BAE Systems agrees deal to acquire Swedish supplier
BAE Systems has entered into an agreement to acquire Aston Harald Mekaniska Verkstad, a Sweden-based manufacturer specialising in precision-machined, large and complex structures.
How IDV is evolving the Viking uncrewed vehicle
Speakign to the UKD efence Journal, IDV argues Viking reflects a rare UK-based uncrewed ground capability, developed and integrated by a domestic team as interest in autonomy grows.
UK claims significant progress on Challenger 3 export talks
The Ministry of Defence says it has said that it has made "significant progress" in exploring export opportunities linked to the Challenger 3 tank programme, but has declined to provide further detail.
Starmer warns Europe must end overdependence on US
Starmer warned that European leaders must be prepared to make difficult decisions and build public consent for increased defence spending and rearmament, arguing that political hesitation could allow extremist voices to fill the vacuum. #MSC2026
US urges Europe to take lead in NATO conventional defence
A senior US defence official has called on European NATO members to assume primary responsibility for the conventional defence of Europe.
Baroness warns of ‘unpleasant smell’ over Palantir contract
Baroness Goldie criticised the decision to award a contract to Palantir without open tender, alleging "a very unpleasant smell" and asking what was discussed at a meeting involving the Prime Minister, Palantir and Peter Mandelson.
Rutte in Munich: Europe stepping up to lead NATO
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said allies are undergoing a "real shift in mindset", with Europe taking greater responsibility for defence. #MSC2026
Labour MP calls for NATO ‘neighbourhood’ model for decisions
Graeme Downie MP says the NATO consensus model is too slow for modern crises and should adopt a "neighbourhood" approach, empowering regional allies like the UK to act fast and deny Russia the chance to exploit delays.
Russia has suffered 1.3 million casualties in Ukraine
Russia has suffered around 1.3 million casualties since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, including around 400,000 in 2025 alone, a senior NATO official told journalists at NATO Headquarters.
Rutte defends US SACEUR role as Europe takes lead
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Defence Ministers concluded a productive meeting in Brussels, describing the atmosphere as a turning point for the Alliance.
