February 2012

Books Balanced for the First Time in Four Decades – the new Secretary of State has clearly been cracking the whip with this news.   The alleged £38 billion “black hole” in MoD finances has been “dealt with” and the “hand to mouth existence will come to an end,”   Some £2.1 billion has been found which has been earmarked for several major spending projects to be announced in the coming weeks.   All three Services will benefit from the new found cash that will be known as Planning Round 12 and for the Navy look for news on:-

·        The Commando Air Group upgrade is to be confirmed with all 22 of the RAF MERLIN HC2 to be brought up 
          to RM Commando/Fleet Air Arm standards

·         Funding to start build the fleet of advanced Type 26 Frigates will be announced soon

There is to be a development of the Anglo-French Drone project (See separate item)

·         MARS Tankers ?