#  @pinstripedline Sir Humphrey Sir Humphrey posts on X about defence, in the, sea, thread the most. They currently have [------] followers and [----] posts still getting attention that total [------] engagements in the last [--] hours. ### Engagements: [------] [#](/creator/twitter::483928153/interactions)  - [--] Week [-------] -15% - [--] Month [---------] -31% - [--] Months [---------] +49% - [--] Year [----------] -30% ### Mentions: [--] [#](/creator/twitter::483928153/posts_active)  - [--] Month [--] -64% - [--] Months [---] +46% - [--] Year [---] +21% ### Followers: [------] [#](/creator/twitter::483928153/followers)  - [--] Week [------] +0.52% - [--] Month [------] +1.70% - [--] Months [------] +8.50% - [--] Year [------] +15% ### CreatorRank: [-------] [#](/creator/twitter::483928153/influencer_rank)  ### Social Influence **Social category influence** [countries](/list/countries) [travel destinations](/list/travel-destinations) [finance](/list/finance) [technology brands](/list/technology-brands) [social networks](/list/social-networks) [fashion brands](/list/fashion-brands) [currencies](/list/currencies) [stocks](/list/stocks) [automotive brands](/list/automotive-brands) [financial services](/list/financial-services) **Social topic influence** [defence](/topic/defence), [in the](/topic/in-the), [sea](/topic/sea), [thread](/topic/thread), [gibraltar](/topic/gibraltar) #106, [secret](/topic/secret) #4091, [the british](/topic/the-british) #78, [germany](/topic/germany), [has been](/topic/has-been), [op](/topic/op) #2496 **Top accounts mentioned or mentioned by** [@navylookout](/creator/undefined) [@tomsharpe134](/creator/undefined) [@markurban01](/creator/undefined) [@shashj](/creator/undefined) [@ukdefjournal](/creator/undefined) [@coldwarpod](/creator/undefined) [@navalhistorian](/creator/undefined) [@fightingsailor](/creator/undefined) [@beaverwestminst](/creator/undefined) [@hmspwls](/creator/undefined) [@iballantyn](/creator/undefined) [@royalnavy](/creator/undefined) [@onthisdayrn](/creator/undefined) [@alessionaval](/creator/undefined) [@markpiesing](/creator/undefined) [@adastraltrader](/creator/undefined) [@hmsqnlz](/creator/undefined) [@geoallison](/creator/undefined) [@tomjmegan](/creator/undefined) [@cdrsalamander](/creator/undefined) ### Top Social Posts Top posts by engagements in the last [--] hours "About to buy ticket to a beer festival at cost of [-----] per ticket (unlimited tasting inside). Discover ticket has a surcharge of [----] 'booking fee' for an e-ticket. Almost 10% mark up for the privilege of an e-ticket. How are these fees not yet illegal Total rip off" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1147202005682794497) 2019-07-05T17:54Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements ""Hello I'd really like you to betray the trust and confidence placed in you by your nation and reveal sensitive protected information to suit my nakedly partisan agenda that will help me stay in paid employment while you put your own at risk. Thanks" Are you civil servant/local govt/NHS involved in contingency planning Are you a dr concerned about what youre seeing Do you have DOCUMENTS What do you know that public doesnt Please DM me or other journalists. We need free & open access to info & for individuals to speak up Are you civil servant/local govt/NHS involved in contingency planning Are" [X Link](https://x.com/anyuser/status/1244571840611311616) 2020-03-30T10:27Z 81.2K followers, [----] engagements "The former HMS BRISTOL is for for sale for scrapping according to the MOD. One minor fact guaranteed to wind up ship spotting types is that under type of vessel the MOD have categorised her as a 'Light Cruiser'. @EngageStrategy1 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-of-the-potential-sale-of-the-former-hms-bristol-for-recycling-only/former-hms-bristol-sales-summary https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-of-the-potential-sale-of-the-former-hms-bristol-for-recycling-only/former-hms-bristol-sales-summary" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1412788773268623362) 2021-07-07T15:01Z 80.6K followers, [--] engagements "First sighting of the New World in nearly [--] years as we cruise over waters where the Red October allegedly arrived. To quote Jack Ryan 'welcome to the new world Captain'" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1520550260078104576) 2022-04-30T23:46Z 79.9K followers, [--] engagements "@GazTheJourno Maybe you should develop a script to read back at them each time this happens" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1529750397220532226) 2022-05-26T09:04Z 78.9K followers, [--] engagements "382 jobs lost 85yrs of history written off and [--] million listeners abandoned to save just 28m - less than 0.5% of BBC licence fee or less than 0.001% of HMG spending. It makes a mockery of 'global Britain' when we need World Service more than ever. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/bbc-arabic-radio-closes-after-eighty-five-years https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/bbc-arabic-radio-closes-after-eighty-five-years" [X Link](https://x.com/anyuser/status/1619116315335364608) 2023-01-27T23:33Z 81.2K followers, 1.3M engagements "Apparently the UK has bases in [--] countries that we don't share with Europe. This includes Mali which we apparently don't share with the French or UN peacekeeping mission that we've supported for years" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1631779421869801472) 2023-03-03T22:11Z 76.6K followers, 41.1K engagements "A new MOD policy announced today will see MOD Civil Servants wear 'Equivalent Rank' tabs and receive salutes from military personnel they outrank. A very positive 'whole force' move although the plan to Court Martial troops who don't salute Civil Servants seems rather harsh" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1642059104007979008) 2023-04-01T06:59Z 78.7K followers, 248.4K engagements "The joy of defence cut logic order [--] cut to [--] pay for [--] The UK must pay for all five MESA radars despite reducing the the order of E-7 Wedgetail aircraft to three. https://t.co/6MdqWJu3y1 The UK must pay for all five MESA radars despite reducing the the order of E-7 Wedgetail aircraft to three. https://t.co/6MdqWJu3y1" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1654832569878208512) 2023-05-06T12:56Z 77.2K followers, 34.8K engagements "An interesting thread which is valuable but fails to ask 'given the utterly gutted husk of the Argentine forces how would they take over in the first place' 1) A fascinating snapshot of the current status of the @RoyalNavy's destroyer & frigate force by @NavyLookout. So amid questions from @CommonsDefence on its ability to "fight tonight" & "could Britain still retake the Falklands" here's a little thought experiment #thread🧵 https://t.co/4go2ehgg7A 1) A fascinating snapshot of the current status of the @RoyalNavy's destroyer & frigate force by @NavyLookout. So amid questions from" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1677075547803754497) 2023-07-06T22:02Z 79.9K followers, 39.4K engagements "What is a 'protean force' and what mind altering drugs were consumed to come up with this piece of writing 🤯🔫 Every time I come back to look at the RN's Maritime Operating Concept I am baffled by how anyone thought that this makes any sense. https://t.co/yNqktR2nga 🤯🔫 Every time I come back to look at the RN's Maritime Operating Concept I am baffled by how anyone thought that this makes any sense. https://t.co/yNqktR2nga" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1719763886801342649) 2023-11-01T17:10Z 76.4K followers, 49.1K engagements "This sort of headline infuriates me. What exactly do they think the FCDO can do here Its a warzone with very limited comms and a dangerous fastmoving situation. We need to stop acting as if we can expect a response based on the idea Palmerston is still the Foreign Secretary" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1719786459387801743) 2023-11-01T18:40Z 79.9K followers, 25.8K engagements "Overall though the RAN vision of growth is in marked contrast to the sense of strategic decline in the RN and this vision marks a future where the student becomes the master although hopefully not in the Darth Vader sense of the quote. /5" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1760029919734812790) 2024-02-20T19:53Z 78.1K followers, [----] engagements "Big Times scoop here- 216Sqn reformed in [----] to trial drones has completed no trials made no recommendations and has just [--] full & part time military personnel. Sharp contrast to other nations experiences and outcomes. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/8251e7bb-4b41-43ca-984d-2ee6742051dbshareToken=cbc367c0353aec5b8d6d5bf7fdfb03b7 https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/8251e7bb-4b41-43ca-984d-2ee6742051dbshareToken=cbc367c0353aec5b8d6d5bf7fdfb03b7" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1765110849016840539) 2024-03-05T20:23Z 79.9K followers, 78K engagements "The CIA World Factbook is a great publication and openly available online. This though is the classified supplement (SECRET) revealing the US analysis of the UK in [----]. Note redacted bits (most likely classification para but one whole para is still too sensitive to publish)" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1813318693763342669) 2024-07-16T21:04Z 76.5K followers, 24.9K engagements "@Tonkafanxv Yet the Honolulu airfield has munitions dumps on it If a major civilian airport can do it why is this an issue I've been to Boise where the ANG fly A10s alongside Civ Air" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1840534702815322248) 2024-09-29T23:30Z 78.6K followers, [----] engagements "Today I learned that the entire 1980s RN minelaying plan for WW3 would have relied on [--] RORO ferries taken up from trade and used to lay minefields with WW2 era mines. More to follow in the next Pinstripedline blog" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1865725742534811751) 2024-12-08T11:50Z 76.8K followers, 28.5K engagements "By contrast the UK has to date ordered only [--] F35 and has yet to receive them all and there is no order in place for more. The result is Australia operates twice the number of F35s that the UK does and is arguably now more credible and capable than the RAF. The last three F-35A ⚡ II aircraft have arrived at RAAF Base Williamtown. 👋🛬 Six years ago the first of our F-35A aircraft arrived with hundreds of people waiting airside to see the new fifth generation aircraft. #AusAirForce has now received all its [--] F-35A aircraft. 1/2 https://t.co/WednA39Ex8 The last three F-35A ⚡ II aircraft have" [X Link](https://x.com/anyuser/status/1869659977994117274) 2024-12-19T08:24Z 81.2K followers, 192.8K engagements "Only @British_Airways could have the sheer arrogance to destroy with no notice one of the best Frequent Flyer schemes out there and expect customers to pay 4-5 times more than before to retain status and claim its about 'recognising loyalty'. Gobsmacking arrogance. @craftymiss The changes we are making are so we can recognise loyalty and change with our customers' evolving travel habits. We understand that there is always a level of uncertainty that comes with change but we do hope that you will find the changes to be beneficial in the long run. Tony @craftymiss The changes we are making are" [X Link](https://x.com/anyuser/status/1873818005811191908) 2024-12-30T19:46Z 81.2K followers, 270.4K engagements "An interesting discovery today. In August [----] the Royal Navy conducted operations near the Falkland Islands as part of Op CORPORATE considered so secret that to this day they remain classified. Submarine ops off the Argentine coast perhaps" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1886047725235458483) 2025-02-02T13:43Z 71.1K followers, 36.6K engagements "I hope this is true. We live in times of unparalleled danger. The symbology and importance of a meaningful rise in defence spending is vital. We must spend what it takes to keep our nation safe against the predators who lurk on the oceans beyond. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is "preparing to overrule Rachel Reeves and raise British defence spending" with an announcement expected in the coming days The Times has reported. The PM reportedly held 1-1 meetings with the service chiefs on Friday. https://t.co/WuJITPB5vc Prime Minister Keir Starmer is "preparing to overrule Rachel Reeves and raise" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1890896919301361749) 2025-02-15T22:52Z 71.3K followers, 37K engagements "In a meeting in March [----] Sir Richard Mottram set out the UK concerns to Richard Hadley from the US about their approach but warned in a memo to Ministers that things looked far from reassuring. There were real concerns about the US approach here that put UK Trident at risk" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1891077775320023204) 2025-02-16T10:50Z 71.2K followers, [----] engagements "I never thought I would live in a world where the US President would call the leader of a nation fighting for its very existence a dictator while cosying up to an actual dictator in Moscow. I fear for where this journey ends and how many will suffer due to this madness" [X Link](https://x.com/anyuser/status/1892261425906643361) 2025-02-19T17:14Z 81.2K followers, 56.5K engagements "Read this horrifying account of the depravity of the Russian regime towards Ukrainian prisoners. This is why standing up for freedom and Ukraine matters - to keep them safe from the barbarism that would follow if defeated. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/women-and-girls/ukrainian-female-pows-tortured-and-paraded-naked-by-russian/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/women-and-girls/ukrainian-female-pows-tortured-and-paraded-naked-by-russian/" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1892554215035207727) 2025-02-20T12:37Z 77K followers, [----] engagements "I really find it a bit hypocritical to see former Senior Officers who played a key role in implementing the cuts that caused our current situation to suggest things are not good. They took decisions on their watch that resulted in our current force structure. We might be able to park a destroyer in the Thames to protect parts of London but nothing more than that General Sir Nick Carter says the UK is massively vulnerable and isnt equipped physically or financially to start protecting ourselves as required #bbcqt https://t.co/XCaOUI5qY1 We might be able to park a destroyer in the Thames to" [X Link](https://x.com/anyuser/status/1892869342565396654) 2025-02-21T09:29Z 81.2K followers, 80.6K engagements "It is stunning to see an article demanding the UK acquire 'tactical nukes'while not knowing the UK has operated Trident in the sub-strategic role for nearly [--] years. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/02/21/how-return-british-tactical-nuclear-weapons-save-europe/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/02/21/how-return-british-tactical-nuclear-weapons-save-europe/" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1893027481080258815) 2025-02-21T19:58Z 71.5K followers, 32.4K engagements "@denkmit I dont do shopping lists What is needed is resilience depth stockpiles and the ability to fight on a sustained basis over time" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1894374102422426022) 2025-02-25T13:09Z 71.5K followers, [---] engagements "The design the RN fell in love with was incredible and probably the most balanced surface ship design of the Cold War. It would have been a superb combination of AAW and ASW capability on paper even if in practise it was hard to do both missions at the same time" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1901001097361166723) 2025-03-15T20:02Z 76.6K followers, [----] engagements "The planners and the requirements team came under heavy pressure to defend their position. This image shows the sort of defence robustly mounted to the Vice Chief Naval Staff explaining why the RN NEEDED the 'Ferrari' not the 'Ford Focus'" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1901001101098275183) 2025-03-15T20:02Z 76.6K followers, [----] engagements "The Danish navy will expand its sea mines to protect critical sea lanes. By contrast the UK has not operated a mine capability for over 30yrs despite it being a vital tool of sea control. Https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/03/danish-navy-procures-sea-mines-to-strengthen-the-defence-of-denmark/ Https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/03/danish-navy-procures-sea-mines-to-strengthen-the-defence-of-denmark/" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1906432274524258795) 2025-03-30T19:44Z 78.7K followers, 12.2K engagements "A really sensible idea. Bring back former soldiers with high standards and operational experience deliver State support and also free up troops for front line - whats not to like https://www.forcesnews.com/services/army/exclusive-army-planning-bring-volunteers-help-ceremonial-duties https://www.forcesnews.com/services/army/exclusive-army-planning-bring-volunteers-help-ceremonial-duties" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1918019350541279627) 2025-05-01T19:07Z 77.2K followers, 11.5K engagements "For context UK defence spending over the next 99years assuming zero budget growth will be over 5.3trillion - this is a relatively speaking tiny sum to secure access on a legal footing" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1925600580459696533) 2025-05-22T17:12Z 78.7K followers, 71.5K engagements "Seen on social media the last two RN Falkland survivors (BRISTOL & ARGUS) meet for a final time. Apt that as BRISTOL leaves for scrap she passes a Royal Navy fleet carrier almost 60yrs after the cancellation of CVA01 rendered her an orphan ship. The end of an era" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1932828852436475986) 2025-06-11T15:54Z 76.8K followers, 18.8K engagements "Its great to see HMS ST ALBANS home again after [--] months - little publicly said about her trip but its clear she's been to cold places doing interesting work. Enjoy your summer leave and BZ Homeward bound After [---] days on Operations over 30K miles steamed with [--] Replenishment at Sea's under our belt we are safely at anchor in Plymouth sound. We are very excited to honour the City of Plymouth tomorrow with an [--] gun salute 🫡 on our way into harbour https://t.co/KNKbSBJKdU Homeward bound After [---] days on Operations over 30K miles steamed with [--] Replenishment at Sea's under our belt we are" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1958918005200449784) 2025-08-22T15:43Z 80K followers, 13.5K engagements "In [----] archive files reveal that the British Army planned to conduct a Squadron level exercise with [--] SAS with then ally Iran - then a CENTO partner. Later in the 1970s the Iranians even looked to purchase modified INVINCIBLE class carriers off the UK" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1960764083130572930) 2025-08-27T17:59Z 76.3K followers, [----] engagements "@rich_scott2 @NavyLookout Thank you I really appreciate that" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1964984239356805394) 2025-09-08T09:28Z 77.6K followers, [--] engagements "@ShipWrektPod @NavyLookout Can you cite any references for that I've read the BLWK report and view was she was unusable without 6months+ work - BLAKE may be have been usable but issue was crew and people. Am keen to find any record of this docking" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1965025224401047579) 2025-09-08T12:11Z 76.3K followers, [--] engagements "in [----] the Royal Navy seriously investigated keeping HMS ARK ROYAL operational well into the 1980s to support NATO after a request by SACLANT to 1SL. Long thread on a story that completely changes what we thought we knew about the end of fixed wing aviation in the Royal Navy" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1965086395036565766) 2025-09-08T16:14Z 79.9K followers, 43.5K engagements "The supply chain would be problematic - a 2.5yr lead time for ordering some parts coupled with life expiry of other kit would make operating her difficult. The system had been run down for some years restarting it so late in her life would be costly and complex" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1965086417056583916) 2025-09-08T16:14Z 76.3K followers, [----] engagements "To find the crew would mean savage cuts to the RN - the [----] sailors were already drafted to new appointments. Finding a new carrier crew would mean paying off BLWK TIGER possibly [--] x COUNTY class and frigates to keep ARK operational" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1965086420604989462) 2025-09-08T16:14Z 76.3K followers, [----] engagements "The full story can be found over at the excellent @NavyLookout website https://www.navylookout.com/running-on-empty-how-the-royal-navy-nearly-kept-hms-ark-royal-into-the-1980s/ https://www.navylookout.com/running-on-empty-how-the-royal-navy-nearly-kept-hms-ark-royal-into-the-1980s/" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1965086614356668681) 2025-09-08T16:15Z 79.9K followers, [----] engagements "The Royal Navy only has one serving 4* Admiral (DSACEUR) When he retires in the next year or so then it seems likely that for the first time in its history there will not be a single 4* Admiral serving in the Royal Navy" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1967515250028404866) 2025-09-15T09:06Z 76.2K followers, 31.5K engagements "Another depressing capability loss - a valuable hull with life left in her lost without replacement. A sad state of affairs. Local media reports ex-HMS Enterprise likely to be sold to Bangladeshi Navy. (Decommissioned in [----] and currently laid up in Portsmouth along with ex-HMS Echo) Photo: Andy Amor. https://t.co/ptDbiHBaKU https://t.co/xdZiiJ2sPb Local media reports ex-HMS Enterprise likely to be sold to Bangladeshi Navy. (Decommissioned in [----] and currently laid up in Portsmouth along with ex-HMS Echo) Photo: Andy Amor. https://t.co/ptDbiHBaKU https://t.co/xdZiiJ2sPb" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1971513250203554202) 2025-09-26T09:52Z 76.7K followers, 25.8K engagements "0ne of the most humbling obits that I have ever read. A man of supreme courage responsible for saving many lives and who lived to [--]. While sat atop an IRA mortar round in the snow he felt it burning so shoved snow down his pants to keep going https://www.thetimes.com/article/a9032556-51eb-4701-977a-45df3adb9c2dshareToken=b11840a949f9008b4b3fcf48f1f8caca https://www.thetimes.com/article/a9032556-51eb-4701-977a-45df3adb9c2dshareToken=b11840a949f9008b4b3fcf48f1f8caca" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1971580455880474912) 2025-09-26T14:19Z 76.5K followers, 14.8K engagements "It seems a uniquely British trait to see world leading capabilities that are designed to be flexible enough to evolve for decades to come and still suggest they are 'obsolete'. https://www.thetimes.com/article/0e6d0182-f6f2-43a1-9389-edd72f973daeshareToken=5c56625d89a217d7ed09d0b675a7f9eb https://www.thetimes.com/article/0e6d0182-f6f2-43a1-9389-edd72f973daeshareToken=5c56625d89a217d7ed09d0b675a7f9eb" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1976339982248800642) 2025-10-09T17:32Z 76.2K followers, [----] engagements "This account of Swedish cold war planning looks incredible and will be published in English next year. Definitely going to be a 'must read' Of note the UK would have housed evacuated monarchs from Sweden and many other nations in WW3. https://www.thetimes.com/article/a3353e0f-129b-44f0-95c0-1831d5f0a148shareToken=cd485a7a2fe34d2a5d829b17456ae964 https://www.thetimes.com/article/a3353e0f-129b-44f0-95c0-1831d5f0a148shareToken=cd485a7a2fe34d2a5d829b17456ae964" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1976939785790120209) 2025-10-11T09:15Z 76.7K followers, 61.7K engagements "Cold War ghosts - the ghostly abandoned 1960s era Air Force radar stations atop Torre the highest point of Portugual at 1993m high" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1977433530943815852) 2025-10-12T17:57Z 80.3K followers, [----] engagements "Interesting return to stockpiling. By contrast the UK scrapped the buffer emergency food supplies intended to feed the estimated [--] million survivors of a niclear attack in [----]. