Rear Admiral (Retd) Jon Pentreath on translating undersea innovation into operational effect ahead of UDT 2026, as defence assesses emerging subsea threats and capability gaps
The UK defence industrial base is struggling with unclear priorities, capability gaps and a lack of direction, according to MPs and peers, who warn that delays to key funding plans are holding back both industry and national security objectives.
MPs and peers have warned that the Government’s national security plans lack sufficient detail, particularly around funding, resilience and how strategy will translate into real capability.
The European missile manufacturer said output doubled between 2023 and the end of 2025, with a further 40% increase in production planned for 2026.
Unite has given a cautious welcome to a government move to designate steel, shipbuilding, AI and energy infrastructure as sectors critical to national security, according to the union.
Plans for a direct ferry link between Scotland and mainland Europe have moved forward after the UK Government committed millions to upgrade infrastructure at the Port of Rosyth.
The Ministry of Defence set out plans to move away from annual budgeting towards a 10-year Defence Investment Plan and a new procurement model, marking a significant change in how the department plans and delivers military capability.
The Ministry of Defence is working with the Department of Health and Social Care and the NHS to review UK health system capacity to respond to the demands of large-scale conflict, according to a written parliamentary response.
The UK Government has unveiled a GBP 50 million defence growth deal aimed at strengthening Scotland’s role in advanced engineering, shipbuilding and defence technology.
Navantia UK says investment across its four yards is intended to support a "third UK naval prime", combining Belfast integration with design access, group expertise and a broader industrial footprint.
