Dutch warship downs swarm of attack drones off UK coast
The Royal Netherlands Navy has completed a live-firing exercise off the UK coast focused on countering drone swarm threats, during the first participation by a NATO ally in Exercise Sharpshooter.
UK keeps nuclear weapons first-use ambiguity
The Government has reaffirmed that the United Kingdom does not operate a formal "no-first-use" nuclear policy, instead maintaining a position of deliberate ambiguity intended to support deterrence.
UK warns Scottish independence would weaken Arctic security
Ministers have warned that Scottish independence would weaken UK and NATO security in the North Atlantic and Arctic, amid growing concern over Russian and Chinese activity in the High North.
Royal Navy confirms nine nuclear subs in service
The Royal Navy currently has nine nuclear-powered submarines in service, including four nuclear-armed vessels maintaining the UK’s continuous at-sea deterrent, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
Paul Sweeney warns delays threaten Scottish shipbuilding
Paul Sweeney MSP has warned that delays to Scottish Government vessel procurement risk leaving publicly owned shipyards without sufficient work, arguing that the absence of a joined-up industrial strategy is undermining shipbuilding capacity in Scotland.
Royal Navy plans jet-powered autonomous carrier drone
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the scope of Project Vanquish, a Royal Navy initiative exploring a carrier-capable autonomous fixed-wing aircraft, in response to a written parliamentary question.
Defence industry warns procurement undermining shipbuilding
Defence industry representatives have warned MPs that fragmented procurement decisions and short-term ordering practices are damaging UK shipbuilding, limiting productivity gains and weakening the wider industrial supply chain.
First of four new Scottish ferries handed over
The first of four new Islay-class ferries has been formally handed over to Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited, marking a key milestone in efforts to renew Scotland’s ferry fleet.
Defence industry says Scottish support has been negligible
Scotland’s defence industry has received negligible public-sector support in Scotland despite delivering billions in economic value and tens of thousands of skilled jobs, MPs were told during a Scottish Affairs Committee evidence session on defence skills and employment.
UK warns it will act lawfully against Russia shadow fleet
Ministers say the UK is ready to use sanctions, regulatory action and “interdiction powers” to target Russia’s shadow fleet, after backing the interception of the sanctioned vessel Bella 1 in the North Atlantic.
