UK condemns conviction of Jimmy Lai, calls for release: The UK has condemned the conviction of Hong Kong media owner and democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-condemns-conviction-of-jimmy-lai-calls-for-release/
Key FactsJimmy Lai Guilty in Defining Hong Kong Security Case
6 hours ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnn.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnn.com
- Jimmy Lai, aged 78 and founder of the pro-democracy Apple Daily, was convicted of two national security offenses plus a lesser sedition charge.
- The verdict concludes a highly scrutinized trial reflecting Beijing’s tightening grip on Hong Kong’s freedoms, drawing international condemnation.
- Judges identified Lai as the mastermind behind conspiracies to overthrow the Chinese Communist Party, citing evidence including meetings with US officials and activist communications.
- Concerns regarding Lai’s health persist due to his diabetes and prolonged solitary confinement, as sentencing awaits following the guilty verdict.
Mr. President, you’re the only one who can save us. If you save us, you can stop China’s aggressions. You can also save the world.— Jimmy Lai, in an interview with CNN in 2020, addressing Donald Trump.
British forces recruitment rises as intake overtakes outflow: UK Armed Forces recruitment has overtaken personnel outflow for the first time in almost four years ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-forces-recruitment-rises-as-intake-overtakes-outflow/
Britain’s new ‘Nightfall’ ballistic missile project underway: Britain has launched 'Project Nightfall' for a cost effective, ground launched ballistic missile ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britains-new-nightfall-ballistic-missile-project-underway/
Key FactsUK Launches New Tactical Ballistic Missile Project
1 days ago · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk
- The Ministry of Defence is initiating a 12-month development phase to procure a new tactical ballistic missile system.
- The missile must exceed 500 kilometers in range and operate effectively in high-threat, electronically contested environments.
- Each missile will carry a 200-kilogram high explosive payload and achieve a 10-meter circular error probable in half of its strikes.
- The system requires salvo firing ability, rapid withdrawal within 15 minutes post-launch, and a scalable production rate of at least ten units monthly.
UK plans £8bn tactical battlefield comms framework: The UK is preparing to launch a major long term procurement programme for military tactical comms ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-plans-8bn-tactical-battlefield-comms-framework/
UK developing urgent plan for conflict, minister says: The UK is drawing up new preparations for a potential major conflict, according to Armed Forces Minister ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-developing-urgent-plan-for-conflict-minister-says/
Key FactsUK Ramps Up Society-Wide Conflict Readiness
2 days ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk
- The UK government is rapidly formulating a comprehensive societal response plan amid rising European tensions.
- Armed Forces Minister Al Carns highlighted civilians, industries, and economies as crucial to winning wars.
- The Ministry of Defence collaborates with other departments to assess national readiness and public responsibilities.
- NATO emphasizes long-term military buildup goals, including defense spending targets and expanded production capabilities.
The shadow of war is knocking on Europe’s door once more. That is the reality. We have to be prepared to deter it.— Armed Forces Minister Al Carns made this statement during a visit to RAF Wyton.
