UK Defence Journal
@ukdefencejournal.org.uk
One of the UK's largest independent defence and technology news websites.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The Ministry of Defence has issued an industry notice expanding concept work on Project GRAYBURN, the long-running effort to replace the SA80, with an emphasis on UK manufacture, multiple variants and defeating modern body armour.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-sets-out-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-sets-out-...
UK sets out Project Grayburn rifle replacement to industry
The Ministry of Defence has issued an industry notice expanding concept work on Project GRAYBURN, the long-running effort to replace the SA80, with an emphasis on UK manufacture, multiple variants and defeating modern body armour.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 14, 2026 at 9:18 AM
The Ministry of Defence has issued an industry notice expanding concept work on Project GRAYBURN, the long-running effort to replace the SA80, with an emphasis on UK manufacture, multiple variants and defeating modern body armour.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-sets-out-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-sets-out-...
No one with a pulse can really have been surprised at recent events in Venezuela argues Lt Col Stuart Crawford.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/after-maduro...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/after-maduro...
After Maduro and what the Venezuela move means
No one with a pulse can really have been surprised at recent events in Venezuela argues Lt Col Stuart Crawford.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 14, 2026 at 8:34 AM
No one with a pulse can really have been surprised at recent events in Venezuela argues Lt Col Stuart Crawford.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/after-maduro...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/after-maduro...
The UK and Poland have agreed to deepen cooperation on air and missile defence and expand helicopter training links, as both countries look to strengthen their ability to counter airborne threats.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-and-polan...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-and-polan...
UK and Poland agree deeper missile defence cooperation
The UK and Poland have agreed to deepen cooperation on air and missile defence and expand helicopter training links, as both countries look to strengthen their ability to counter airborne threats.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 5:52 PM
The UK and Poland have agreed to deepen cooperation on air and missile defence and expand helicopter training links, as both countries look to strengthen their ability to counter airborne threats.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-and-polan...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-and-polan...
The Ministry of Defence has now confirmed that vessels procured under the Defence Maritime Services programme, including tugs for Faslane, will not be built in China.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/new-tugboats...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/new-tugboats...
New tugboats for Faslane will not be built in China
The Ministry of Defence has now confirmed that vessels procured under the Defence Maritime Services programme, including tugs for Faslane, will not be built in China.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 12:52 PM
The Ministry of Defence has now confirmed that vessels procured under the Defence Maritime Services programme, including tugs for Faslane, will not be built in China.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/new-tugboats...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/new-tugboats...
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory has awarded a follow-on contract to L3 Harris ASV to provide storage, maintenance and repair services for a fleet of government-owned surface vessels.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/dstl-awards-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/dstl-awards-...
Dstl awards follow-on contract for autonomous vessel support
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory has awarded a follow-on contract to L3 Harris ASV to provide storage, maintenance and repair services for a fleet of government-owned surface vessels.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 11:21 AM
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory has awarded a follow-on contract to L3 Harris ASV to provide storage, maintenance and repair services for a fleet of government-owned surface vessels.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/dstl-awards-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/dstl-awards-...
Northrop Grumman has been selected to develop a collaborative combat aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps, pairing its mission systems and autonomy software with Kratos’ Valkyrie uncrewed aerial system.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/northrop-win...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/northrop-win...
Northrop wins U.S. Marines drone combat jet award
Northrop Grumman has been selected to develop a collaborative combat aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps, pairing its mission systems and autonomy software with Kratos’ Valkyrie uncrewed aerial system.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 11:21 AM
Northrop Grumman has been selected to develop a collaborative combat aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps, pairing its mission systems and autonomy software with Kratos’ Valkyrie uncrewed aerial system.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/northrop-win...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/northrop-win...
HII has outlined plans to expand UK-based unmanned systems work, including jobs growth, in-country support and future autonomy activity.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/hii-shifts-u...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/hii-shifts-u...
HII shifts UK role toward autonomy and in-country support
HII has outlined plans to expand UK-based unmanned systems work, including jobs growth, in-country support and future autonomy activity.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 11:21 AM
HII has outlined plans to expand UK-based unmanned systems work, including jobs growth, in-country support and future autonomy activity.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/hii-shifts-u...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/hii-shifts-u...
Wing Commander Sasha Nash has taken command of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, becoming the new Officer Commanding of the Red Arrows as the display unit prepares for the 2026 season.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=65629
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=65629
New officer takes command of the Red Arrows
Wing Commander Sasha Nash has taken command of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, becoming the new Officer Commanding of the Red Arrows as the display unit prepares for the 2026 season.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 10:02 AM
Wing Commander Sasha Nash has taken command of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, becoming the new Officer Commanding of the Red Arrows as the display unit prepares for the 2026 season.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=65629
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=65629
Immigration Enforcement activity has reached its highest level on record, with the Home Office reporting sharp increases in raids and arrests targeting illegal working across the UK, including a significant rise in operations in Scotland.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/immigration-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/immigration-...
