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".
RAF Astra reform cited in review of defence regulations
Astra’s work has included reforming maintenance procedures, accelerating parts delivery through digital tracking, and introducing automation and data tools.
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.
Healey: Hard power focus as UK gains drone shootdown powers
Defence Secretary John Healey warns of “a new era of threat”, announcing new powers to down unidentified drones over UK military sites and pledging an age of “hard power, strong alliances and sure diplomacy” to secure Europe.
Progress on Chinook Extended Range certification
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Chinook Capability Sustainment Programme remains on track, following earlier concerns highlighted by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) regarding certification risks for tranche one of the project.
UK commits to crewed aircraft underpinning tech change
While automation and AI will continue to evolve the conduct of air warfare, the MOD say that human pilots will remain central to command, control, and mission execution across the UK’s future air fleet.
UK aligns drone defence and interoperability with NATO
The Ministry of Defence has outlined how the UK is working to ensure its uncrewed and counter-drone systems are fully interoperable with NATO frameworks, standards and data-sharing protocols.
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.
RAF aiming for 50 percent growth in reserve force capacity
The Royal Air Force is making steady progress toward its goal of expanding its reserve strength by 50 percent, according to the Ministry of Defence.
