Senior Ministry of Defence officials have faced blunt criticism from MPs over the pace at which the UK is fielding drones and one-way effectors, amid warnings that British forces lag behind key European allies in deployed capability.

LATEST NEWS

Rosyth facility timeline linked to Dreadnought Barrow exit

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the planned Contingent Docking Facility at Rosyth Dockyard will be delivered in line with HMS Dreadnought’s departure from Barrow.

No decision yet on how many drones to fly with Apache

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that no decision has yet been made on how many Land Autonomous Collaborative Platforms could ultimately be procured to operate alongside the Army’s AH-64E Apache helicopters, as it set out the formal competition timeline for Project NYX.

Boeing expands UK footprint with Spirit takeover

Boeing has formally expanded its UK presence following the completion of its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, bringing major aerospace operations in Northern Ireland and Scotland under Boeing ownership.

NATO backs £2.5bn 2026 budget to boost collective defence

At a meeting of the North Atlantic Council on 16 December, Allies approved a Civil Budget of about £455 million and a Military Budget of roughly £2.1 billion.

British Apache gunships to be fitted with APKWS rockets

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) will be part of the weapons mix for the British Army’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, with integration planned for 2027.

HII selected to design and build new US Navy frigate

HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division has been selected by the US Navy to design and build its future small surface combatant, using a derivative of the Legend-class National Security Cutter, after issues with the FREMM design.

NAVAL NEWS

Rosyth facility timeline linked to Dreadnought Barrow exit

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the planned Contingent Docking Facility at Rosyth Dockyard will be delivered in line with HMS Dreadnought’s departure from Barrow.

HII selected to design and build new US Navy frigate

HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division has been selected by the US Navy to design and build its future small surface combatant, using a derivative of the Legend-class National Security Cutter, after issues with the FREMM design.

French nuclear attack submarine arrives in Scotland

A French Navy Suffren-class nuclear-powered attack submarine has arrived at HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland.

Ferguson Marine sets out reform programme and future vision

Ferguson Marine said historic issues are now being addressed, with structural reforms and a government-backed modernisation programme reshaping the yard’s future.

AVIATION NEWS

MPs warn UK lags behind allies on drones

Senior Ministry of Defence officials have faced blunt criticism from MPs over the pace at which the UK is fielding drones and one-way effectors, amid warnings that British forces lag behind key European allies in deployed capability.

No decision yet on how many drones to fly with Apache

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that no decision has yet been made on how many Land Autonomous Collaborative Platforms could ultimately be procured to operate alongside the Army’s AH-64E Apache helicopters, as it set out the formal competition timeline for Project NYX.

British Apache gunships to be fitted with APKWS rockets

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) will be part of the weapons mix for the British Army’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, with integration planned for 2027.

UK open to Germany joining future fighter project

The UK has said it remains open to Germany joining the Global Combat Air Programme, as uncertainty deepens around France and Germany’s FCAS fighter project.

LAND NEWS

NATO backs £2.5bn 2026 budget to boost collective defence

At a meeting of the North Atlantic Council on 16 December, Allies approved a Civil Budget of about £455 million and a Military Budget of roughly £2.1 billion.

Ajax probe delays Defence Investment Plan decisions

Investigations into the Ajax armoured vehicle will shape decisions in the Defence Investment Plan, delaying the long awaited equipment spending document, as ministers await clarity on the troubled programme.

UK says General Dynamics currently ‘not in breach’ on Ajax

The Ministry of Defence has said that General Dynamics is not currently in breach of its contract for the Ajax armoured vehicle programme, despite renewed concerns over safety, vibration issues and operational viability raised in Parliament.

UK review may examine Iranian influence in Scotland

An independent UK review into foreign political interference could examine Iranian-linked activity targeting online debate around Scottish independence, following comments by Scotland Secretary Douglas...

Features

Tucked on the edge of Scotland’s capital, this facility has quietly transformed into one of the UK's most important defence hubs, shaping the future of air combat and surveillance. We were given access to see what goes on behind the scenes.

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