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Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Prince William Steps Into High-Profile Role Once Meant for Prince Harry amid Royal Rift
Prince William is having a royal first at a military regiment connected to his brother, Prince Harry. On June 4, the Prince of Wales and Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps visited the regiments for the first time in Wattisham, Suffolk. King Charles announced Prince William to the position in 2023 and ceremonially bestowed him with the role in 2024, in a controversial move made William the leader of his brother Harry's former regiment. The appointment made waves as the title was once thought to have been intended for the Duke of Sussex, 40, who stepped back from his royal role in 2020. Prince William, 42, appeared in good spirits as he stepped out on Wednesday, in what marked his first royal duty in over a week, while his children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, were off from school. Prince William and Kate Middleton typically scale back their schedules when their kids have vacation from school in order to spend more time together as a family and the latest break proved no different. William's visit to the airfield was actually a rescheduled outing, as he was originally due to visit in January. The Prince of Wales' office at Kensington Palace said then that poor weather at the last minute would have "significantly restricted the planned program" and sent William's regrets. "The Prince of Wales sends his sincere apologies to those who he had been due to meet and hopes to reschedule his visit at the earliest convenience," the palace said on Jan. 16. The royal made it to the base on June 4 for a firsthand introduction to the 4 Regiment Army Air Corps (4AAC) who are based at Wattisham. The AAC is the British Army's combat aviation arm and consists of several regiments recognizable by their unique blue berets. William traveled out to learn more about their work, as well as the 664 Squadron's operational lessons from global tours and how soldiers are adapting to the new Apache AH-64E, the British Army's attack helicopter. William is then expected to attend a combat PT session and spend time at the "Archer's Breakfast," a weekly social gathering organized by the squadron for service personnel and their families. Prince William (who you can also call "Colonel") will also present a King's Commendation for Valuable Service and award soldiers with promotion from Corporal to Sergeant. The Prince of Wales knows well the dedication it takes to succeed in army aviation. The heir to the throne is a trained military pilot who served with the Royal Air Force's Search and Rescue Force at RAF Valley in Anglesey, North Wales, from 2010 to 2013. He later retrained as an Air Ambulance Pilot and worked for East Anglian Air Ambulance from 2015 to 2017, and retired from that role to take on royal duties full-time. William isn't the only pilot in the family — so is his brother, Harry. The Duke of Sussex began training as an Army Air Corps pilot in 2009 and served with the Corps during his second tour in Afghanistan from 2012 to 2013, where he flew Apache helicopters. Prince Harry retired from the Army in 2015 and then dedicated himself to uplifting service personnel through the Invictus Games international adaptive sports tournament he founded. The Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan Markle took a seismic step back from their royal roles in 2020 and Harry lost his military appointments as the change was made permanent. King Charles, 76, officially made William the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps in a military ceremony at the Army Aviation Centre in Hampshire in May 2024, appointing his elder son to the position he was in for 32 years. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Charles first announced that William would take on the job in a reshuffling of military appointments for several working royal family members in 2023, and praised William's aerial skills in a speech there. "I did just want to say what a great joy it is to be with you even briefly on this occasion," King Charles said in a brief speech at the ceremony in May 2024, Hello! magazine reported. "But also tinged with great sadness after 32 years of knowing you all and admiring all your many activities and your achievements throughout the time, I've been lucky enough to be Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps." "The great thing is he's a very good pilot indeed so that's encouraging," he added. "So ladies and gentlemen, look after yourselves and, and, and I can't tell you how proud it has made me to be involved with you all this time." Read the original article on People
Morocco World
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Spanish Media Frets Over Morocco Apache Acquisition
Doha – Spanish media outlets unleashed a torrent of apprehension as Morocco received its first batch of six Apache AH-64E combat helicopters from the United States, with El Independiente sounding dire warnings about what it portrays as a mounting strategic challenge to Spain's military position. In a predictable turn, Spanish discourse has once again reverted to its familiar pattern of alarmism, framing Morocco's military modernization as a looming threat rather than a sovereign strategic choice – perpetuating their longstanding tradition of viewing Rabat's defense advancements through a distorted lens of paranoia and insecurity. The outlet amplified this narrative with alarming rhetoric, stating, 'Their advancements in aviation pose a challenge to neighboring armies, including Spain. The Spanish case is particularly striking.' El Independiente, maintaining its consistently antagonistic stance on Morocco's