George Allison
British warship shoots down waves of attack drones
HMS Dauntless successfully intercepted waves of drones in a final trial before joining HMS Prince of Wales for the upcoming Carrier Strike Group deployment to the Indo-Pacific.
Ukraine conflict in stalemate, says War Studies expert
Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman has challenged assumptions that Russia is making decisive gains in Ukraine, telling MPs that despite a renewed offensive launched in late 2023, Moscow’s progress has been minimal.
Royal Navy’s Merlin fleet in £165m support deal
The Ministry of Defence has signed a £165 million contract extension with Leonardo to maintain and sustain the Royal Navy’s fleet of 54 Merlin helicopters.
Britain to introduce new inflatable warships to expand fleet
In a bid to modernise the Royal Navy while dramatically increasing fleet numbers, the UK government has announced the introduction of a new fleet of stealth inflatable warships, designed to be rapidly deployed and almost invisible to enemy radar.
UK ‘resetting’ defence ties with Europe, minister says
Lord Clarke of Nottingham pressed the Government on its approach to European defence integration, suggesting that post-Brexit gaps in cooperation were hampering the UK’s strategic influence.
MOD confirms impartiality for National Armaments Director
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the future National Armaments Director will be subject to Civil Service rules on political impartiality and will be required to declare any outside interests.
Cammell Laird completes major work for new frigates
The delivery marks another key point in the timeline of HMS Birmingham and HMS Belfast, both of which are expected to join the Royal Navy’s fleet later this decade.
UK in talks with NATO over cost of meeting alliance demands
The UK Government has confirmed it is still evaluating the cost and feasibility of delivering military capabilities requested by NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), amid broader questions about national defence priorities.
UK Defence Secretary ‘First line of defence is in Ukraine’
Defence Secretary John Healey has reiterated the Government’s position that Ukraine’s security is integral to Britain’s own, as questions were raised in the House of Commons about the future of UK military support should it be opposed or blocked by the Trump Administration.
British forces in ‘parlous’ state says former First Sea Lord
"Our armed services, I am afraid, are in a parlous state — it is no good pretending otherwise," Lord West said.