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15197255/Sweden-begin-stockpiling-food-prepares-war-admits-risk-country-completely-cut-Putin.html https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15197255/Sweden-begin-stockpiling-food-prepares-war-admits-risk-country-completely-cut-Putin.html" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1978749403595710881) 2025-10-16T09:06Z 76.3K followers, 23.2K engagements "Good for Marshalls but at a time when the UK has a major shortfall in tactical airlift its a real shame to dispose of so many useful aircraft without replacement just to save a pittance. ✈ Trkiye is set to acquire [--] C-130J Super Hercules from the UK. The aircraft have been delivered to the relevant company for maintenance and modernization. 🤝 The UK remains one of Trkiyes most consistent and strategically important allies in defense cooperation https://t.co/1HcRFjjSDA ✈ Trkiye is set to acquire [--] C-130J Super Hercules from the UK. The aircraft have been delivered to the relevant company" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1978862435281858938) 2025-10-16T16:35Z 76.4K followers, 25K engagements "A very disapointing take by the Telegraph. The IAF and RAF have a long shared history and there have been many other foreign instructors in the UK. Not the scandal it purports to be. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/16/raf-to-use-indian-instructors-amid-pilot-shortage-defence/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/16/raf-to-use-indian-instructors-amid-pilot-shortage-defence/" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1978913941360169376) 2025-10-16T20:00Z 76.2K followers, 10.6K engagements "A fabulous trip to Portugual draws to a close with a visit to the fabled lines of Torres Vedras. We've been blown away by the scenery food history and culture here. Its like being in California but far cheaper and none of the 'tipping culture' insanity" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1979105008378355951) 2025-10-17T08:39Z 76.3K followers, [----] engagements "Genuinely good news and marks a day that increasingly looked less likely to happen. Confirmed - @HMSDaring will return to sea next year. Her ship's company is being built up. Now over [----] days since she last went to sea under her own power. Laid up in [----] due to a lack of manpower. Refit began in [----]. Towed to @CammellLaird for PIP 2021-22. Major refit https://t.co/3zWnpv574c Confirmed - @HMSDaring will return to sea next year. Her ship's company is being built up. Now over [----] days since she last went to sea under her own power. Laid up in [----] due to a lack of manpower. Refit began in" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1979200438449688690) 2025-10-17T14:58Z 76.2K followers, 35.6K engagements "I worry when people advocate "deploying the Royal Navy" to solve a humanitarian issue. What do they want the RN to do that cannot be done already by Border Force But of course @Dominic2306 doesnt explain *how* the Royal Navy is going to stop the fsbds https://t.co/OQB24oYh5D https://t.co/yZdcZ4RXUz But of course @Dominic2306 doesnt explain *how* the Royal Navy is going to stop the fsbds https://t.co/OQB24oYh5D https://t.co/yZdcZ4RXUz" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1979520398866960488) 2025-10-18T12:10Z 76.2K followers, 13K engagements "This is the official 1960s Foreign Office advice to British Embassies about what to do in the event of WW3 if the country they are in is "overrun by the enemy". FO Diplomats were advised to "do their best to avoid falling into enemy hands"" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1979861275086868960) 2025-10-19T10:44Z 76.4K followers, 19.1K engagements "One of the weighty problems that the British Government seriously had to consider during Cold War planning. "Whether payment of pensions should continue if Britain were to suffer a nuclear attack"" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1979980563755757930) 2025-10-19T18:38Z 76.4K followers, 188.4K engagements "220 years ago today a small number of women and 100s of men from [--] different nations served on HMS VICTORY and a wider Royal Navy fleet to defeat tyranny and keep the nation safe. The Royal Navy continues to live up to the traditions values and standards of their forebears. Today we commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar🌹 Under Admiral Lord Nelson the Royal Navy delivered a great and glorious victory a legacy that continues to guide those who serve today. #TrafalgarDay https://t.co/dx4fNkHWU1 Today we commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar🌹 Under Admiral Lord Nelson the Royal Navy delivered a" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1980529265192886385) 2025-10-21T06:59Z 76.2K followers, 32.4K engagements "In late [----] the British Cabinet debated what if any military support the UK would provide to the Netherlands in the event of Indonesia attacking the colony of Dutch New Guinea. Short thread on a forgotten military crisis" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1980737468065255470) 2025-10-21T20:46Z 76.5K followers, 117.4K engagements "After the independence of Indonesia in [----] the Netherlands retained control of Western New Guinea as a colony and began preparing it for independence. In Dec [----] President Sukarno called for the seizure of the colony by military force" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1980737470204403877) 2025-10-21T20:46Z 76.4K followers, [----] engagements "This mattered because in [----] the Indonesians began attacking with a significant surface action fought between the two navies (the battle of the Arafura Sea) which resulted in the sinking of a fast attack craft by gun fire from the EVERTSEN (the former HMS SCOURGE)" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1980737497744183374) 2025-10-21T20:46Z 76.4K followers, [----] engagements "After further fighting on land the Dutch eventually agreed a diplomatic outcome agreeing to the colony joining Indonesian control in [----]. This ended the Dutch colonial presence in the Far East after several centuries" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1980737500915093636) 2025-10-21T20:46Z 76.4K followers, [----] engagements "Today the UK and Netherlands navies enjoy an exceptionally close relationship particularly in the amphibious world with the UK/NL Landing Force representing the heart of UK amphibious capability to this day" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1980737506023751817) 2025-10-21T20:46Z 76.4K followers, [----] engagements "This thread on secret 1960s UK / NL military cooperation in Dutch New Guinea may interest @NavyLookout @OnthisdayRN @BeaverWestminst @ColdWarPod @Strategyforwar1 @navalhistorian @TomSharpe134 @geoallison @MarkUrban01 among others" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1980737509132042512) 2025-10-21T20:46Z 76.4K followers, [----] engagements "In Dec [----] PM Margaret Thatcher and Cabinet colleagues discussed the planned showing of 'The Day After' on British television. Ministers had discussed the Govt response to showing the film and wanted to be given the opportunity to put their case across too" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1981092652058890531) 2025-10-22T20:17Z 76.3K followers, [----] engagements "If true at a time every other NATO member is spending more and rearming at pace the UK is utterly isolated in inflicting massive defence cuts due entirely to Treasury intransigence. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/10/23/revealed-mod-faces-2bn-budget-black-hole-defence-cuts-uk/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/10/23/revealed-mod-faces-2bn-budget-black-hole-defence-cuts-uk/" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1981442218666971457) 2025-10-23T19:26Z 76.4K followers, 21.6K engagements "I am all for loosening hair regulations and allowing beards in the RAF and Army. But a mullet No thats a crime against good taste. Business in the front but perhaps NOT party in the back👀 Last year Canada relaxed rules to allow the Mullet to be worn by personnel and now we wonder if its popularity will spread❓ Read more https://t.co/uGn0tavEWO Business in the front but perhaps NOT party in the back👀 Last year Canada relaxed rules to allow the Mullet to be worn by personnel and now we wonder if its popularity will spread❓ Read more https://t.co/uGn0tavEWO" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1981806634222727342) 2025-10-24T19:34Z 76.3K followers, 16.8K engagements "Today is 'Back To The Future' day - 40yrs since Marty went back in time to [----]. Were the movie released today he'd go back in time to good old 1995" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1982382599239872569) 2025-10-26T09:43Z 76.5K followers, 17.2K engagements "A deeply powerful image and a reminder of the utter barbarity exhibited by PIRA. [--] years ago today on 26th October [----] IRA terrorists murdered RAF Cpl Maheshkumar 'Mick' Islania and his [--] month old baby daughter Nivruti Islania in a shooting at a petrol station in West Germany. No-one was ever charged with their murders. https://t.co/uZ453OkMfG [--] years ago today on 26th October [----] IRA terrorists murdered RAF Cpl Maheshkumar 'Mick' Islania and his [--] month old baby daughter Nivruti Islania in a shooting at a petrol station in West Germany. No-one was ever charged with their murders." [X Link](https://x.com/anyuser/status/1982400150053204035) 2025-10-26T10:53Z 81.2K followers, 81K engagements "This is the USS PALM BEACH sister ship to the USS PUEBLO a spy ship captured by North Korea. In [----] the US Navy sought British permission to base her in the UK to carry out top secret intelligence missions against Russia. A short PSL thread on Cold War spy ships" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1982504490227175670) 2025-10-26T17:47Z 76.5K followers, 18.5K engagements "She was built in [----] as a US Army aircraft repair ship seeing service in WW2. Post war she carried out survey work in the West Indies before being put in reserve in the 1950s. In [----] she was taken over by the US Navy and converted into an intelligence collector" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1982504494505288135) 2025-10-26T17:47Z 76.5K followers, [----] engagements "The BANER class AGI was designed to collect local intelligence off Soviet coastlines particularly High Frequency signals. The BANNER and PUEBLO were used in the Pacific Ocean while PALM BEACH was converted for use in the European theatre" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1982504498485461314) 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [----] engagements "The US Navy wanted to maximise availability of the PALM BEACH so in August [----] approached the British Government asking permission to base her in the UK permanently. The Foreign Office was asked to approve the US Navy conducting covert recce of Aberdeen Holy Loch and Rosyth to find out the best base port for the ship" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1982504503371784378) 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [----] engagements "Holy Loch was seen as possible but concerns about the potential for CND disruption of operations and the Polaris mission may draw unwanted publicity for the ship and her own top secret mission" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1982504519998329315) 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [---] engagements "Rosyth was seen as the most likely base to operate from due to its role as one of the most important naval establishments for the Royal Navy. This was the front runner for the likely future base of PALM BEACH" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1982504523227869669) 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [---] engagements "By December [----] the US wanted Rosyth as the base. The Royal Navy was keen to support this but noted challenges around docking support when nuclear refits were underway. Concerns were also raised about the need for a suitable 'dormant press release' in case the secret was at risk" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1982504533575311612) 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [---] engagements "On [--] Dec the Foreign Office wrote to the US Ambassador in London confirming that HMG was likely to support the request. In a wonderful fit of diplomatic writing there was deliberation on the language of 'agreement' versus 'letter of understanding'. The UK was clear that this was not to be public knowledge - the basing request and its role was to be CONFIDENTIAL" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1982504536984912087) 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [---] engagements "A TOP SECRET ministerial submission was sent to Dennis Healey seeking his approval for the plan. It noted the intelligence collection benefit to the UK and the "small but welcome gain in foreign currency" the ships presence would bring" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1982504543356346540) 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [---] engagements "On [--] Dec the Secretary of State for Defence Dennis Healey approved the plan and the US was advised that they could base the USS PALM BEACH in Rosyth if they wished" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1982504547026346374) 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [---] engagements "Here the trail goes cold. We know that the ship deployed to Europe in early [----] operating in the Med and North Sea and visiting Holy Loch and Belfast. But she returned to the US and didn't stay in commission" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1982504550788665647) 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [---] engagements "The USS LIBERTY incident and capture of the USS PUEBLO in early [----] by North Korea changed US plans for maritime intelligence ships which were quickly withdrawn from use. PALM BEACH was sold off in [----] and had a second career as a Panamanian flagged merchant ship" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1982504556748812406) 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [---] engagements "In [----] she was sunk as a scuba diving wreck in the Cayman Islands where she remains to this day. This YouTube video is a record of a dive on the wreck of a nearly forgotten spy ship. https://www.youtube.com/watchv=sE6JnudLbcM https://www.youtube.com/watchv=sE6JnudLbcM" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1982504560867622987) 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [----] engagements "Her fate was more dignified than her sister ship the USS PUEBLO in North Korea after capture the ship became a North Korean museum ship and to this day is on display to selected guests of the regime. Will she ever return home" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1982504563518353687) 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [----] engagements "An interesting letter re Ireland and defence. I'm drafting an article on the TOP SECRET UK assessment of Ireland as a potential military threat during the Cold War while also knowing it needed mutual cooperation to survive nuclear attack. Ideas for publication channels welcome Freeloading on defence John O'Hagan TCD letters to the editor in todays @IrishTimes 👇 https://t.co/JOzJpuOgt0 Freeloading on defence John O'Hagan TCD letters to the editor in todays @IrishTimes 👇 https://t.co/JOzJpuOgt0" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1983251040591073556) 2025-10-28T19:14Z 76.4K followers, [----] engagements "Jamaica is going through hell right now. Yet there is always one tourist who seems to think that the British Government should fly them home. The role of HMG is not to act as a personal travel concierge to people who choose to go on holiday in the West Indies in Hurricane Season. This sounds harsh but HMG has finite resources as do all Governments and evacuating people able to self evacuate and who should travel with insurance isn't the best use of public money in my book" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1983462685229400308) 2025-10-29T09:15Z 76.5K followers, 22.3K engagements "@melspence2 So risk assess it as an individual and decide whats best for you" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1983495206537203913) 2025-10-29T11:24Z 76.4K followers, [---] engagements "On [--] April [----] the Service Chiefs considered military options for repossession of the Falkland Islands. [--] options were presented "in ascending order of severity". [--] of those options remain classified. What options to win the war could have been considered Thread/" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1983613888945135851) 2025-10-29T19:16Z 76.7K followers, 83.9K engagements "The options were put together after the recapture of South Georgia identifying the advantages and disadvantages of each move which could have been carried out in parallel to each other. They were intended to use the full range of UK military capability. /" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1983613893235896668) 2025-10-29T19:16Z 76.5K followers, [----] engagements "Its impossible to know for certain what those classified options were - potentially further escalation on the mainland intelligence or more widespread warfare against Argentina. There is a question about how if you're listing options in increased order of severity what else could be on the list" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1983613917273493797) 2025-10-29T19:16Z 76.5K followers, [----] engagements "We know that some of the contents of the wider file were closed for different reasons. Two enclosures covered UK engagement with Chilean intelligence and passing information to them - which was critical to UK success" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1983613923120312639) 2025-10-29T19:16Z 76.6K followers, [----] engagements "We also know in the same time frame that the Service Chiefs got the RAF to produce a paper on the use of Canberra PR9 tasking - presumably linked to the wider deployment of Canberra to Chile" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1983613926291206412) 2025-10-29T19:16Z 76.7K followers, [----] engagements "On [--] April [----] military options in increasing severity were discussed in conditions of greatest secrecy by the Service Chiefs. Three of the options discussed are so sensitive that they will remain closed until at least [----]. What were the classified military options" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1983613934465916943) 2025-10-29T19:16Z 76.4K followers, [----] engagements "This thread on [----] MOD planning to bomb Argentina with Vulcans and the still secret plans from the Falklands War may interest @UKDefJournal @NavyLookout @MarianoSciaroni @RDPHistory @tomjmegan @navalhistorian @alessionaval @stuartroxy @c21st_sailor @RowlandWhite @MarkUrban01" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1983613936969904609) 2025-10-29T19:16Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements "The [----] front line basing strength of RAF Strike Command - a lot has changed in barely [--] years" [X Link](https://x.com/anyuser/status/1983892168344531025) 2025-10-30T13:42Z 81.2K followers, 51.5K engagements "In [----] the Cabinet Office reviewed plans about "the possibility of restarting television transmissions after a nuclear attack' - because what a population recovering from nuclear war really needed was to see 'Mrs Browns Boys'" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1983908378448740664) 2025-10-30T14:46Z 76.4K followers, [----] engagements "Potentially significant visit for Canadian sub prospects. It is likely South Korea could deliver on time and meet Canadian needs as the now ancient Type 2400s desperately need replacing. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-submarines-carney-south-korea-9.6959659 https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-submarines-carney-south-korea-9.6959659" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1983922758133113059) 2025-10-30T15:43Z 76.5K followers, 10.8K engagements "A great picture but if in a real conflict an F35 finds itself in a gunfight with an older fighter a very very very long list of things have gone wrong to make that happen. An F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to VFA-195 Dambusters scores a simulated gun kill on an F-35B Lightning II attached to HMS Prince of Wales during dissimilar air combat training over the Pacific. 