Tag: Ministry of Defence

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 11 December 2025.

AUKUS Defence Minister’s meeting reaffirmed shared commitment to the AUKUS partnership at the Pentagon in Washington D.C.

Today the Honorable Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of War, hosted the Honourable Richard Marles MP, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, and the Right Honourable John Healey MP, United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence, at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. to reaffirm the shared commitment to the AUKUS partnership.

In line with shared intent to move “full steam ahead” on AUKUS, the Principals recognized the work underway to deliver priority infrastructure and workforce uplift in support of an enhanced trilateral submarine industrial base.

Through the discussions today, the three Principals discussed ways to continue to strengthen AUKUS and reiterated their shared commitment to inject pace and focus on delivery to ensure the long-term success of the AUKUS partnership.

The Principals recognized the critical importance of submarine cooperation under AUKUS Pillar I to ensure a robust deterrent.  Additionally, they recognized the importance of advanced capabilities development under AUKUS Pillar II and discussed opportunities to further accelerate delivery of such projects, with particular focus on near-term warfighting objectives.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 10 December 2025.

The Defence Secretary met with his US and Australian counterparts in the United States to discuss the progress on AUKUS.

• AUKUS partnership “full steam ahead” as US review concludes and focus shifts to delivery.
• UK has committed £6 billion to AUKUS in the last 18 months alone, bolstering Britain’s security and driving growth.
• Continuous UK submarine building under AUKUS set to deliver up to 12 new attack submarines and support over 20,000 British jobs.

Attack submarines and advanced military technology will help protect the UK, US and Australia as all three nations fully commit to the historic partnership, with the work set to create more than 7,000 UK jobs.  

Following the conclusion of the United States’ AUKUS review, the partnership is “full steam ahead” for delivery of cutting-edge equipment which will help deter adversaries in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions.  

Defence Secretary John Healey joined his counterparts, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, at the Pentagon today to collectively shift the focus of the AUKUS partnership to delivery – declaring that business as usual is “not an option”. 

With global instability rising, the three nations agreed that AUKUS must now move at pace to translate plans into hard capability. The meeting marked a decisive shift towards delivery for submarine development and turning advanced military technology projects into frontline warfighting capabilities under Pillar II. 

The UK is backing this commitment with action, investing £6 billion under the current government into critical infrastructure at Barrow and Derby that will realise the ability to construct a new AUKUS submarine every 18 months.

SSN-AUKUS will be the most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy, creating more than 7,000 new jobs across the UK supply chain and backing 21,000 jobs at peak production, making defence an engine for growth and supporting the government’s Plan for Change.  

That benefit is already being felt, with more than 3,000 new jobs across key UK sites for nuclear work have been created since July 2024, with an additional 4,400 construction roles expected to be created over the coming years. 

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: 

This is full steam ahead for AUKUS. Our reviews are done. Now, we deliver.   

In this new era of threat, with adversaries who are increasingly cooperating, business as usual is not an option.   

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.   

With billions being invested in UK infrastructure, this programme demonstrates defence as an engine for growth – boosting our shared security, keeping our people safe and creating good jobs across our three nations.   The work builds on the UK leadership as part of the Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine, and the UK’s move to be at the leading edge of innovation in NATO, including through the pioneering hybrid Navy approach announced earlier this week. Britain is also providing increased technical and military assistance to Australia through the Geelong Treaty to accelerate Australian capability to operate nuclear-powered submarines.  

AUKUS will deliver significant economic benefits for communities across the UK. The partnership will expand Britain’s submarine fleet with up to 12 attack boats, supported by continuous production delivering a new submarine every 18 months. 

The wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise is projected to support around 65,000 UK jobs by 2030. These are highly skilled, well-paid positions, with nuclear sector salaries averaging £45,500 – 20% above the national average. This investment is bringing prosperity to areas of Britain with the greatest need, demonstrating how defence spending delivers real benefits to working people across the country. 

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 10 December 2025.

