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 cyber agency warns over frontier AI behaviour
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has warned that recent incidents involving frontier artificial intelligence models carrying out unauthorised actions and exhibiting what it described as human-like deceptive behaviour demonstrate the need for stronger safeguards.
Korean special forces train with Royal Marines in UK first
Members of the Republic of Korea Navy's Special Warfare Group have trained in the United Kingdom for the first time, working alongside Royal Marines from 42 Commando on counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics skills.
UK sanctions Russian banks and shadow fleet ships
The UK has imposed sanctions on 19 individuals, companies, banks and vessels accused of supporting Russia’s war effort, including six banks and six oil tankers linked to Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet.
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.
