UK defence must move beyond steel-era procurement, MPs told
Air Marshal (Retd) Edward Stringer has warned that the UK is still designing forces around Cold War-era assumptions centred on large platforms and prolonged specification cycles.
China quietly funding Russian war machine MPs told
China is providing decisive economic and technological backing to the Russian war effort in Ukraine, effectively sustaining the Russian ability to continue the conflict while avoiding overt military involvement, defence experts told MPs this week.
Leonardo cited as why defence must not be sidelined
The Leonardo helicopter operation in Yeovil was cited in Parliament as an example of how environmental, social and governance requirements risk undermining Britain’s defence industry if they are not matched by firm government procurement decisions.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport expands military fuel capability
Glasgow Prestwick Airport has expanded its military aviation support infrastructure with the introduction of a new JP8 fuel mixing capability.
UK denies F-35 kill switch claim despite US reliance
Ministers deny any US kill switch on UK F-35s, but the jets remain tightly bound to American software, data and sustainment systems that ultimately shape how freely they can be used over time.
Mini sonobuoys being developed for uncrewed systems
The Royal Navy is moving to expand its undersea surveillance reach through the development of miniaturised sonobuoys designed for use with uncrewed air systems, as part of a wider shift towards more autonomous anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
UK confirms Watchkeepr replacement this year
The Ministry of Defence has ruled out gifting the British Army Watchkeeper drone to Ukraine, while confirming continued spending on the retiring system and confirming a delivery date for its replacement under Project Corvus.
UK helicopter delay raises concerns over industrial base
Questions over the future of the new medium lift helicopter programme were raised in Parliament today, amid warnings that continued uncertainty could undermine sovereign aerospace capability and the defence supply chain.
British forces to get new anti-drone powers
Defence personnel are to be granted new legal powers to counter drones near military sites, following a sharp rise in reported incidents around UK bases.
U.S. Marines select Anduril Bolt-M for OPF-L fielding
The award follows a 13-month testing and evaluation period in which Anduril supplied more than 250 Bolt-M systems to the U.S. Marine Corps.
