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
UK second only to US in Arctic NATO forces, MoD tells MPs
The UK is second only to the US in Arctic NATO forces, the MoD has told MPs, warning that Britain's post-war advantage in the Atlantic is at risk and confirming the first High North sensors will be in the water this year.
Devonport Open Days 2026 passes 10,000 tickets
Babcock's Devonport Open Days event has passed 10,000 tickets booked for 2026, with the annual public event at Devonport Royal Dockyard returning on 24 July.
Norway upgrades military simulation with BAE Systems VBS4
The Norwegian Armed Forces have selected an enterprise licence upgrade to BAE Systems OneArc's VBS4 virtual training and mission rehearsal environment, under a four-year multi-year agreement.
Only 4 in 100 Army Reserve applicants make it through
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that only four to seven per cent of people who apply to join the UK's Armed Forces Reserves successfully become untrained entrants, with the Army recording the lowest conversion rate.
UK firms win 89 percent of defence contracts since July 2024
Since July 2024 the MoD has awarded 4,130 defence contracts, with 89% going to UK-based companies, though overseas firms are winning fewer but higher-value deals on average.
African Lion 2026 kicks off across four African nations
More than 4,500 military personnel from over 30 nations have begun exercise African Lion 2026, the largest annual joint military exercise on the African continent.
UK terrorism threat level raised to severe
The UK's terrorism threat level has been raised from substantial to severe, meaning an attack is now considered highly likely the Head of Counter Terrorism Policing has confirmed.
Man convicted of planning terrorist attack at Israeli Embassy
Abdullah Sabah Albadri, aged 34 and of no fixed abode, attempted to gain entry to the diplomatic premises in Kensington on 28 April last year.
Hormuz shipping falls 90 percent with 20,000 sailors trapped
The Royal Navy maritime monitoring team has warned that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen by more than 90 per cent, with 850 merchant ships and around 20,000 sailors trapped inside the Gulf and unable to leave.
UK-built Skyhammer interceptor missile successfully tested
A new British-built interceptor missile designed to counter Shahed-style attack drones has been successfully tested in Jordan.
