Lisa West
Shield AI unveils AI-piloted VTOL stealth drone
Shield AI has announced the X-BAT, an artificial intelligence-piloted vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fighter jet designed to operate without traditional runways and to function in highly contested environments.
Britain assessing options for future Hawk jet replacement
The UK is planning a Hawk T2 jet trainer replacement as part of its £3.8bn flying training system, which trains around 650 aircrew at any one time across the RAF, Royal Navy and Army.
UK has plans to rapidly expand military pilot numbers
Britain has contingency plans in place to "rapidly increase the number of front-line pilots in the RAF if required".
MOD details medical discharge, safeguarding procedures
The Ministry of Defence has set out detailed procedures for how service personnel are discharged, including those leaving on medical grounds.
UK confirms new Astraea nuclear warhead progressing
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Project Astraea, the UK’s new sovereign nuclear warhead, is progressing as part of the Strategic Defence Review 2025 programme.
Army recruitment, skills shortages affecting major projects
Ministers have confirmed that recruitment challenges and shortages of skilled personnel are affecting a significant proportion of the British Army’s programme portfolio.
UK looking at using Protector drones alongside P-8
The UK is evaluating options to integrate the RAF’s newly operational Protector remotely piloted aircraft with the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol fleet.
UK’s next-gen ship busting missile moves to 2026 approval
The Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) programme has entered its development phase and is moving toward Full Business Case approval in 2026, according to Defence Minister Luke Pollard.
L3Harris and IAI partner on Israeli attack aircraft project
L3Harris Technologies and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly pursue Israel’s Light-Attack Aircraft program using L3Harris’ Sky Warden platform, the company stated.
UK ‘managing’ Type 23 retirement amid Norway Type 26 deal
The Ministry of Defence has said the Royal Navy is carefully managing the transition from its ageing Type 23 Duke-class frigates to the new generation of Type 26 and Type 31 warships.










