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
Mental health remains leading barrier for Army recruits
More than half of Army applicants refused on medical grounds in 2024 were turned away for psychiatric reasons, according to new figures.
Britain demands NATO must contest Russia in every domain
Britain’s top military officer has called for NATO to confront Russia across every front, warning that deterrence depends on showing strength in all areas of competition, from nuclear forces to economic pressure.
Radakin warns against ‘either or’ thinking in UK defence
In his final public address as Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin cautioned against reducing the future of UK defence to what he called “simplistic ‘either / or’ debates.”
British warship ‘opens fire’ with gun
The Royal Navy’s Batch 2 River-class offshore patrol vessel HMS Trent has carried out her first 30mm gunnery firing in a year and a half, according to an update from the ship’s crew.
NATO mine countermeasures group calls in at Stavanger
Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1), currently led by the Latvian Navy ship Virsaitis, visited Stavanger, Norway this week.
Raytheon wins $258 million SM-2 missile contract
The SM-2 Block IIICU variant incorporates several upgrades and will provide the U.S. Navy with a more capable and versatile missile.
Details of restricted UK arms exports to Israel
Defence Secretary John Healey has told MPs that the UK has refused all export licences for military goods that might be used by Israel in current operations in Gaza, following the Business and Trade Secretary’s suspension of such licences last year.
Britain insists Gaza flights solely for hostage rescue
Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed that the hundreds of Royal Air Force surveillance flights over Gaza are operating solely to support hostage rescue, with intelligence shared only for that purpose.
HMS Tyne highlights vital role of patrol ships in UK waters
The Portsmouth-based ship, one of three first-generation River-class vessels still in service, has spent over 3,500 hours at sea in 2025, frequently tasked with monitoring ships and submarines.
UK defence chief warns Russia ‘Putin can’t even win Ukraine’
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin used his final public speech as Chief of the Defence Staff to deliver one of his bluntest assessments yet of Russia’s strategic position, telling an audience that Russia "can’t even win a war against Ukraine".