📷CDR Justin Reddick USN https://t.co/tZt4j43TnS An F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to VFA-195 Dambusters scores a simulated gun kill on an F-35B Lightning II attached to HMS Prince of Wales during dissimilar air combat training over" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1983926247466885352) 2025-10-30T15:57Z 76.5K followers, 33.8K engagements "The British Council a world renowned 'soft power' organisation faces financial collapse in order to repay an HMG covid loan. This would have serious implications for 'soft power' at a time when many other nations are expanding their global presence" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1983958822692794853) 2025-10-30T18:06Z 76.4K followers, [----] engagements "A sneak peak of a forthcoming thread - the secret [----] plans by the Royal Navy to permanently convert ARK ROYAL into an LPH and lose her fixed wing jet capability" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1984254276882088118) 2025-10-31T13:40Z 76.5K followers, 15.4K engagements "No decision on variants has been taken - but costing done on A variant this doesnt mean it will happen. Also the emergence of uncrewed alternatives and the reality that only one carrier will be fully deployable means [--] is more than enough for our maritime needs. New MoD evidence provided to the PAC shows "the assumption" is now to cap F-35B buys at a total of [--]. All UK F-35 purchases after [----] will likely be the A variant - as the RAF has long lobbied for. https://t.co/QCEGDPlawf H/T @Gabriel64869839 https://t.co/dkFsusLxbj New MoD evidence provided to the PAC shows "the assumption" is now" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1984309301117157486) 2025-10-31T17:19Z 76.4K followers, 11.9K engagements "@ConciseColin Phew - you're not a commie imposter and in fact have Ultraviolet clearance :-) Never tried Judge Dredd RPG but loved the Warlord 28mm game version for the setting" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1984743000686416220) 2025-11-01T22:03Z 76.5K followers, [--] engagements "Is the RN poised to sell off T31s as they commission Question raised in latest Navy Lookout article. Latest analysis article: The Royal Navys frigate gap how deep and how long will it last https://t.co/sGWQQVuLOo https://t.co/dqyL0uMUM2 Latest analysis article: The Royal Navys frigate gap how deep and how long will it last https://t.co/sGWQQVuLOo https://t.co/dqyL0uMUM2" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1985268454145085764) 2025-11-03T08:50Z 76.5K followers, 29.8K engagements "The April [----] list of Royal Navy Falklands related urgent requirements for support from the USA. It included intelligence on surface and submarine movements CIWS for HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and [--] limpet mines for the SBS as "the current mine is obsolete"" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1985431348270571696) 2025-11-03T19:38Z 76.5K followers, [----] engagements "Also of note was the request for 76mm guns to be fitted to the CASTLE class OPVs (which had a gun bay for this purpose) and RAS support for both the RN and also assistance getting fuel to former RFA TIDEPOOL in Panama. /" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1985431350673842347) 2025-11-03T19:38Z 76.5K followers, [----] engagements "Lady A was crossing on 'green man' at busy traffic lights tonight. A cyclist accelerated towards her. She said "its green for pedestrians can you please wait" He screamed back "FUCK OFF" and jumped the lights. May he have the day he deserves" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1985449283366310239) 2025-11-03T20:49Z 76.5K followers, 12.1K engagements "I find this 'poppy outrage' tedious. Its a personal choice on whether to wear one or not. That is at the heart of the freedoms we enjoy as a result of others sacrifices. Publicly policing others private choices is tiresome and undermines the whole point of Remembrance" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1985762202108788824) 2025-11-04T17:32Z 76.5K followers, 21.6K engagements "Tom knocks it out the park again A great article on a very violent naval war fought in the background. Also if this isn't GSM worthy then what is Thoughts on @hmsdiamond being recognised byNavSec John Phelan for contributions to Op Prosperity Guardian ✅Mil to mil excellence ✅Win the battle (if not the war) ✅Clasp for GSM next ❌Obligatory moan about T83 being late🙄 ➡BZ HMS💎 (and the FFs) https://t.co/XVeexPIXf3 Thoughts on @hmsdiamond being recognised byNavSec John Phelan for contributions to Op Prosperity Guardian ✅Mil to mil excellence ✅Win the battle (if not the war) ✅Clasp for GSM next" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1986187628366962867) 2025-11-05T21:43Z 76.5K followers, 13.5K engagements "A Royal Navy aircraft carrier is at sea embarking the biggest contingent of UK jets in almost [--] years. Hopefully the "carriers without planes" types will now finally go and find something else to moan about Jets jets and more jets. ⚡ The largest number of UK F-35B Lightning jets ever assembled on either of the #RoyalNavys new aircraft carriers has been deployed to the Mediterranean for a major allied exercise with @HMSPWLS. #CSG25 Read more: https://t.co/ubeGf3t2Pb https://t.co/xLaFPTMn7d Jets jets and more jets. ⚡ The largest number of UK F-35B Lightning jets ever assembled on either of the" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1986503090934038813) 2025-11-06T18:36Z 76.6K followers, 48.4K engagements "A weekend away in Hamburg - this is the best maritime museum that I have ever been to" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1987217311695069419) 2025-11-08T17:55Z 76.6K followers, 19.1K engagements "This is the Argentine Navy aircraft carrier [--] De Mayo. On [--] April [----] during the early stages of the Falklands War the MOD met to discuss a paper setting out the 'rules of engagement' under which the Royal Navy would be authorised to sink her. Thread/" [X Link](https://x.com/anyuser/status/1988000017001455772) 2025-11-10T21:45Z 81.2K followers, 184.1K engagements "This thread on MOD planning in April [----] on how sink the carrier [--] De Mayo may interest @MarkUrban01 @MarkPiesing @SSN14CO @BeaverWestminst @NavyLookout @geoallison @wavellroom @IBallantyn @AC_NavalHistory @CovertShores @ColdWarPod @cdrsalamander @TomSharpe134 @alessionaval @navalhistorian @OnthisdayRN @fightingsailor @adastral_trader @tomjmegan @nicholadrummond" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1988000066590617857) 2025-11-10T21:45Z 76.6K followers, 16.8K engagements "A fantastic [----] video about life at RAF Cranwell and basic training - from 'individual tutors' dressed for Oxford to the WW2 era battledress this really is a reminder of a long forgotten world. https://www.youtube.com/watchv=67L0jckhGFo https://www.youtube.com/watchv=67L0jckhGFo" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1989453689174856056) 2025-11-14T22:01Z 76.8K followers, 29.3K engagements "As friends have put it orders of "Peeking Duck" and 'Special Spied Rice' all round Anymore puns https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15292589/Chinese-restaurants-sensitive-military-bases.html https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15292589/Chinese-restaurants-sensitive-military-bases.html" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1989650212424749146) 2025-11-15T11:02Z 80.6K followers, 46.2K engagements "Incredible onboard camera footage of what happens when a torpedo hits a decommissioned Norwegian frigate. Submarine Saturday - in association with Torpedo Tuesday 💥 Recently during exercise gir [--] submarine KNM Uthaug fired one of its torpedoes at the decommissioned frigate KNM Trondheim with the aim of sinking the vessel. The purpose of the shot was to verify and https://t.co/HUtk62mkgA Submarine Saturday - in association with Torpedo Tuesday 💥 Recently during exercise gir [--] submarine KNM Uthaug fired one of its torpedoes at the decommissioned frigate KNM Trondheim with the aim of sinking" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1989827025981595665) 2025-11-15T22:45Z 76.7K followers, 51.1K engagements "A Government map showing graphically the days in a week after a significant nuclear attack on the UK where fallout would exceed [----] rotogens per hour - sufficient for a dose to kill someone within hours. Post attack millions of survivors would die within the first week" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1990143065831407906) 2025-11-16T19:40Z 76.7K followers, 58.1K engagements "This is HMS ARK ROYAL in [----]. In [----] the Royal Navy made serious plans to permanently convert her to an LPH in place of ordering HMS OCEAN. Thread on the 'LPH that never was'" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1990903808503804048) 2025-11-18T22:03Z 76.7K followers, 45.6K engagements "Throughout the 1980s the RN wanted to buy two Aviation Support Ships (ASS) to replace HMS HERMES and BULWARK to support the Royal Marines if they moved to Norway during wartime. These ships would have supported the [--] INVINCIBLE class and the [--] LPDs" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1990903816930099436) 2025-11-18T22:03Z 76.7K followers, [----] engagements "These plans were delayed by the end of the Cold War but the RN still badly wanted to have an LPH with large flight deck capable of moving troops and equipment to support global power projection. The problem was that there was no money in the budget for these ships" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1990903819899719888) 2025-11-18T22:03Z 76.8K followers, [----] engagements "In [----] the RN looked into whether if the LPH role could be filled by a CVS converted while the other [--] carriers operated in the strike carrier role if the LPH was cancelled. The memo noted "the intended victim of the fall back plan. will be ARK ROYAL"" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1990903830750412959) 2025-11-18T22:03Z 76.8K followers, [----] engagements "4 LCVP would be fitted -a complex task necessitating significant internal rebuilding to accommodate machinery and support as well as relocating weapon mounts and reducing the CIWS field of fire - all of which was suboptimal" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1990903879572070489) 2025-11-18T22:04Z 79.9K followers, [----] engagements "From an aviation perspective the plan called for Merlin helicopters to land on the skijump with the report suggesting "if impossible to land an EH101 on a sloping ramp it may be necessary to remove the ski ramp". This got a firm 'NO' due to the need to preserve CVS capability. https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1990903889105989650 https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1990903889105989650" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1990903889105989650) 2025-11-18T22:04Z 79.9K followers, [----] engagements "The flight deck would be extended in the manner of HMS OCEAN to allow for parking on deck and Sea Dart removed. This would permit parking for [--] helicopters on deck as well as [--] landing spots. The crane from HMS CHALLENGER would also be fitted to the ship too" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1990903892800929910) 2025-11-18T22:04Z 76.7K followers, [----] engagements "A major challenge would be accommodation - ARK had [----] accom spaces but as an LPH would have [----] embarked. Major changes would be needed to reduce crew and accom. Of note there was concern that "there would be little or no segregation between officers and ratings - an arrangement that would only be considered practical for a very short time"" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1990903895829172661) 2025-11-18T22:04Z 76.7K followers, [----] engagements "The sheer scale of work required was huge and would take her out of service for some years while also posing a longer term challenge for fixed wing carriers (initial CVF work was by then underway) as once INVINCIBLE left service only LUSTY would have SHAR capability" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1990903906420076901) 2025-11-18T22:04Z 76.7K followers, [----] engagements "The RN assessment was mixed - there were benefits (e.g. using her C2 network was seen as reducing cost of LPD costs as they wouldnt need it). There were numerous challenges with crew particularly finding SQEP and balancing male/female accom" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1990903910941274485) 2025-11-18T22:04Z 76.7K followers, [----] engagements "This tale serves as a good reminder of the complex challenges of warship design refit and resourcing. It is rarely easy to 'bolt on' new kit or systems despite what Fantasy Fleet Admirals believe. Rather it is a mix of trade offs and risk - and rarely results in a good outcome" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1990903921246691361) 2025-11-18T22:04Z 76.8K followers, [----] engagements "The threat of Russian 'invasion' has not been militarily credible since 1950s. Worst case was always Spetznatz raids pre nuclear strike. Decades of publicly available paperwork on the Russian threat make this clear" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1991048724596842830) 2025-11-19T07:39Z 76.8K followers, 31.5K engagements "One of the interesting realities here is how mundane espionage really is - no car chases or explosions just poorly worded emails and a quiet descent into illegal activity. MI5 has taken the unusual step of sending MPs and peers this cut-out and keep guide to how to avoid being targeted by Chinese spies It says that the Chinese Ministry of State Security is offering 'large financial incentives for seemingly low-level information' just to build https://t.co/Pvqlq14D5z MI5 has taken the unusual step of sending MPs and peers this cut-out and keep guide to how to avoid being targeted by Chinese" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1991053391578136925) 2025-11-19T07:58Z 76.7K followers, 15.5K engagements "A quiet Sunday is perfect opportunity to make my homemade plum and blackberry crumble 😃" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1992682845102371250) 2025-11-23T19:53Z 77K followers, [----] engagements "Bluntly powerful honesty from 1SL - a strong case can be made that the closed promotion system rewards those who are left through emulating bad behaviours - what damage has this done in terms of lost talent that gave up https://www.forcesnews.com/services/navy/changing-culture-royal-navy-vulnerable-promoting-toxic-leaders-says-first-sea-lord https://www.forcesnews.com/services/navy/changing-culture-royal-navy-vulnerable-promoting-toxic-leaders-says-first-sea-lord" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1993044674366652506) 2025-11-24T19:50Z 77K followers, 44.4K engagements "I am trying to find words to describe how much I hate the inane nonsense of 'black friday' in the UK. I hope those who foisted this travesty on us spend the rest of eternity forced to watch and listen nothing but adverts they have inflicted on us all" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1993953845773521027) 2025-11-27T08:03Z 77K followers, [----] engagements "Is there a better sight than a Royal Navy strike carrier departing 'the Rock' Thank you Gibraltar #CSG25 #OpHighmast https://t.co/yKgRca7e0j Thank you Gibraltar #CSG25 #OpHighmast https://t.co/yKgRca7e0j" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1994170634641850425) 2025-11-27T22:25Z 77.1K followers, 47.4K engagements "This week the 1st Sea Lord raised difficult questions about toxic leadership in the Royal Navy. I agree with him - for too long poor RN personnel have been promoted due to a broken system that too often rewards the wrong people for the wrong reasons. Quick thread" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1994485771383050693) 2025-11-28T19:17Z 77.1K followers, 71K engagements "Fascinating CAS daily briefing notes on the work of the Nimrod fleet during the Falklands war from snooping on Soviet AGI spy trawlers to being armed with Sidewinder missiles to shoot down Argentine aircraft - was there anything the 'Mighty Hunter' couldn't do" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1994488462410731637) 2025-11-28T19:27Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements "Another day out at archives has revealed more forgotten mysteries. In thos case the [----] CDI memo to Ministers about [--] highly covert USAF C130 flights into Tel Aviv and beyond which had no satisfactory explanation" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1994707321566765399) 2025-11-29T09:57Z 77.1K followers, 13.1K engagements "A little sneak peak of an upcoming PSL thread involving cold war naval espionage" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1994711504612933819) 2025-11-29T10:14Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements "A briefing for Ministers of the size of the British Army in Germany in [----] - [--] Regt/Bns with [---] tanks [--] self propelled guns [---] APCs plus [--] helicopters and [-----] soldiers" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1994763305085440146) 2025-11-29T13:40Z 77.1K followers, 21.2K engagements "Strong entry here to win the prize for 'most surreal MOD Ministerial correspondence letter ever'" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1994783096919789877) 2025-11-29T14:58Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements "Do you know the difference between a "special operation" a "sensitive operation" a "clandestine operation" and a "deniable operation" Pinstripedline thread on 1970s SAS MI6 and GCHQ operations and how the Govt tried to conceal their existence from official records" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1994852754854969630) 2025-11-29T19:35Z 77.2K followers, 81.6K engagements "In [----] Cabinet Secretary Sir Burke Trend was alarmed to see reports of deniable operations involving the SAS in Oman in wider public documents. He sent a formal admonishment to the head of the FCO and to the MOD over concerns about poor information security" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1994852757761839120) 2025-11-29T19:35Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements "Sir Dennis the FCO PUS wrote back agreeing noting that "deniable operations should never as a matter of principle be referred to in documents." He felt two rules applied to these operations - no formal records in the archives and no automatic distribution across Depts" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1994852761054417200) 2025-11-29T19:35Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements "MOD reminded staff on the "need to restrict circulation of minutes or papers containing references to operations which are especially sensitive in political terms". This included ops "across the border" or "other circumstances in which HMG would wish to conceal their involvement from other governments as well as to avoid public disclosure"" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1994852765299085480) 2025-11-29T19:35Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements "The MOD was reminded that when conducting "special operations (ie those which are conducted in conjunction with Century House (MI6). are subject to special handling procedures" There was real concern that these could leak by mistake by being included on routine dist lists" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1994852768801292778) 2025-11-29T19:35Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements "The MOD reviewed its policies for handling this material and identified that there were [--] categories of clandestine operations that needed review to see how the information was handled and in turn what needed to be protected and why to ensure the two central FCO rules were met" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1994852779333165320) 2025-11-29T19:35Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements "Special Operations "applies to operations undertaken by Century House (MI6) over which FCO exercises political control". Of note the MOD only had a single person with links into MI6 to support their operations and PUS didn't have one single POC within MI6" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1994852783183597960) 2025-11-29T19:35Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements "There were other operations - it was noted that "Ministers on occasion authorise operations by service personnel which do not involve the agencies. but which may involve operating in sensitive areas. where HMG would not wish it be known that British Serviceman had operated"" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1994852794743099892) 2025-11-29T19:35Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements "The paper gave some examples including the cross border raids into Indonesia in the 1960s and a (to the author) previously unknown operation to allow the Governor of Aden to retaliate and mine in the Yemen. To this day (52 years later) the 4th remains classified" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1994852798111125978) 2025-11-29T19:35Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements "A great archives day - from reading about previously unknown SAS and SBS 1980s operations to uncovering tales of RN RAF and USAF intelligence operations against Russia to the ROE for war against an unexpected foe in the 1980s my 'to do list' is bulging at the seams" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1994853748649463856) 2025-11-29T19:39Z 77.2K followers, 19.7K engagements "In [----] John Lehman formally advised UK Defence Ministers that the US Navy was considering permanently homeporting a major US Navy warship potentially an IOWA class battleship and wider battlegroup in the UK. The incredible image below so nearly became routine business again" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995133398742868475) 2025-11-30T14:10Z 77.1K followers, 46.4K engagements "Random question - the British Army website no longer lists the Suffield Training area as a deployment. Has the UK withdrawn and closed down