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Downie urges Arctic push to cut China mineral reliance

Labour MP Graeme Downie has called for a coordinated Western strategy in the Arctic to reduce dependence on Chinese critical minerals, warning that the region is becoming central to future economic and security competition.

Labour MP hails Rosyth-Europe ferry funding

Labour MP Graeme Downie has welcomed UK Government funding to support a proposed ferry link between Rosyth and mainland Europe, after he pushed for the significant boost for the local economy.

Sweeney raises procurement concerns over Chinese ferry deal

Scottish politician and former shipbuilder Paul Sweeney has criticised the decision to select a Chinese shipyard as preferred bidder for two new Northern Isles freight vessels, arguing it reflects deeper issues in procurement policy and industrial strategy.

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NAVAL NEWS

American assault ship heading towards Iran

The United States is deploying the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and elements of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to the Middle East in what has been described as an accelerated deployment tied to ongoing operations.

NATO drills mine warfare in Baltic exercise

NATO forces have conducted a major mine countermeasures exercise in the Baltic Sea, bringing together ships and specialist units from multiple Allied and partner nations to test readiness and interoperability, NATO stated.

Scottish Government invests in maritime infrastructure

The Scottish Government has announced GBP 6 million in funding to support offshore wind and maritime infrastructure projects in the Inner Moray Firth and Stornoway, including investment in Navantia UK's Arnish yard.

Royal Navy photographers honoured in annual awards

Royal Navy personnel have been recognised for their operational photography and videography in the service’s annual Peregrine Awards, highlighting imagery captured during deployments and exercises worldwide.

Labour MP hails Rosyth-Europe ferry funding

Labour MP Graeme Downie has welcomed UK Government funding to support a proposed ferry link between Rosyth and mainland Europe, after he pushed for the significant boost for the local economy.

AVIATION NEWS

French-German air transport squadron moves U.S. Marines

A U.S. Marine Corps rifle company has been airlifted in the Arctic by a joint French-German air transport squadron for the first time.

US C-17 completes first nuclear microreactor airlift

U.S. Air Force personnel, including reservists from the 419th Fighter Wing, have supported the first military airlift of a transportable micro-nuclear reactor.

BAE to upgrade U-2 defensive system

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract to modernise and sustain the AN/ALQ-221 Advanced Defensive System on the U.S. Air Force’s U-2 reconnaissance aircraft.

BAE develops rapid counter-drone system for UK and allies

New software-led system aims to reduce reliance on costly missiles against drone threats.

Major defence projects slipping as delays mount

Even where costs appear contained, delays can erode capability, disrupt planning and drive further expense over time.

LAND NEWS

UK backs Mosmorran site with 9m funding, touts defence links

The UK Government has committed up to GBP 9 million to support the future of the Mossmorran industrial site in Fife following the closure of its ethylene plant, with ministers pointing to its proximity to energy and defence industries as part of its investment potential.

Rolls-Royce to develop future European tank drive system

Rolls-Royce and ZF have been commissioned to develop a hybrid drive system for the future European Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), a joint initiative between Germany and France to replace the Leopard 2 and Leclerc main battle tanks.

Doogan says Defence Investment Plan delay impacting industry

SNP defence spokesperson Dave Doogan has criticised continued delays to the UK Government’s Defence Investment Plan, warning of uncertainty for industry and a lack of coordination within government.

Downie urges Arctic push to cut China mineral reliance

Labour MP Graeme Downie has called for a coordinated Western strategy in the Arctic to reduce dependence on Chinese critical minerals, warning that the region is becoming central to future economic and security competition.

UK terror arrests rise slightly in 2025 data

Terrorism-related arrests in the UK rose slightly in 2025, with 255 arrests recorded across the year and a record number of individuals held in custody for such offences, Counter Terrorism Policing said.

Features

We went behind the scenes at Thales UK’s optronics site in Glasgow, where the same people who build periscopes and sighting systems for the armed forces are also opening paths into engineering for young people across the city.
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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