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ukdefencejournal.org.uk
UK Defence Journal
@ukdefencejournal.org.uk
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One of the UK's largest independent defence and technology news websites.

ukdefencejournal.org.uk
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ukdefencejournal.org.uk
New figures released to Parliament show a clear upward trend in detected break-ins at several UK military sites, prompting assurances from ministers that security across the Defence estate is being tightened.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=64434
UK faces rising trespass incidents at RAF and Army bases
New figures released to Parliament show a clear upward trend in detected break-ins at several UK military sites, prompting assurances from ministers that security across the Defence estate is being tightened.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 28, 2025 at 6:31 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The government has confirmed that 36 Ministry of Defence driving examiners will be mobilised for one day a week over the next year to help reduce driving-test waiting times, as pressure continues to build on the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s ability to meet
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=64419
More detail on military help for UK driving tests
The government has confirmed that 36 Ministry of Defence driving examiners will be mobilised for one day a week over the next year to help reduce driving-test waiting times, as pressure continues to build on the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s ability to meet demand. In a written answer, Transport minister Simon Lightwood said the
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 28, 2025 at 6:02 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The government has confirmed that 36 Ministry of Defence driving examiners will be mobilised for one day a week over the next year to help reduce driving-test waiting times, as pressure continues to build on the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s ability to meet
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=64419
More detail on military help for UK driving tests
The government has confirmed that 36 Ministry of Defence driving examiners will be mobilised for one day a week over the next year to help reduce driving-test waiting times, as pressure continues to build on the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s ability to meet demand. In a written answer, Transport minister Simon Lightwood said the
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 28, 2025 at 6:02 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The UK’s 2025 Carrier Strike Group (CSG) returns home this weekend after an eight-month deployment across the Indo-Pacific, wrapping up Operation Highmast.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-carrier-g...
UK Carrier Group ends eight-month Indo-Pacific mission
The UK’s 2025 Carrier Strike Group (CSG) returns home this weekend after an eight-month deployment across the Indo-Pacific, wrapping up Operation Highmast.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 28, 2025 at 5:26 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The witness, anonymised as Person A, described discovering the leak, warning officials, and later being served with a super-injunction that prevented them from speaking publicly about the breach or even acknowledging its existence.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/committee-re...
Committee release data breach whistleblower testimony
The witness, anonymised as Person A, described discovering the leak, warning officials, and later being served with a super-injunction that prevented them from speaking publicly about the breach or even acknowledging its existence.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 28, 2025 at 5:02 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Sir Stephen Lovegrove used a public evidence session to deliver his sharpest assessment yet of the AUKUS programme, telling MPs that the UK must “quite seriously accelerate” work at Barrow if it is to meet the late-2030s target for the first SSN-AUKUS submarine.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=64425
Lovegrove warns new attack sub project must accelerate
Sir Stephen Lovegrove used a public evidence session to deliver his sharpest assessment yet of the AUKUS programme, telling MPs that the UK must “quite seriously accelerate” work at Barrow if it is to meet the late-2030s target for the first SSN-AUKUS submarine.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 28, 2025 at 12:02 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Both US Air Force F 35 squadrons based at RAF Lakenheath have achieved full operating capacity.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/u-s-stealth-...
U.S. stealth fighters based in Britain now fully operational
Both US Air Force F 35 squadrons based at RAF Lakenheath have achieved full operating capacity.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 28, 2025 at 11:43 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The Ministry of Defence is actively considering multiple locations for the UK’s permanent submarine dismantling and disposal capability.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/mod-looking-...
MOD looking at ‘various sites’ for sub dismantling project
The Ministry of Defence is actively considering multiple locations for the UK’s permanent submarine dismantling and disposal capability.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 28, 2025 at 11:24 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The Ministry of Defence has set out in a written answer why it terminated the plan to convert HMS Iron Duke, confirming that the project failed to meet the threshold for continued investment once timelines, cost, and service life were assessed in detail.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=64412
HMS Iron Duke upgrades scrapped due to cost
The Ministry of Defence has set out in a written answer why it terminated the plan to convert HMS Iron Duke, confirming that the project failed to meet the threshold for continued investment once timelines, cost, and service life were assessed in detail.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 27, 2025 at 6:31 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
A U.S. Navy carrier strike group has resumed high-tempo flight operations in the disputed South China Sea, with aircraft from USS George Washington conducting launches and recoveries as regional tensions remain acute.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/supercarrier...
Supercarrier launches jets in disputed South China Sea
A U.S. Navy carrier strike group has resumed high-tempo flight operations in the disputed South China Sea, with aircraft from USS George Washington conducting launches and recoveries as regional tensions remain acute.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 27, 2025 at 6:03 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Leonardo’s Michelangelo Dome aims to build an AI supported kill web across Europe’s militaries, turning disparate platforms into a connected defence against massed and fast moving attacks.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/leonardo-sho...
Leonardo shows Michelangelo, an AI missile shield for Europe
Leonardo’s Michelangelo Dome aims to build an AI supported kill web across Europe’s militaries, turning disparate platforms into a connected defence against massed and fast moving attacks.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 27, 2025 at 5:24 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Statistics show a long awaited shift in personnel trends, with more people joining the UK’s Regular Armed Forces over the most recent 12 month period than leaving.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/more-now-joi...
More now joining than leaving British armed forces
Statistics show a long awaited shift in personnel trends, with more people joining the UK’s Regular Armed Forces over the most recent 12 month period than leaving.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 27, 2025 at 3:18 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
In an exclusive interview, the new chief of Ferguson Marine told us that the yard’s new direction involves deepening its defence partnerships, targeting a defined commercial segment under 100 metres, and upgrading its systems so it can secure steadier work.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/ferguson-mar...
