George Allison
Defence to set new SME spending target by June
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it will publish its target for direct spending with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for the 2024-25 financial year by June 2025.
What happens if Russia shoots down a European jet?
Lt Col Stuart Crawford talks Sky Shield and European air defence, as experts propose a 120-jet force to protect Ukraine from Russian strikes—raising both strategic opportunities and escalation risks.
UK monitors risks of Chinese tech in defence supply chain
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it actively monitors the presence of Chinese-manufactured technology within UK defence procurement and supply chains.
MASS secures £17.5m JCAST contract extension
Defence and training support provider MASS, a subsidiary of Cohort plc, has been awarded a two-year extension on its Joint Command and Staff Training (JCAST) contract for UK Strategic Command.
Reports of Russia’s largest missile and drone Strike of 2025
The UK Ministry of Defence has reported that Russia conducted its largest multi-axis 'Long Range Aviation' strike package of 2025 overnight, launching a massive aerial assault on Ukraine.
F-35 jets shadow Russian aircraft watching NATO exercise
Two Norwegian F-35 fighter jets launched to identify and shadow two Russian Tu-142 ‘BEAR-F’ maritime patrol aircraft flying in international airspace near Troms.
Royal Navy seeks industry input to integrate drones to fleet
The Royal Navy is seeking industry input for its Strike Net programme, an initiative aimed at advancing communications, data sharing, and uncrewed systems integration in maritime operations.
UK stresses importance of US defence industry ties
The UK government has reiterated its commitment to defence collaboration with the United States, following parliamentary questions on the scale of procurement spending on US defence items and services.
UK withholds ammo purchase numbers amid security concerns
The refusal to release specific figures comes amid a wider effort by NATO allies to scale up ammunition production, particularly in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
British defence industry warns of skills shortages
The UK defence industry is struggling to meet increased production demands due to shortages in skilled workers, key materials, and lengthy security clearance processes, according to industry leaders.