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.
MPs told warship building outside Scotland is difficult
Efforts to recreate the UK’s complex warship manufacturing capability outside Scotland would face major structural and skills barriers, industry representatives have told MPs, underlining the strategic importance of shipbuilding centres on the Clyde and at Rosyth.
UK confirms entry ranks for Armed Forces Gap Year scheme
Participants in the new Armed Forces Foundation Year will serve at entry-level ranks across all three Services, with the pilot scheme set to launch in 2026 at a cost of £13 million.
New tugboats for Faslane will not be built in China
The Ministry of Defence has now confirmed that vessels procured under the Defence Maritime Services programme, including tugs for Faslane, will not be built in China.