Ferguson Marine’s new industrial direction
In an exclusive interview, the new chief of Ferguson Marine told us that the yard’s new direction involves deepening its defence partnerships, targeting a defined commercial segment under 100 metres, and upgrading its systems so it can secure steadier work.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 27, 2025 at 11:56 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Britain is committing £6.9 million to advance satellite communications through five UK-led projects backed via the European Space Agency’s ARTES programme, the UK Space Agency stated.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-invests-6...
November 27, 2025 at 7:23 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The MOD has paused all Ajax training after around 30 soldiers reported noise and vibration injuries, with Minister Luke Pollard ordering an urgent investigation.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/fresh-halt-t...
Fresh halt to Ajax training after 30 troops unwell
The MOD has paused all Ajax training after around 30 soldiers reported noise and vibration injuries, with Minister Luke Pollard ordering an urgent investigation.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 27, 2025 at 6:21 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
PwC has argued that the Autumn Budget creates political space for a more assertive approach to defence spending and modernisation, following the Chancellor’s decision to reaffirm a rise in defence expenditure to 2.6 percent of GDP by April.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=64384
PwC says Budget gives room to be bold on defence investment
PwC has argued that the Autumn Budget creates political space for a more assertive approach to defence spending and modernisation, following the Chancellor’s decision to reaffirm a rise in defence expenditure to 2.6 percent of GDP by April.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 26, 2025 at 5:02 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Inverclyde’s long-dormant ship repair complex at Inchgreen is set for a major revival after the UK Government confirmed £20 million in fresh funding, a move local leaders say could finally anchor new defence and maritime jobs on the Clyde.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/inchgreen-do...
Inchgreen dock to be overhauled under £20m UK investment
Inverclyde’s long-dormant ship repair complex at Inchgreen is set for a major revival after the UK Government confirmed £20 million in fresh funding, a move local leaders say could finally anchor new defence and maritime jobs on the Clyde.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 26, 2025 at 4:43 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The Ministry of Defence has set out fresh detail on two major upgrade pathways for the RAF’s Typhoon fleet, confirming that both the Phase 4 Enhancement (P4E) package and the new electronically scanned radar remain on track for delivery before 2030.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=64387
Typhoon next-gen radar and electronics upgrade timeline
The Ministry of Defence has set out fresh detail on two major upgrade pathways for the RAF’s Typhoon fleet, confirming that both the Phase 4 Enhancement (P4E) package and the new electronically scanned radar remain on track for delivery before 2030.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 26, 2025 at 4:31 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The government has confirmed that Project ATILLA, the Army’s plan to convert retired Warrior infantry fighting vehicles into optionally crewed minefield-breaching platforms, has now advanced beyond its initial concept work and entered the early stages of
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-moves-ahe...
UK moves ahead with plan to convert Warriors into drones
The government has confirmed that Project ATILLA, the Army’s plan to convert retired Warrior infantry fighting vehicles into optionally crewed minefield-breaching platforms, has now advanced beyond its initial concept work and entered the early stages of commercial competition.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 26, 2025 at 3:49 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Poland has selected Sweden’s A26 design as its preferred option to replace its ageing Kilo-class submarine.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/swedens-a26-...
Sweden’s A26 submarine picked for Poland
Poland has selected Sweden’s A26 design as its preferred option to replace its ageing Kilo-class submarine.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 26, 2025 at 3:16 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Exclusive - We spoke with Ferguson Marine’s new CEO Graeme Thomson about the direction he wants to take the yard and the work underway to build long term capability. Part one of our three part series is now out.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/a-conversati...
A conversation with Ferguson Marine’s new chief
Exclusive - We spoke with Ferguson Marine’s new CEO Graeme Thomson about the direction he wants to take the yard and the work underway to build long term capability. Part one of our three part series is now out.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 26, 2025 at 11:48 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The US Navy has formally cancelled the bulk of its Constellation-class frigate programme, ending plans for a 20-ship fleet and confirming that only the first two vessels already under construction will be completed.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=64372
U.S. Navy axes Constellation-class frigate programme
The US Navy has formally cancelled the bulk of its Constellation-class frigate programme, ending plans for a 20-ship fleet and confirming that only the first two vessels already under construction will be completed.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 26, 2025 at 11:31 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The Royal Navy has carried out two interceptions in as many weeks after Russian vessels entered UK waters, including an intelligence-gathering ship whose crew shone lasers at RAF pilots and caused GPS disruption to ships in the area, according to a Royal Navy update.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=64369
Royal Navy shadows Russian vessels twice in two weeks
The Royal Navy has carried out two interceptions in as many weeks after Russian vessels entered UK waters, including an intelligence-gathering ship whose crew shone lasers at RAF pilots and caused GPS disruption to ships in the area, according to a Royal Navy update. Type 23 frigate HMS Somerset spent eight days tracking the Russian
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 26, 2025 at 11:03 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Royal Navy specialists have completed a two-week exercise in Scotland with French and Norwegian counterparts to prove that NATO’s submarine rescue system is ready.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/nato-teams-t...
NATO teams test submarine-rescue system on Scottish coast
Royal Navy specialists have completed a two-week exercise in Scotland with French and Norwegian counterparts to prove that NATO’s submarine rescue system is ready.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 26, 2025 at 10:38 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Royal Navy specialists have completed a two-week exercise in Scotland with French and Norwegian counterparts to prove that NATO’s submarine rescue system is ready.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/nato-teams-t...
NATO teams test submarine-rescue system on Scottish coast
Royal Navy specialists have completed a two-week exercise in Scotland with French and Norwegian counterparts to prove that NATO’s submarine rescue system is ready.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
November 26, 2025 at 10:38 AM