MI6 chief to say ‘front line is everywhere’ in first speech: Speaking from MI6 headquarters, Blaise Metreweli will describe what she characterises as a complex ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/mi6-chief-to-say-front-line-is-everywhere-in-first-speech/
Defence chief warns UK security risk demands whole nation: The Chief of the Defence Staff is expected to call for a “whole of society” approach to defence and ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/defence-chief-warns-uk-security-risk-demands-whole-nation/
BAE to supply modular masts for US Navy submarines: BAE Systems has been awarded a $36 million contract to supply Multifunction Modular Mast systems for ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/bae-to-supply-modular-masts-for-us-navy-submarines/
MQ-28 fires AIM-120 in autonomous air combat test: Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force have completed an air-to-air missile firing using an MQ-28 Ghost Bat ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/mq-28-fires-aim-120-in-autonomous-air-combat-test/
Leonard brands Ferguson Marine employee payment ‘con trick’
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/leonard-brands-ferguson-marine-employee-payment-con-trick/
UK launches register, qualification for protective security: Counter Terrorism Policing has announced two new national initiatives aimed at strengthening how ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-launches-register-qualification-for-protective-security/
Thales offers first insight into new 76Nano sonar system: Thales has given the UK Defence Journal early insight into a new sonar designed to support the Royal ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/thales-offers-first-insight-into-new-76nano-sonar-system/
Ukrainian interceptor drones strained as air war intensifies: A new report warns that Russia’s air campaign against Ukraine shows no sign of easing ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/ukrainian-interceptor-drones-strained-as-air-war-intensifies/
Think tank urges unified maritime strategy for UK defence: A new memorandum published in Britain’s World by the Council on Geostrategy examines whether the UK’s ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/think-tank-urges-unified-maritime-strategy-for-uk-defence/
MOD seeks suppliers for RAF air traffic control simulators: The Ministry of Defence is preparing to procure a new generation of air traffic control visual ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/mod-seeks-suppliers-for-raf-air-traffic-control-simulators/
The massive transformation underway at Babcock: Rosyth is going through a profound industrial shift. Digital engineering, early systems integration and lifetime ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/the-massive-transformation-underway-at-babcock/
Ministers ‘blindsided’ by offshore award of naval tug fleet: UK ministers were 'blindsided' by the offshore award of a 24-vessel naval support programme ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/ministers-blindsided-by-offshore-award-of-naval-tug-fleet/
Britain launches new Military Intelligence Services: The new Military Intelligence Services, or MIS, consolidates defence intelligence functions under one ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain-launches-new-military-intelligence-services/
American nuclear attack submarine arrives in Scotland: A Virginia-class nuclear submarine of the U.S. Navy has arrived in Scotland for a routine port visit.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/american-nuclear-attack-submarine-arrives-in-scotland/
New British long range strike system ‘on track’: Written answers published this week confirm that Project Brakestop, the UK's effort to field a low-cost ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/new-british-long-range-strike-system-on-track/
Russian submarine tracked through British waters: The submarine Krasnodar, accompanied by the tug Altay, travelled on the surface from the North Sea ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/russian-submarine-tracked-through-british-waters/
American warship fires five inch main gun off Morroco: U.S. Navy destroyer USS Paul Ignatius has conducted a live firing of its Mk 45 five-inch gun during a ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/american-warship-fires-five-inch-main-gun-off-morroco/
Half of Britain’s destroyer fleet now have power issue fixed: Three of the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers have now completed the long-running Power Improvement ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/half-of-britains-destroyer-fleet-now-have-power-issue-fixed/
SNP MSP says ‘foolish’ planning sank Ferguson Marine bid: An SNP MSP has publicly criticised Ferguson Marine’s former management in the Scottish Parliament ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/snp-msp-says-foolish-planning-sank-ferguson-marine-bid/
Large drone submarine joins British fleet: The Royal Navy has taken ownership of XV Excalibur, a 12-metre Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle described by ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/large-drone-submarine-joins-british-fleet/
We are proud to announce the launch of our annual Shipbuilding Champion Award. More details will follow, but the award will recognise a public figure or ... Show more
UK goes ‘all in’ on AUKUS as nuke sub delivery phase begins: The UK, US and Australia have declared AUKUS "full steam ahead" after Washington completed its ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-goes-all-in-on-aukus-as-nuke-sub-delivery-phase-begins/
Key FactsAUKUS Launches Nuclear Submarine Production Phase
4 days ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk
- The UK, US, and Australia shifted from planning to delivering submarines and advanced technologies following the completion of a US internal review.
- The UK committed £6 billion to modernize shipyards, enabling continuous construction of AUKUS-class attack submarines every 18 months.
- The program is expected to support around 65,000 UK jobs by 2030 and acts as a significant economic driver in defense and nuclear sectors.
- Efforts also focus on accelerating delivery of cutting-edge military technologies to enhance frontline capabilities among the partner nations.
AUKUS is too significant and the stakes are too high for it to be allowed to drift. Our driving focus now is overcoming any barriers to delivery. And the UK is all in.— John Healey, UK Defence Secretary, during a meeting at the Pentagon.
