RAF engineer retention scheme for F-35 costs £113.5m
The Ministry of Defence has disclosed that the RAF’s Financial Retention Incentive for engineers supporting the UK’s F-35 Lightning programme is worth approximately £113.5 million.
UK confirms carrier drone refuelling still under review
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that work on autonomous, carrier-based refuelling and logistics aircraft for the Royal Navy remains ongoing, underlining that no decisions have yet been taken on fielding such systems.
Francois warns helicopter delays threaten Leonardo UK future
Conservative MP Mark Francois has warned that continued delays to UK defence procurement risk undermining Leonardo’s long-term presence in Britain.
MPs warn UK lags behind allies on drones
Senior Ministry of Defence officials have faced blunt criticism from MPs over the pace at which the UK is fielding drones and one-way effectors, amid warnings that British forces lag behind key European allies in deployed capability.
No decision yet on how many drones to fly with Apache
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that no decision has yet been made on how many Land Autonomous Collaborative Platforms could ultimately be procured to operate alongside the Army’s AH-64E Apache helicopters, as it set out the formal competition timeline for Project NYX.
British Apache gunships to be fitted with APKWS rockets
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) will be part of the weapons mix for the British Army’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, with integration planned for 2027.
UK open to Germany joining future fighter project
The UK has said it remains open to Germany joining the Global Combat Air Programme, as uncertainty deepens around France and Germany’s FCAS fighter project.
New British cruise missile enters firing trials
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Project Brakestop, a new UK cruise missile programme designed for rapid production and scale, has entered live firing trials, as senior defence officials set out a shift toward faster weapons procurement.
U.S. review clears V-22 safety concerns
The US Naval Air Systems Command has released the findings of a comprehensive review into the V-22 Osprey, reaffirming the aircraft’s airworthiness and allowing continued operations across the US Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy.
Rolls-Royce opens new engine overhaul facility in China
Rolls-Royce has officially opened Beijing Aero Engine Services Limited, a new maintenance, repair and overhaul joint venture with Air China, expanding its global capacity for servicing large civil aircraft engines.
