British Army officers serve an average of 16 years and 2 months. This is an increase of 15 months on a decade ago. Enlisted soldiers served an average of six years in the Army in 2007, down from seven years in 1997.

Scientists say that robots controlled by Wii remotes could be used to detect and dispose of bombs. Wii, which uses wireless technology to detect users’ movements, has been adapted by US scientists for use by the military. The scientists say that the robots could also be used to gather intelligence and feed it back to soldiers.

The US and the Czech Republic have agreed to site a US missile defence radar, used for tracking ballistic missiles, in the Czech Republic by 2012. The move is strongly opposed by Russia. The radar will be linked to other US missile defence facilities in Europe and the US. Interceptor missiles will also be stationed in Poland in response to what Washington says is a growing threat from Iran.

BAE Systems has announced that it is cutting nearly 600 jobs at two factories after orders for its famous Hawk aircraft ( below) have dried up. The Hawk programme is experiencing a lull in orders after not being selected by the UAE for a £500 million order.

Concerns about the growing costs of jet fuel have prompted the US Air Force to accelerate research into aircraft made from composites – including plastic, aluminium and glass composites – and other advanced materials which can fly farther on less fuel. They hope to build the biggest US advanced materials aircraft in only three years.

The MoD has entered Britain’s largest private finance initiative deal to date by signing a £13 billion contract to buy a fleet of air-refuelling tankers. It is the first big defence project to be paid for in this way. The AirTanker consortium will supply 14 refuelling aircraft for the RAF and maintain the planes for 20 years.

Sources: timesonline.co.uk; defensenews.com; www.janes.com; www.thesun.co.uk; www.defencemanagement.com

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