operations in Canada and the BATUS training estate" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995254590606922119) 2025-11-30T22:12Z 77.1K followers, 17.7K engagements "HMS EXETER in high seas. The next PSL Blog will include among other things an account of how she was authorised to use Sea Dart missiles to provide air defence of Gibraltar during a major international crisis during the Cold War" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995581502051287524) 2025-12-01T19:51Z 77.2K followers, 21.3K engagements "In [----] the UK expected Col Gadhafi to launch air raids on Cyprus and Gibraltar. MOD deployed fighter jets Rapier and Type [--] destroyers with ROE permitting lethal force on Libyan jets and merchant ships. This is the untold story of OP TOUCAN & CLOVER https://tinyurl.com/4bn79ey5 https://tinyurl.com/4bn79ey5" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995940984048546175) 2025-12-02T19:39Z 77.2K followers, 22.9K engagements "In [----] the MOD mounted OP CLOVER & TOUCAN - a rapid reinforcement of Gibraltar & Cyprus to provide air defence against Libyan air strikes. Long PSL thread on air defence protection of BRITANNIA and why the FCO worried about Spanish jets being shot down by mistake" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986247378927944) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, 18.9K engagements "On [--] Apr [----] the USA conducted airstrikes on Libya attacking the Gadhafi regime. The UK was concerned that Libya would target UK bases which had links to US operations including Gib & Cyprus as revenge" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986250184929428) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.1K followers, [---] engagements "Defence Intelligence assessed the Libyans could launch strikes with TU22 BLINDER Mig [--] FOXBAT and Mirage V jets dropping iron bombs or potentially stand off missiles" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986252747690073) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.1K followers, [---] engagements "The Libyans didn't have good capability - with pilots refusing to fly jets maintained by their own ground crew and often getting lost on operations. At best [--] jets could conduct airstrikes" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986256052810015) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements "The biggest risk was to RAF Akrotiri and the airfield at RAF Gibraltar. The threat was seen as very unlikely but still possible by intelligence analysts" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986259072671864) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements "How to defend against this On Apr [--] the MOD activated contingency plans immediately deploying [--] Rapier batteries to Cyprus and a further eight to Gibraltar to provide local air defence. This was a highly potent anti-aircraft missile" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986261698363460) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements "In the air [--] Phantoms were on deployment to Akrotiri - two were put on QRA ready to launch while the others were dispersed. An RAF Shackleton AEW aircraft was also sent to provide early warning of incoming Libyan air raids" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986264596562390) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements "The decision was also taken by Ministers on the 16th to deploy four more Phantoms to Gibraltar to provide urgent air defence for 'The Rock' which had no permanent fighter presence" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986267461284326) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements "Gibraltar did benefit from having a naval base and the Type [--] HMS EXETER was alongside. She was brought to an hours notice for sea and was to be used to provide area air defence with her Sea Dart missiles that she had used to great effect in the Falklands War" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986270590251374) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.1K followers, [---] engagements "This would provide short term response capability but the RN would be able to surge within 48hrs two "42/22 Combo" that would provide short and medium range air defence with Sea Dart and Sea Wolf missiles to tackle incoming jets" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986273618587761) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.1K followers, [---] engagements "The MOD thought about asking Spain to use their Nike/Hercules missile batteries to jointly defend Gibraltarian airspace. This would have been a major policy shift and would have been unlikely from policy perspective. Admiral Woodward (of [----] fame) advised Ministers accordingly" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986276718100542) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements "The ROE in place permitted any British units to use force if Libyan bombers demonstrated hostile acts (e.g. opening bomb bay doors while on a direct track for Gibraltar / Cyprus). The ROE below state the circumstances where the Libyan air force could be shot down by the UK" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986279557640323) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements "One issue was Spain. The Foreign Secretary warned of the risk of shooting down Spanish aircraft by accident ahead of the first Spanish Royal Visit to the UK since [----] the following week. The FCO wanted working engagement but not to give ground on giving the Spanish the perception the UK sought their agreement for the defence of Gibraltar - a delicate policy balance to strike" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986285471703394) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.1K followers, [---] engagements "The ROE were approved at the very highest levels of Government ensuring that if the threat emerged the British Armed Forces would be able to adequately defend British sovereign territory" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986288365719554) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.1K followers, [---] engagements "Within 48hrs the reinforcements were in place and routine operations got underway. One specific concern was the risk of Libyan merchant ships laying mines or launching commando raids ashore - prompting a change in ROE to allow HMS EXETER to intervene" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986291440193869) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.1K followers, [---] engagements "The last major incident ocurred in mid April when HMY BRITANNIA returning from a Suez transit and Yemen evacuation was in the Med. To protect her the RAF flew Phantom sorties then several RN escort ships escorted her ready to shoot down Libyan bombers" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986294501990846) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements "By the end of April the crisis had passed and the deployment was risking other commitments in Belize the Falklands and UK. The Prime Minister approved the return home enabling the closing down of OP TOUCAN and CLOVER" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986297224122375) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements "The operation quietly withdrew but it had demonstrated the ability to put aircraft SAMS and warships at pace into the Med to defend British airspace. It was a significant success although sadly Libya's response was to rely on terrorism instead to target British interests" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986300382412906) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.1K followers, [---] engagements "The full blog about OP TOUCAN & CLOVER can be found at: https://thinpinstripedline.blogspot.com/2025/12/op-toucan-clover-how-uk-prepared-for.html https://thinpinstripedline.blogspot.com/2025/12/op-toucan-clover-how-uk-prepared-for.html" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986303356178795) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [----] engagements "This thread on OP TOUCAN & CLOVER and how UK prepared to defend Gib & Cyprus against Libyan air strikes in [----] with Phantoms and Type 42s may interest: @navalhistorian @alessionaval @AC_NavalHistory @stuartroxy @Aviation_Intel @ColdWarPod @tomjmegan @BeaverWestminst @edwardstrngr @fightingsailor @IBallantyn @NavyLookout @shashj @UKDefJournal @SSN14CO @CorbettAndy @Franksquarerig @nicholadrummond @OnthisdayRN @TomSharpe134 @MarianoSciaroni @adastral_trader @cdrsalamander among others" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1995986305751150944) 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [----] engagements "A fantastic archive film of HMS ARK ROYAL and USS INDEPENDENCE operating together in the Med and cross decking Phantoms - really unusual film footage and a great throwback to 1970s naval aviation. https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1060020610 https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1060020610" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1996297135688425482) 2025-12-03T19:15Z 77.2K followers, [----] engagements "Fantastic news and three superb names for this critical next generation vessel. Hard to emphasise just how central FSS is to the future of the Royal Navy and its ability to deliver on ever more complex missions. BREAKING: Steel cut for RFA Resurgent the first Fleet Solid Support ship https://t.co/meZuXCW4FF https://t.co/YjAATPn4kT BREAKING: Steel cut for RFA Resurgent the first Fleet Solid Support ship https://t.co/meZuXCW4FF https://t.co/YjAATPn4kT" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1996344999651451131) 2025-12-03T22:25Z 77.1K followers, 18.7K engagements "This is hands down the most superb RN Christmas video I have ever seen. It speaks to the sacrifices sailors have made at sea and the risks they face daily far from home and loved ones to keep us all safe. Watch now - Silent Night: On the Frontline. A Christmas advert by the Royal Navy. #Christmas2025 https://t.co/scBhmpy0PT Watch now - Silent Night: On the Frontline. A Christmas advert by the Royal Navy. #Christmas2025 https://t.co/scBhmpy0PT" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1996353698143047815) 2025-12-03T22:59Z 77.2K followers, 71.5K engagements "In [----] the Dept for Education and Science wrote to the Home Office looking for sites to store priceless artworks in wartime. HO asked the MOD who responded rather bluntly which in turn formed the basis of a softer letter back by HO. A Whitehall correspondence classic" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1997074578980352506) 2025-12-05T22:44Z 77.1K followers, 18.1K engagements "Down to [--] in short term with on paper no less than [--] replacements on order or under construction right now and due to enter service over next [--] years. The Royal Navy is down to [--] frigates left in service. HMS Lancaster decommissioned in Bahrain yesterday. (Believe last time this took place overseas was when HMS Peacock Plover & Starling - decommissioned together in Hong Kong before hand over to Philippine Navy Aug 1997.) https://t.co/TUPMEM3n34 The Royal Navy is down to [--] frigates left in service. HMS Lancaster decommissioned in Bahrain yesterday. (Believe last time this took place overseas" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1997791452391497894) 2025-12-07T22:12Z 77.2K followers, 37.1K engagements "An awful loss reflecting the reality that UK service personnel are giving everything to help Ukraine in their fight against the evil of the Putin regime. Thoughts with family at this dreadful news. A statement from the Ministry of Defence. https://t.co/ChouhKNZSl A statement from the Ministry of Defence. https://t.co/ChouhKNZSl" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1998447760157393407) 2025-12-09T17:40Z 77.2K followers, 31.7K engagements "Very important news - this is more than just a reorg but a fundamental change to how the MOD handles the increasing risk of espionage sabotage and threats towards the UK and critical defence assets. Threats to the UK are escalating adversaries intensify their cyber-attacks disrupt satellites threaten global shipping lanes & spread disinformation. To tackle this we announced the launch of the Military Intelligence Services (MIS) & Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit (DCIU). https://t.co/7riU2kCDKh Threats to the UK are escalating adversaries intensify their cyber-attacks disrupt satellites" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1999431888889680097) 2025-12-12T10:51Z 77.2K followers, 19.1K engagements "Lego storage has been upgraded plenty of space for Rivendell and the Knights Castle though" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1999527649618559230) 2025-12-12T17:11Z 77.2K followers, [----] engagements "In [----] the Cabinet Secretary asked the Prime Minister if "Ministers think that the time has come when planning for the accommodation of the Sovereign and Parliament in a nuclear war should begin"" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1999570610020667646) 2025-12-12T20:02Z 77.2K followers, [----] engagements "Its that time again when apparently a low threat area with a highly credible defence package and robust contingency plans is suddenly at risk from a nation which has no ability to attack take or hold the Falkland Islands. Groundhog day reporting" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1999873475591483525) 2025-12-13T16:06Z 79.1K followers, 12.9K engagements "In [----] the RAF flew home Jackie Mann a WW2 veteran who flew in the Battle of Britain and was taken hostage in Lebanon. The plan to retrieve these hostages was known as 'OP BACTON' - short thread on RAF Tehran flights and "airborne canine carrying facilities" for a poodle" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1999932655018852789) 2025-12-13T20:01Z 77.3K followers, 12.4K engagements "Various British hostages were taken in the Middle East during the 1980s. Some escaped others were killed while some were eventually released. The goal of OP BACTON was to get them safely home from captivity" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1999932658177241462) 2025-12-13T20:01Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements "The MOD thought there were four potential rescue scenarios. Two occurred in Beirut whereby [--] Sqn at RAF Akrotiri would deploy Wessex helicopters with medics and support ASAP to retrieve a hostage" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/1999932662824435987) 2025-12-13T20:01Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements "A phenomenally powerful final letter from a brave man who gave everything in the cause of Ukrainian freedom from the evil of Putins regime. RIP. We pause today to remember Lance Corporal George Hooley as he returned home to the UK. Before his passing Lance Corporal Hooley wrote a letter to his family and friends to be opened in the event of his death. At their request we now share his words with you. Our thoughts https://t.co/W0qpwFbtPC We pause today to remember Lance Corporal George Hooley as he returned home to the UK. Before his passing Lance Corporal Hooley wrote a letter to his family" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/2001418666877841560) 2025-12-17T22:26Z 77.2K followers, 50.2K engagements "My name has gone on a series of lists. I wont give the user the airtime of publicity but this is a good example of the vile toxicity infesting parts of this site" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/2001715991659557247) 2025-12-18T18:07Z 77.2K followers, [----] engagements "Stunning bravery from volunteers who went willingly into the worst conditions so that others may live and gave their all in doing so. Today marks the anniversary of the Penlee lifeboat disaster in [----] - a stark reminder of the dangers @RNLI crews face while saving lives at sea ⚓ In hurricane-force winds the Solomon Browne launched to aid the stricken vessel Union Star 🧵 https://t.co/wrvomOymzK Today marks the anniversary of the Penlee lifeboat disaster in [----] - a stark reminder of the dangers @RNLI crews face while saving lives at sea ⚓ In hurricane-force winds the Solomon Browne launched" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/2001994088229351685) 2025-12-19T12:32Z 77.5K followers, 24.5K engagements "Gosh I miss Concorde - what a fantastic envoy for VVIP travel - it brought a class and style that the [---] could never carry off. The late Queen arriving in Barbados [----]. Stylish. https://t.co/XU3RkN4sJd The late Queen arriving in Barbados [----]. Stylish. https://t.co/XU3RkN4sJd" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/2002081725674123579) 2025-12-19T18:20Z 77.8K followers, 19.9K engagements "Yet another reason to be thankful to Ukraine for their contribution to keeping the West safe from the evil of the Putin regime. Putin general linked to Salisbury poisoning 'blown up in drone strike' https://t.co/5PJt1sOkHV via @DailyMail Putin general linked to Salisbury poisoning 'blown up in drone strike' https://t.co/5PJt1sOkHV via @DailyMail" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/2002514713486541246) 2025-12-20T23:01Z 77.3K followers, 27.6K engagements "@fightingsailor @Verdigris_blog @Defense_Talks @alessionaval Think of the "pain" an unsecured baguette could cause 😜" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/2002697555168153827) 2025-12-21T11:08Z 77.3K followers, [---] engagements "This is HMS MONMOUTH & HMS TRENCHANT. In Feb [----] they were deployed on OP SHARPSHOOTER - a secret mission tracking a Russian VICTOR [--] SSN off the UK coastline which ended with RN personnel boarding the Russian boat. Thread on a remarkable secret operation" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/2002740951366897888) 2025-12-21T14:00Z 78.5K followers, 99.6K engagements "In [----] the Royal Navy carried out OP SHARPSHOOTER to track a Russian VICTOR3 SSN. Read the full story at the latest Pinstripedline blog https://thinpinstripedline.blogspot.com/2025/12/operation-sharpshooter-very-public.html https://thinpinstripedline.blogspot.com/2025/12/operation-sharpshooter-very-public.html" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/2002741362773618963) 2025-12-21T14:02Z 78.1K followers, 82.8K engagements "A fascinating [----] archives find - the map showing the range of F111 vs Buccaneer at a time when the RAF badly wanted the F111 to replace Canberra" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/2003194268085895617) 2025-12-22T20:01Z 78.7K followers, 62.7K engagements "Over the Christmas period I'm going to share some reports of visits to Russia by British military personnel in early 1990s as the Cold War ended as an insight to a different world. This sneak peak is of Soviet Naval attitudes to commanding warships at sea" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/2003789202622996888) 2025-12-24T11:25Z 78.6K followers, 26.6K engagements "A quiet Christmas Eve morning spent tidying up the gaming RPG and birding books shelf while Die Hard played in the background. 😃" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/2003825197410034049) 2025-12-24T13:48Z 78K followers, [----] engagements "Finland is a serious nation which takes the responsibilities for home defence seriously. I would not want them as a foe - NATO is immeasurably strengthened by having them as a welcome ally within the Alliance. BREAKING: Finland to expand its reservist force to [--] million. The government will raise the upper age limit for reservists from [--] to [--] years effective January [--] [----] adding around [------] reservists over the next five years to strengthen national defense. https://t.co/iMcwfiwxav BREAKING: Finland to expand its reservist force to [--] million. The government will raise the upper age limit" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/2003871498210300195) 2025-12-24T16:52Z 78.6K followers, 122.2K engagements "Great article by @TomSharpe134 -having done my own share of Christmases away on operational deployments its a tough day but also a memorable one for many reasons. Plenty of military personnel are on duty today around the world - we owe them thanks. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12/25/christmas-nuclear-deterrent-submariners-thanks/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12/25/christmas-nuclear-deterrent-submariners-thanks/" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/2004192036598272338) 2025-12-25T14:06Z 78.5K followers, [----] engagements "A fascinating Cold War snippet. When Mrs Thatcher met Mr Gorbachev in RAF Brize Norton in Dec [----] she wished to directly raise a "very private subject" directly with the Soviet leader and out of earshot of his interpreters. What could this "individual case" have been" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/2004537488791208444) 2025-12-26T12:59Z 78.1K followers, 56.5K engagements "An excellent day sadly the hope of closer links were dashed as tyranny was replaced by an even more corrupt and evil regime under Putin that poses a grave danger to all lovers of freedom and democracy. Happy collapse of the Soviet Union Day to all who celebrate https://t.co/820EU2vBKP Happy collapse of the Soviet Union Day to all who celebrate https://t.co/820EU2vBKP" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/2004625490695651516) 2025-12-26T18:48Z 78.1K followers, [----] engagements "As the Cold War ended senior British officers visited the Soviet Union and sent back powerful visit reports capturing their experiences and engagements with the Russians. This is the first of several tweet thread about when ACM Craig CDS visited in December 1990" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/2004913916921733187) 2025-12-27T13:55Z 78.6K followers, 83.1K engagements "CDS visited from 9-14 Dec as the guest of his Soviet opposite number (Gen Moiseev). The visit took him to Moscow Leningrad and Murmansk" [X Link](https://x.com/pinstripedline/status/2004913920369459619) 2025-12-27T13:55Z 78.5K followers, [----] engagements Limited data mode. Full metrics available with subscription: lunarcrush.com/pricing
@pinstripedline Sir Humphrey
Sir Humphrey posts on X about defence, in the, sea, thread the most. They currently have [------] followers and [----] posts still getting attention that total [------] engagements in the last [--] hours.
