MORE NEWS
Skyhammer integrated with elements of ORCUS in UK trials
The Skyhammer drone interceptor has been successfully integrated with elements of the ORCUS counter-uncrewed air system during UK trials.
British destroyer missile upgrade second stage still under review
The Ministry of Defence continues to consider the second stage of Sea Viper Evolution, using the Aster 30 Block 1 NT missile, as part of wider capability planning, according to an answer given in Parliament.
Concept phase for Britain’s new assault rifle due to end next year
Project Grayburn, the programme examining a replacement for the SA80 family of weapons, is due to complete its concept phase in the second quarter of 2027, according to defence minister Luke Pollard.
NAVAL NEWS
British aircraft carrier leads NATO warships in High North
HMS Prince of Wales has led a carrier task group of British, French and Norwegian warships in close formation during Exercise Neptune Strike 26-4, as the UK Carrier Strike Group operates under NATO command.
Civilian status bars RFA families from some forces schemes
Children of Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel fall outside some Armed Forces family support schemes because RFA crews are civilian seafarers employed by the Ministry of Defence and not members of the Armed Forces.
British warship ‘shoots down’ waves of attack drones
HMS Dauntless has faced drone attacks from air and sea on Exercise Sharpshooter in Cardigan Bay, where her crew train to detect, track and destroy a threat in as little as 45 seconds, as reported by The i Paper’s Molly Blackall, who joined the ship.
British carrier jets strike targets on land
F-35s from HMS Prince of Wales have conducted a live land strike alongside the Norwegian Army during NATO’s Exercise Neptune Strike.
British destroyer missile upgrade second stage still under review
The Ministry of Defence continues to consider the second stage of Sea Viper Evolution, using the Aster 30 Block 1 NT missile, as part of wider capability planning, according to an answer given in Parliament.
AVIATION NEWS
Eighty-five per cent of defence manufacturing spend in UK
Eighty-five per cent of the Ministry of Defence’s direct spending with industry on manufacturing pays for work taking place in the UK, say the department.
Reform would wave white flag to enemies, says Pollard
Reform's plan for government would "wave a white flag" to Britain's enemies, Luke Pollard has warned, as Nigel Farage prepares to name the party's first defence spokesperson.
Skyhammer integrated with elements of ORCUS in UK trials
The Skyhammer drone interceptor has been successfully integrated with elements of the ORCUS counter-uncrewed air system during UK trials.
Airborne Tactical Extraction Platform under consideration
The Airborne Tactical Extraction Platform is among the capabilities being considered for future helicopter operations, according to an answer given in Parliament.
RIAT to leave RAF Fairford for Boscombe Down next year
The Royal International Air Tattoo will move from RAF Fairford to MOD Boscombe Down for RIAT27 and future events, ending more than four decades in Gloucestershire months after this year’s show was cancelled over access to the base.
LAND NEWS
Concept phase for Britain’s new assault rifle due to end next year
Project Grayburn, the programme examining a replacement for the SA80 family of weapons, is due to complete its concept phase in the second quarter of 2027, according to defence minister Luke Pollard.
Forces employer National Insurance bill nears one billion
Employer National Insurance contributions for Armed Forces personnel rose from about £721 million in 2023-24 to about £765 million in 2024-25 and about £978 million in the following year.
Defence acquisition pipeline publication withdrawn
The Ministry of Defence has withdrawn its Acquisition Pipeline publication from GOV.UK, and planned procurement activity now appears on Find a Tender through UK1 Pipeline Notices.
FN Browning completes takeover of Accuracy International
FN Browning Group has completed its purchase of Portsmouth rifle maker Accuracy International.
We are at war now, Badenoch warns aboard HMS Wellington
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has told a defence rally aboard HMS Wellington that Britain is “at war now” through hybrid and unconventional warfare.












