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Lance Corporal George Hooley, who died in Ukraine on 9 December 2025.

Lance Corporal Hooley died following a tragic accident whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the front lines. He was 28 years old. 

Lance Corporal Hooley was born on 12 February 1997. He joined the Army in November 2015, attending the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick where he completed the renowned Pre-Parachute Selection Course (P Company). Completing the course top of his cohort as ‘P Company Champion’, he joined The Parachute Regiment. 

Lance Corporal Hooley was an exceptional soldier and an impressive junior leader with extensive operational experience. He progressed swiftly through key promotion courses. He completed The Parachute Regiment’s Junior Non-Commissioned Officers’ course in October 2020, passing with a Distinction grade, and securing promotion to the rank of Lance Corporal. More recently, he completed the Section Commanders’ Battle Course, held at the Infantry Battle School in Brecon, again securing an impressive Distinction grade. As a result of his exceptional performance and potential, Lance Corporal Hooley was due to promote to Corporal in January 2026, and as such, was trusted with the responsibilities of a Corporal on this, his latest, deployment. Lance Corporal Hooley had previously deployed to Afghanistan, Africa, and Eastern Europe. 

His Commanding Officer said:  

Lance Corporal Hooley’s future within The Parachute Regiment was incredibly bright, and I have no doubt that he would have continued to perform at the very front of his peer-group over the coming years. All members of The Parachute Regiment mourn his loss; however, our sorrow is nothing compared to that being felt by his family, our thoughts and prayers are with them at this incredibly difficult time. 

His Company Commander said:  

If you met George Hooley, you remembered it. His energy and enthusiasm were simply extraordinary. He provided spark that lifted others, a drive that inspired, and a zest for life that reminded us all how to live with purpose and joy. And we loved him for it. George had a rare gift: a deep kindness and genuine time for everyone. Whether you were a lifelong friend, a colleague, or someone he had just met, he made you feel valued. He listened – properly listened – and he cared. His door was always open, and his heart even more so. 

At work, he was the model of professionalism. George didn’t just do his job; he excelled at it. A born soldier, he set the standard – the other soldiers watched to learn how things should be done, he made us all better, individually and collectively. He approached every task with dedication, integrity and pride. His colleagues will tell you that he wasn’t just part of the team, he was the character within it. The glue. The laughter. The calm voice of sense. The soldier who made the hard days easy and the good days memorable.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: 

Lance Corporal George Hooley served our country with distinction and professionalism. He was an exceptional soldier who will be very deeply missed.  

My thoughts are with George’s family, loved ones and his colleagues. The tributes that have been paid to him are a testament to his exceptional attitude and ability.  

George’s tragic death reminds us of the courage and commitment with which our outstanding Armed Forces serve every day to protect our nation.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 24 November 2025.

Royal Navy intercepts Russian warship and tanker in the Dover Strait and English Channel whilst RAF P-8 maritime surveillance aircraft deployed to Iceland to patrol North Atlantic.

The UK Armed Forces are on patrol from the English Channel to the High North amid increased Russian activity threatening UK waters.

In the past fortnight, Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Severn intercepted Russian corvette RFN Stoikiy and tanker Yelnya off the UK coast, in a round-the-clock shadowing operation as the Russian vessels sailed through the Dover Strait and westward through the English Channel.

HMS Severn later handed over monitoring duties to a NATO ally off the coast of Brittany, but continued to observe from a distance and remained ready to respond to any unexpected activity.

Commander Grant Dalgleish, HMS Severn’s Commanding Officer, said:

This tasking shows the value of our patrol ships and reinforces the Royal Navy’s close liaison with our NATO allies in safeguarding the British people and protecting the internationally recognised waterways.

I’m immensely proud of the way the ship’s company reacted to this activation, especially coming so quickly after a demanding period of regeneration and operational training.

This comes as the UK has seen a 30% increase in Russian vessels threatening UK waters in the past two years.

