UK Defence Journal
LightNews LightNews
banner
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
UK Defence Journal
@ukdefencejournal.org.uk
20K followers 3.7K following 5.4K posts
One of the UK's largest independent defence and technology news websites.

ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Posts Replies Media Videos
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Lithuania has commissioned KNDS Deutschland to deliver twelve LEGUAN bridge layer vehicles based on the Leopard 2 chassis.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/lithuania-or...
Lithuania orders Leopard 2 bridge layers in KNDS deal
Lithuania has commissioned KNDS Deutschland to deliver twelve LEGUAN bridge layer vehicles based on the Leopard 2 chassis.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 19, 2026 at 6:30 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
KNDS and EOS Defence Systems have signed a teaming agreement aimed at expanding cooperation on remote-controlled weapon stations and associated weapons.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/knds-and-eos...
KNDS and EOS agree to pursue new weapon station projects
KNDS and EOS Defence Systems have signed a teaming agreement aimed at expanding cooperation on remote-controlled weapon stations and associated weapons.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 19, 2026 at 6:19 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The Ministry of Defence has declined to explain why the new Protector RG Mk1 remotely piloted aircraft has not yet reached Initial Operating Capability (IOC), despite the programme previously being expected to achieve that milestone in 2025.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-refuses-t...
UK refuses to explain why Protector drone missed IOC
The Ministry of Defence has declined to explain why the new Protector RG Mk1 remotely piloted aircraft has not yet reached Initial Operating Capability (IOC), despite the programme previously being expected to achieve that milestone in 2025.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 19, 2026 at 6:15 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Speaking to the UK Defence Journal, IDV argues Viking reflects a rare UK-based uncrewed ground capability.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/how-idv-is-e...
How IDV is evolving the Viking uncrewed vehicle
Speakign to the UKD efence Journal, IDV argues Viking reflects a rare UK-based uncrewed ground capability, developed and integrated by a domestic team as interest in autonomy grows.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 19, 2026 at 6:12 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Ukrainian aviation manufacturer Skyeton has announced the successful integration of satellite communications (SATCOM) systems into its Raybird unmanned aerial vehicle.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/skyeton-inte...
Skyeton integrates satcom into Raybird UAV
Ukrainian aviation manufacturer Skyeton has announced the successful integration of satellite communications (SATCOM) systems into its Raybird unmanned aerial vehicle.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 19, 2026 at 6:11 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The Ministry of Defence has denied claims that the UK is planning to reduce airborne capability or cut pay for paratroopers, following reporting parachute forces may move to a smaller specialist structure.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/mod-denies-c...
MOD denies claims of airborne forces cuts
The Ministry of Defence has denied claims that the UK is planning to reduce airborne capability or cut pay for paratroopers, following reporting parachute forces may move to a smaller specialist structure.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 18, 2026 at 7:24 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
A private maritime company has announced it has signed an agreement to acquire the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's two Wave Class fast fleet tankers, Wave Knight and Wave Ruler
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/private-firm...
Private firm signs deal to acquire UK Wave Class RFA tankers
A private maritime company has announced it has signed an agreement to acquire the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's two Wave Class fast fleet tankers, Wave Knight and Wave Ruler
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 18, 2026 at 6:34 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Three men have been jailed after being convicted over a foiled terrorist plot aimed at the Jewish community in Greater Manchester.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/men-jailed-o...
Men jailed over foiled Islamic terror plot
Three men have been jailed after being convicted over a foiled terrorist plot aimed at the Jewish community in Greater Manchester.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 18, 2026 at 2:39 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
HMS Albion is being retained at Devonport to support preparations for the sale of HMS Bulwark to Brazil, however, no disposal plans have yet been confirmed for Albion itself.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/hms-albion-b...
HMS Albion being used to get HMS Bulwark ready for handover
HMS Albion is being retained at Devonport to support preparations for the sale of HMS Bulwark to Brazil, however, no disposal plans have yet been confirmed for Albion itself.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 18, 2026 at 1:32 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The UK intends to award Leonardo UK a contract for repair and post-design support services for avionics communications equipment used across the Chinook, Merlin and Wildcat helicopter fleets.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-tips-leon...
