Latest news with #EurofighterTyphoon
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Kate 'heartbroken' over William's plans for heir George but accepted his 'destiny'
Kate and William reportedly had different ideas about where George should go to school. For many years it was reported that Kate Middleton and Prince William had a debate about which school their eldest son Prince George would attend with William rooting for one of the nation's top boarding schools. In 2023, the couple were spotted scouting Eton College with their young heir, sparking widespread conjecture about whether George will follow the educational trail blazed by his father and uncle, Prince Harry. According to a source, the Princess of Wales was anxious about her son's impending departure for boarding school but concedes it's an essential part of his royal journey. The insider detailed: "Kate long disagreed with her husband about sending him away, even though it's tradition. Kate thinks sending him to such a stuffy, upper-crust institution goes against all of their efforts to modernise the monarchy. "Plus, she'll miss George desperately. She and William argued about it for years, but he has finally won." Prince William himself is an alumnus of the esteemed Berkshire school, attending from 1995 to 2000, during which time he stayed at school throughout the week and spent weekends with his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth, at Windsor Castle. This source asserts that Kate "finally gave in" as George expressed a strong desire "to be just like his father". Attendance at the illustrious boarding school Eton comes with a substantial price tag of £15,432 per term. Entry into the school requires acing a 150-minute examination focusing on verbal and mental reasoning, with candidates typically needing a score of at least 125 to stand a chance. In 2022, the Prince and Princess of Wales moved to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, enrolling all three of their children at the local Lambrook school. An insider revealed that George would have the opportunity to visit his family every weekend at Eton, mirroring his father's visits to his grandparents when they resided at the castle during his studies. The source highlighted that the school is a mere nine-minute drive from the family's cottage, providing him with plenty of time to spend with his parents and siblings. However, the Princess of Wales still has a few years left to savour her eldest son's company before he heads off to boarding school, as pupils at Eton typically begin at the age of 13. Just last week, Prince George was spotted using an adorable nickname for his dad Prince William during the VE commemorations. As a part of these celebrations, thousands gathered on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace to watch the Royal Family and a multi-aircraft flypast overhead. The flypast included aircrafts both from past wars and potentially any future ones with the likes of the Eurofighter Typhoon taking part alongside the famous Red Arrows display time. Lip reader expert Jeremy Freeman said he had been able to work out what George said to William when he nudged him during the ceremony as they stood beside Queen Camilla. Mr Freeman claims that George said to his father: "Papa, what a sound." Prince William is believed to have responded by telling his close family to "wave" to the crowd below.
Arab News
09-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Why Turkiye-UK ties are soaring
The defense cooperation agreement signed last week between Turkiye and the UK marks the latest step in a growing relationship, reflecting how Ankara and London are drawing closer as their strategic interests increasingly align. The Turkiye-UK Defense Industry Cooperation Council Charter was officially signed by the two countries, formalizing and institutionalizing their collaboration in the defense sector. This agreement marks the beginning of a new phase in strategic cooperation between Ankara and London. Citing a 'changing global security environment' and 'common threats,' these two NATO allies highlighted the importance of deepening their ties in the defense sphere. In 2023, the Turkish and British defense ministers signed a statement of intent on defense cooperation, which included plans for joint training exercises and enhanced security collaboration. Another clear sign of the deepening defense ties between the two countries is the negotiations over a potential sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkiye — a deal reportedly valued at nearly $10 billion. When Keir Starmer assumed office as prime minister last summer, there were concerns that Turkiye-UK ties might lose the momentum they had gained over the past decade, particularly with the shift to a Labour government. However, contrary to these concerns, Starmer gets along well with Turkiye's leadership. He was even criticized by the leader of Turkiye's largest opposition party, who accused him of overlooking domestic political issues in Turkiye while focusing on regional security concerns, such as developments in Syria. Since taking office, Starmer has held phone calls with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and met him on the sidelines of international forums, including COP29 in Baku and the NATO Summit in Washington. London has shifted toward a more pragmatic approach, recognizing Turkiye's increasing significance in the Middle East Dr. Sinem Cengiz This signals a shift in London's foreign policy toward a more pragmatic approach, recognizing Turkiye's increasing significance in the Middle East. While there are differing views within the Labour government on Ankara, regional flashpoints such as Syria, Gaza and Ukraine have driven the UK to prioritize cooperation with Turkiye — a crucial NATO ally. The UK has also refrained from publicly commenting on Turkiye's support for Azerbaijan during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, indicating its desire to maintain strong relations with both Ankara and Baku. Although the UK had lobbied for Turkiye's accession to the EU, its own departure from the bloc has significantly reshaped its relationship with Ankara. Brexit has, in many ways, opened a window of opportunity for the UK to strengthen defense and economic ties with Turkiye, including rejuvenating talks on a free trade agreement. Turkiye today views the UK as a valuable partner in several key areas other than defense, including investment, migration policy and trade. A major point of convergence between the two countries is the issue of illegal migration, particularly in light of the UK's stricter immigration policies since Brexit. Some analysts have even suggested that one of the driving factors behind the UK's decision to leave the EU was concerns over Turkiye's potential membership, which could have led to increased refugee flows from conflict