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
Royal Navy tests long-range drone control network
The Royal Navy has demonstrated a system that allowed personnel to receive data from and remotely control several uncrewed aircraft across more than 200 miles of southern England.
Britain to buy new drone warfare testbed vessel
The Royal Navy is planning to procure a multi-role uncrewed surface vessel intended for tech demonstration and to be delivered by the end of the financial year.
European officer to lead Ukraine aid command within a year
NATO's command coordinating military aid to Ukraine is expected to pass to a European or Canadian officer in about a year, and will absorb elements of the American-led Security Assistance Group Ukraine.
France receives first NH90 built for special operations
Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first NH90 Standard 2 to the French Armament General Directorate, a variant of the NH90 TTH designed specifically for special operations.
Canada gets first Airbus Flexrotor drones in Voyageur deal
Airbus Helicopters and Voyageur Aviation have signed the first purchase order for the Airbus U030 Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system in Canada, making Voyageur the platform's Canadian launch customer, according to Airbus.
Social value weighting doubled in government contracts
Companies bidding for central government contracts will be scored twice as heavily on the local benefits they deliver, with the social value weighting rising from 10% to 20% for contracts worth £5 million or more, according to the Cabinet Office.
Typhoons launched six times on QRA last year
Royal Air Force Typhoons on Quick Reaction Alert were launched six times during the 2025-26 financial year, half of them to track Russian aircraft approaching NATO's area of interest, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Navy plans new safety authority for uncrewed vessels
The Royal Navy is seeking industry input on establishing a Platform Authority for maritime uncrewed systems, intended to provide the governance, engineering expertise, certification support and through-life assurance needed to operate current and future capabilities safely.
NATO rehearses hunting and killing targets on eastern border
NATO forces have rehearsed the process of finding, tracking and destroying targets across air, land and maritime domains in a training activity over the alliance's eastern flank, drawing fighters, tankers and surveillance aircraft from across the alliance.
First combat medic course run aboard a Royal Navy ship
Nineteen medics from Portsmouth Flotilla ships have completed the first Combat Medic Course taught partly at sea, with practical training aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth. It is the eighth time the course has run, and the first on a warship.