BAE Systems wins mega $1.7Bn U.S. Navy weapons contract: BAE Systems has been awarded a five year contract by the United States Navy for the continued production ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/bae-systems-wins-mega-1-7bn-u-s-navy-weapons-contract/
Babcock notes progress in Sweden and Denmark frigate bids: At the latest meeting of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Maritime and Shipbuilding ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/babcock-notes-progress-in-sweden-and-denmark-frigate-bids/
Key FactsBabcock Advances in Nordic Naval Frigate Competitions
4 days ago · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk
- Babcock highlighted that the Danish and Swedish naval programs it competes in are nearing key decision points.
- Denmark’s five-year programme involves several ship types and is expected to yield outcomes in early 2026.
- Selecting Arrowhead 140 would boost the UK’s naval export model and enhance Nordic operational alignment.
- Sweden’s competitive process continues amid industrial policy and capacity challenges influencing the final decision.
Raybird recon drone shows UK potential in Iron Titan trials: Skyeton Prevail Solutions says its battle-tested Raybird unmanned aircraft has completed its first ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/raybird-recon-drone-shows-uk-potential-in-iron-titan-trials/
Norway-UK Qinetiq drills spotlight NATO mission readiness: Newly released material from QinetiQ offers a clear window into how NATO forces have been sharpening ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/norway-uk-qinetiq-drills-spotlight-nato-mission-readiness/
Key FactsNATO Boosts Air Defence in Norway-UK Exercises
3 days ago · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk
- The 2025 Formidable Shield exercises started in Norway and moved to Scotland’s Hebrides for extended operational reach.
- Training featured swarm drones, supersonic targets, and the British Army’s first live firing of the Sky Sabre system on UK soil.
- Military cooperation between the UK and Norway is enhanced through agreements like Lunna House and the Atlantic Bastion programme.
- QinetiQ managed the vast operational area, supplied specialized aerial and surface targets, and analyzed crew and equipment performance.
Downie links Scotland’s future to skills and security: "The quiet networks of trust are the strongest parts of our infrastructure," he said ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/downie-links-scotlands-future-to-skills-and-security/
Former Sea Lord warns UK subs in worst shape for decades: Lord West of Spithead warned that the attack submarine force has reached what he called "the worst ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/former-sea-lord-warns-uk-subs-in-worst-shape-for-decades/
GMB warns delays threaten future of Ferguson Marine yard: GMB Scotland has accused the Scottish Government of allowing avoidable delays in ferry procurement to ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/gmb-warns-delays-threaten-future-of-ferguson-marine-yard/
Defence Committee chair warns of Army vehicle ‘shambles’: The Defence Committee chair said the Army’s armoured vehicle woes now amount to "an absolute shambles ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/defence-committee-chair-warns-of-army-vehicle-shambles/
British armed forces member dies in Ukraine: The Ministry of Defence has announced that a member of the UK Armed Forces died in Ukraine on Tuesday, 9 December ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-armed-forces-member-dies-in-ukraine/
US taps Babcock to build parts for Virginia subs in Scotland: HII and Babcock have signed a new contract that will see major sections of US Virginia-class ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/us-taps-babcock-to-build-parts-for-virginia-subs-in-scotland/
British patrol ship ‘opens fire’, crosses Equator: The Royal Navy’s Caribbean-based patrol vessel HMS Medway has conducted live gunnery exercises in equatorial ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-patrol-ship-opens-fire-crosses-equator/
Rosyth shipyard skills hailed after US submarine deal: Rosyth, Dunfermline and Dollar MP Graeme Downie argued, is no longer only a national asset but a trusted ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/rosyth-shipyard-skills-hailed-after-us-submarine-deal/
Keel laid in Rosyth for new British warship: Babcock has laid the keel for HMS Formidable at Rosyth, marking the next scheduled milestone in the Type 31 frigate ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/keel-laid-in-rosyth-for-new-british-warship/
The First Sea Lord wants a Navy built for risk, nothing less: Britain’s grip on the Atlantic is slipping, the First Sea Lord told the Council of Geostrategy’s ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/the-first-sea-lord-wants-a-navy-built-for-risk-nothing-less/
ARCIMS drone launches KATFISH minehunting system: Home Sea ARCIMS drone launches KATFISH minehunting system Sea ARCIMS drone launches KATFISH minehunting system ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/arcims-drone-launches-katfish-minehunting-system/
