Opinion Section
Turkey is a powerful broker in the current world crisis
While Turkey’s government is struggling to deal with mass protests at home (after Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was imprisoned), in foreign affairs it is in an increasingly strong position as a key power broker in deals with Europe, the US and Russia.
The critical role of trade shows in showcasing future tech
As the West and its allies face mounting threats, trade shows are more crucial than ever for showcasing cutting-edge technology and shaping the conversation, observes Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Jon Pentreath CB, OBE, DSEI Senior Military Advisor.
NAVAL NEWS
Britain to introduce new inflatable warships to expand fleet
In a bid to modernise the Royal Navy while dramatically increasing fleet numbers, the UK government has announced the introduction of a new fleet of stealth inflatable warships, designed to be rapidly deployed and almost invisible to enemy radar.
Part of Scotland to temporarily become part of England
British Prime Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney have unveiled a plan to designate the Govan area of Glasgow as an English constituency, an official part of England, to ensure the safe and secure continuation of warship building.
Scot Gov designates Polish shipyard as part of Scotland
The Scottish Government has officially designated the Remontowa Shipyard in Gdańsk, Poland, as part of Scottish territory, to ensure new ferries are built in Scotland.
AVIATION NEWS
UK considers Typhoons, F-35s to support Ukraine peace plan
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that elements of the UK Armed Forces remain ready to support the formation of a Multinational Force for Ukraine.
UK open to Canadian involvement in new fighter jet project
The UK government has signalled its openness to future collaboration with Canada on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), the international effort to develop a next-generation fighter jet by 2035.
Royal Navy’s Merlin fleet in £165m support deal
The Ministry of Defence has signed a £165 million contract extension with Leonardo to maintain and sustain the Royal Navy’s fleet of 54 Merlin helicopters.
LAND NEWS
British Army contracts FPV drone fleet for strike training
This vision—announced at the RUSI Land Warfare Conference—envisions a digitally integrated battlefield where any sensor can cue any effector, enabling British forces to defeat adversaries "up to three times their size" by 2030.
UK stands by landmine ban as NATO allies withdraw
The UK Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the Ottawa Convention, the international treaty banning anti-personnel landmines, despite decisions by some of its closest NATO allies to abandon the agreement.
UK spends £51m mitigating higher Scottish tax for personnel
The Ministry of Defence has revealed that its Scottish Income Tax Mitigation scheme is projected to cost the public purse £12.74 million in the 2024–25 financial year, bringing the total cost since its inception to nearly £51.5 million.
International News
Fact Checks
A Russian submarine, Scotland, and an odd conspiracy
A recent BBC Scotland news story about the sighting of a Russian submarine off the west coast of Scotland has sparked a flurry of odd reactions on social media.
The myth that nukes are in Scotland to keep England safe
Misconceptions can often take root and spread quickly, one incorrect claim is that the UK stores all of its nukes in Scotland because they're too dangerous to keep in England.