Opinion Section
The Albion class are gone, let’s move on
Ultimately, the Royal Navy is taking a calculated risk by prioritising future capabilities over retaining older, resource intenSive platforms - but will that risk pay off?
Trump approach to US space policy could throw some surprises
Donald Trump’s approach to US space policy could throw up some surprises, especially with Elon Musk on board.
NAVAL NEWS
Government rebukes call for warships to be used in Channel
Responding to a parliamentary question from Rupert Lowe MP on using warships in the English Channel, the MOD reiterated that ""Defence assets are procured for Defence tasks".
HMS Northumberland scrapping saves over £100 million
The Type 23 frigate was deemed uneconomical to repair after significant structural damage was discovered during a planned refit.
Experts caution NATO gap in ‘all-domain awareness’ in Arctic
At a recent CEPA briefing on the launch of a new report, experts explored critical gaps in NATO's Arctic capabilities and discussed opportunities for Western and Northern European nations to enhance regional security.
AVIATION NEWS
UK could use lasers to protect military bases
While the MOD acknowledged the importance of DEWs in base defence, they declined to provide specific details about their use in protecting military installations.
Plans for Watchkeeper replacement outlined
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard confirmed that the MOD plans to procure a modern 'Land Tactical Deep Find' capability to replace the 14-year-old Watchkeeper system.
UK sets out position on unidentified aerial phenomenon
The Government has made it clear that there are no plans to form a dedicated team to investigate alleged sightings.
LAND NEWS
MOD delays equipment plan publication, promises ‘transparency’
Observers may view the postponement as understandable given the ongoing reviews but will likely watch closely to see how the MOD delivers on its promise of enhanced transparency in future reports.
Survival skills – A foundational gap in Arctic operations
At a CEPA-hosted briefing on Arctic security, Minna Ålander, a Senior Fellow specialising in Arctic and Nordic defence, highlighted a vital yet often overlooked challenge facing NATO allies: basic survival skills in Arctic environments.
Accommodation for Service personnel ‘shocking’
A Defence Committee report published today finds that accommodation for service personnel and their families is “shocking”, with two-thirds of service family accommodation needing major work to meet modern standards.
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.