Babcock offers drone warships with British frigates in 2027: Speaking under the hulls of Type 31 Frigates at Rosyth, Babcock’s senior leadership told the UK ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/babcock-offers-drone-warships-with-british-frigates-in-2027/
UK to scale back military training exercises outside Europe: The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Armed Forces will begin reducing the number of ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-to-scale-back-military-training-exercises-outside-europe/
Poland taps JFD Global for new submarine rescue capability: JFD Global has secured a significant contract to deliver the core hyperbaric and saturation diving ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/poland-taps-jfd-global-for-new-submarine-rescue-capability/
Anduril and GKN join forces for British Army combat drone: Anduril UK and GKN Aerospace have signed an exclusive teaming agreement to deliver the airframe for ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/anduril-and-gkn-join-forces-for-british-army-combat-drone/
Royal Navy set to debut autonomous ships and fighter drones
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/royal-navy-set-to-debut-autonomous-ships-and-fighter-drones/
Babcock offer drone warships with Type 31 command ships: Babcock has set out a plan to turn the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates into command vessels for a fleet of ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/babcock-offer-drone-warships-with-type-31-command-ships/
British maritime patrol aircraft surge to Iceland: The RAF has carried out its largest ever deployment of P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-maritime-patrol-aircraft-surge-to-iceland/
Britain close to losing the Atlantic, First Sea Lord warns: The First Sea Lord has warned Britain is close to losing its Atlantic edge and called for a rapid ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain-close-to-losing-the-atlantic-first-sea-lord-warns/
Drivers jailed after nearly 50 migrants found in lorries: Two Romanian drivers have been jailed for attempting to smuggle almost fifty people from the UK into ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/drivers-jailed-after-nearly-50-migrants-found-in-lorries/
MOD awards £13m for SATCOM fit for next Type 26 frigates: The Ministry of Defence has awarded a £12.96 million contract to STS Defence for the production and ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/mod-awards-13m-for-satcom-fit-for-next-type-26-frigates/
Typhoon jets to fly to Arctic for secret escort mission: The UK Defence Journal understands that Typhoon jets will be deploying to the Arctic later this month ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/typhoon-jets-to-fly-to-arctic-for-secret-escort-mission/
Police urge winter vigilance as terror threat substantial: Counter Terrorism Policing North East and Durham Constabulary have issued a winter safety appeal as ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/police-urge-winter-vigilance-as-terror-threat-substantial/
Paras endure Belize jungle for tough training: Paratroopers from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment have completed a month of intensive training in the jungles ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/paras-endure-belize-jungle-for-tough-training/
UK launches Atlantic Bastion to counter Russia at sea: The project links autonomous vessels, AI enabled detection networks and existing naval and air platforms ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-launches-atlantic-bastion-to-counter-russia-at-sea/
US strike kills four in latest lethal action in Carribean: American assets carried out a lethal strike on a vessel in international waters on 4 December under ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/us-strike-kills-four-in-latest-lethal-action-in-carribean/
Building ‘up to 12’ new subs requires major Barrow expansion: Sir Stephen Lovegrove has told MPs that the UK’s ability to deliver AUKUS submarines depends on ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/building-up-to-12-new-subs-requires-major-barrow-expansion/
U.S. Navy probe finds systemic failures in Truman mishaps: A set of U.S. Navy investigations has found that four separate incidents involving USS Harry S Truman ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/u-s-navy-probe-finds-systemic-failures-in-truman-mishaps/
America fields ‘attack drone’ squadron in Middle East: U.S. Central Command has created a new task force to stand up the U.S. military’s first one-way attack ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/america-fields-attack-drone-squadron-in-middle-east/
UK to decide fate of Ajax as safety probe begins: A formal safety investigation into the Army’s Ajax armoured vehicle will take at least two weeks ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-to-decide-fate-of-ajax-as-safety-probe-begins/
British frigate withdrawn from service in Gulf: HMS Lancaster will now be retired. The Type 23 Frigate will not return to the UK for decommissioning and will ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-frigate-withdrawn-from-service-in-gulf/
