Opinion Section
The UK’s Space Imperative: Security & Economic Resilience
As countries grow increasingly reliant on space systems for economic stability and military security, the urgency for robust space defence capabilities has never been greater argues Martin Rowse of Airbus Defence and Space in the UK.
Reviving RAF pilot retention: Making the job ‘Cool’ again
To keep people, the RAF should invest in making the job cool again and reinvigorating the individual experience argues a Royal Air Force pilot in this submission to the UK Defence Journal.
NAVAL NEWS
First Type 31 Frigate now due to enter the water soon
Babcock has confirmed revised timescales for its first Type 31 Inspiration Class frigate, announcing that HMS Venturer is now expected to float off in the first half of the 2025-26 financial year.
Commandos conduct surf drills for raiding operations
Royal Marine Commandos have been carrying out surf drills, designed to ensure personnel can safely negotiate the rollers and breakers on a beach.
British nuclear submarine stocks up on cruise missiles
HMS Anson, an Astute-class nuclear-powered submarine, has been loading Tomahawk cruise missiles while docked in Gibraltar.
AVIATION NEWS
New infrared sensors cleared for F/A-18 Super Hornet
The U.S. Navy has declared Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for a new infrared search-and-track sensor system developed by Lockheed Martin for F/A-18 Super Hornet strike fighters.
NATO stealth fighters intercept Russian bomber force
Two Norwegian F-35 jets were scrambled this week to intercept a Russian bomber task force operating near NATO airspace in the Arctic.
MOD awards parachute packing contract to IrvinGQ
The Ministry of Defence has announced a direct award of a new single-source contract for parachute packing and maintenance services to IrvinGQ Limited, valued at up to £26 million.
LAND NEWS
Britain refuses to speculate on peacekeepers in Ukraine
While regular discussions occur at the highest levels regarding support for Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence was not prepared to comment on any potential peacekeeping roles or the specifics of future engagements.
Britain considers arms exports to Kosovo
The Ministry of Defence is exploring potential defence exports to Kosovo, highlighting possible benefits for both Kosovan security and the UK defence industry.
Contract awarded for Challenger 2 Auxiliary Power Units
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed a single-source contract worth £30 million with Van Kappel Ltd for the repair, remanufacture, and maintenance of Challenger 2 Auxiliary Power Units.
International News
Fact Checks
A Russian submarine, Scotland, and an odd conspiracy
A recent BBC Scotland news story about the sighting of a Russian submarine off the west coast of Scotland has sparked a flurry of odd reactions on social media.
The myth that nukes are in Scotland to keep England safe
Misconceptions can often take root and spread quickly, one incorrect claim is that the UK stores all of its nukes in Scotland because they're too dangerous to keep in England.