UK Defence Journal 'Weekly Brief'

Majority of work on new support ships to remain in Belfast

January 8, 2025 

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the majority of work on the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s new Fleet Solid Support ships will remain in Belfast, maintaining the build strategy originally…

Elbit secures $60 million NATO counter-UAS contract

January 8, 2025 

Elbit Systems, an Israel-based defence tech company, has been awarded a $60 million contract to provide its ReDrone Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) to a European NATO country.

Britain developing fast attack drone boats for Ukraine

January 8, 2025 

Project COOKSON will develop a small, fast, low-observability attack boat for Ukraine, capable of launching multiple precision-guided weapons, defending against air threats, and operating in GPS-denied environments.

Government questioned over defence spending target

January 8, 2025 

GDP, with a target to outline the path to this goal in the coming months.

RFA staff secure improved pay deal, ending strikes

January 8, 2025 

Royal Fleet Auxiliary sailors have overwhelmingly voted to accept an improved pay offer from the Ministry of Defence, bringing an end to a prolonged dispute.

Government highlights ongoing UK-US coordination on Ukraine

January 8, 2025 

The UK Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting Ukraine, detailing recent discussions with the United States on military aid.

Concerns raised over UK part in European missile shield

January 8, 2025 

Julia Lopez, Conservative MP for Hornchurch and Upminster, pressed the government on reports that NATO has concerns over potential British vulnerability to missile attacks.

Armed Forces Commissioner role progresses through Parliament

January 7, 2025 

The role is part of the government’s Armed Forces Commissioner Bill, which aims to improve oversight of armed forces welfare and ensure personnel and their families have a champion for…

BAE Systems completes tests of solar stratospheric aircraft

January 7, 2025 

The PHASA-35 project is part of an effort to establish stratospheric platforms for ISR and communications, complementing existing satellite systems.

UK Government aims to boost SME involvement in AUKUS

January 7, 2025 

Defence Secretary John Healey outlined the potential economic impact of the defence agreement, saying “This Government have come into power committed to boosting the UK economy. That means designing, making…

UK commits to Ukraine amid uncertainty over US support

January 7, 2025 

Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard reiterated the UK Government’s unwavering support for Ukraine. “We have laid out clearly that this Government will stand with Ukraine for as long as it…

Defence Secretary defends rising costs of nuclear programme

January 7, 2025 

During a parliamentary session, Dave Doogan, MP for Angus and Perthshire Glens, questioned the escalating costs of the Defence Nuclear Organisation’s 10-year equipment plan, describing it as “the worst-of-all defence…

Britain reports record Russian casualties in Ukraine conflict

January 7, 2025 

The single deadliest day for Russian forces occurred on 19 December 2024, with “a new war high of 2,200 losses in a single day”.

Submarine dismantling programme offers job opportunities

January 7, 2025 

During a parliamentary session, Graeme Downie, Labour MP for Dunfermline and Dollar, sought an update on the progress of the submarine dismantling programme at Rosyth, highlighting its potential to provide…