military modernization, launched into extensive coverage to what it terms Spain's 'Achilles heel' in helicopter capabilities. The publication seized on the delivery, attempting to minimize and downplay the development by quoting a former Moroccan army officer who claimed that 'the problem of Morocco is not the lack of armament but a problem of morale of the army.' It extensively detailed how 'the Spanish Armed Forces do not have Apaches' while lamenting Spain's decision to reject the Apache in favor of the European Tiger helicopter program has proven 'a fiasco' according to military experts consulted by the outlet. The news outlet also outlined Spain's missed opportunity, revealing that 'in 1998, at the time of initiating its renewal, an Army report opted for the Apache as the most versatile helicopter.' According to El Independiente, the Apache 'was the only one that met all requirements: it had a cannon, could carry air-to-ground missiles, and was superior to the Tiger in several aspects.' The Boeing model's superiority was evident in its ability to 'carry 3,000 kilograms more weapons than the European counterpart,' along with 'proven experience in terms of useful life cycle and maintenance.' At the delivery ceremony in Sale on Wednesday, General Michael Langley, Commander of US AFRICOM, painted a markedly different picture. 'The armies of Africa observe you and take example from you,' Langley stated in his address to the Moroccan military, describing the North African country as a 'reference in matters of defense and stability.' General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces, characterized the delivery as a concrete manifestation of 'our solid and deeply rooted relations' with the United States. A history of media anxiety From fretting about Morocco's growing influence in the 2030 World Cup preparations, where outlet Relevo wailed that 'Morocco has eaten Spain,' to raising environmental alarms over Morocco's cloud seeding initiatives, Spanish media outlets have maintained a consistent narrative of concern regarding Moroccan advancements. In April 2024, La Razón termed Morocco's military modernization as 'unabated,' describing the country's heavy investments in arms supplies as a bid 'not to fall behind in the arms race with Algeria,' while characterizing Algiers as the 'perennial enemy' for Rabat. By November 2024, El Confidencial escalated its alert, reporting that strengthening ties between Rabat and Washington had 'raised concerns in Madrid,' with Spanish analysts warning of 'potential implications for Spain's own interests and influence in the Mediterranean.' Furthermore, the Center for Higher National Defense Studies (CESEDEN) concluded in its analysis that 'the US has prioritized its relationship with Morocco over Spain as a regional partner in the Mediterranean.' The media anxiety intensified in January of this year, with El Mundo reporting that 'neither Trump nor his officials have engaged with their Spanish counterparts' in the week following his inauguration, while maintaining active dialogue with Morocco. The publication noted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had 'already held conversations with foreign ministers from the Baltic states, Poland, Hungary, Italy, France, and Germany, while showing no interest in the Iberian peninsula, although there is interest in Rabat.' By February, El Español raised the stakes further, warning that 'in the realm of security, there is concern that Trump could make an announcement about Ceuta and Melilla similar to what he did about Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara.' The publication revealed that 'in military circles, there is speculation about the possibility of a 'new Green March with Trump's support,'' while noting Morocco's 2025 military budget exceeding €12 billion. However, both Ceuta President Juan Jesús Vivas and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares refuted this speculation, calling such claims 'absolutely out of the question' and 'without foundation.' The Objective drew even more dramatic parallels that same month, declaring 'Ukraine is alone against Russia and Spain will be alone against Morocco,' warning that 'if you trust your defense to external powers, the day will come when you see your protectors negotiating with your enemies.' These media hysterics stand in stark contrast to the measured and pragmatic stance adopted by official diplomatic channels. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez repeatedly affirmed Spain's 'excellent cooperation with Morocco' across multiple domains, including counter-terrorism and immigration control. The Apache delivery, part of a broader 24-unit acquisition agreement signed in 2020, represents Morocco's ongoing military modernization program, which includes the procurement of F-16 Block 70/72 Fighting Falcon aircraft and various advanced weapons systems. Tags: Military modernizationSpanish Media
Morocco World
06-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
US AFRICOM: Delivery of 1st Batch of AH-64 Helicopters Reflects Strong Ties with Morocco
