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 to gift Mogadishu operating base to African Union
The UK is set to gift a compound at Mogadishu International Airport, previously known as Operating Base SHAND, to the African Union support and stabilisation mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Defence wiring firm Westwire expands with new Swindon site
Westwire Harnessing has opened a second UK manufacturing facility in Swindon, expanding production capacity and creating around 80 new jobs.
American and allied forces exercise with Mauritius
Exercise Cutlass Express 2026 has commenced in Port Louis, Mauritius, bringing together 19 partner and allied nations for maritime security training across Mauritius and Seychelles.
Royal Navy plans deal for more Teledyne underwater gliders
The procurement, listed under the title FMDG Persistent Oceanographic Data Collect, covers the planned purchase of up to 15 gliders and supporting systems and is being run through the Ministry of Defence in Portsmouth.
Language on timeline for new Type 31 Frigates shifts
The Ministry of Defence has adopted broader language when describing the expected in-service date of HMS Venturer, the first of the Type 31 frigates, moving away from earlier references to a specific year.
British fighter jets battle it out above desert
Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft have deployed to the United States for Exercise Red Flag 26-1, joining American and Australian forces in what is widely regarded as one of the most demanding air combat training events in the world.
Shipbuilding must not repeat past industrial failures
The Scottish Affairs Committee has warned that Scotland risks repeating the mistakes of past deindustrialisation unless future industrial transitions are actively managed, with clear support for skills retention.
U.S. to give Marine Cobra helis long-range strike weapons
According to L3Harris, the Red Wolf system is intended to address what it described as a capability gap by providing long-range precision strike options suited to modern conflict environments.
Russian hacktivists targeting UK online services
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued a new alert warning that Russian state-aligned hacktivist groups continue to target UK organisations with disruptive cyber attacks.
RAF mission boosts UK Antarctic cooperation with Chile
British Forces South Atlantic Islands personnel based at Mount Pleasant have conducted Operation AUSTRAL ENDURANCE, working alongside Chilean counterparts and UK partners to strengthen safe access to the British Antarctic Territory.