Immigration raids hit record levels across UK and Scotland
Immigration Enforcement activity has reached its highest level on record, with the Home Office reporting sharp increases in raids and arrests targeting illegal working across the UK, including a significant rise in operations in Scotland.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 9:39 AM
Immigration Enforcement activity has reached its highest level on record, with the Home Office reporting sharp increases in raids and arrests targeting illegal working across the UK, including a significant rise in operations in Scotland.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/immigration-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/immigration-...
The government has said that closer nuclear cooperation with France under the Northwood Declaration does not affect the United Kingdom’s independent nuclear deterrent.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/only-pm-cont...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/only-pm-cont...
January 13, 2026 at 9:35 AM
The government has said that closer nuclear cooperation with France under the Northwood Declaration does not affect the United Kingdom’s independent nuclear deterrent.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/only-pm-cont...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/only-pm-cont...
The Ministry of Defence has declined to provide details on how Defence Munitions Crombie is being used by the Royal Navy, citing operational security while confirming the site remains a key enabler for operations in the North Sea, High North and Euro-Atlantic.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/crombie-rema...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/crombie-rema...
Crombie remains key to naval ops but no details given
The Ministry of Defence has declined to provide details on how Defence Munitions Crombie is being used by the Royal Navy, citing operational security while confirming the site remains a key enabler for operations in the North Sea, High North and Euro-Atlantic.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 9:29 AM
The Ministry of Defence has declined to provide details on how Defence Munitions Crombie is being used by the Royal Navy, citing operational security while confirming the site remains a key enabler for operations in the North Sea, High North and Euro-Atlantic.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/crombie-rema...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/crombie-rema...
The Ministry of Defence is forecasting a funding gap against current plans by the end of the financial year, despite remaining within its spending limits to date, the Chief of the Defence Staff has told MPs.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/defence-chie...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/defence-chie...
January 13, 2026 at 8:59 AM
The Ministry of Defence is forecasting a funding gap against current plans by the end of the financial year, despite remaining within its spending limits to date, the Chief of the Defence Staff has told MPs.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/defence-chie...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/defence-chie...
The Chief of the Defence Staff told MPs that Greenland sits within NATO’s area of responsibility, as ministers face growing scrutiny over stretched UK military capacity.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/cds-says-gre...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/cds-says-gre...
CDS says Greenland within NATO’s area of responsibility
The Chief of the Defence Staff told MPs that Greenland sits within NATO’s area of responsibility, as ministers face growing scrutiny over stretched UK military capacity.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 7:26 AM
The Chief of the Defence Staff told MPs that Greenland sits within NATO’s area of responsibility, as ministers face growing scrutiny over stretched UK military capacity.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/cds-says-gre...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/cds-says-gre...
Germany has agreed to procure eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/germany-to-a...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/germany-to-a...
Germany to acquire MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones
Germany has agreed to procure eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 6:37 AM
Germany has agreed to procure eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/germany-to-a...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/germany-to-a...
Ministers praised Leonardo as a key UK defence partner, while stopping short of confirming the New Medium Helicopter decision.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-tips-leon...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-tips-leon...
January 12, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Ministers praised Leonardo as a key UK defence partner, while stopping short of confirming the New Medium Helicopter decision.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-tips-leon...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-tips-leon...
The Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, has told MPs that the UK does not yet have a complete national plan for mobilising the NHS in the event of a major war.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-currently...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-currently...
UK currently has ‘no plan’ to mobile NHS for mass casualties
The Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, has told MPs that the UK does not yet have a complete national plan for mobilising the NHS in the event of a major war.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 12, 2026 at 4:01 PM
The Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, has told MPs that the UK does not yet have a complete national plan for mobilising the NHS in the event of a major war.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-currently...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-currently...
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton dismissed reports of a £28 billion funding shortfall in the defence programme as “speculation” as MPs pressed him over delays to the Defence Investment Plan.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/ministers-fa...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/ministers-fa...
Ministers face defence trade-offs as costs rise, CDS says
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton dismissed reports of a £28 billion funding shortfall in the defence programme as “speculation” as MPs pressed him over delays to the Defence Investment Plan.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 12, 2026 at 3:40 PM
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton dismissed reports of a £28 billion funding shortfall in the defence programme as “speculation” as MPs pressed him over delays to the Defence Investment Plan.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/ministers-fa...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/ministers-fa...
