Europe • Page 573 of 578 • The Defense Post

Feb- 2018 -

6 February

USS Coronado launches a Harpoon Block 1C missile

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US approves $735 million sale to Finland of Harpoon anti-ship and ESSM air defense missiles

The U.S. State Department approved the $735 million sale of 112 Harpoon anti-ship missiles and 68 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles used to defend ships from aerial attack, the Defense Cooperation Security Agency said.

6 February

Staff Writer With AFP

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Rheinmetall and Sikorsky to collaborate on German heavy lift helicopter bid

Germany's Rheinmetall Group and Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky signed a strategic teaming agreement to offer the CH-53K King Stallion helicopter in the German Air Force heavy lift helicopter competition

2 February

UK Royal Navy amphibious assault ship HMS Albion

Joanne Stocker

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UK Royal Navy assault ship Albion to lead NATO task group

The U.K. Royal Navy amphibious assault ship HMS Albion will lead Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 beginning next week. Albion is set to leave Devonport Naval Base in Plymouth next week and will serve as the SNMG2 flagship, operating in the Mediterranean Sea, the Royal Navy said in a Friday press release. A Royal Marines group will also embark aboard the ship. “It is a huge privilege for us to fly the flag of the NATO task group commander in such a high profile deployment,” HMS Albion commanding officer said. “This symbolises the importance that the UK and the Royal Navy places on our role in NATO and in assuring the collective defence and security of NATO allies and partners.’’ HMS Albion is one of the Royal Navy’s two amphibious assault ships. It recently completed a two-year modernization period followed by training and sea trials. The NATO task group will undertake security operations and conduct multi-national exercises while in the Mediterranean.

2 February