Rabat – General Michael Langley, Commander of the US Africa Command (US AFRICOM) commended bilateral ties between the two countries on Wednesday. Recalling the official delivery of the first batch of AH-64 Apache helicopters to Morocco, General Langley said the transfer of the military equipment from the US reflects the strong partnership between the two countries. Langley made his remarks at the ceremony for the reception of six Apache AH-64E combat helicopters at the first Royal Air Force Base in Sale. He said that Morocco's 'obvious and undeniable' leadership in security both in the North Africa and Sahel regions across the entire continent. 'African armies are watching you and taking examples from you,' he said, noting that Morocco is a 'reference in defense and stability.' The officer expressed confidence that the partnership between the two countries will continue to grow and strengthen to contribute to the continent's stability and security. He recalled the international community's consensus that Morocco has been regarded as an exporter of security and a key player in regional peace. 'This ceremony goes beyond the mere acquisition of a weapon system, it celebrates a historic partnership that has lasted nearly 250 years,' he said, recalling Morocco's unwavering support for the US since its founding. Throughout the years, the US maintained its leadership as the largest exporter of arms to Morocco with 69% of the global imports, followed by France, and Israel. 'By purchasing these Apache helicopters, Morocco has made a significant step in investing in their security and in regional security. This investment now puts them in a new level of warfighting capability,' Langley said. Aimee Cutrona, the Charge d'Affaires at the US embassy in Rabat, shared the same perspective, highlighting the importance of consolidating bilateral ties between the two countries. 'The United States and Morocco have a long history of partnership reaching back nearly 250 years when Morocco was the first to recognize U.S. independence,' Cutrona said. The US diplomat stressed that the two countries are enjoying 'steady and consistent growth of the longstanding U.S.-Morocco security cooperation that continues to advance our interests in the region and the world.' New data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) identified Morocco as the largest arms importer of arms worldwide last year. Data from a fact sheet compiled by the bureau of political and military affairs in the US confirmed Morocco as the largest purchaser of US military equipment in Africa. 'The United States has $8.545 billion in active government-to-government sales cases with Morocco under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system,' the data published by the State Department said. Since 2013, the North African country has received equipment worth $478 million, including 222 M1A1 Abrams tanks, two C-130H aircraft, and 600 M113A3 Armored Personnel Carriers, the factsheet shows. Langley made his remarks at the ceremony for the reception of six Apache AH-64E combat helicopters at the first Royal Air Force Base in Sale. In the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the US greenlighted the permanent export of over $167 million in defense equipment to Morocco, including military electronics, gas turbine engines, associated equipment, as well as fire control, laser, imaging, and guidance equipment. The fact sheet also recalled Morocco's key contributions to peace and security, noting that the country is among the top 10 contributors to UN peacekeeping operations worldwide with 1,718 peacekeepers deployed in different areas, including Central African Republic, Congo, Sudan, and South Sudan. The AFRICOM commander reiterated Washington's interest in boosting ties with Rabat, noting that his visit to Morocco and every trip he makes to the North African country is an opportunity to learn and to carry out dialogue and exchanges that he directly conveys to the authorities of the US command. He concluded by hailing the Moroccan vision for ensuring stability and security in Africa. Last week marked the first planning meeting for the 21st African Lion 2025, the largest military maneuver organized in Morocco for the past 19 years with the aim of training international militaries to mitigate security crises, including terrorism. Tags: African LionAFRICOM
Morocco World
27-02-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Receives First Batch of Apache AH-64E Helicopters
Rabat – Morocco's Royal Armed Forces received on Wednesday the first batch of Apache AH-64E combat helicopters. The specialized military source FAR-Maroc Forum said in a post on X that an official reception ceremony will soon be held at the 7th Air Base in Khouribga. The acquisition of Boeing-manufactured next-generation aircraft adds one of the world's most advanced attack helicopters to Morocco's military arsenal. Recognized as one of the world's most advanced attack helicopters, the cutting-edge aircraft features an open systems architecture equipped with state-of-the-art communication, navigation, detection, and weapons systems. The helicopters possess a modernized target designation and tracking system, providing comprehensive target information in day, night, and all-weather conditions, along with night vision navigation capabilities. Read also: Moroccan Army Bolsters Air Defense with Advanced US Missiles In addition to classifying ground and air targets, the fire control radar has been upgraded to function in naval environments. Morocco signed a contract with Boeing in 2020 for the purchase of 24 Apache AH-64E attack helicopters at an estimated cost of $1.5 billion, with an option to acquire 12 additional helicopters. The comprehensive agreement includes Hellfire missiles, rockets, advanced communication and navigation systems, maintenance equipment, and a training program for Moroccan personnel. This acquisition represents a substantial enhancement to Morocco's military capabilities and reflects the country's ongoing commitment to modernizing its armed forces with advanced technology. The Apache helicopters will significantly bolster Morocco's defensive capabilities, positioning the Royal Armed Forces as one of the best-equipped militaries in the region. The delivery marks the beginning of the implementation phase of this major defense contract, strengthening Morocco's position as a key military power in North Africa. Tags: Apache AH-64EmilitaryMoroccan armyRoyal Armed Forces
