NATO backs £2.5bn 2026 budget to boost collective defence
At a meeting of the North Atlantic Council on 16 December, Allies approved a Civil Budget of about £455 million and a Military Budget of roughly £2.1 billion.
Ajax probe delays Defence Investment Plan decisions
Investigations into the Ajax armoured vehicle will shape decisions in the Defence Investment Plan, delaying the long awaited equipment spending document, as ministers await clarity on the troubled programme.
UK says General Dynamics currently ‘not in breach’ on Ajax
The Ministry of Defence has said that General Dynamics is not currently in breach of its contract for the Ajax armoured vehicle programme, despite renewed concerns over safety, vibration issues and operational viability raised in Parliament.
UK review may examine Iranian influence in Scotland
An independent UK review into foreign political interference could examine Iranian-linked activity targeting online debate around Scottish independence, following comments by Scotland Secretary Douglas...
Russia, Iran and China pose ‘multi-faceted’ UK threat, MPs warn
Hostile activity by Russia, Iran and China has intensified and now represents a complex, persistent threat to the UK, according to a new assessment published by Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee.
Doubt cast on Ajax role in meeting NATO commitments
The Ministry of Defence has declined to give a clear assurance that the British Army can meet its NATO armoured reconnaissance obligations without the Ajax programme.
UK Export Finance expansion backed as MPs debate subsidies
Parliament has debated plans to expand the capacity of UK Export Finance (UKEF), with MPs from across the House backing support for exporters while differing sharply on the role of subsidies, Brexit and regional priorities.
Grangemouth ethylene plant backed amid defence resilience concerns
Speaking to the UK Defence Journal at Grangemouth, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the ethylene cracker is “absolutely essential for our national security” and a key part of UK critical infrastructure.
US personnel killed in ISIS ambush during Syria engagement
Two US service members and a US civilian interpreter were killed in Syria on 13 December after an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman, according to US Central Command.
MOD points to early gains in retaining military engineers
Ministers say new pay incentives and flexible service terms are beginning to improve retention among engineering and technical specialists, despite continued competition from the civilian labour market.