UK tips Leonardo for Chinook, Merlin and Wildcat radio deal
The UK intends to award Leonardo UK a contract for repair and post-design support services for avionics communications equipment used across the Chinook, Merlin and Wildcat helicopter fleets.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 18, 2026 at 12:45 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Maritime union RMT has welcomed what it described as an overwhelming vote for strike action by Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) seafarers, warning that management could not demonstrate it was complying with minimum wage legislation.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=66868
RFA seafarers vote overwhelmingly for strike action
Maritime union RMT has welcomed what it described as an overwhelming vote for strike action by Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) seafarers, warning that management could not demonstrate it was complying with minimum wage legislation.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 18, 2026 at 12:31 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The Ministry of Defence has again declined to provide clarity on the future of the Royal Navy’s Type 32 frigate programme, saying all platform decisions will be taken as part of the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=66866
Type 32 frigate programme remains in limbo
The Ministry of Defence has again declined to provide clarity on the future of the Royal Navy’s Type 32 frigate programme, saying all platform decisions will be taken as part of the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 18, 2026 at 12:02 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The UK will increase the number of Active Reserves by 20 percnt only "when funding allows", says MOD.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=66809
February 18, 2026 at 11:02 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
A UK-based aviation company has been contracted by Boeing to undertake the initial conversion work on the first two US Air Force E-7 Wedgetail aircraft.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=66867
UK firm to begin work on US Air Force Wedgetail aircraft
A UK-based aviation company has been contracted by Boeing to undertake the initial conversion work on the first two US Air Force E-7 Wedgetail aircraft.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 18, 2026 at 10:31 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The Ministry of Defence has declined to say when it expects to begin reliability growth trials for the British Army Ajax armoured vehicle at its planned Capability Drop 4 standard, as ministers continue to await the outcome of ongoing investigations.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=66669
UK holds off on confirming next Ajax upgrade timeline
The Ministry of Defence has declined to say when it expects to begin reliability growth trials for the British Army Ajax armoured vehicle at its planned Capability Drop 4 standard, as ministers continue to await the outcome of ongoing investigations.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 18, 2026 at 10:02 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Polling suggests Britons feel less safe than five years ago, while strong majorities back rapid modernisation of UK forces through expanded drone capability.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/polling-show...
Polling shows Britons feel less safe than five years ago
Polling suggests Britons feel less safe than five years ago, while strong majorities back rapid modernisation of UK forces through expanded drone capability.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 18, 2026 at 9:09 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
BAE Systems has reported another year of strong growth, with record sales and a rising order backlog as the company says it is well positioned to benefit from increased defence spending.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/bae-reports-...
BAE Systems reports record sales and GBP 83.6bn order backlog
BAE Systems has reported another year of strong growth, with record sales and a rising order backlog as the company says it is well positioned to benefit from increased defence spending.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 18, 2026 at 7:56 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
BAE Systems has said preparations are well underway to begin construction of the sixth Type 26 frigate for the Royal Navy, HMS Newcastle.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/defence-gian...
Defence giant about to start work on new warship in Glasgow
BAE Systems has said preparations are well underway to begin construction of the sixth Type 26 frigate for the Royal Navy, HMS Newcastle.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 18, 2026 at 7:31 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
BAE Systems has reported another year of strong growth, with record sales and a rising order backlog as the company says it is well positioned to benefit from increased defence spending.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/bae-systems-...
BAE Systems reports record sales and £83.6bn order backlog
BAE Systems has reported another year of strong growth, with record sales and a rising order backlog as the company says it is well positioned to benefit from increased defence spending.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 18, 2026 at 7:21 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the British Army currently has no requirement for a light tank capability.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-rules-out...
UK rules out buying light tank capability
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the British Army currently has no requirement for a light tank capability.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 18, 2026 at 6:51 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that its agreement with Palantir for defence data analytics was awarded through a direct award process, citing a lack of viable alternatives.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/mod-confirms...
MOD confirms Palantir contract was direct award
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that its agreement with Palantir for defence data analytics was awarded through a direct award process, citing a lack of viable alternatives.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 18, 2026 at 6:46 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The Ministry of Defence has outlined measures it says are helping to accelerate delivery of the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-outlines-...
February 18, 2026 at 6:10 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The Ministry of Defence has issued a contract award notice for the procurement of the Callen-Lenz Nyan One-Way Effector (OWE), saying it will strengthen deep fires capability for UK forces deployed on Operation Cabrit.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=66819
UK awards contract for Nyan one-way effector
The Ministry of Defence has issued a contract award notice for the procurement of the Callen-Lenz Nyan One-Way Effector (OWE), saying it will strengthen deep fires capability for UK forces deployed on Operation Cabrit.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 18, 2026 at 6:01 AM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
A surge in US military air activity across Europe and the Middle East is being described as the most significant movement of American aircraft in decades during a period of heightened tensions with Iran.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/largest-u-s-...
Largest U.S build up since Gulf War happening now near Iran
A surge in US military air activity across Europe and the Middle East is being described as the most significant movement of American aircraft in decades during a period of heightened tensions with Iran.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 17, 2026 at 8:41 PM
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Six US Air Force F-22 Raptor stealth fighters have been tracked arriving in the United Kingdom, with the jets inbound to RAF Lakenheath supported by aerial refuelling tankers.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/american-ste...
American stealth fighters arrive in UK in Iran build-up
Six US Air Force F-22 Raptor stealth fighters have been tracked arriving in the United Kingdom, with the jets inbound to RAF Lakenheath supported by aerial refuelling tankers.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 17, 2026 at 5:41 PM