British and German pilots are set to conduct joint air policing missions in Estonia for the first time.
The UK is preparing to take over from Germany as leader of the Nato mission in Estonia, which borders Russia.
UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has praised the demonstration of Nato unity, in which Typhoon jets for the Royal Air Force and its German counterpart will take part in “integrated” missions.
The Ministry of Defence said about 300 RAF personnel would soon arrive in Estonia. The UK is to lead the Nato mission for four months from April.
The invasion of Ukraine has brought concerns in border states, including Estonia, about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambitions and his next steps.
Details of the new Nato mission come after Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas's comfortable win by a large majority in the general election on Sunday.
The politician, who has become popular at home and abroad for her unwavering support for Ukraine, outperformed polls.
Her victory provides a strong mandate for her pledge to maintain Estonia’s transatlantic course as a committed member of the EU and Nato.
“Our RAF personnel in Estonia are undertaking a vital role, ensuring the security of Europe’s skies and bolstering Nato’s presence in eastern Europe," Mr Wallace said.
“Joint operations of this kind demonstrate the strength and unity of the Nato alliance and our shared resolve to maintain peace and security across the region.”
A look at the Nato military alliance - in pictures
Scott Maccoll, commanding officer of the 140 Expeditionary Air Wing, said: “Today marks a great first for our two Air Forces.
"We have been working together for some time and the level of co-operation has now reached a new level.
“It continues to be an absolute pleasure to work with our German allies on all aspects of our mission, from maintenance and operation of the jets to planning and logistic activities.”
“What better way to demonstrate the strength and unity of the Nato alliance than through successful, shared operations such as this?”
The ministry said that the mission formed part of the UK’s commitment to Nato member Estonia.
“Working together with our allies from the Royal Air Force in a live mission is what we have been looking forward to since we started this mission," said Lt Col Christoph Hachmeister, the German detachment commander.
“Now we can demonstrate interoperability in these difficult times to protect our Baltic partners and Nato’s eastern flank.
“The many years of good practice in working together will be the baseline for a successful co=-operation.”
Putin 'planning for a long war' in Ukraine, says Nato chief - video
Labour's shadow defence secretary John Healey said his party’s commitment to Nato co-operation with allies such as Germany is “unshakeable”, as he warned of the danger of cuts to defence projects.
“Our RAF pilots will conduct these welcome exercises with total professionalism," Mr Healey said.
"But the Conservatives’ mismanagement of defence projects such as Wedgetails and cuts to military transport planes are leaving the UK’s Nato obligations in doubt.
“Labour in government would apply a ‘Nato test’ to major defence programmes to ensure our Nato commitments are fulfilled.”
500 People from Gaza enter France
115 Special programme for artists
25 Evacuation of injured and sick
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If you go...
Etihad Airways flies from Abu Dhabi to Kuala Lumpur, from about Dh3,600. Air Asia currently flies from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu, with Berjaya Hotels & Resorts planning to launch direct chartered flights to Redang Island in the near future. Rooms at The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort start from 680RM (Dh597).
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
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Overview
What: The Arab Women’s Sports Tournament is a biennial multisport event exclusively for Arab women athletes.
When: From Sunday, February 2, to Wednesday, February 12.
Where: At 13 different centres across Sharjah.
Disciplines: Athletics, archery, basketball, fencing, Karate, table tennis, shooting (rifle and pistol), show jumping and volleyball.
Participating countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Qatar and UAE.
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Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 48V hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 450Nm
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T10 Cricket League
Sharjah Cricket Stadium
December 14- 17
6pm, Opening ceremony, followed by:
Bengal Tigers v Kerala Kings
Maratha Arabians v Pakhtoons
Tickets available online at q-tickets.com/t10
How to tell if your child is being bullied at school
Sudden change in behaviour or displays higher levels of stress or anxiety
Shows signs of depression or isolation
Ability to sleep well diminishes
Academic performance begins to deteriorate
Changes in eating habits
Struggles to concentrate
Refuses to go to school
Behaviour changes and is aggressive towards siblings
Begins to use language they do not normally use
What are the main cyber security threats?
Cyber crime - This includes fraud, impersonation, scams and deepfake technology, tactics that are increasingly targeting infrastructure and exploiting human vulnerabilities.
Cyber terrorism - Social media platforms are used to spread radical ideologies, misinformation and disinformation, often with the aim of disrupting critical infrastructure such as power grids.
Cyber warfare - Shaped by geopolitical tension, hostile actors seek to infiltrate and compromise national infrastructure, using one country’s systems as a springboard to launch attacks on others.
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Like a Fading Shadow
Antonio Muñoz Molina
Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez
Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)
The biog
Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia
Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins
Favourite dish: Grilled fish
Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.
'Brazen'
Director: Monika Mitchell
Starring: Alyssa Milano, Sam Page, Colleen Wheeler
Rating: 3/5
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
The specs: Macan Turbo
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
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Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
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What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
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WandaVision
Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany
Directed by: Matt Shakman
Rating: Four stars
