Reflecting on 11 years of the UK Defence Journal

As 2024 comes to a close, the UK Defence Journal (UKDJ) celebrates an incredible milestone—11 years of delivering trusted defence and security news.

When we launched in January 2014, we had a simple yet ambitious goal: to provide accurate, insightful reporting on defence matters. What started as a solo venture by George Allison has grown into a thriving platform involving a dedicated team of individuals contributing at various levels.

Today, UKDJ is one of the UK’s most widely read independent defence platforms, engaging over 5 million readers monthly and achieving over 300 million page views in the past decade.

This remarkable journey reflects not only the dedication of our team but also the trust of our readers.

A Decade of Growth and Recognition

Our journey has been defined by an unwavering commitment to accuracy, transparency, and insightful reporting. From breaking stories like the Challenger 2 tank document leak on a gaming forum to lighter moments such as the humorous comparison of aircraft carriers, our content has sought to inform, provoke thought, and occasionally bring a smile.

Our credibility continues to stand as a cornerstone of our work. NewsGuard’s perfect score of 100/100 for transparency and accuracy affirms the principles on which UKDJ was founded, this is our third year running for this. Each article we publish is fact-checked rigorously, ensuring readers have access to truthful, nuanced, and unbiased information.

We make mistakes, who doesn’t? But we tell you when we do. It’s the right thing to do.

This credibility hasn’t gone unnoticed. Over the years, current and former defence leaders in government have contributed articles, offering unique insights into critical issues. Additionally, our work has been recognised and appreciated at the highest levels of government.

One, very, very senior minister described themselves as a fan of our platform, and we have been referenced in parliamentary discussions, by think tanks, and in academic research. This recognition underscores the impact of our commitment to high-quality journalism.

IPSO Membership: What It Means for Us and Our Readers

In 2024, the UK Defence Journal became a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), a significant milestone in our growth. IPSO membership demonstrates our commitment to adhering to the highest standards of journalism, including accuracy, fairness, and accountability.

For our readers, this means greater confidence in the integrity of our work. We follow IPSO’s Editors’ Code of Practice, which ensures that every article we publish meets strict guidelines for accuracy, transparency, and fairness. It also provides an external mechanism for handling complaints, giving readers an added layer of trust in our editorial practices.

For our growing team, IPSO membership is a mark of professionalism and responsibility. It sets clear standards for all contributors, whether they’re experienced journalists, industry professionals, or new writers.

This accountability has strengthened our editorial processes, ensuring every piece undergoes meticulous review before publication. As we continue to expand, IPSO membership will remain a cornerstone of how we operate, helping us maintain the trust and credibility we’ve built over the past decade.

From One Person to a Team

When George Allison founded the UK Defence Journal, it was a solo endeavour driven by passion and determination. Over the years, what began as a one-man operation has evolved into a collaborative effort involving a team of experienced journalists, industry professionals, former military personnel, and passionate volunteers.

This expansion has allowed us to cover a broader range of topics with greater depth and nuance. The dedication of this team has been instrumental in transforming UKDJ into a professional platform that informs millions and contributes to critical discussions.

Moving Beyond Volunteerism

One of the most significant changes in recent years is how UKDJ operates. No longer purely volunteer-run, the site now sustains itself through advertising revenue, enabling George Allison to work as a professional journalist.

This financial stability has allowed us to dedicate more time and resources to covering defence and security news, further enhancing the quality and depth of our reporting.

Our ability to pay contributors has also helped attract and retain talented individuals, strengthening our position as a trusted voice in defence journalism.

Immersive Reporting

Our growth has also enabled us to expand our on-the-ground reporting. Over the past year, we’ve climbed aboard Royal Navy vessels, witnessed live-fire demonstrations, and attended military exercises and industry trade shows.

This immersive approach sets us apart, providing readers with unique, firsthand perspectives from land, sea, and air. From interviewing junior crew members to sitting down with senior figures in the defence world, we strive to offer insights that enrich public discourse.

Who are we?

We are the UK Defence Journal (UKDJ), an independent news website dedicated to covering defence and security topics. Our team is composed of experienced journalists and contributors with diverse backgrounds, including military veterans, industry professionals, and skilled writers.

What makes us different?

• Influence at the highest levels: Current and former defence leaders in government have written for us, contributing their insights to critical discussions. Our work is often referenced in parliamentary debates, by think tanks, and in academic research.
• Immersive reporting: Our team routinely boards military vessels, observes live-fire exercises, and attends industry trade shows. From interviewing crew members to sitting down with senior military figures, we bring you firsthand perspectives on defence issues.
• A growing audience: With over 5 million monthly readers, our platform has become a trusted source for timely and accurate defence news.
• Recognition for credibility: NewsGuard’s 100/100 score highlights our dedication to responsible journalism.

Founded in 2014, UKDJ operates independently, without ties to political organisations or external funding sources. Our operational costs are sustained solely through advertising revenue, ensuring we remain impartial in our reporting.

We are proud members of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), reflecting our commitment to responsible and ethical journalism. Our reporting is underpinned by thorough research and factual accuracy, with every article undergoing meticulous review.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the past 11 years, we remain committed to our founding principles: providing free, unbiased, and comprehensive defence news. The journey has been challenging at times, but it has been made possible by the trust and engagement of our readers.

Your support has transformed UKDJ from a passion project into a professional platform. As we look to the future, we’ll continue to grow, adapt, and strive for excellence.

Here’s to the next chapter—thank you for being part of this journey.