George Allison
George Allison is the founder and editor of the UK Defence Journal. He holds a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and specialises in naval and cyber security topics. George has appeared on national radio and television to provide commentary on defence and security issues. Twitter: @geoallison
NATO warships gather for major exercise in Mediterranean
The drills involve more than 30 surface vessels, two submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and 1,500 marines and personnel from six NATO nations – France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Türkiye.
Aegis upgrades tested against hypersonic threats
The Aegis Combat System has been put through its paces in a recent missile defence trial involving a simulated hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile, according to Lockheed Martin and U.S. defence officials.
UK won’t rule out hitting back if Russia cuts sea cables
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard told MPs on the Defence Committee this week that the government is stepping up its approach – but that retaliation doesn’t always mean mirroring the adversary’s actions.
QinetiQ awarded $47m to support defence aviation safety
QinetiQ has been awarded a AUD$47 million contract to support the Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA), aimed at enhancing aviation safety across Australia’s defence sector.
Government urged to clarify undersea responsibility
The UK Government has faced renewed calls to strengthen its defences against threats to undersea infrastructure, amid concerns about increased activity by Russian and Chinese state actors near vital communication and energy assets.
Ministers pressed to expand support for UK veterans
The government has outlined efforts to improve veteran support services following a series of questions in Parliament from MPs across multiple parties.
MOD acknowledges defence industry skills gap
The Ministry of Defence has acknowledged the growing challenge of skills shortages in the defence industry, with particular attention on the shortage of welders and other craft roles, according to responses to Parliamentary questions on Thursday.
Swedish Gripens join NATO Air Policing for first time
This deployment to Poland signifies a further deepening of Sweden’s operational integration within NATO.
US pays operational costs at bases owned by UK confirms MOD
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the United States does not pay traditional rent for access to British military facilities, but instead covers the full operational costs under a long-standing cost-sharing agreement.
UK reviewing shift away from U.S. defence procurement
The Minister stops short of committing to any reduction in US-sourced procurement but places the issue within the broader context of the SDR’s goals, including increasing UK industrial resilience and autonomy where possible.
