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
Defence industry warns procurement undermining shipbuilding
Defence industry representatives have warned MPs that fragmented procurement decisions and short-term ordering practices are damaging UK shipbuilding, limiting productivity gains and weakening the wider industrial supply chain.
Defence Housing Service set in law under Armed Forces Bill
Legislation laid before Parliament would create a standalone Defence Housing Service, extend the Armed Forces Covenant across government and trigger what ministers describe as the largest renewal of military housing in a generation.
First of four new Scottish ferries handed over
The first of four new Islay-class ferries has been formally handed over to Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited, marking a key milestone in efforts to renew Scotland’s ferry fleet.
MP warns Ajax flaws threaten Welsh armoured jobs
Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty warned that ongoing problems with the Ajax armoured vehicle programme risk leaving General Dynamics’ Merthyr Tydfil plant without work.
UK warns it will act lawfully against Russia shadow fleet
Ministers say the UK is ready to use sanctions, regulatory action and “interdiction powers” to target Russia’s shadow fleet, after backing the interception of the sanctioned vessel Bella 1 in the North Atlantic.
BAE wins $184m US Marines ACV production contract
BAE Systems has secured a $184 million full-rate production contract from the US Marine Corps to build more Amphibious Combat Vehicles, expanding the ACV-30 fleet to more than 100 vehicles.
Defence firms warn Scotland faces critical skills shortages
Defence industry representatives have warned MPs that Scotland’s defence sector is facing acute skills shortages, with demand for specialist engineers and welders far outstripping current training pipelines and workforce planning.
Scottish Government delay procurement of new ships
EXCLUSIVE - Scotland’s marine vessel replacement project plans have shifted from a late-2025 expectation to an open-ended “coming years” timeline, with the official notice updated following UK Defence Journal inquiries.
UK says Arctic defence policy covered by 2025 review
The Ministry of Defence has said the UK’s approach to security in the Arctic and High North is now being addressed through the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, rather than through a standalone update of its 2022 High North strategy.
Babcock teams restore battlefield ambulances in eight weeks
British Army teams have recognised Babcock engineers at Donnington and Ashchurch after two Rapid Battlefield Ambulances were fully regenerated to operational standard under severe time pressure, restoring overseas casualty evacuation capability.
