Latest news with #PaulBeaver
Scottish Sun
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Meet the MOP… the 15-ton mega bunker buster bomb Trump will use to blow up Iran's ‘Mount Doom' nuke site if US joins war
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FEARSOME 15-ton mega bomb could soon be dropped to destroy Iran's most secure underground nuke facility as the US prepares to join the war. Donald Trump is all but poised to join Israel's campaign of bombing Iran as they both seek to obliterate Tehran's nuclear program. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 B-2 Spirit drops a GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bomb Credit: USAF 9 The US Air Force airmen look at a GBU-57 at Whiteman Air Base in Missouri Credit: AP 9 His statements yesterday, along with America's military movements, give us the clearest sign that the US is preparing to get involved in the Middle East. Israel said its airstrikes on Iran will not stop until it destroys the regime's capability of enriching uranium to weapon-grade and making a nuclear weapon. At the heart of its nuclear program is the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, which is encased in steel more than 300 feet beneath solid rock and has so far escaped serious damage. Israel's arsenal lacks huge bunker buster bombs needed to destroy the underground enrichment facility. Only America currently has the fearsome GBU-57 bombs capable of blitzing Fordow. It's a Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bomb that can penetrate deep inside the ground before blowing up. The 15-tonne 20-foot monster bomb then explodes to obliterate enemy targets that are often hidden beneath mountains and massive layers of rocks. Its 30,000lb weight means that its sheer kinetic force enables it to reach deeply buried targets - almost 200ft beneath the surface. It also means only the B-2 strategic bombers currently in the US fleet are capable of dropping them. Multiple strikes would still be needed to reach the fortified underground laboratories of Fordow, packed with centrifuge technology at the heart of Iran's Doomsday programme. DOZENS of US Air Force refuelling jets have swooped into bases across Europe in a major show of force, fuelling fears they could enter the war with Iran Defence Analyst Paul Beaver told The Sun: 'Israel will need literally to move a mountain to hit the plant. 'It's protected by at least 90 metres of solid rock and has so far escaped serious damage. 'Options are to repeatedly bomb it for weeks until a breakthrough is achieved or a frontline is hit." Israel needs the US help to bomb Fordow, which is protected by troops and banks of Russian S-300 anti-aircraft missile batteries. President Trump is understood to have offered the crucial strike option in a conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before Rising Lion was launched. And as Washington prepares to join the war against Iran, a B-2 bomber strike using the GBU-57 is more likely than ever. Bunker buster air strikes have hammered key uranium enrichment and conversion sites in Natanz and Isfahan, atomic energy watchdogs have confirmed. Israeli officials admitted that Operation Rising Lion will not succeed unless the heavily fortified plant is taken out. Will Trump strike Iran? By Sayan Bose, Foreign News Reporter DONALD Trump is all but poised to join Israel's campaign of bombing Iran as they both seek to obliterate Tehran's nuclear program. It comes as Tel Aviv has been carrying out air strikes targeting various nuclear and military facilities in Tehran and other parts of Iran. The goal, as they say, is to thwart the Iranian regime's efforts to produce nuclear weapons. The Trump administration previously said it had no plans to join the conflict. However, winds in Washington began blowing the other way after Trump cut short his G7 visit in Canada and said he needed to focus on the Middle East. And has repeatedly insisted it was not to pursue peace talks with Iran "in any way, shape or form" - a stark shift in his previous policy of striking up a nuclear deal. Don also went on to share a slew of posts on Truth Social suggesting he may be considering strikes against Iran. He wrote: "Our patience is wearing thin," before calling out Tehran for an unconditional surrender. Trump also called for an emergency situation room meeting yesterday with his top Washington aides, though details of those meetings have not yet been revealed. But Trump's statements, coupled with America's military movements, suggest the US forces may soon strike Iran. As Trump rushed back meet his National Security Council, he vowed he was chasing something "better than a ceasefire", which will force Iran into a "complete give up". He refused to specify the endgame, but ominously warned: "You're going to find out over the next two days." A spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry said that a US intervention in the Middle East would be "a recipe for all-out war in the region. 