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
F-35 enters Initial Operational Test and Evaluation period
The US Air Force 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron have kicked off F-35 Initial Operational Test and Evaluation.
HMS Dragon in £1.6m Gulf drugs bust
The Royal Navy have announced that Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon "pounced" on a dhow to uncover a half-tonne haul of heroin and hashish and 9kg of crystal meth.
Ireland orders €5.8m worth of anti-air missiles from Saab
Saab has received an order for RBS 70 BOLIDE missiles from Irish Defence Forces, the total order value is approximately €5.8 million and deliveries will take place in 2019-2022.
NATO conducts ‘focused patrol’ in Eastern Mediterranean
NATO ships and submarines from Greece, Bulgaria, Italy and Turkey in cooperation with maritime patrol and airborne early warning aircraft, conducted a focused security patrol in the eastern Mediterranean Sea recently.
Poland to take over NATO Air Policing in Baltics
The Polish Air Force is preparing to return to Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania, to lead the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission from January 2019 onwards.
NATO declares MND-NE combat ready
US Army Lieutenant General John Thomson, Commander of the NATO Allied Land Command (LANDCOM), signed the final report of the Combat Readiness Evaluation and declared Multinational Division – Northeast (MND-NE) combat ready, say the Alliance.
Government ‘hiding behind EU rules’ to offshore shipbuilding contracts say union
Unions have told Ministers that shipbuilding in Britain could face multiple yard closures in 2019 if they continue to use European regulations to avoid building support vessels in the UK.
Canadian Type 26 Frigate order back on track
A Canadian trade tribunal has rescinded its order preventing the federal government from awarding a contract for Type 26 Frigates for the Canadian navy.
Inquiry identifies ‘issues to be resolved’ with joint French-UK missile programme
The UK and French Governments have various issues to overcome in order to complete the FC/ASW missile project, according to a joint report published today.
MoD advised to look at interim options to replace Harpoon after 2023
When Harpoon exits service in 2023, there will be a serious capability gap, until the potential entry into service of FC/ASW programme in 2030, warns a report published by the Defence Committee.
