Gunner Blackman, 47 Regiment Royal Artillery, with a Desert Hawk 3 UAV. In the background is the Watchkeeper UAV and an Apache helicopter
[Picture: PO Phot Terry Seward]
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles scan the horizon for enemy action; Jackal vehicles with their awesome firepower race ahead using the latest surveillance and targeting systems; infantry stand ready to strike with deadly sniper rifles, mortars and grenade machine guns. This isn't a major operation in Afghanistan but the UK's largest demonstration of military equipment purchased urgently for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
From the heavily armoured Mastiff patrol vehicle – a hero of recent operations in Afghanistan, to sophisticated thermal imaging sights and the latest state-of-the-art cameras and remote weapons systems – all were on site today and demonstrating their effect to those present.
All the equipment demonstrated has been recently procured or upgraded through the urgent operational requirement process, with funds coming directly from the Treasury and separate to the defence budget.
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Baroness Taylor, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support explained:
"The Urgent Operational Requirements (UOR) process is an undisputed success – over £3bn of extra money has been spent on new equipment for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan – from new armoured vehicles like Mastiff and Ridgback to remote weapon systems which are protecting the soldiers in their bases.
"Working with our partners in industry, we have responded quickly to the evolving and often unpredictable threats our soldiers face on operations. We have listened to the feedback from the ground and procured state-of-the-art kit to meet the urgent needs of our troops. The large display of equipment here today is testament to the effectiveness of that UOR process."
Major General Bill Moore CBE, Director General Logistic Support and Equipment, Land Forces added:
"The Army is well equipped on operations. The equipment fielded in both Afghanistan and Iraq, when coupled with offensive tactics, techniques and procedures enables our soldiers to seize the initiative and conduct successful operations against the insurgents. It is also saving lives."