9 Iran's ballistic missiles are seen heading towards Tel Aviv Credit: Getty 9 Iran State Radio and Television (IRIB) building was smoking after a direct Israeli strike Credit: REXNEWS 9 Trump gestures after returning early from the G7 Leaders' Summit in Canada Credit: Reuters Meanwhile, the US military is deploying more fighter aircraft to the Middle East and extending the deployment of other warplanes as the war between Israel and Iran rages. The Pentagon scrambled at least a dozen F-22 and F-35 fighter bombers to reinforce troops in Europe and the Middle East. Experts said the F-22s and F-35s would most likely be used to bolster Israel's air defence amid fears Tel Aviv could run low on its Iron Dome and interceptor missiles - the Arrow and THAAD. At least 30 large air-to-air refuellers swooped across the Atlantic this week followed by at least a dozen F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightning jets. The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier is also steaming towards the Gulf to reinforce the carrier USS Carl Vinson. The hulking $4.5billion nuclear-powered supercarrier, nicknamed Old Salt, is the flagship of the deadly Carrier Strike Group 11. The strike group includes Carrier Air Wing Seventeen and Destroyer Squadron Nine - a potent combination of military hardware that will strike fear into Iran. Dozens of USAF KC-135 Stratotanker refuelers and KC-46 Pegagus tankers swooped into bases in Prestwick, Scotland, Ramstein, Germany, Moron in Spain and Chania in Crete. 9 The KC-135s and KC-46s are designed to refuel fighter jets so they can stay airborne for longer and fly further to hit targets. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he had ordered 'the deployment of additional capabilities' to the Middle East amid spiralling fears of World War Three. But he insisted their role was 'defensive'. Trump has also given a two-day deadline for a "REAL end" to Iran's nuclear programme. The US President has already warned the "full strength and might" of the military would be used if America was attacked. He has also urged Tehran to evacuate "everyone". Israel's ambassador also hinted at something big on the horizon - promising lethal "surprises" on Thursday that would dwarf its operations to date. As Trump rushed back to meet his National Security Council, he vowed he was chasing something "better than a ceasefire", which will force Iran into a "complete give up". He refused to specify the endgame, but ominously warned: "You're going to find out over the next two days." 9 Footage shows one of the four KC-135 Stratotankers landing at Glasgow Prestwick Airport on Monday Credit: YouTube/Daniel Sander
Al Jazeera
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
What are the threats facing Europe?
Under the slogan 'welfare not warfare', protesters have come out in force in London, objecting to the British government's plans to increase military spending while cutting back on social support. Like its European allies in NATO, the United Kingdom is under pressure from the United States to take responsibility for its own security in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But the European public – most of whom are facing a cost-of-living crisis – may well object as much as the British. So can NATO allies build a defence force strong enough to counter any threats from Russia without US support? And how will European leaders address possible public discontent? Presenter: Elizabeth Puranam Guests: Paul Beaver – defence analyst Aaron Gasch Burnett – senior fellow at the Democratic Strategy Initiative, a political think tank Jeremy Corbyn – independent member of the UK Parliament
RNZ News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
US Aviation Council rules Russia responsible for downing of MH17
conflict world 6:18 am today The Kremlin says a ruling from the U.S Aviation Council that Russia was responsible for the downing of Flight MH-17 is biased. UK-based aviation commentator Paul Beaver spoke to producer Kim Baker Wilson.
