Lisa West
UK avoids ruling out force against Russian shadow fleet
In a written question, Lord West of Spithead asked why Maritime Counter-Terrorism forces were not being used to stop vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet when transiting the Channel or other waters close to the UK.
Army sets out service life for key armoured engineer fleet
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the planned out-of-service dates for several British Army armoured engineering and support vehicles, outlining how long core elements of the fleet are expected to remain in use.
UK helicopters train in Arctic as Operation Clockwork runs
UK military helicopters have deployed to northern Norway as Commando Helicopter Force begins its annual Arctic training deployment under Operation Clockwork.
UK to mass-produce Ukrainian air defence drones
The Ministry of Defence has set out new details on Project Octopus, a joint UK–Ukraine defence industrial initiative aimed at rapidly scaling air defence drone production for use in the war against Russia.
UK approvals required for US use of bases
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that decisions on whether the United States can use its military bases in the UK for operational purposes are taken on a case-by-case basis and require UK approval.
Report urges reforms to unlock SME role in UK defence
A new report by Babcock and the University of Exeter shows that small and medium sized enterprises could play a significantly larger role in strengthening UK defence resilience, but warns that structural barriers continue to limit their participation.
Northrop Grumman to build US Navy lightweight torpedo
Northrop Grumman has been awarded a contract to manufacture a new advanced lightweight torpedo for the U.S. Navy, featuring a newly developed warhead intended to improve weapon effectiveness.
Lariam concerns raised in Parliament
The Ministry of Defence has said it is working with the NHS to ensure clinicians are aware of the potential side effects associated with mefloquine, following a parliamentary question on veteran mental health and suicide risk, the department stated.
GCAP fighter programme HQ to host 500-strong workforce
The international headquarters overseeing the Global Combat Air Programme is expected to employ around 500 personnel once fully operational, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Defence data shows most equipment spending stays in UK
The Ministry of Defence has said the majority of its equipment spending is placed with UK industry, while acknowledging it does not track the full origin of components or materials used in production.