Neutrality offers no shield as hybrid threats reach Ireland: CEPA, a leading European security think tank, told the UK Defence Journal that Irish neutrality has ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/neutrality-offers-no-shield-as-hybrid-threats-reach-ireland/
UK considering wider roll out of naval laser weapons: The UK is weighing whether to arm further Royal Navy ships with DragonFire beyond the initial vessels ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-considering-wider-roll-out-of-naval-laser-weapons/
Britain to take command of major NATO naval force: The Royal Navy has begun the process of taking command of NATO’s Maritime Allied Reaction Force ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain-to-take-command-of-major-nato-naval-force/
Pro-Palestine attack reduces RAF tanker engines service life: Damage sustained during a Pro-Palestine attack at RAF Brize Norton has left two RAF Voyager engines ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/pro-palestine-attack-reduces-raf-tanker-engines-service-life/
Unidentified drones breach Irish airspace on Zelenskyy visit: Irish security services are examining a significant drone incursion that occurred during the ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/unidentified-drones-breach-irish-airspace-on-zelenskyy-visit/
Over one third of Ajax vehicles caused crew health problems: More than a third of the Ajax vehicles in a recent British Army training exercise were linked to new ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/over-one-third-of-ajax-vehicles-caused-crew-health-problems/
NATO sets out how it plans to fight and win at sea: NATO will further develop carrier strike, anti-submarine, naval mine warfare and seaborne autonomous ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/nato-sets-out-how-it-plans-to-fight-and-win-at-sea/
UK, Norway deepen naval pact as Russian activity rises: The UK and Norway have agreed to intensify joint operations in the North Atlantic in response to a ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-norway-deepen-naval-pact-as-russian-activity-rises/
Key FactsNorway and UK Launch Joint Hunt for Russian Subs
Dec 5, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: thelocal.no
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: thelocal.no
- Norway and the UK have signed a defence pact to conduct joint naval operations targeting Russian submarines in the North Atlantic.
- The agreement aims to safeguard critical underwater infrastructure such as communication cables and pipelines from potential threats.
- Russian vessel sightings in UK waters have increased by 30 percent over the past two years, raising security concerns.
- A fleet of 13 British-built frigates will be operated interchangeably by both navies to enhance their strategic cooperation.
This is really about the present. This is about acknowledging where Europe stands and what we need to take care of security for the future.— Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on the new defense cooperation agreement between Norway and the UK.
BAE Systems reports record youth training levels in UK: BAE Systems says it now has more than 6800 young people in training across its UK operations as ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/bae-systems-reports-record-youth-training-levels-in-uk/
Ajax trial manager blasts crews over ‘incompetence’: A senior employee of General Dynamics UK has posted comments on social media suggesting that crews bear ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/ajax-trial-manager-blasts-crews-over-incompetence/
Britain to place 155mm artillery shell orders: The UK will place further orders for 155mm artillery ammunition with BAE Systems’ Washington facility.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain-to-place-155mm-artillery-shell-orders/
UK joins Norway’s mine warfare ‘mothership’ project: The UK will join Norway’s programme to develop offshore support vessels designed to deploy uncrewed ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-joins-norways-mine-warfare-mothership-project/
UK sanctions Russian GRU after Kremlin linked to attack: The UK has imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia'a military intelligence agency, the GRU ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-sanctions-russian-gru-after-kremlin-linked-to-attack/
UK explains delay to F-35B SRVL upgrade: The Ministry of Defence has moved to clarify the status of the Shipborne Rolling Vertical Landing system for the UK’s ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-explains-delay-to-f-35b-srvl-upgrade/
SACEUR highlights readiness during visit to air command: Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus Grynkewich visited Allied Air Command headquarters at ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/saceur-highlights-readiness-during-visit-to-air-command/
MOD weighs UK production in future Hawk replacement: The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that no decision has yet been made on whether a future replacement for ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/mod-weighs-uk-production-in-future-hawk-replacement/