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- [--] Week [-------] -15%
- [--] Month [---------] -31%
- [--] Months [---------] +49%
- [--] Year [----------] -30%
Mentions: [--] #
- [--] Month [--] -64%
- [--] Months [---] +46%
- [--] Year [---] +21%
Followers: [------] #
- [--] Week [------] +0.52%
- [--] Month [------] +1.70%
- [--] Months [------] +8.50%
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CreatorRank: [-------] #
Social Influence
Social category influence countries travel destinations finance technology brands social networks fashion brands currencies stocks automotive brands financial services
Social topic influence defence, in the, sea, thread, gibraltar #106, secret #4091, the british #78, germany, has been, op #2496
Top accounts mentioned or mentioned by @navylookout @tomsharpe134 @markurban01 @shashj @ukdefjournal @coldwarpod @navalhistorian @fightingsailor @beaverwestminst @hmspwls @iballantyn @royalnavy @onthisdayrn @alessionaval @markpiesing @adastraltrader @hmsqnlz @geoallison @tomjmegan @cdrsalamander
Top Social Posts
Top posts by engagements in the last [--] hours
"About to buy ticket to a beer festival at cost of [-----] per ticket (unlimited tasting inside). Discover ticket has a surcharge of [----] 'booking fee' for an e-ticket. Almost 10% mark up for the privilege of an e-ticket. How are these fees not yet illegal Total rip off"
X Link 2019-07-05T17:54Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements
""Hello I'd really like you to betray the trust and confidence placed in you by your nation and reveal sensitive protected information to suit my nakedly partisan agenda that will help me stay in paid employment while you put your own at risk. Thanks" Are you civil servant/local govt/NHS involved in contingency planning Are you a dr concerned about what youre seeing Do you have DOCUMENTS What do you know that public doesnt Please DM me or other journalists. We need free & open access to info & for individuals to speak up Are you civil servant/local govt/NHS involved in contingency planning Are"
X Link 2020-03-30T10:27Z 81.2K followers, [----] engagements
"The former HMS BRISTOL is for for sale for scrapping according to the MOD. One minor fact guaranteed to wind up ship spotting types is that under type of vessel the MOD have categorised her as a 'Light Cruiser'. @EngageStrategy1 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-of-the-potential-sale-of-the-former-hms-bristol-for-recycling-only/former-hms-bristol-sales-summary https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-of-the-potential-sale-of-the-former-hms-bristol-for-recycling-only/former-hms-bristol-sales-summary"
X Link 2021-07-07T15:01Z 80.6K followers, [--] engagements
"First sighting of the New World in nearly [--] years as we cruise over waters where the Red October allegedly arrived. To quote Jack Ryan 'welcome to the new world Captain'"
X Link 2022-04-30T23:46Z 79.9K followers, [--] engagements
"@GazTheJourno Maybe you should develop a script to read back at them each time this happens"
X Link 2022-05-26T09:04Z 78.9K followers, [--] engagements
"382 jobs lost 85yrs of history written off and [--] million listeners abandoned to save just 28m - less than 0.5% of BBC licence fee or less than 0.001% of HMG spending. It makes a mockery of 'global Britain' when we need World Service more than ever. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/bbc-arabic-radio-closes-after-eighty-five-years https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/bbc-arabic-radio-closes-after-eighty-five-years"
X Link 2023-01-27T23:33Z 81.2K followers, 1.3M engagements
"Apparently the UK has bases in [--] countries that we don't share with Europe. This includes Mali which we apparently don't share with the French or UN peacekeeping mission that we've supported for years"
X Link 2023-03-03T22:11Z 76.6K followers, 41.1K engagements
"A new MOD policy announced today will see MOD Civil Servants wear 'Equivalent Rank' tabs and receive salutes from military personnel they outrank. A very positive 'whole force' move although the plan to Court Martial troops who don't salute Civil Servants seems rather harsh"
X Link 2023-04-01T06:59Z 78.7K followers, 248.4K engagements
"The joy of defence cut logic order [--] cut to [--] pay for [--] The UK must pay for all five MESA radars despite reducing the the order of E-7 Wedgetail aircraft to three. https://t.co/6MdqWJu3y1 The UK must pay for all five MESA radars despite reducing the the order of E-7 Wedgetail aircraft to three. https://t.co/6MdqWJu3y1"
X Link 2023-05-06T12:56Z 77.2K followers, 34.8K engagements
"An interesting thread which is valuable but fails to ask 'given the utterly gutted husk of the Argentine forces how would they take over in the first place' 1) A fascinating snapshot of the current status of the @RoyalNavy's destroyer & frigate force by @NavyLookout. So amid questions from @CommonsDefence on its ability to "fight tonight" & "could Britain still retake the Falklands" here's a little thought experiment #thread🧵 https://t.co/4go2ehgg7A 1) A fascinating snapshot of the current status of the @RoyalNavy's destroyer & frigate force by @NavyLookout. So amid questions from"
X Link 2023-07-06T22:02Z 79.9K followers, 39.4K engagements
"What is a 'protean force' and what mind altering drugs were consumed to come up with this piece of writing 🤯🔫 Every time I come back to look at the RN's Maritime Operating Concept I am baffled by how anyone thought that this makes any sense. https://t.co/yNqktR2nga 🤯🔫 Every time I come back to look at the RN's Maritime Operating Concept I am baffled by how anyone thought that this makes any sense. https://t.co/yNqktR2nga"
X Link 2023-11-01T17:10Z 76.4K followers, 49.1K engagements
"This sort of headline infuriates me. What exactly do they think the FCDO can do here Its a warzone with very limited comms and a dangerous fastmoving situation. We need to stop acting as if we can expect a response based on the idea Palmerston is still the Foreign Secretary"
X Link 2023-11-01T18:40Z 79.9K followers, 25.8K engagements
"Overall though the RAN vision of growth is in marked contrast to the sense of strategic decline in the RN and this vision marks a future where the student becomes the master although hopefully not in the Darth Vader sense of the quote. /5"
X Link 2024-02-20T19:53Z 78.1K followers, [----] engagements
"Big Times scoop here- 216Sqn reformed in [----] to trial drones has completed no trials made no recommendations and has just [--] full & part time military personnel. Sharp contrast to other nations experiences and outcomes. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/8251e7bb-4b41-43ca-984d-2ee6742051dbshareToken=cbc367c0353aec5b8d6d5bf7fdfb03b7 https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/8251e7bb-4b41-43ca-984d-2ee6742051dbshareToken=cbc367c0353aec5b8d6d5bf7fdfb03b7"
X Link 2024-03-05T20:23Z 79.9K followers, 78K engagements
"The CIA World Factbook is a great publication and openly available online. This though is the classified supplement (SECRET) revealing the US analysis of the UK in [----]. Note redacted bits (most likely classification para but one whole para is still too sensitive to publish)"
X Link 2024-07-16T21:04Z 76.5K followers, 24.9K engagements
"@Tonkafanxv Yet the Honolulu airfield has munitions dumps on it If a major civilian airport can do it why is this an issue I've been to Boise where the ANG fly A10s alongside Civ Air"
X Link 2024-09-29T23:30Z 78.6K followers, [----] engagements
"Today I learned that the entire 1980s RN minelaying plan for WW3 would have relied on [--] RORO ferries taken up from trade and used to lay minefields with WW2 era mines. More to follow in the next Pinstripedline blog"
X Link 2024-12-08T11:50Z 76.8K followers, 28.5K engagements
"By contrast the UK has to date ordered only [--] F35 and has yet to receive them all and there is no order in place for more. The result is Australia operates twice the number of F35s that the UK does and is arguably now more credible and capable than the RAF. The last three F-35A ⚡ II aircraft have arrived at RAAF Base Williamtown. 👋🛬 Six years ago the first of our F-35A aircraft arrived with hundreds of people waiting airside to see the new fifth generation aircraft. #AusAirForce has now received all its [--] F-35A aircraft. 1/2 https://t.co/WednA39Ex8 The last three F-35A ⚡ II aircraft have"
X Link 2024-12-19T08:24Z 81.2K followers, 192.8K engagements
"Only @British_Airways could have the sheer arrogance to destroy with no notice one of the best Frequent Flyer schemes out there and expect customers to pay 4-5 times more than before to retain status and claim its about 'recognising loyalty'. Gobsmacking arrogance. @craftymiss The changes we are making are so we can recognise loyalty and change with our customers' evolving travel habits. We understand that there is always a level of uncertainty that comes with change but we do hope that you will find the changes to be beneficial in the long run. Tony @craftymiss The changes we are making are"
X Link 2024-12-30T19:46Z 81.2K followers, 270.4K engagements
"An interesting discovery today. In August [----] the Royal Navy conducted operations near the Falkland Islands as part of Op CORPORATE considered so secret that to this day they remain classified. Submarine ops off the Argentine coast perhaps"
X Link 2025-02-02T13:43Z 71.1K followers, 36.6K engagements
"I hope this is true. We live in times of unparalleled danger. The symbology and importance of a meaningful rise in defence spending is vital. We must spend what it takes to keep our nation safe against the predators who lurk on the oceans beyond. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is "preparing to overrule Rachel Reeves and raise British defence spending" with an announcement expected in the coming days The Times has reported. The PM reportedly held 1-1 meetings with the service chiefs on Friday. https://t.co/WuJITPB5vc Prime Minister Keir Starmer is "preparing to overrule Rachel Reeves and raise"
X Link 2025-02-15T22:52Z 71.3K followers, 37K engagements
"In a meeting in March [----] Sir Richard Mottram set out the UK concerns to Richard Hadley from the US about their approach but warned in a memo to Ministers that things looked far from reassuring. There were real concerns about the US approach here that put UK Trident at risk"
X Link 2025-02-16T10:50Z 71.2K followers, [----] engagements
"I never thought I would live in a world where the US President would call the leader of a nation fighting for its very existence a dictator while cosying up to an actual dictator in Moscow. I fear for where this journey ends and how many will suffer due to this madness"
X Link 2025-02-19T17:14Z 81.2K followers, 56.5K engagements
"Read this horrifying account of the depravity of the Russian regime towards Ukrainian prisoners. This is why standing up for freedom and Ukraine matters - to keep them safe from the barbarism that would follow if defeated. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/women-and-girls/ukrainian-female-pows-tortured-and-paraded-naked-by-russian/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/women-and-girls/ukrainian-female-pows-tortured-and-paraded-naked-by-russian/"
X Link 2025-02-20T12:37Z 77K followers, [----] engagements
"I really find it a bit hypocritical to see former Senior Officers who played a key role in implementing the cuts that caused our current situation to suggest things are not good. They took decisions on their watch that resulted in our current force structure. We might be able to park a destroyer in the Thames to protect parts of London but nothing more than that General Sir Nick Carter says the UK is massively vulnerable and isnt equipped physically or financially to start protecting ourselves as required #bbcqt https://t.co/XCaOUI5qY1 We might be able to park a destroyer in the Thames to"
X Link 2025-02-21T09:29Z 81.2K followers, 80.6K engagements
"It is stunning to see an article demanding the UK acquire 'tactical nukes'while not knowing the UK has operated Trident in the sub-strategic role for nearly [--] years. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/02/21/how-return-british-tactical-nuclear-weapons-save-europe/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/02/21/how-return-british-tactical-nuclear-weapons-save-europe/"
X Link 2025-02-21T19:58Z 71.5K followers, 32.4K engagements
"@denkmit I dont do shopping lists What is needed is resilience depth stockpiles and the ability to fight on a sustained basis over time"
X Link 2025-02-25T13:09Z 71.5K followers, [---] engagements
"The design the RN fell in love with was incredible and probably the most balanced surface ship design of the Cold War. It would have been a superb combination of AAW and ASW capability on paper even if in practise it was hard to do both missions at the same time"
X Link 2025-03-15T20:02Z 76.6K followers, [----] engagements
"The planners and the requirements team came under heavy pressure to defend their position. This image shows the sort of defence robustly mounted to the Vice Chief Naval Staff explaining why the RN NEEDED the 'Ferrari' not the 'Ford Focus'"
X Link 2025-03-15T20:02Z 76.6K followers, [----] engagements
"The Danish navy will expand its sea mines to protect critical sea lanes. By contrast the UK has not operated a mine capability for over 30yrs despite it being a vital tool of sea control. Https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/03/danish-navy-procures-sea-mines-to-strengthen-the-defence-of-denmark/ Https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/03/danish-navy-procures-sea-mines-to-strengthen-the-defence-of-denmark/"
X Link 2025-03-30T19:44Z 78.7K followers, 12.2K engagements
"A really sensible idea. Bring back former soldiers with high standards and operational experience deliver State support and also free up troops for front line - whats not to like https://www.forcesnews.com/services/army/exclusive-army-planning-bring-volunteers-help-ceremonial-duties https://www.forcesnews.com/services/army/exclusive-army-planning-bring-volunteers-help-ceremonial-duties"
X Link 2025-05-01T19:07Z 77.2K followers, 11.5K engagements
"For context UK defence spending over the next 99years assuming zero budget growth will be over 5.3trillion - this is a relatively speaking tiny sum to secure access on a legal footing"
X Link 2025-05-22T17:12Z 78.7K followers, 71.5K engagements
"Seen on social media the last two RN Falkland survivors (BRISTOL & ARGUS) meet for a final time. Apt that as BRISTOL leaves for scrap she passes a Royal Navy fleet carrier almost 60yrs after the cancellation of CVA01 rendered her an orphan ship. The end of an era"
X Link 2025-06-11T15:54Z 76.8K followers, 18.8K engagements
"Its great to see HMS ST ALBANS home again after [--] months - little publicly said about her trip but its clear she's been to cold places doing interesting work. Enjoy your summer leave and BZ Homeward bound After [---] days on Operations over 30K miles steamed with [--] Replenishment at Sea's under our belt we are safely at anchor in Plymouth sound. We are very excited to honour the City of Plymouth tomorrow with an [--] gun salute 🫡 on our way into harbour https://t.co/KNKbSBJKdU Homeward bound After [---] days on Operations over 30K miles steamed with [--] Replenishment at Sea's under our belt we are"
X Link 2025-08-22T15:43Z 80K followers, 13.5K engagements
"In [----] archive files reveal that the British Army planned to conduct a Squadron level exercise with [--] SAS with then ally Iran - then a CENTO partner. Later in the 1970s the Iranians even looked to purchase modified INVINCIBLE class carriers off the UK"
X Link 2025-08-27T17:59Z 76.3K followers, [----] engagements
"@rich_scott2 @NavyLookout Thank you I really appreciate that"
X Link 2025-09-08T09:28Z 77.6K followers, [--] engagements
"@ShipWrektPod @NavyLookout Can you cite any references for that I've read the BLWK report and view was she was unusable without 6months+ work - BLAKE may be have been usable but issue was crew and people. Am keen to find any record of this docking"
X Link 2025-09-08T12:11Z 76.3K followers, [--] engagements
"in [----] the Royal Navy seriously investigated keeping HMS ARK ROYAL operational well into the 1980s to support NATO after a request by SACLANT to 1SL. Long thread on a story that completely changes what we thought we knew about the end of fixed wing aviation in the Royal Navy"
X Link 2025-09-08T16:14Z 79.9K followers, 43.5K engagements
"The supply chain would be problematic - a 2.5yr lead time for ordering some parts coupled with life expiry of other kit would make operating her difficult. The system had been run down for some years restarting it so late in her life would be costly and complex"
X Link 2025-09-08T16:14Z 76.3K followers, [----] engagements
"To find the crew would mean savage cuts to the RN - the [----] sailors were already drafted to new appointments. Finding a new carrier crew would mean paying off BLWK TIGER possibly [--] x COUNTY class and frigates to keep ARK operational"
X Link 2025-09-08T16:14Z 76.3K followers, [----] engagements
"The full story can be found over at the excellent @NavyLookout website https://www.navylookout.com/running-on-empty-how-the-royal-navy-nearly-kept-hms-ark-royal-into-the-1980s/ https://www.navylookout.com/running-on-empty-how-the-royal-navy-nearly-kept-hms-ark-royal-into-the-1980s/"
X Link 2025-09-08T16:15Z 79.9K followers, [----] engagements
"The Royal Navy only has one serving 4* Admiral (DSACEUR) When he retires in the next year or so then it seems likely that for the first time in its history there will not be a single 4* Admiral serving in the Royal Navy"
X Link 2025-09-15T09:06Z 76.2K followers, 31.5K engagements
"Another depressing capability loss - a valuable hull with life left in her lost without replacement. A sad state of affairs. Local media reports ex-HMS Enterprise likely to be sold to Bangladeshi Navy. (Decommissioned in [----] and currently laid up in Portsmouth along with ex-HMS Echo) Photo: Andy Amor. https://t.co/ptDbiHBaKU https://t.co/xdZiiJ2sPb Local media reports ex-HMS Enterprise likely to be sold to Bangladeshi Navy. (Decommissioned in [----] and currently laid up in Portsmouth along with ex-HMS Echo) Photo: Andy Amor. https://t.co/ptDbiHBaKU https://t.co/xdZiiJ2sPb"
X Link 2025-09-26T09:52Z 76.7K followers, 25.8K engagements
"0ne of the most humbling obits that I have ever read. A man of supreme courage responsible for saving many lives and who lived to [--]. While sat atop an IRA mortar round in the snow he felt it burning so shoved snow down his pants to keep going https://www.thetimes.com/article/a9032556-51eb-4701-977a-45df3adb9c2dshareToken=b11840a949f9008b4b3fcf48f1f8caca https://www.thetimes.com/article/a9032556-51eb-4701-977a-45df3adb9c2dshareToken=b11840a949f9008b4b3fcf48f1f8caca"
