UK cancels Type 31 frigate support contract competition

The MOD has cancelled its competition for through-life support of the Type 31 frigates, saying changed programme, commercial and support-planning assumptions mean the tender's basis "no longer hold" and continuation is no longer in its best interests.
Civilian official in a dark suit and red tie addresses pilots in green flight suits inside a hangar or workshop.

Pollard reappointed defence readiness and industry minister

Luke Pollard has been reappointed as Minister of State for Defence Readiness and Industry following this week's government reshuffle, the minister confirmed.
Panel discussion with six professionals in a blue-walled conference room, microphones in hand, a large screen behind shows 'Engineering the future'.

Babcock launches defence engineering skill study with Oxford

Babcock International Group has launched a national skills study aimed at ensuring the UK has the engineering skills needed to support future defence capability, national security and technological sovereignty.
Gray military destroyer with hull number 712 sailing on calm sea, multiple antennas and weapons on deck

Russian warship opens fire near English coast

Russian frigate Neustrashimy conducted a live-fire gunnery exercise around 40 nautical miles from Portsmouth, ar reported by the BBC.
Autonomous research vessel at sea with a tall mast and sensor arrays on deck.

Babcock signs deal to explore armed drone boats

Babcock, ACUA Ocean and Frankenburg have signed an MoU to combine launchers, low-cost missiles and uncrewed vessels into a maritime counter-drone concept. #FIA2026

15,000 expected at Devonport naval base open days

Babcock and the Royal Navy are opening the gates of the Devonport naval base for a second year, with an estimated 15,000 visitors expected across a family day and public open day.
Circular fireball ring rising over the ocean from a distant explosion; smoke plumes in the sky above choppy water

British warship unleashes hail of gunfire in the Arctic

HMS Duncan has carried out live gunnery training while deployed on Arctic Sentry, with the destroyer marking the anniversary of the Royal Navy's Engineering Branch by putting her weapons engineers' work to the test.
Warship cruising at sea, gray stealthy hull slicing through waves under cloudy sky

New warship orders could be coming to Rosyth

The Royal Navy's new warships could be built at Rosyth, ministers hinted, with local MP Graeme Downie arguing the yard is the only one able to deliver the new ships on schedule.

UK withholds which warships will get new missiles

The MoD has declined on operational security grounds to say how many warships will be cleared to deploy the Naval Strike Missile by the end of 2026, having previously confirmed an eleven-ship plan and named vessels fitted.
A gray military naval scene with a large battleship and a rocket-armed vessel firing a missile through rough, stormy seas under dark clouds.

Construction date for drone warships currently undetermined

The Hybrid Fleet has no construction date attached to it just yet, with the earliest fixed marker being the arrival of the Common Combat Vessels from the early 2030s.