of using in Lebanon attacks?

By Annika Burgess

Posted 5h ago5 hours ago

A shell that appears to be white phosphorus from Israeli artillery explodes over a house in al-Bustan, a Lebanese border village with Israel on October 15, 2023.(AP: Hussein Malla)

The White House has said it is “concerned” about new reports that Israel used US-supplied white phosphorus munitions in an October attack in southern Lebanon.

The incendiary weapon can be used legally on battlefields, but rights groups have been sounding the alarm since early in the Israel-Gaza war of its “unlawful use”.

White phosphorus is a toxic chemical that ignites when exposed to the air and is difficult to extinguish.

It sticks to the flesh and can cause serious long-term injuries, which makes its use against civilians or in a civilian setting a violation of the laws of war.

Israel has denied using white phosphorus illegally, but the US says it will be seeking more information after fresh claims emerged linking its use to an attack that injured at least nine civilians.

This is what we know.

What are white phosphorus bombs? 

White phosphorus is a colourless or yellowish translucent wax-like substance that smells a bit like garlic.

It is dispersed in artillery shells, bombs and rockets, igniting on contact with oxygen and burning at more than 800 degrees Celsius.

It only stops burning when it is deprived of oxygen, which makes its fire particularly difficult to extinguish.

It is classed as an incendiary weapon that acts mainly through fire and heat. 

White phosphorus is classed as an incendiary weapon.(Reuters: Evelyn Hockstein)

Sascha Dov Bachmann, a professor of law and security at the University of Canberra, said incendiary weapons such as napalm and white phosphorous were creations of the 20th century.

“If you asked me six years ago, I would have said there should be no room for them anymore,” he told the ABC. 

“What should have been relegated to history is now very much current again.”

Such attacks can look like “fireworks” but could in fact be dangerous incendiary weapons that burn at around 2,000 degrees Celsius and cause excruciatingly painful burns to the skin.

White phosphorus munitions have the ability to ignite fast-spreading fires and produce light and thick smoke that can be used for military purposes. 

They can be used to make smokescreens, generate illumination, mark targets or burn bunkers and buildings.

They can also interfere with infrared optics and weapon tracking systems, thus protecting military forces from guided weapons such as anti-tank missiles, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).

In a defensive context, white phosphorus munitions are not considered illegal, Professor Bachmann said. 

But any direct targeting of civilians is prohibited and would constitute a war crime.

What harm can they have?

White phosphorus causes deep burns through muscle and down to the bone, and if not all fragments are removed they can reignite when exposed to oxygen, according to HRW. 

It can also cause respiratory damage and organ failure, with burns on less than 10 per cent of your body often being fatal.

White phosphorus can cause burns and respiratory damage.(AP: Hussein Malla)

Professor Bachmann described it as a particularly “nasty weapon of war”.

“It does not only render you unable to fight on, it actually aims to destroy you,” he said.

“It basically destroys human tissue.”

HRW says those who survive their initial injuries often experience a lifetime of suffering.

“Extensive scarring tightens muscle tissue and creates physical disabilities,” the group said. 

“The trauma of the attack, the painful treatment that follows, and appearance-changing scars lead to psychological harm and social exclusion.”

What is Israel accused of?

Reports by Amnesty International and The Washington Post have accused Israel of using white phosphorus supplied by the US in violation of international law.

Amnesty International last month said artillery shells containing white phosphorus were used in military operations along Lebanon’s southern border between October 10 and 16, 2023.

It claims that an attack on the town of Dheira on October 16 injured at least nine civilians.

The organisation described the incident as an “indiscriminate attack” that harmed civilians and should be “investigated as a war crime”.

The Washington Post conducted its own investigation into the attack, claiming its journalists found remnants of shells fired into Dheira consistent with white phosphorous rounds made in the US in 1989 and 1992.

The reports also included videos and photos of strikes in the area that claim to show smoke plumes “consistent with white phosphorus munitions”.

Residents told the Washington Post they had been trapped in their homes for hours after, and suffered respiratory problems for days after, the October 16 attack. 

In response to the Washington Post report and earlier claims from Amnesty International, John Kirby, a spokesman for the US National Security Council, said the White House would “be asking questions to try and learn a little bit more”.

“We’ve seen the reports — certainly concerned about that,” he said.

White phosphorus does have a “legitimate military utility” when used for illumination and producing smoke to conceal movements, he added.

“Obviously, anytime that we provide items like white phosphorus to another military, it is with a full expectation that it will be used in keeping with those legitimate purposes and in keeping with the law of armed conflict.”

John Kirby says white phosphorus has a “legitimate military utility” when used for illumination or as a smokescreen.(AP: Hussein Malla)

Professor Bachmann said the reports still required independent verification and allegations would need to be investigated by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“When we hear of white phosphorus being used, we have to be suspicious, and really ask the right questions,” he said.

Amnesty and HRW have also reported an alleged case of white phosphorus shelling in a populated area of the Gaza Strip during the current Israel-Hamas war but have not verified civilian injuries from it.

What does Israel say?

Israel’s military on Monday said it complied with international law and denied using the weapon illegally.

“The IDF and the entire security establishment acts according to international law,” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said when asked about the recent reports.

“That is how we have acted and how we will act.”

Israel maintains it uses the incendiaries only as a smokescreen.

Under Protocol III to the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW), air-dropped incendiary munitions are forbidden in populated areas, but ground-fired incendiary weapons are allowed in some circumstances.

Professor Bachmann said this includes defensive purposes for “battlefield elimination”.

“If it is used to pierce armour — enemy tanks or assets — it would be direct targeting, but it would not be unlawful because it would target the enemy armour,” he said.

In 2013, Israel said it was phasing out white phosphorus smokescreen munitions used during its 2008-2009 offensive in Gaza, which drew war crimes allegations from various rights groups.

The decision came in response to an Israeli High Court of Justice petition about use of the munitions.

Rights groups are calling for stronger international standards to better protect civilians from incendiary weapons.

Professor Bachmann said it was important to keep the debate open.

“To be fully aware of various capabilities and what could happen if they were used wrongly,” he said. 

D/C; Why the F**K is the US allowing companies to export this stuff is beyond me. Must be dirty money some where,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_phosphorus_munitions

https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2023/12/11/israel-us-white-phosphorus-lebanon/

D/C: Name and shame!! This stuff should not go overseas!!