X Link 2025-09-26T14:19Z 76.5K followers, 14.8K engagements
"It seems a uniquely British trait to see world leading capabilities that are designed to be flexible enough to evolve for decades to come and still suggest they are 'obsolete'. https://www.thetimes.com/article/0e6d0182-f6f2-43a1-9389-edd72f973daeshareToken=5c56625d89a217d7ed09d0b675a7f9eb https://www.thetimes.com/article/0e6d0182-f6f2-43a1-9389-edd72f973daeshareToken=5c56625d89a217d7ed09d0b675a7f9eb"
X Link 2025-10-09T17:32Z 76.2K followers, [----] engagements
"This account of Swedish cold war planning looks incredible and will be published in English next year. Definitely going to be a 'must read' Of note the UK would have housed evacuated monarchs from Sweden and many other nations in WW3. https://www.thetimes.com/article/a3353e0f-129b-44f0-95c0-1831d5f0a148shareToken=cd485a7a2fe34d2a5d829b17456ae964 https://www.thetimes.com/article/a3353e0f-129b-44f0-95c0-1831d5f0a148shareToken=cd485a7a2fe34d2a5d829b17456ae964"
X Link 2025-10-11T09:15Z 76.7K followers, 61.7K engagements
"Cold War ghosts - the ghostly abandoned 1960s era Air Force radar stations atop Torre the highest point of Portugual at 1993m high"
X Link 2025-10-12T17:57Z 80.3K followers, [----] engagements
"Interesting return to stockpiling. By contrast the UK scrapped the buffer emergency food supplies intended to feed the estimated [--] million survivors of a niclear attack in [----]. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15197255/Sweden-begin-stockpiling-food-prepares-war-admits-risk-country-completely-cut-Putin.html https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15197255/Sweden-begin-stockpiling-food-prepares-war-admits-risk-country-completely-cut-Putin.html"
X Link 2025-10-16T09:06Z 76.3K followers, 23.2K engagements
"Good for Marshalls but at a time when the UK has a major shortfall in tactical airlift its a real shame to dispose of so many useful aircraft without replacement just to save a pittance. ✈ Trkiye is set to acquire [--] C-130J Super Hercules from the UK. The aircraft have been delivered to the relevant company for maintenance and modernization. 🤝 The UK remains one of Trkiyes most consistent and strategically important allies in defense cooperation https://t.co/1HcRFjjSDA ✈ Trkiye is set to acquire [--] C-130J Super Hercules from the UK. The aircraft have been delivered to the relevant company"
X Link 2025-10-16T16:35Z 76.4K followers, 25K engagements
"A very disapointing take by the Telegraph. The IAF and RAF have a long shared history and there have been many other foreign instructors in the UK. Not the scandal it purports to be. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/16/raf-to-use-indian-instructors-amid-pilot-shortage-defence/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/16/raf-to-use-indian-instructors-amid-pilot-shortage-defence/"
X Link 2025-10-16T20:00Z 76.2K followers, 10.6K engagements
"A fabulous trip to Portugual draws to a close with a visit to the fabled lines of Torres Vedras. We've been blown away by the scenery food history and culture here. Its like being in California but far cheaper and none of the 'tipping culture' insanity"
X Link 2025-10-17T08:39Z 76.3K followers, [----] engagements
"Genuinely good news and marks a day that increasingly looked less likely to happen. Confirmed - @HMSDaring will return to sea next year. Her ship's company is being built up. Now over [----] days since she last went to sea under her own power. Laid up in [----] due to a lack of manpower. Refit began in [----]. Towed to @CammellLaird for PIP 2021-22. Major refit https://t.co/3zWnpv574c Confirmed - @HMSDaring will return to sea next year. Her ship's company is being built up. Now over [----] days since she last went to sea under her own power. Laid up in [----] due to a lack of manpower. Refit began in"
X Link 2025-10-17T14:58Z 76.2K followers, 35.6K engagements
"I worry when people advocate "deploying the Royal Navy" to solve a humanitarian issue. What do they want the RN to do that cannot be done already by Border Force But of course @Dominic2306 doesnt explain how the Royal Navy is going to stop the fsbds https://t.co/OQB24oYh5D https://t.co/yZdcZ4RXUz But of course @Dominic2306 doesnt explain how the Royal Navy is going to stop the fsbds https://t.co/OQB24oYh5D https://t.co/yZdcZ4RXUz"
X Link 2025-10-18T12:10Z 76.2K followers, 13K engagements
"This is the official 1960s Foreign Office advice to British Embassies about what to do in the event of WW3 if the country they are in is "overrun by the enemy". FO Diplomats were advised to "do their best to avoid falling into enemy hands""
X Link 2025-10-19T10:44Z 76.4K followers, 19.1K engagements
"One of the weighty problems that the British Government seriously had to consider during Cold War planning. "Whether payment of pensions should continue if Britain were to suffer a nuclear attack""
X Link 2025-10-19T18:38Z 76.4K followers, 188.4K engagements
"220 years ago today a small number of women and 100s of men from [--] different nations served on HMS VICTORY and a wider Royal Navy fleet to defeat tyranny and keep the nation safe. The Royal Navy continues to live up to the traditions values and standards of their forebears. Today we commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar🌹 Under Admiral Lord Nelson the Royal Navy delivered a great and glorious victory a legacy that continues to guide those who serve today. #TrafalgarDay https://t.co/dx4fNkHWU1 Today we commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar🌹 Under Admiral Lord Nelson the Royal Navy delivered a"
X Link 2025-10-21T06:59Z 76.2K followers, 32.4K engagements
"In late [----] the British Cabinet debated what if any military support the UK would provide to the Netherlands in the event of Indonesia attacking the colony of Dutch New Guinea. Short thread on a forgotten military crisis"
X Link 2025-10-21T20:46Z 76.5K followers, 117.4K engagements
"After the independence of Indonesia in [----] the Netherlands retained control of Western New Guinea as a colony and began preparing it for independence. In Dec [----] President Sukarno called for the seizure of the colony by military force"
X Link 2025-10-21T20:46Z 76.4K followers, [----] engagements
"This mattered because in [----] the Indonesians began attacking with a significant surface action fought between the two navies (the battle of the Arafura Sea) which resulted in the sinking of a fast attack craft by gun fire from the EVERTSEN (the former HMS SCOURGE)"
X Link 2025-10-21T20:46Z 76.4K followers, [----] engagements
"After further fighting on land the Dutch eventually agreed a diplomatic outcome agreeing to the colony joining Indonesian control in [----]. This ended the Dutch colonial presence in the Far East after several centuries"
X Link 2025-10-21T20:46Z 76.4K followers, [----] engagements
"Today the UK and Netherlands navies enjoy an exceptionally close relationship particularly in the amphibious world with the UK/NL Landing Force representing the heart of UK amphibious capability to this day"
X Link 2025-10-21T20:46Z 76.4K followers, [----] engagements
"This thread on secret 1960s UK / NL military cooperation in Dutch New Guinea may interest @NavyLookout @OnthisdayRN @BeaverWestminst @ColdWarPod @Strategyforwar1 @navalhistorian @TomSharpe134 @geoallison @MarkUrban01 among others"
X Link 2025-10-21T20:46Z 76.4K followers, [----] engagements
"In Dec [----] PM Margaret Thatcher and Cabinet colleagues discussed the planned showing of 'The Day After' on British television. Ministers had discussed the Govt response to showing the film and wanted to be given the opportunity to put their case across too"
X Link 2025-10-22T20:17Z 76.3K followers, [----] engagements
"If true at a time every other NATO member is spending more and rearming at pace the UK is utterly isolated in inflicting massive defence cuts due entirely to Treasury intransigence. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/10/23/revealed-mod-faces-2bn-budget-black-hole-defence-cuts-uk/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/10/23/revealed-mod-faces-2bn-budget-black-hole-defence-cuts-uk/"
X Link 2025-10-23T19:26Z 76.4K followers, 21.6K engagements
"I am all for loosening hair regulations and allowing beards in the RAF and Army. But a mullet No thats a crime against good taste. Business in the front but perhaps NOT party in the back👀 Last year Canada relaxed rules to allow the Mullet to be worn by personnel and now we wonder if its popularity will spread❓ Read more https://t.co/uGn0tavEWO Business in the front but perhaps NOT party in the back👀 Last year Canada relaxed rules to allow the Mullet to be worn by personnel and now we wonder if its popularity will spread❓ Read more https://t.co/uGn0tavEWO"
X Link 2025-10-24T19:34Z 76.3K followers, 16.8K engagements
"Today is 'Back To The Future' day - 40yrs since Marty went back in time to [----]. Were the movie released today he'd go back in time to good old 1995"
X Link 2025-10-26T09:43Z 76.5K followers, 17.2K engagements
"A deeply powerful image and a reminder of the utter barbarity exhibited by PIRA. [--] years ago today on 26th October [----] IRA terrorists murdered RAF Cpl Maheshkumar 'Mick' Islania and his [--] month old baby daughter Nivruti Islania in a shooting at a petrol station in West Germany. No-one was ever charged with their murders. https://t.co/uZ453OkMfG [--] years ago today on 26th October [----] IRA terrorists murdered RAF Cpl Maheshkumar 'Mick' Islania and his [--] month old baby daughter Nivruti Islania in a shooting at a petrol station in West Germany. No-one was ever charged with their murders."
X Link 2025-10-26T10:53Z 81.2K followers, 81K engagements
"This is the USS PALM BEACH sister ship to the USS PUEBLO a spy ship captured by North Korea. In [----] the US Navy sought British permission to base her in the UK to carry out top secret intelligence missions against Russia. A short PSL thread on Cold War spy ships"
X Link 2025-10-26T17:47Z 76.5K followers, 18.5K engagements
"She was built in [----] as a US Army aircraft repair ship seeing service in WW2. Post war she carried out survey work in the West Indies before being put in reserve in the 1950s. In [----] she was taken over by the US Navy and converted into an intelligence collector"
X Link 2025-10-26T17:47Z 76.5K followers, [----] engagements
"The BANER class AGI was designed to collect local intelligence off Soviet coastlines particularly High Frequency signals. The BANNER and PUEBLO were used in the Pacific Ocean while PALM BEACH was converted for use in the European theatre"
X Link 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [----] engagements
"The US Navy wanted to maximise availability of the PALM BEACH so in August [----] approached the British Government asking permission to base her in the UK permanently. The Foreign Office was asked to approve the US Navy conducting covert recce of Aberdeen Holy Loch and Rosyth to find out the best base port for the ship"
X Link 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [----] engagements
"Holy Loch was seen as possible but concerns about the potential for CND disruption of operations and the Polaris mission may draw unwanted publicity for the ship and her own top secret mission"
X Link 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [---] engagements
"Rosyth was seen as the most likely base to operate from due to its role as one of the most important naval establishments for the Royal Navy. This was the front runner for the likely future base of PALM BEACH"
X Link 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [---] engagements
"By December [----] the US wanted Rosyth as the base. The Royal Navy was keen to support this but noted challenges around docking support when nuclear refits were underway. Concerns were also raised about the need for a suitable 'dormant press release' in case the secret was at risk"
X Link 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [---] engagements
"On [--] Dec the Foreign Office wrote to the US Ambassador in London confirming that HMG was likely to support the request. In a wonderful fit of diplomatic writing there was deliberation on the language of 'agreement' versus 'letter of understanding'. The UK was clear that this was not to be public knowledge - the basing request and its role was to be CONFIDENTIAL"
X Link 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [---] engagements
"A TOP SECRET ministerial submission was sent to Dennis Healey seeking his approval for the plan. It noted the intelligence collection benefit to the UK and the "small but welcome gain in foreign currency" the ships presence would bring"
X Link 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [---] engagements
"On [--] Dec the Secretary of State for Defence Dennis Healey approved the plan and the US was advised that they could base the USS PALM BEACH in Rosyth if they wished"
X Link 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [---] engagements
"Here the trail goes cold. We know that the ship deployed to Europe in early [----] operating in the Med and North Sea and visiting Holy Loch and Belfast. But she returned to the US and didn't stay in commission"
X Link 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [---] engagements
"The USS LIBERTY incident and capture of the USS PUEBLO in early [----] by North Korea changed US plans for maritime intelligence ships which were quickly withdrawn from use. PALM BEACH was sold off in [----] and had a second career as a Panamanian flagged merchant ship"
X Link 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [---] engagements
"In [----] she was sunk as a scuba diving wreck in the Cayman Islands where she remains to this day. This YouTube video is a record of a dive on the wreck of a nearly forgotten spy ship. https://www.youtube.com/watchv=sE6JnudLbcM https://www.youtube.com/watchv=sE6JnudLbcM"
X Link 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [----] engagements
"Her fate was more dignified than her sister ship the USS PUEBLO in North Korea after capture the ship became a North Korean museum ship and to this day is on display to selected guests of the regime. Will she ever return home"
X Link 2025-10-26T17:48Z 76.5K followers, [----] engagements
"An interesting letter re Ireland and defence. I'm drafting an article on the TOP SECRET UK assessment of Ireland as a potential military threat during the Cold War while also knowing it needed mutual cooperation to survive nuclear attack. Ideas for publication channels welcome Freeloading on defence John O'Hagan TCD letters to the editor in todays @IrishTimes 👇 https://t.co/JOzJpuOgt0 Freeloading on defence John O'Hagan TCD letters to the editor in todays @IrishTimes 👇 https://t.co/JOzJpuOgt0"
X Link 2025-10-28T19:14Z 76.4K followers, [----] engagements
"Jamaica is going through hell right now. Yet there is always one tourist who seems to think that the British Government should fly them home. The role of HMG is not to act as a personal travel concierge to people who choose to go on holiday in the West Indies in Hurricane Season. This sounds harsh but HMG has finite resources as do all Governments and evacuating people able to self evacuate and who should travel with insurance isn't the best use of public money in my book"
X Link 2025-10-29T09:15Z 76.5K followers, 22.3K engagements
"@melspence2 So risk assess it as an individual and decide whats best for you"
X Link 2025-10-29T11:24Z 76.4K followers, [---] engagements
"On [--] April [----] the Service Chiefs considered military options for repossession of the Falkland Islands. [--] options were presented "in ascending order of severity". [--] of those options remain classified. What options to win the war could have been considered Thread/"
X Link 2025-10-29T19:16Z 76.7K followers, 83.9K engagements
"The options were put together after the recapture of South Georgia identifying the advantages and disadvantages of each move which could have been carried out in parallel to each other. They were intended to use the full range of UK military capability. /"
X Link 2025-10-29T19:16Z 76.5K followers, [----] engagements
"Its impossible to know for certain what those classified options were - potentially further escalation on the mainland intelligence or more widespread warfare against Argentina. There is a question about how if you're listing options in increased order of severity what else could be on the list"
X Link 2025-10-29T19:16Z 76.5K followers, [----] engagements
"We know that some of the contents of the wider file were closed for different reasons. Two enclosures covered UK engagement with Chilean intelligence and passing information to them - which was critical to UK success"
X Link 2025-10-29T19:16Z 76.6K followers, [----] engagements
"We also know in the same time frame that the Service Chiefs got the RAF to produce a paper on the use of Canberra PR9 tasking - presumably linked to the wider deployment of Canberra to Chile"
X Link 2025-10-29T19:16Z 76.7K followers, [----] engagements
"On [--] April [----] military options in increasing severity were discussed in conditions of greatest secrecy by the Service Chiefs. Three of the options discussed are so sensitive that they will remain closed until at least [----]. What were the classified military options"
X Link 2025-10-29T19:16Z 76.4K followers, [----] engagements
"This thread on [----] MOD planning to bomb Argentina with Vulcans and the still secret plans from the Falklands War may interest @UKDefJournal @NavyLookout @MarianoSciaroni @RDPHistory @tomjmegan @navalhistorian @alessionaval @stuartroxy @c21st_sailor @RowlandWhite @MarkUrban01"
X Link 2025-10-29T19:16Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements
"The [----] front line basing strength of RAF Strike Command - a lot has changed in barely [--] years"
X Link 2025-10-30T13:42Z 81.2K followers, 51.5K engagements
"In [----] the Cabinet Office reviewed plans about "the possibility of restarting television transmissions after a nuclear attack' - because what a population recovering from nuclear war really needed was to see 'Mrs Browns Boys'"
X Link 2025-10-30T14:46Z 76.4K followers, [----] engagements
"Potentially significant visit for Canadian sub prospects. It is likely South Korea could deliver on time and meet Canadian needs as the now ancient Type 2400s desperately need replacing. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-submarines-carney-south-korea-9.6959659 https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-submarines-carney-south-korea-9.6959659"
X Link 2025-10-30T15:43Z 76.5K followers, 10.8K engagements
