NAVAL NEWS
UK leaves door open for future ice breaker buy
The Ministry of Defence has suggested that a future icebreaker could form part of Britain’s long-term Arctic strategy, though no firm commitment has been made.
Huge section of new warship moved into Glasgow shipyard hall
The Aft block of HMS Belfast, the third Type 26 City Class entered the Janet Harvey Hall earlier this week at BAE Systems' shipyard in Glasgow.
UK ‘ready to fight’ Russia but risks remain
Britain would be ready to fight as part of a NATO response in 2025, but senior defence leaders today acknowledged there are still risks to the UK’s fighting readiness.
AVIATION NEWS
UK, Japan, Italy set 2025 contract goal for new fighter jet
The UK, Italy and Japan have taken the next formal steps in developing their sixth-generation fighter under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), confirming a new joint headquarters and a target to finalise a major international contract by the end of 2025.
Engineers begin repairs on stranded F-35B in India
A team of British engineers has arrived in southern India to begin repairs on a UK F-35B stealth fighter that has been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala following an emergency diversion several weeks ago.
Typhoon jet assembly ends as Unite blames no UK orders
Final assembly of the Eurofighter Typhoon has ceased at BAE Systems’ Warton facility in Lancashire, as existing orders come to an end and no new domestic or export contracts have yet been secured, according to a statement issued by the Unite union on Monday.
LAND NEWS
Germany considering purchase of 1,000 tanks and 2,500 IFVs
Germany is considering a sweeping defence procurement plan worth up to €25 billion to acquire thousands of new armoured vehicles and battle tanks, aimed at fulfilling NATO’s force generation targets and bolstering deterrence against Russia.
York Council ‘bans’ military kit from Armed Forces Day
Military kit will be absent from York’s Armed Forces Day after the council, citing resident concerns — a move some suggest was due to protest fears.
Healey and Norman clash over MoD transparency
Defence Secretary John Healey was challenged in robust terms by Jesse Norman MP during a Defence Committee hearing, with tensions flaring over ministerial accountability, responsiveness to Parliament, and the rollout of the Strategic Defence Review.