Burnham vows to plug 4.7bn hole in defence plan
The incoming Prime Minister committed to fully funding the Defence Investment Plan, a third of which is not yet paid for.
New Porton Down lab to counter biological threats
A new laboratory named after Ernest Bevin will be built at Porton Down to research protection against biological threats to the UK and NATO allies.
UK launches paid military ‘gap year’ to aid recruiting
Young people will be offered a year of paid experience and training in the Armed Forces under a new 'Gap Year' Foundation Scheme modelled on the Australian Defence Force programme.
Britain to extend military recall liability to age 65
Former UK service personnel could be recalled up to age 65 under the Armed Forces Bill, with the threshold lowered to cover 'warlike preparations', the Defence Investment Plan confirms.
Project Grayburn funded but absent from investment plan
Project Grayburn, the programme to replace the British Army's SA80 rifle, is funded despite not appearing as a specific line in the Defence Investment Plan.
Russia may test NATO with Poland provocation plans
Intelligence services are reportedly examining scenarios including drone attacks, infrastructure sabotage and a limited border incursion.
Almost a third of defence boost rests on autumn Budget
Almost a third of the gbp 15bn Defence Investment Plan, some 4.7bn, has yet to be pinned down and will only be settled at the autumn Budget.
Treasury sets out defence boost funding gap
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has told Parliament how the government will fund the £15bn Defence Investment Plan, reallocating capital budgets across Whitehall and £4.7bn still to be confirmed at the autumn Budget.
Army Wildcat helicopter to be retired
The Army's Wildcat battlefield reconnaissance helicopters will begin leaving service from 2027, with the MoD saying uncrewed systems will take over the job of scouting ahead of friendly lines.
Rutte meets Trump ahead of Ankara NATO summit
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has met US President Donald Trump at the White House to prepare for the alliance's summit in Ankara next month.