"A great picture but if in a real conflict an F35 finds itself in a gunfight with an older fighter a very very very long list of things have gone wrong to make that happen. An F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to VFA-195 Dambusters scores a simulated gun kill on an F-35B Lightning II attached to HMS Prince of Wales during dissimilar air combat training over the Pacific. 📷CDR Justin Reddick USN https://t.co/tZt4j43TnS An F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to VFA-195 Dambusters scores a simulated gun kill on an F-35B Lightning II attached to HMS Prince of Wales during dissimilar air combat training over"
X Link 2025-10-30T15:57Z 76.5K followers, 33.8K engagements
"The British Council a world renowned 'soft power' organisation faces financial collapse in order to repay an HMG covid loan. This would have serious implications for 'soft power' at a time when many other nations are expanding their global presence"
X Link 2025-10-30T18:06Z 76.4K followers, [----] engagements
"A sneak peak of a forthcoming thread - the secret [----] plans by the Royal Navy to permanently convert ARK ROYAL into an LPH and lose her fixed wing jet capability"
X Link 2025-10-31T13:40Z 76.5K followers, 15.4K engagements
"No decision on variants has been taken - but costing done on A variant this doesnt mean it will happen. Also the emergence of uncrewed alternatives and the reality that only one carrier will be fully deployable means [--] is more than enough for our maritime needs. New MoD evidence provided to the PAC shows "the assumption" is now to cap F-35B buys at a total of [--]. All UK F-35 purchases after [----] will likely be the A variant - as the RAF has long lobbied for. https://t.co/QCEGDPlawf H/T @Gabriel64869839 https://t.co/dkFsusLxbj New MoD evidence provided to the PAC shows "the assumption" is now"
X Link 2025-10-31T17:19Z 76.4K followers, 11.9K engagements
"@ConciseColin Phew - you're not a commie imposter and in fact have Ultraviolet clearance :-) Never tried Judge Dredd RPG but loved the Warlord 28mm game version for the setting"
X Link 2025-11-01T22:03Z 76.5K followers, [--] engagements
"Is the RN poised to sell off T31s as they commission Question raised in latest Navy Lookout article. Latest analysis article: The Royal Navys frigate gap how deep and how long will it last https://t.co/sGWQQVuLOo https://t.co/dqyL0uMUM2 Latest analysis article: The Royal Navys frigate gap how deep and how long will it last https://t.co/sGWQQVuLOo https://t.co/dqyL0uMUM2"
X Link 2025-11-03T08:50Z 76.5K followers, 29.8K engagements
"The April [----] list of Royal Navy Falklands related urgent requirements for support from the USA. It included intelligence on surface and submarine movements CIWS for HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and [--] limpet mines for the SBS as "the current mine is obsolete""
X Link 2025-11-03T19:38Z 76.5K followers, [----] engagements
"Also of note was the request for 76mm guns to be fitted to the CASTLE class OPVs (which had a gun bay for this purpose) and RAS support for both the RN and also assistance getting fuel to former RFA TIDEPOOL in Panama. /"
X Link 2025-11-03T19:38Z 76.5K followers, [----] engagements
"Lady A was crossing on 'green man' at busy traffic lights tonight. A cyclist accelerated towards her. She said "its green for pedestrians can you please wait" He screamed back "FUCK OFF" and jumped the lights. May he have the day he deserves"
X Link 2025-11-03T20:49Z 76.5K followers, 12.1K engagements
"I find this 'poppy outrage' tedious. Its a personal choice on whether to wear one or not. That is at the heart of the freedoms we enjoy as a result of others sacrifices. Publicly policing others private choices is tiresome and undermines the whole point of Remembrance"
X Link 2025-11-04T17:32Z 76.5K followers, 21.6K engagements
"Tom knocks it out the park again A great article on a very violent naval war fought in the background. Also if this isn't GSM worthy then what is Thoughts on @hmsdiamond being recognised byNavSec John Phelan for contributions to Op Prosperity Guardian ✅Mil to mil excellence ✅Win the battle (if not the war) ✅Clasp for GSM next ❌Obligatory moan about T83 being late🙄 ➡BZ HMS💎 (and the FFs) https://t.co/XVeexPIXf3 Thoughts on @hmsdiamond being recognised byNavSec John Phelan for contributions to Op Prosperity Guardian ✅Mil to mil excellence ✅Win the battle (if not the war) ✅Clasp for GSM next"
X Link 2025-11-05T21:43Z 76.5K followers, 13.5K engagements
"A Royal Navy aircraft carrier is at sea embarking the biggest contingent of UK jets in almost [--] years. Hopefully the "carriers without planes" types will now finally go and find something else to moan about Jets jets and more jets. ⚡ The largest number of UK F-35B Lightning jets ever assembled on either of the #RoyalNavys new aircraft carriers has been deployed to the Mediterranean for a major allied exercise with @HMSPWLS. #CSG25 Read more: https://t.co/ubeGf3t2Pb https://t.co/xLaFPTMn7d Jets jets and more jets. ⚡ The largest number of UK F-35B Lightning jets ever assembled on either of the"
X Link 2025-11-06T18:36Z 76.6K followers, 48.4K engagements
"A weekend away in Hamburg - this is the best maritime museum that I have ever been to"
X Link 2025-11-08T17:55Z 76.6K followers, 19.1K engagements
"This is the Argentine Navy aircraft carrier [--] De Mayo. On [--] April [----] during the early stages of the Falklands War the MOD met to discuss a paper setting out the 'rules of engagement' under which the Royal Navy would be authorised to sink her. Thread/"
X Link 2025-11-10T21:45Z 81.2K followers, 184.1K engagements
"This thread on MOD planning in April [----] on how sink the carrier [--] De Mayo may interest @MarkUrban01 @MarkPiesing @SSN14CO @BeaverWestminst @NavyLookout @geoallison @wavellroom @IBallantyn @AC_NavalHistory @CovertShores @ColdWarPod @cdrsalamander @TomSharpe134 @alessionaval @navalhistorian @OnthisdayRN @fightingsailor @adastral_trader @tomjmegan @nicholadrummond"
X Link 2025-11-10T21:45Z 76.6K followers, 16.8K engagements
"A fantastic [----] video about life at RAF Cranwell and basic training - from 'individual tutors' dressed for Oxford to the WW2 era battledress this really is a reminder of a long forgotten world. https://www.youtube.com/watchv=67L0jckhGFo https://www.youtube.com/watchv=67L0jckhGFo"
X Link 2025-11-14T22:01Z 76.8K followers, 29.3K engagements
"As friends have put it orders of "Peeking Duck" and 'Special Spied Rice' all round Anymore puns https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15292589/Chinese-restaurants-sensitive-military-bases.html https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15292589/Chinese-restaurants-sensitive-military-bases.html"
X Link 2025-11-15T11:02Z 80.6K followers, 46.2K engagements
"Incredible onboard camera footage of what happens when a torpedo hits a decommissioned Norwegian frigate. Submarine Saturday - in association with Torpedo Tuesday 💥 Recently during exercise gir [--] submarine KNM Uthaug fired one of its torpedoes at the decommissioned frigate KNM Trondheim with the aim of sinking the vessel. The purpose of the shot was to verify and https://t.co/HUtk62mkgA Submarine Saturday - in association with Torpedo Tuesday 💥 Recently during exercise gir [--] submarine KNM Uthaug fired one of its torpedoes at the decommissioned frigate KNM Trondheim with the aim of sinking"
X Link 2025-11-15T22:45Z 76.7K followers, 51.1K engagements
"A Government map showing graphically the days in a week after a significant nuclear attack on the UK where fallout would exceed [----] rotogens per hour - sufficient for a dose to kill someone within hours. Post attack millions of survivors would die within the first week"
X Link 2025-11-16T19:40Z 76.7K followers, 58.1K engagements
"This is HMS ARK ROYAL in [----]. In [----] the Royal Navy made serious plans to permanently convert her to an LPH in place of ordering HMS OCEAN. Thread on the 'LPH that never was'"
X Link 2025-11-18T22:03Z 76.7K followers, 45.6K engagements
"Throughout the 1980s the RN wanted to buy two Aviation Support Ships (ASS) to replace HMS HERMES and BULWARK to support the Royal Marines if they moved to Norway during wartime. These ships would have supported the [--] INVINCIBLE class and the [--] LPDs"
X Link 2025-11-18T22:03Z 76.7K followers, [----] engagements
"These plans were delayed by the end of the Cold War but the RN still badly wanted to have an LPH with large flight deck capable of moving troops and equipment to support global power projection. The problem was that there was no money in the budget for these ships"
X Link 2025-11-18T22:03Z 76.8K followers, [----] engagements
"In [----] the RN looked into whether if the LPH role could be filled by a CVS converted while the other [--] carriers operated in the strike carrier role if the LPH was cancelled. The memo noted "the intended victim of the fall back plan. will be ARK ROYAL""
X Link 2025-11-18T22:03Z 76.8K followers, [----] engagements
"4 LCVP would be fitted -a complex task necessitating significant internal rebuilding to accommodate machinery and support as well as relocating weapon mounts and reducing the CIWS field of fire - all of which was suboptimal"
X Link 2025-11-18T22:04Z 79.9K followers, [----] engagements
"From an aviation perspective the plan called for Merlin helicopters to land on the skijump with the report suggesting "if impossible to land an EH101 on a sloping ramp it may be necessary to remove the ski ramp". This got a firm 'NO' due to the need to preserve CVS capability. https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1990903889105989650 https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1990903889105989650"
X Link 2025-11-18T22:04Z 79.9K followers, [----] engagements
"The flight deck would be extended in the manner of HMS OCEAN to allow for parking on deck and Sea Dart removed. This would permit parking for [--] helicopters on deck as well as [--] landing spots. The crane from HMS CHALLENGER would also be fitted to the ship too"
X Link 2025-11-18T22:04Z 76.7K followers, [----] engagements
"A major challenge would be accommodation - ARK had [----] accom spaces but as an LPH would have [----] embarked. Major changes would be needed to reduce crew and accom. Of note there was concern that "there would be little or no segregation between officers and ratings - an arrangement that would only be considered practical for a very short time""
X Link 2025-11-18T22:04Z 76.7K followers, [----] engagements
"The sheer scale of work required was huge and would take her out of service for some years while also posing a longer term challenge for fixed wing carriers (initial CVF work was by then underway) as once INVINCIBLE left service only LUSTY would have SHAR capability"
X Link 2025-11-18T22:04Z 76.7K followers, [----] engagements
"The RN assessment was mixed - there were benefits (e.g. using her C2 network was seen as reducing cost of LPD costs as they wouldnt need it). There were numerous challenges with crew particularly finding SQEP and balancing male/female accom"
X Link 2025-11-18T22:04Z 76.7K followers, [----] engagements
"This tale serves as a good reminder of the complex challenges of warship design refit and resourcing. It is rarely easy to 'bolt on' new kit or systems despite what Fantasy Fleet Admirals believe. Rather it is a mix of trade offs and risk - and rarely results in a good outcome"
X Link 2025-11-18T22:04Z 76.8K followers, [----] engagements
"The threat of Russian 'invasion' has not been militarily credible since 1950s. Worst case was always Spetznatz raids pre nuclear strike. Decades of publicly available paperwork on the Russian threat make this clear"
X Link 2025-11-19T07:39Z 76.8K followers, 31.5K engagements
"One of the interesting realities here is how mundane espionage really is - no car chases or explosions just poorly worded emails and a quiet descent into illegal activity. MI5 has taken the unusual step of sending MPs and peers this cut-out and keep guide to how to avoid being targeted by Chinese spies It says that the Chinese Ministry of State Security is offering 'large financial incentives for seemingly low-level information' just to build https://t.co/Pvqlq14D5z MI5 has taken the unusual step of sending MPs and peers this cut-out and keep guide to how to avoid being targeted by Chinese"
X Link 2025-11-19T07:58Z 76.7K followers, 15.5K engagements
"A quiet Sunday is perfect opportunity to make my homemade plum and blackberry crumble 😃"
X Link 2025-11-23T19:53Z 77K followers, [----] engagements
"Bluntly powerful honesty from 1SL - a strong case can be made that the closed promotion system rewards those who are left through emulating bad behaviours - what damage has this done in terms of lost talent that gave up https://www.forcesnews.com/services/navy/changing-culture-royal-navy-vulnerable-promoting-toxic-leaders-says-first-sea-lord https://www.forcesnews.com/services/navy/changing-culture-royal-navy-vulnerable-promoting-toxic-leaders-says-first-sea-lord"
X Link 2025-11-24T19:50Z 77K followers, 44.4K engagements
"I am trying to find words to describe how much I hate the inane nonsense of 'black friday' in the UK. I hope those who foisted this travesty on us spend the rest of eternity forced to watch and listen nothing but adverts they have inflicted on us all"
X Link 2025-11-27T08:03Z 77K followers, [----] engagements
"Is there a better sight than a Royal Navy strike carrier departing 'the Rock' Thank you Gibraltar #CSG25 #OpHighmast https://t.co/yKgRca7e0j Thank you Gibraltar #CSG25 #OpHighmast https://t.co/yKgRca7e0j"
X Link 2025-11-27T22:25Z 77.1K followers, 47.4K engagements
"This week the 1st Sea Lord raised difficult questions about toxic leadership in the Royal Navy. I agree with him - for too long poor RN personnel have been promoted due to a broken system that too often rewards the wrong people for the wrong reasons. Quick thread"
X Link 2025-11-28T19:17Z 77.1K followers, 71K engagements
"Fascinating CAS daily briefing notes on the work of the Nimrod fleet during the Falklands war from snooping on Soviet AGI spy trawlers to being armed with Sidewinder missiles to shoot down Argentine aircraft - was there anything the 'Mighty Hunter' couldn't do"
X Link 2025-11-28T19:27Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements
"Another day out at archives has revealed more forgotten mysteries. In thos case the [----] CDI memo to Ministers about [--] highly covert USAF C130 flights into Tel Aviv and beyond which had no satisfactory explanation"
X Link 2025-11-29T09:57Z 77.1K followers, 13.1K engagements
"A little sneak peak of an upcoming PSL thread involving cold war naval espionage"
X Link 2025-11-29T10:14Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements
"A briefing for Ministers of the size of the British Army in Germany in [----] - [--] Regt/Bns with [---] tanks [--] self propelled guns [---] APCs plus [--] helicopters and [-----] soldiers"
X Link 2025-11-29T13:40Z 77.1K followers, 21.2K engagements
"Strong entry here to win the prize for 'most surreal MOD Ministerial correspondence letter ever'"
X Link 2025-11-29T14:58Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements
"Do you know the difference between a "special operation" a "sensitive operation" a "clandestine operation" and a "deniable operation" Pinstripedline thread on 1970s SAS MI6 and GCHQ operations and how the Govt tried to conceal their existence from official records"
X Link 2025-11-29T19:35Z 77.2K followers, 81.6K engagements
"In [----] Cabinet Secretary Sir Burke Trend was alarmed to see reports of deniable operations involving the SAS in Oman in wider public documents. He sent a formal admonishment to the head of the FCO and to the MOD over concerns about poor information security"
X Link 2025-11-29T19:35Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements
"Sir Dennis the FCO PUS wrote back agreeing noting that "deniable operations should never as a matter of principle be referred to in documents." He felt two rules applied to these operations - no formal records in the archives and no automatic distribution across Depts"
X Link 2025-11-29T19:35Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements
"MOD reminded staff on the "need to restrict circulation of minutes or papers containing references to operations which are especially sensitive in political terms". This included ops "across the border" or "other circumstances in which HMG would wish to conceal their involvement from other governments as well as to avoid public disclosure""
X Link 2025-11-29T19:35Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements
"The MOD was reminded that when conducting "special operations (ie those which are conducted in conjunction with Century House (MI6). are subject to special handling procedures" There was real concern that these could leak by mistake by being included on routine dist lists"
X Link 2025-11-29T19:35Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements
"The MOD reviewed its policies for handling this material and identified that there were [--] categories of clandestine operations that needed review to see how the information was handled and in turn what needed to be protected and why to ensure the two central FCO rules were met"
X Link 2025-11-29T19:35Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements
"Special Operations "applies to operations undertaken by Century House (MI6) over which FCO exercises political control". Of note the MOD only had a single person with links into MI6 to support their operations and PUS didn't have one single POC within MI6"
X Link 2025-11-29T19:35Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements
"There were other operations - it was noted that "Ministers on occasion authorise operations by service personnel which do not involve the agencies. but which may involve operating in sensitive areas. where HMG would not wish it be known that British Serviceman had operated""
X Link 2025-11-29T19:35Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements
"The paper gave some examples including the cross border raids into Indonesia in the 1960s and a (to the author) previously unknown operation to allow the Governor of Aden to retaliate and mine in the Yemen. To this day (52 years later) the 4th remains classified"
X Link 2025-11-29T19:35Z 77.1K followers, [----] engagements
"A great archives day - from reading about previously unknown SAS and SBS 1980s operations to uncovering tales of RN RAF and USAF intelligence operations against Russia to the ROE for war against an unexpected foe in the 1980s my 'to do list' is bulging at the seams"
X Link 2025-11-29T19:39Z 77.2K followers, 19.7K engagements
"In [----] John Lehman formally advised UK Defence Ministers that the US Navy was considering permanently homeporting a major US Navy warship potentially an IOWA class battleship and wider battlegroup in the UK. The incredible image below so nearly became routine business again"
