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
Storm Shadow on way out in favour of cheaper missiles
Britain is to move away from the Storm Shadow cruise missile that has armed its jets for a quarter of a century, pivoting to a new generation of cheaper cruise missiles.
UK green lights three huge floating submarine repair docks
The UK has committed to three floating docks under Programme EUSTON, one more than previously planned, easing the out-of-water maintenance shortage behind the submarine availability crisis.
British Type 31 Frigates to get powerful anti-ship missile
The Defence Investment Plan confirms funding to bring the Type 31 frigates into service and arm them with Mk 41 launchers and Norway's Naval Strike Missile, plus new gun ammunition to defeat drones and surface threats.
Britain drops plans for Multi-Role Strike Ships
The Defence Investment Plan drops the bespoke Multi-Role Strike Ship as too complex and commits the UK to a joint amphibious fleet with the Netherlands, built around the Dutch-led Amphibious Transport Ship programme.
RAF to retire Shadow spy plane fleet to make way for drones
The RAF Shadow R1 surveillance aircraft are among older ISR platforms to be retired under the Defence Investment Plan, with the MoD planning to hand much of the role to uncrewed systems over time.
Type 45 Destroyers will not see service life extended
The Royal Navy will not extend its six Type 45 destroyers, which begin retiring from 2035, with an extra GBP 1.3bn going into the hybrid fleet meant to replace them over the following decade, officials said.
Army Wildcat helicopter to be retired
The Army's Wildcat battlefield reconnaissance helicopters will begin leaving service from 2027, with the MoD saying uncrewed systems will take over the job of scouting ahead of friendly lines.
Britain boosting homeland missile defence in new plans
A GBP 790m investment will revamp the UK's air and missile defences, buying new radars and sensors, upgrading Sea Viper on the Type 45s, expanding counter-drone systems and building a new air, space and missile defence operations centre.
Britain to boost focus on laser weapons
The UK will invest in Directed Energy Weapons as part of a GBP 790m push to protect the UK homeland and overseas bases from air, drone and missile threats, pointing to lasers as a low-cost answer to drone swarms.
Starmer backs 5 billion drone overhaul for UK forces in DIP
The Prime Minister will launch the Defence Investment Plan with more than 5 billion over four years for drones and autonomous systems across the Royal Navy, Army and RAF.
