Ten years of the UK Defence Journal

As we approach 2024, we at the UK Defence Journal (UKDJ) find ourselves in a moment of humble reflection.

It’s almost been ten years since our inception in January 2014. I pen this not just as an author at UKDJ, but as someone who has seen our growth from a modest initiative into a recognised name in defence journalism.

When we started, the point of the website was fuelled by a simple yet compelling aim: to provide accurate, insightful defence news. The journey from then until now, achieving over 200 million page views, is a testament to the dedication and hard graft of our team. But, more crucially, it speaks to the trust you, our readers, have placed in us.

Our coverage, whether it was the humorous comparison of aircraft carriers using an image from Photoshop showing the French aircraft carrier to be a fraction of the size of the UK’s ships in May 2021 or breaking stories like the Challenger 2 tank document leak on an online game forum, has always striven to inform and, at times, provoke thought. These stories reflect our commitment to bringing essential issues to the fore but it’s always good to have a laugh.

Our journey towards maintaining the highest standards of journalism received a significant boost when NewsGuard awarded us a perfect score of 100/100 for credibility and transparency. This wasn’t just an accolade; it was a validation of our tireless efforts to uphold truth and accuracy in every article we publish. It’s a responsibility we take seriously, understanding that each story we tell contributes to the broader narrative of defence and military affairs.

We believe that transparency is crucial in journalism. This means being clear about our sources, ensuring that our readers understand where our information comes from. It’s about distinguishing opinion from news, ensuring that our readers can clearly see where analysis ends and factual reporting begins. We strive to be a source of information that our readers can turn to with confidence, knowing that what they’re reading is not just informative but also honest and straightforward.

Fact-checking is not just a task for us; it’s a fundamental aspect of our work ethic. In an era where narratives can be easily skewed, our role in cross-checking facts and debunking myths, especially on military topics, becomes even more crucial. This commitment to fact-checking not only reinforces our credibility but also helps in fostering a more informed and discerning readership.

The recognition of our credibility has had a wider impact. We are increasingly cited in parliamentary discussions, referenced by think tanks, and even utilised in academic research. This level of engagement shows the importance of maintaining high standards in journalism and the impact it can have in shaping informed public discourse on defence and military matters.

As we move forward, our dedication to maintaining these high standards of credibility and transparency remains firm. We understand that with each article, tweet, or report, we are not just sharing news; we are contributing to the fabric of informed, responsible journalism. It’s a responsibility we are honoured to bear.

This accolade is as much yours, our readers, as it is ours.

What began as George Allison’s vision has now grown into a team that includes over a dozen passionate individuals. We are a mix of writers, former and current military personnel, industry experts, and occasional contributions from government ministers to experts in their fields. Each one brings a unique perspective, helping us cover a broad spectrum of topics.

Our path hasn’t been without its challenges. As a volunteer-run organisation, we’ve faced limitations in resources and manpower. We’ve learnt, adapted, and are continuously working to bring in diverse voices and reduce negative engagements on social media. Your feedback has been invaluable in this process.

As we step into our tenth year, we remain committed to our founding principles: to provide free, unbiased, and comprehensive defence news. We owe our journey to you, our readers. Your support, critique, and engagement have shaped us.

We make mistakes, who doesn’t? But we try to learn from them and hope you’ll be there as we do.