X Link 2025-11-30T14:10Z 77.1K followers, 46.4K engagements
"Random question - the British Army website no longer lists the Suffield Training area as a deployment. Has the UK withdrawn and closed down operations in Canada and the BATUS training estate"
X Link 2025-11-30T22:12Z 77.1K followers, 17.7K engagements
"HMS EXETER in high seas. The next PSL Blog will include among other things an account of how she was authorised to use Sea Dart missiles to provide air defence of Gibraltar during a major international crisis during the Cold War"
X Link 2025-12-01T19:51Z 77.2K followers, 21.3K engagements
"In [----] the UK expected Col Gadhafi to launch air raids on Cyprus and Gibraltar. MOD deployed fighter jets Rapier and Type [--] destroyers with ROE permitting lethal force on Libyan jets and merchant ships. This is the untold story of OP TOUCAN & CLOVER https://tinyurl.com/4bn79ey5 https://tinyurl.com/4bn79ey5"
X Link 2025-12-02T19:39Z 77.2K followers, 22.9K engagements
"In [----] the MOD mounted OP CLOVER & TOUCAN - a rapid reinforcement of Gibraltar & Cyprus to provide air defence against Libyan air strikes. Long PSL thread on air defence protection of BRITANNIA and why the FCO worried about Spanish jets being shot down by mistake"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, 18.9K engagements
"On [--] Apr [----] the USA conducted airstrikes on Libya attacking the Gadhafi regime. The UK was concerned that Libya would target UK bases which had links to US operations including Gib & Cyprus as revenge"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.1K followers, [---] engagements
"Defence Intelligence assessed the Libyans could launch strikes with TU22 BLINDER Mig [--] FOXBAT and Mirage V jets dropping iron bombs or potentially stand off missiles"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.1K followers, [---] engagements
"The Libyans didn't have good capability - with pilots refusing to fly jets maintained by their own ground crew and often getting lost on operations. At best [--] jets could conduct airstrikes"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements
"The biggest risk was to RAF Akrotiri and the airfield at RAF Gibraltar. The threat was seen as very unlikely but still possible by intelligence analysts"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements
"How to defend against this On Apr [--] the MOD activated contingency plans immediately deploying [--] Rapier batteries to Cyprus and a further eight to Gibraltar to provide local air defence. This was a highly potent anti-aircraft missile"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements
"In the air [--] Phantoms were on deployment to Akrotiri - two were put on QRA ready to launch while the others were dispersed. An RAF Shackleton AEW aircraft was also sent to provide early warning of incoming Libyan air raids"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements
"The decision was also taken by Ministers on the 16th to deploy four more Phantoms to Gibraltar to provide urgent air defence for 'The Rock' which had no permanent fighter presence"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements
"Gibraltar did benefit from having a naval base and the Type [--] HMS EXETER was alongside. She was brought to an hours notice for sea and was to be used to provide area air defence with her Sea Dart missiles that she had used to great effect in the Falklands War"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.1K followers, [---] engagements
"This would provide short term response capability but the RN would be able to surge within 48hrs two "42/22 Combo" that would provide short and medium range air defence with Sea Dart and Sea Wolf missiles to tackle incoming jets"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.1K followers, [---] engagements
"The MOD thought about asking Spain to use their Nike/Hercules missile batteries to jointly defend Gibraltarian airspace. This would have been a major policy shift and would have been unlikely from policy perspective. Admiral Woodward (of [----] fame) advised Ministers accordingly"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements
"The ROE in place permitted any British units to use force if Libyan bombers demonstrated hostile acts (e.g. opening bomb bay doors while on a direct track for Gibraltar / Cyprus). The ROE below state the circumstances where the Libyan air force could be shot down by the UK"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements
"One issue was Spain. The Foreign Secretary warned of the risk of shooting down Spanish aircraft by accident ahead of the first Spanish Royal Visit to the UK since [----] the following week. The FCO wanted working engagement but not to give ground on giving the Spanish the perception the UK sought their agreement for the defence of Gibraltar - a delicate policy balance to strike"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.1K followers, [---] engagements
"The ROE were approved at the very highest levels of Government ensuring that if the threat emerged the British Armed Forces would be able to adequately defend British sovereign territory"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.1K followers, [---] engagements
"Within 48hrs the reinforcements were in place and routine operations got underway. One specific concern was the risk of Libyan merchant ships laying mines or launching commando raids ashore - prompting a change in ROE to allow HMS EXETER to intervene"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.1K followers, [---] engagements
"The last major incident ocurred in mid April when HMY BRITANNIA returning from a Suez transit and Yemen evacuation was in the Med. To protect her the RAF flew Phantom sorties then several RN escort ships escorted her ready to shoot down Libyan bombers"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements
"By the end of April the crisis had passed and the deployment was risking other commitments in Belize the Falklands and UK. The Prime Minister approved the return home enabling the closing down of OP TOUCAN and CLOVER"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements
"The operation quietly withdrew but it had demonstrated the ability to put aircraft SAMS and warships at pace into the Med to defend British airspace. It was a significant success although sadly Libya's response was to rely on terrorism instead to target British interests"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.1K followers, [---] engagements
"The full blog about OP TOUCAN & CLOVER can be found at: https://thinpinstripedline.blogspot.com/2025/12/op-toucan-clover-how-uk-prepared-for.html https://thinpinstripedline.blogspot.com/2025/12/op-toucan-clover-how-uk-prepared-for.html"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [----] engagements
"This thread on OP TOUCAN & CLOVER and how UK prepared to defend Gib & Cyprus against Libyan air strikes in [----] with Phantoms and Type 42s may interest: @navalhistorian @alessionaval @AC_NavalHistory @stuartroxy @Aviation_Intel @ColdWarPod @tomjmegan @BeaverWestminst @edwardstrngr @fightingsailor @IBallantyn @NavyLookout @shashj @UKDefJournal @SSN14CO @CorbettAndy @Franksquarerig @nicholadrummond @OnthisdayRN @TomSharpe134 @MarianoSciaroni @adastral_trader @cdrsalamander among others"
X Link 2025-12-02T22:39Z 77.2K followers, [----] engagements
"A fantastic archive film of HMS ARK ROYAL and USS INDEPENDENCE operating together in the Med and cross decking Phantoms - really unusual film footage and a great throwback to 1970s naval aviation. https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1060020610 https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1060020610"
X Link 2025-12-03T19:15Z 77.2K followers, [----] engagements
"Fantastic news and three superb names for this critical next generation vessel. Hard to emphasise just how central FSS is to the future of the Royal Navy and its ability to deliver on ever more complex missions. BREAKING: Steel cut for RFA Resurgent the first Fleet Solid Support ship https://t.co/meZuXCW4FF https://t.co/YjAATPn4kT BREAKING: Steel cut for RFA Resurgent the first Fleet Solid Support ship https://t.co/meZuXCW4FF https://t.co/YjAATPn4kT"
X Link 2025-12-03T22:25Z 77.1K followers, 18.7K engagements
"This is hands down the most superb RN Christmas video I have ever seen. It speaks to the sacrifices sailors have made at sea and the risks they face daily far from home and loved ones to keep us all safe. Watch now - Silent Night: On the Frontline. A Christmas advert by the Royal Navy. #Christmas2025 https://t.co/scBhmpy0PT Watch now - Silent Night: On the Frontline. A Christmas advert by the Royal Navy. #Christmas2025 https://t.co/scBhmpy0PT"
X Link 2025-12-03T22:59Z 77.2K followers, 71.5K engagements
"In [----] the Dept for Education and Science wrote to the Home Office looking for sites to store priceless artworks in wartime. HO asked the MOD who responded rather bluntly which in turn formed the basis of a softer letter back by HO. A Whitehall correspondence classic"
X Link 2025-12-05T22:44Z 77.1K followers, 18.1K engagements
"Down to [--] in short term with on paper no less than [--] replacements on order or under construction right now and due to enter service over next [--] years. The Royal Navy is down to [--] frigates left in service. HMS Lancaster decommissioned in Bahrain yesterday. (Believe last time this took place overseas was when HMS Peacock Plover & Starling - decommissioned together in Hong Kong before hand over to Philippine Navy Aug 1997.) https://t.co/TUPMEM3n34 The Royal Navy is down to [--] frigates left in service. HMS Lancaster decommissioned in Bahrain yesterday. (Believe last time this took place overseas"
X Link 2025-12-07T22:12Z 77.2K followers, 37.1K engagements
"An awful loss reflecting the reality that UK service personnel are giving everything to help Ukraine in their fight against the evil of the Putin regime. Thoughts with family at this dreadful news. A statement from the Ministry of Defence. https://t.co/ChouhKNZSl A statement from the Ministry of Defence. https://t.co/ChouhKNZSl"
X Link 2025-12-09T17:40Z 77.2K followers, 31.7K engagements
"Very important news - this is more than just a reorg but a fundamental change to how the MOD handles the increasing risk of espionage sabotage and threats towards the UK and critical defence assets. Threats to the UK are escalating adversaries intensify their cyber-attacks disrupt satellites threaten global shipping lanes & spread disinformation. To tackle this we announced the launch of the Military Intelligence Services (MIS) & Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit (DCIU). https://t.co/7riU2kCDKh Threats to the UK are escalating adversaries intensify their cyber-attacks disrupt satellites"
X Link 2025-12-12T10:51Z 77.2K followers, 19.1K engagements
"Lego storage has been upgraded plenty of space for Rivendell and the Knights Castle though"
X Link 2025-12-12T17:11Z 77.2K followers, [----] engagements
"In [----] the Cabinet Secretary asked the Prime Minister if "Ministers think that the time has come when planning for the accommodation of the Sovereign and Parliament in a nuclear war should begin""
X Link 2025-12-12T20:02Z 77.2K followers, [----] engagements
"Its that time again when apparently a low threat area with a highly credible defence package and robust contingency plans is suddenly at risk from a nation which has no ability to attack take or hold the Falkland Islands. Groundhog day reporting"
X Link 2025-12-13T16:06Z 79.1K followers, 12.9K engagements
"In [----] the RAF flew home Jackie Mann a WW2 veteran who flew in the Battle of Britain and was taken hostage in Lebanon. The plan to retrieve these hostages was known as 'OP BACTON' - short thread on RAF Tehran flights and "airborne canine carrying facilities" for a poodle"
X Link 2025-12-13T20:01Z 77.3K followers, 12.4K engagements
"Various British hostages were taken in the Middle East during the 1980s. Some escaped others were killed while some were eventually released. The goal of OP BACTON was to get them safely home from captivity"
X Link 2025-12-13T20:01Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements
"The MOD thought there were four potential rescue scenarios. Two occurred in Beirut whereby [--] Sqn at RAF Akrotiri would deploy Wessex helicopters with medics and support ASAP to retrieve a hostage"
X Link 2025-12-13T20:01Z 77.2K followers, [---] engagements
"A phenomenally powerful final letter from a brave man who gave everything in the cause of Ukrainian freedom from the evil of Putins regime. RIP. We pause today to remember Lance Corporal George Hooley as he returned home to the UK. Before his passing Lance Corporal Hooley wrote a letter to his family and friends to be opened in the event of his death. At their request we now share his words with you. Our thoughts https://t.co/W0qpwFbtPC We pause today to remember Lance Corporal George Hooley as he returned home to the UK. Before his passing Lance Corporal Hooley wrote a letter to his family"
X Link 2025-12-17T22:26Z 77.2K followers, 50.2K engagements
"My name has gone on a series of lists. I wont give the user the airtime of publicity but this is a good example of the vile toxicity infesting parts of this site"
X Link 2025-12-18T18:07Z 77.2K followers, [----] engagements
"Stunning bravery from volunteers who went willingly into the worst conditions so that others may live and gave their all in doing so. Today marks the anniversary of the Penlee lifeboat disaster in [----] - a stark reminder of the dangers @RNLI crews face while saving lives at sea ⚓ In hurricane-force winds the Solomon Browne launched to aid the stricken vessel Union Star 🧵 https://t.co/wrvomOymzK Today marks the anniversary of the Penlee lifeboat disaster in [----] - a stark reminder of the dangers @RNLI crews face while saving lives at sea ⚓ In hurricane-force winds the Solomon Browne launched"
X Link 2025-12-19T12:32Z 77.5K followers, 24.5K engagements
"Gosh I miss Concorde - what a fantastic envoy for VVIP travel - it brought a class and style that the [---] could never carry off. The late Queen arriving in Barbados [----]. Stylish. https://t.co/XU3RkN4sJd The late Queen arriving in Barbados [----]. Stylish. https://t.co/XU3RkN4sJd"
X Link 2025-12-19T18:20Z 77.8K followers, 19.9K engagements
"Yet another reason to be thankful to Ukraine for their contribution to keeping the West safe from the evil of the Putin regime. Putin general linked to Salisbury poisoning 'blown up in drone strike' https://t.co/5PJt1sOkHV via @DailyMail Putin general linked to Salisbury poisoning 'blown up in drone strike' https://t.co/5PJt1sOkHV via @DailyMail"
X Link 2025-12-20T23:01Z 77.3K followers, 27.6K engagements
"@fightingsailor @Verdigris_blog @Defense_Talks @alessionaval Think of the "pain" an unsecured baguette could cause 😜"
X Link 2025-12-21T11:08Z 77.3K followers, [---] engagements
"This is HMS MONMOUTH & HMS TRENCHANT. In Feb [----] they were deployed on OP SHARPSHOOTER - a secret mission tracking a Russian VICTOR [--] SSN off the UK coastline which ended with RN personnel boarding the Russian boat. Thread on a remarkable secret operation"
X Link 2025-12-21T14:00Z 78.5K followers, 99.6K engagements
"In [----] the Royal Navy carried out OP SHARPSHOOTER to track a Russian VICTOR3 SSN. Read the full story at the latest Pinstripedline blog https://thinpinstripedline.blogspot.com/2025/12/operation-sharpshooter-very-public.html https://thinpinstripedline.blogspot.com/2025/12/operation-sharpshooter-very-public.html"
X Link 2025-12-21T14:02Z 78.1K followers, 82.8K engagements
"A fascinating [----] archives find - the map showing the range of F111 vs Buccaneer at a time when the RAF badly wanted the F111 to replace Canberra"
X Link 2025-12-22T20:01Z 78.7K followers, 62.7K engagements
"Over the Christmas period I'm going to share some reports of visits to Russia by British military personnel in early 1990s as the Cold War ended as an insight to a different world. This sneak peak is of Soviet Naval attitudes to commanding warships at sea"
X Link 2025-12-24T11:25Z 78.6K followers, 26.6K engagements
"A quiet Christmas Eve morning spent tidying up the gaming RPG and birding books shelf while Die Hard played in the background. 😃"
X Link 2025-12-24T13:48Z 78K followers, [----] engagements
"Finland is a serious nation which takes the responsibilities for home defence seriously. I would not want them as a foe - NATO is immeasurably strengthened by having them as a welcome ally within the Alliance. BREAKING: Finland to expand its reservist force to [--] million. The government will raise the upper age limit for reservists from [--] to [--] years effective January [--] [----] adding around [------] reservists over the next five years to strengthen national defense. https://t.co/iMcwfiwxav BREAKING: Finland to expand its reservist force to [--] million. The government will raise the upper age limit"
X Link 2025-12-24T16:52Z 78.6K followers, 122.2K engagements
"Great article by @TomSharpe134 -having done my own share of Christmases away on operational deployments its a tough day but also a memorable one for many reasons. Plenty of military personnel are on duty today around the world - we owe them thanks. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12/25/christmas-nuclear-deterrent-submariners-thanks/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12/25/christmas-nuclear-deterrent-submariners-thanks/"
X Link 2025-12-25T14:06Z 78.5K followers, [----] engagements
"A fascinating Cold War snippet. When Mrs Thatcher met Mr Gorbachev in RAF Brize Norton in Dec [----] she wished to directly raise a "very private subject" directly with the Soviet leader and out of earshot of his interpreters. What could this "individual case" have been"
X Link 2025-12-26T12:59Z 78.1K followers, 56.5K engagements
"An excellent day sadly the hope of closer links were dashed as tyranny was replaced by an even more corrupt and evil regime under Putin that poses a grave danger to all lovers of freedom and democracy. Happy collapse of the Soviet Union Day to all who celebrate https://t.co/820EU2vBKP Happy collapse of the Soviet Union Day to all who celebrate https://t.co/820EU2vBKP"
X Link 2025-12-26T18:48Z 78.1K followers, [----] engagements
"As the Cold War ended senior British officers visited the Soviet Union and sent back powerful visit reports capturing their experiences and engagements with the Russians. This is the first of several tweet thread about when ACM Craig CDS visited in December 1990"
X Link 2025-12-27T13:55Z 78.6K followers, 83.1K engagements
"CDS visited from 9-14 Dec as the guest of his Soviet opposite number (Gen Moiseev). The visit took him to Moscow Leningrad and Murmansk"
X Link 2025-12-27T13:55Z 78.5K followers, [----] engagements
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