zones into Europe. Ultimately, both Turkiye and the UK have had to face similar challenges, including the weakening of the EU, the escalating refugee crisis and the growing threat of Russian aggression. Both countries have opposed Russia's actions in Syria and Ukraine, though Ankara has skillfully navigated its relationship with Moscow, managing to compartmentalize cooperation on certain issues. One example of this is Turkiye's purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system, which concerned the UK, as London prefers Ankara to strengthen ties with NATO allies rather than Russia in the defense sector. Turkiye views the UK as a valuable partner in several areas other than defense, including investment, migration policy and trade Dr. Sinem Cengiz There is also the US factor. NATO has been facing serious challenges due to the shift in America's focus from Europe to the Pacific, Washington's approach to Russia and the weakening military strength of the alliance's members. Therefore, the UK has placed defense cooperation at the core of its deepening relationship with Turkiye. In addition, Turkiye's growing role in the Middle East — a region in which the UK has key strategic interests — is another driver of the strengthening relationship. One of the most pressing issues on which Turkiye and the UK have similar concerns is the ongoing war in Gaza. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently acknowledged for the first time that the UK was working with France and Saudi Arabia on recognizing a Palestinian state ahead of a key UN conference in June. Furthermore, the UK and the Palestinian Authority last month signed a memorandum of understanding on strategic cooperation, which included joint efforts to plan for Gaza's future in alignment with Arab and Palestinian initiatives. To close ranks with the regional powers, British Defense Secretary John Healey last November paid visits to both Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, where discussions centered on regional security and deepening defense cooperation. Strengthening ties with Turkiye and other regional powers, such as Saudi Arabia, presents the UK with an opportunity to exert or maintain its influence in the Middle East. Syria is another area of interest. During a meeting between top Turkish and British diplomats in March, Turkiye and the UK discussed the unconditional removal of sanctions on Syria, focusing particularly on restoring financial flows to the country. Ankara and London appear to be mutual beneficiaries of this closeness, as their national interests outweigh their political differences. For Turkiye, the UK provides the opportunity to cooperate with a NATO ally that is not constrained by the EU's conditions, while for the UK, Turkiye serves as a gateway to both its economic and political interests in the region. • Dr. Sinem Cengiz is a Turkish political analyst who specializes in Turkiye's relations with the Middle East. X: @SinemCngz
Nikkei Asia
09-05-2025
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Japan eyes exports of next-gen fighter to Australia, India
TOKYO -- The Japanese government is considering exporting to Australia a next-generation fighter jet it is jointly developing with the U.K. and Italy, Nikkei has learned, aiming to deepen security relations through the use of common equipment. The new aircraft will succeed the F-2, used by Japan's Air Self-Defense Force, and the Eurofighter Typhoon, used by the U.K. and Italy. Besides Australia, India and Canada are showing interest in the jet.
Powys County Times
07-05-2025
- Powys County Times
F-15 Eagle warplane flies through Mach Loop in Wales
A photographer has shared stunning images showing a US warplane zooming over Mid Wales. David Robertshaw also shot a British Typhoon as it roared through the Mach Loop in Snowdonia last week. He said: "While camping near Dolgellau last week, I witnessed and photographed a breathtaking display of fast jet activity in one of the UK's most iconic flight training areas. "Against the rugged backdrop of Snowdonia, I captured rare close-range images of both the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-15 Eagle, two of the world's most powerful aircraft." The area, which is commonly known as the Mach Loop, is famous among aviation enthusiasts for offering the chance to see aircraft flying low and fast through the Welsh valleys. David added: "In perfect weather conditions, I was in the right place at the right time, and with camera in hand, managed to shoot some of the best images I've ever taken. "One particular highlight is a dramatic close-up of the F-15's engine, showcasing incredible detail and power, the lighting, angle, and proximity all came together in a way I couldn't have planned. It's a rare view of an aircraft that's normally just a blur overhead. "Alongside this image, other photos capture the Typhoon and F-15 carving through the valleys with speed and precision, offering a vivid glimpse into the skill of their pilots and intensity of low-level flight."
Wales Online
07-05-2025
- Wales Online
US warplane seen tearing through sky over Wales
US warplane seen tearing through sky over Wales Photographer David Robertshaw captured the US F-15 Eagle as it flew over Snowdonia in North Wales, alongside a British Typhoon jet as it roared through the valleys A fighter jet over a part of north Wales last week Breathtaking images capture a U.S. warplane soaring over Wales. Photographer David Robertshaw also snapped a British Typhoon as it thundered through Snowdonia last week. He shares: "While camping near Dolgellau last week, I witnessed and photographed a breathtaking display of fast jet activity in one of the UK's most iconic flight training areas. Against the rugged backdrop of Snowdonia, I captured rare close-range images of both the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-15 Eagle, two of the world's most powerful aircraft." The area, popularly known as the Mach Loop, is renowned among aviation enthusiasts for providing opportunities to see aircraft flying low and fast through the Welsh valleys. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . Images captured by a photographer near Dolgellau Article continues below David says: "In perfect weather conditions, I was in the right place at the right time, and with camera in hand, managed to shoot some of the best images I've ever taken. "One particular highlight is a dramatic close-up of the F-15's engine, showcasing incredible detail and power, the lighting, angle, and proximity all came together in a way I couldn't have planned. It's a rare view of an aircraft that's normally just a blur overhead. "Alongside this image, other photos capture the Typhoon and F-15 carving through the valleys with speed and precision, offering a vivid glimpse into the skill of their pilots and intensity of low-level flight." Article continues below