The Sun
24-04-2025
- General
- The Sun
I tried all the supermarket Pot Noodles – £1 winner looks VERY bland but is tasty, filling and impressive for the price
Thea Jacobs, Feature writer Published: Invalid Date, WE have been warned to stock up on Pot Noodles due to fears Russia could hit our power grid with attacks and cyber threats. Security expert Paul Beaver has called for people to buy in food 'like Pot Noodles ', and make sure they have camping stoves on standby in case the worst happens. But as the price of Pot Noodles doubled last year, is it worth opting to have one of the many dupes in your cupboard instead? Thea Jacobs rates them. Batchelors Super Noodles Chinese Salt & Pepper Chicken Sainsbury's, £1, 75g, 352 cals IT all looks very bland apart from some red flakes, and there's not much broth. But it's actually tasty. There's a little kick of chilli, then the saltiness. This doesn't taste of chicken, more like salt and pepper chips, but there is no chemical after-taste either. It's filling – and I'm impressed for the price. Rating: 5/5 You've been making a pot noodle all wrong and this is why it's lacking flavour Newgate Express Speedy Noodle Chicken and Mushroom Lidl, 69p, 80g, 373 cals I CAN clearly see bits of mushroom and sweetcorn – but the noodles have been cut small, so don't drape off your fork. The sauce has gone quite thick, which makes it feel a bit like sludge and the only real taste is the soy sauce packet I've added. Not filling either. It's certainly cheap – and you can tell. Rating: 1/5 Naked Noodles Teriyaki Flavour Tesco, £1.25, 78g, 290 cals FOR teriyaki, it doesn't smell quite right and the noodles are much thicker and way too soft. I see bits of carrot and red pepper in the dark broth but there's little flavour other than bland breadiness. Not the cheapest and while it has a decent amount of calories, it's not worth the energy to eat it. Rating: 2/5 Just Essentials Chicken and Mushroom Flavour Cup Noodle Asda, 54p, 70g, 328 cals THE sauce is as yellow as the bright packaging. It smells vaguely chicken-like and I can see some sad-looking sweetcorn. Rather bland, but you do feel you are getting a proper meal. That said, the noodles are still a bit crunchy, which isn't ideal. Not bad, but unmemorable. Rating: 2/5 Aldi, 69p, 90g, 417 cals IN classic Aldi style, this looks very similar to a Pot Noodle but seems to have more sweetcorn and proper mushroom chunks. It's not bad, but the flavouring has a slight chemical after-taste. The noodles are cooked well and aren't chopped up. Given the price, I'm impressed. Rating: 4/5 Itsu Chick-n Ramen Rice Noodles Tesco, £1.85, 64g, 217 cals TASTES similar to the ramen I've had at an Itsu restaurant, which I'm not a fan of either. Not a lot of broth, and I can see little pools of oil in it. There are bits of spring onion, but no other veg. There is a faint chicken smell and a hint of chilli but the taste is lacklustre. It's also pricey. I'd leave it on the shelf. Rating: 3/5 Pot Noodle Chicken and Mushroom Sainsbury's, £1.10, 90g, 411 cals MY university-diet staple. It's as quick to make as I remember but smells less appetising than it used to. There's sweetcorn and some flaccid chunks that I hope are mushroom. The noodles are neither too hard or soft and the flavour is improved by adding the soy sauce. But not the best for the price. Rating: 3/5 Bramwells Express Soba Noodles Yakitori Flavour Aldi, £1.19, 90g, 286 cals ONCE mixed and left for a bit, it smells quite good. Then you are hit with a chemical undertone, which ruins it, and oil from the flavouring sitting on top is unappealing. All I can taste is onions. The broth is a mix of water and oil. It's not bad value and is low in calories, but I wouldn't buy this again. Rating: 2/5 Nissin Cup Noodles Instant Ramen Chicken Teriyaki Tesco, £1.80, 70g, 301 cals CLAIMS to be the most popular cup noodle in Japan. I can see bits of carrot, peas and mushroom. It smells a lot like teriyaki but there's not a huge amount of broth, yet bursts into flavour the second you eat it. First sweet, then it melds into a tangy and salty finish. Good, but it is pricey. Rating: 3/5 Kabuto Noodles Chicken Ramen Sainsbury's, £1.65, 65g, 242 cals WHEN made up with boiling water, the broth looks a bit pale – and it doesn't taste great. There is a slight kick to the sauce, but that's all I can get. The noodles feel a bit overcooked and disintegrate in your mouth. I expected more. Lacklustre all round. Don't waste your money.
