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
Navy yet to settle on guns for support ships
Consideration of the most appropriate gun solution for the Fleet Solid Support ships is ongoing.
QinetiQ to build digital twin of UK vehicle test range
QinetiQ and AVL have agreed to create a digital twin of the Hurn Proving Ground in Hampshire, allowing defence and commercial vehicles to be tested virtually before entering physical trials, according to QinetiQ.
NATO drills new layered air defence over Romania
NATO has carried out a multinational air and missile defence exercise over Romania as the Alliance shifts from traditional air policing towards a broader system designed to counter aircraft, drones and cruise and ballistic missiles.
UK NATO interoperability roadmap will remain secret
The UK’s NATO Interoperability Roadmap has been completed and is already being implemented, but the Government says it will not be published because it contains information on defence planning and capability development.
Engine fault response led to fatal Merlin ditching
A split diaphragm in a Royal Navy Merlin’s engine system, followed by an incorrect diagnosis of the emergency, led to the ditching of the helicopter while operating with HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2024.
Ferguson Marine to build tugboats for commercial sale
Ferguson Marine is to build tugboats for commercial sale while Scottish Government due diligence delays four promised vessels.
Britain contracts drone-ship sensors to track air threats
Project HORUS, the Royal Navy effort to deploy persistent air-search sensors on uncrewed maritime platforms, is now under contract as the service moves ahead with a system intended to detect and track airborne threats.
RAF to fight above Britain in huge air defence exercise
The Royal Air Force has launched what it describes as the UK’s largest homeland defence air exercise, bringing together British and NATO aircraft for nearly three weeks of training focused on defending the UK.
Rutte says Europe must take greater NATO security burden
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said European allies and Canada must take greater responsibility for their own security.
UK again rules out compulsory military service
The Government has ruled out introducing compulsory military service, saying Britain will continue to rely on professional Armed Forces manned by volunteers while expanding shorter voluntary routes for young people.
