British laser weapon downs drones off coast of Scotland
Britain’s DragonFire laser has destroyed high speed drones during recent trials at the Hebrides range, with the Ministry of Defence announcing a £316m contract for MBDA UK to deliver the first ship fitted systems from 2027.
Carns vows UK will defend ‘every inch’ of territory
Al Carns delivered one of his firmest public statements yet on the protection of British territorial waters and critical offshore infrastructure, telling MPs that the UK will expose and hold accountable any actor that threatens the nation’s undersea networks or coastal security.
Tugendhat warns UK vulnerable with fewer ships and aircraft
Tom Tugendhat MP issued one of the starkest warnings yet heard in the House of Commons about the condition of the UK’s armed forces.
Cartlidge presses ministers on defence delays
Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge used an urgent Commons question to challenge ministers over what he described as systemic delays in the government’s defence readiness programme.
Peer asks why 24 new tugs will be built in Netherlands
Lord Beamish challenged the Government on the recently awarded Defence Maritime Services Next Generation contract, under which Serco will acquire 24 tugs and pilot boats from Damen in the Netherlands.
UK workshare in FSS programme to rise on later ships
The Ministry of Defence says UK labour hours in the Fleet Solid Support Ship programme will rise despite shifting some ship-1 fabrication to Spain, arguing that increased work on ships 2 and 3 ensures no loss of domestic output.
Is UK defence ready for rising electronic warfare threats?
Electronic warfare is evolving at great speed worldwide, revealing UK shortfalls in skills, coordination and resilience that could undermine both defence and essential services, argues Lord Ravensdale.
Second Sea Lord welcomes new sailors at HMS Raleigh
Sixty-four recruits have completed ten weeks of initial naval training at HMS Raleigh and formally joined the Royal Navy during a pass-out parade attended by the Second Sea Lord.
British carrier strike group now under NATO command
British carrier HMS Prince of Wales has reached full operating capability and is now under NATO command.
Royal Navy wraps up six-day Hurricane Melissa relief effort
A Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel has completed a week of disaster relief work in Jamaica following severe damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa, with the service focusing on restoring key public facilities, the Royal Navy has said.
