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.
Defence firms warn Scotland faces critical skills shortages
Defence industry representatives have warned MPs that Scotland’s defence sector is facing acute skills shortages, with demand for specialist engineers and welders far outstripping current training pipelines and workforce planning.
Scottish Government delay procurement of new ships
EXCLUSIVE - Scotland’s marine vessel replacement project plans have shifted from a late-2025 expectation to an open-ended “coming years” timeline, with the official notice updated following UK Defence Journal inquiries.
UK says Arctic defence policy covered by 2025 review
The Ministry of Defence has said the UK’s approach to security in the Arctic and High North is now being addressed through the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, rather than through a standalone update of its 2022 High North strategy.
