Scottish Security Dialogue
MORE NEWS
British fighters scrambled six times against Russia in 2025
Quick Reaction Alert aircraft launched on six days last year and three so far in 2026, according to figures released to Graeme Downie, the Labour MP for Dunfermline and Dollar.
UK refuses to detail Outdragon spy pod capability
The department withheld information on the signals intelligence pod for operational security, days after it was photographed on a Protector at Akrotiri.
Status of RFA Fort Victoria remains unclear
Ministers say the solid support ship will be "regenerated in accordance with defence needs", language previously applied to HMS Albion and Bulwark.
NEWSLETTER
NAVAL NEWS
Thales workers back strike action in pay row
Around 300 staff at Govan and Reading have voted for industrial action after rejecting a below-inflation pay offer, Unite says, with final talks scheduled.
RFA recruitment improving after years of shortfalls
Applications to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary are at a five-year high and voluntary outflow is falling, the MOD says, though challenges remain.
Status of RFA Fort Victoria remains unclear
Ministers say the solid support ship will be "regenerated in accordance with defence needs", language previously applied to HMS Albion and Bulwark.
Why the Royal Navy keeps going back to the High North
A carrier strike group is flying jets in Arctic waters while commandos train in Norway. Here's why.
UK eyes restart of domestic sub reactor fuel cycle
A £1.7bn Nuclear Fuels Programme will explore re-establishing a nuclear fuel cycle for defence reactor fuel.
AVIATION NEWS
UK to expand drone testing across Canadian prairie base
The British Army's sprawling training area in Canada is to become a major testing ground for uncrewed systems, with new investment enabling drone activity across 2,700 square kilometres of prairie.
Huge contract awarded for new British fighter jet
The programme to deliver Britain's next-generation fighter jet has been awarded a £4.6 billion contract.
British fighters scrambled six times against Russia in 2025
Quick Reaction Alert aircraft launched on six days last year and three so far in 2026, according to figures released to Graeme Downie, the Labour MP for Dunfermline and Dollar.
UK refuses to detail Outdragon spy pod capability
The department withheld information on the signals intelligence pod for operational security, days after it was photographed on a Protector at Akrotiri.
Russia reportedly mapped NATO air defence gaps in drone campaign
An IISS report documents 144 incidents across 13 countries over 15 months, including flights over nuclear sites.
LAND NEWS
Burnham vows to plug 4.7bn hole in defence plan
The incoming Prime Minister committed to fully funding the Defence Investment Plan, a third of which is not yet paid for.
New Porton Down lab to counter biological threats
A new laboratory named after Ernest Bevin will be built at Porton Down to research protection against biological threats to the UK and NATO allies.
UK launches paid military ‘gap year’ to aid recruiting
Young people will be offered a year of paid experience and training in the Armed Forces under a new 'Gap Year' Foundation Scheme modelled on the Australian Defence Force programme.
Britain to extend military recall liability to age 65
Former UK service personnel could be recalled up to age 65 under the Armed Forces Bill, with the threshold lowered to cover 'warlike preparations', the Defence Investment Plan confirms.
Project Grayburn funded but absent from investment plan
Project Grayburn, the programme to replace the British Army's SA80 rifle, is funded despite not appearing as a specific line in the Defence Investment Plan.




