US defence firm HII has doubled the size of its unmanned systems facility in Hampshire, strengthening its long-term presence in the UK and positioning the site as a European hub for autonomous maritime operations.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/hii-expands-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/hii-expands-...
HII expands UK drone vessel operations hub at Portchester
US defence firm HII has doubled the size of its unmanned systems facility in Hampshire, strengthening its long-term presence in the UK and positioning the site as a European hub for autonomous maritime operations.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 12, 2026 at 1:22 PM
US defence firm HII has doubled the size of its unmanned systems facility in Hampshire, strengthening its long-term presence in the UK and positioning the site as a European hub for autonomous maritime operations.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/hii-expands-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/hii-expands-...
No decision has yet been taken on the future of the Challenger 2 tanks that will not be upgraded under the Challenger 3 programme, the UK Defence Journal understands.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/future-of-su...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/future-of-su...
Future of surplus Challenger 2 tanks remains undecided
No decision has yet been taken on the future of the Challenger 2 tanks that will not be upgraded under the Challenger 3 programme, the UK Defence Journal understands.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 12, 2026 at 12:31 PM
No decision has yet been taken on the future of the Challenger 2 tanks that will not be upgraded under the Challenger 3 programme, the UK Defence Journal understands.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/future-of-su...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/future-of-su...
A man described by the National Crime Agency as its top global target for organised immigration crime has been jailed for supplying boats and engines used in thousands of small-boat crossings of the English Channel.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/key-channel-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/key-channel-...
Key Channel boat supplier jailed after NCA-led probe
A man described by the National Crime Agency as its top global target for organised immigration crime has been jailed for supplying boats and engines used in thousands of small-boat crossings of the English Channel.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 12, 2026 at 12:31 PM
A man described by the National Crime Agency as its top global target for organised immigration crime has been jailed for supplying boats and engines used in thousands of small-boat crossings of the English Channel.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/key-channel-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/key-channel-...
Tugboats intended to support operations at the UK’s nuclear submarine base at Faslane may be built in China under a major base services replacement programme.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=65507
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=65507
Faslane nuclear base tugboats may be built in China
Tugboats intended to support operations at the UK’s nuclear submarine base at Faslane may be built in China under a major base services replacement programme.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 12, 2026 at 5:31 AM
Tugboats intended to support operations at the UK’s nuclear submarine base at Faslane may be built in China under a major base services replacement programme.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=65507
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=65507
A network of social media accounts posing as Scottish independence supporters has fallen silent once again, closely mirroring a fresh shutdown of internet access inside Iran.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/iranian-link...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/iranian-link...
January 11, 2026 at 10:05 PM
A network of social media accounts posing as Scottish independence supporters has fallen silent once again, closely mirroring a fresh shutdown of internet access inside Iran.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/iranian-link...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/iranian-link...
The Nightfall ballistic missile programme, first disclosed last year, has now been formally confirmed as a UK-led effort intended for Ukrainian use while also informing future British long-range strike capabilities.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain-is-b...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain-is-b...
Britain is building a ballistic missile for Ukraine
The Nightfall ballistic missile programme, first disclosed last year, has now been formally confirmed as a UK-led effort intended for Ukrainian use while also informing future British long-range strike capabilities.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 11, 2026 at 8:07 PM
The Nightfall ballistic missile programme, first disclosed last year, has now been formally confirmed as a UK-led effort intended for Ukrainian use while also informing future British long-range strike capabilities.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain-is-b...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain-is-b...
Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has carried out live-fire exercises in the South China Sea as part of routine operations by the carrier strike group in the Indo-Pacific, according to the U.S. Navy.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/u-s-carrier-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/u-s-carrier-...
U.S. carrier in live fire drill to deter China aggression
Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has carried out live-fire exercises in the South China Sea as part of routine operations by the carrier strike group in the Indo-Pacific, according to the U.S. Navy.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 11, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has carried out live-fire exercises in the South China Sea as part of routine operations by the carrier strike group in the Indo-Pacific, according to the U.S. Navy.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/u-s-carrier-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/u-s-carrier-...
Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has carried out live-fire exercises in the South China Sea as part of routine operations by the carrier strike group in the Indo-Pacific, according to the U.S. Navy.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/u-s-carrier-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/u-s-carrier-...
U.S. carrier in ‘live fire’ drill to deter China aggression
Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has carried out live-fire exercises in the South China Sea as part of routine operations by the carrier strike group in the Indo-Pacific, according to the U.S. Navy.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 11, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has carried out live-fire exercises in the South China Sea as part of routine operations by the carrier strike group in the Indo-Pacific, according to the U.S. Navy.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/u-s-carrier-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/u-s-carrier-...