On Wednesday, the Defence Secretary confirmed that Russian spy ship Yantar – used for gathering intelligence and mapping undersea cables – was operating on the edge of UK waters north of Scotland. In a clear message to Putin, the Defence Secretary said: “We see you. We know what you are doing. And we are ready.”

As Yantar lingered in UK’s wider waters, its crew directed lasers at the RAF P-8 pilots tracking it in a reckless and dangerous act. While tracking Yantar, Royal Navy frigate HMS Somerset and other civilian ships in the area experienced GPS jamming in a further demonstration of unprofessional behaviour, intended to be disruptive and a nuisance. HMS Somerset’s combat capabilities were not affected.

The UK has a wide range of military options at its disposal to keep UK waters safe. Three RAF P-8 Poseidon aircraft have deployed to Keflavik Air Base in Iceland in the largest overseas deployment of the RAF P-8 fleet so far.

The P-8s from 120 Squadron are conducting surveillance operations as part of NATO’s collective defence, patrolling for Russian ships and submarines in the North Atlantic and Arctic.

While in Iceland, RAF crews are working closely with NATO allies including the US and Canada, reinforcing the UK’s NATO-first approach and commitment to Euro-Atlantic security in this new era of threat.

These operations reaffirm the UK’s unwavering commitment to national security and protecting critical undersea infrastructure, underpinning this Government’s Plan for Change.

Wing Commander Higgins, Officer Commanding 120 Squadron, said:

This deployment to Iceland highlights the enduring importance of the North Atlantic and Arctic to the security of the Alliance.

Operating the P-8A Poseidon, we continue that legacy by contributing to NATO’s collective defence and ensuring the security of this strategically critical region.

The UK is stepping up on defence and security, backed by the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, including £4 billion on boosting our drone capabilities and over £1 billion on strengthening air and missile defence to protect the UK homeland.

These latest operations come less than a month after HMS Duncan tracked the movements of Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov, and frigate HMS Iron Duke was dispatched to monitor Russian Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk.

Last month, two advanced RAF surveillance aircraft conducted a 12-hour mission along Russia’s border to monitor NATO’s eastern and northern flanks. A Rivet Joint electronic intelligence aircraft and a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, supported by a US Stratotanker, collectively flew 10,000 miles from the High North, past Belarus and Ukraine, and into the Black Sea.

Both aircraft use advanced sensors to detect Russian activity and deliver critical intelligence for analysis.

This increase in UK Armed Forces activity comes alongside new sanctions. Last week, the Foreign Secretary announced that the UK, US, and Australia are sanctioning Media Land – a Russian cyber crime group responsible for facilitating cyber-attacks on UK-based companies.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 13 November 2025.

All military personnel are to be better protected through the launch of a new programme to prevent and address unacceptable sexual behaviour.

• Defence publishes the first ever tri-Service military sexual harassment survey results as part of the Government’s landmark commitment to halve violence against women and girls.
• Prevention teams will operate from Armed Forces sites in North Yorkshire and Plymouth with regional reach, before rolling out more widely.
• Recruitment is live for six specialist staff to initially train new recruits and reinforce the highest standards of behaviour in the Armed Forces.

The announcement comes alongside the publication of the first ever military-wide sexual harassment survey. Ministers commissioned the first-of-its-kind survey earlier this year to fully understand personnel’s experiences and perceptions of sexual harassment in the military. The results are designed to provide vital data to design and drive prevention programmes, support schemes and contribute to the central Government mission to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.

The new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Taskforce announced earlier this year will tackle the cultural and behavioural root causes of unacceptable sexual behaviour, predominantly against women, in the Armed Forces. Its prevention programme will initially target interventions at young recruits to boost understanding of consent, misogyny, incel culture and harmful online influences against men and women and enforce the highest behavioural standards.

Catterick Garrison, an Army Base in Yorkshire, and Plymouth Naval Base will implement the first change programmes, which will include delivery of interventions in training facilities for our young recruits in Army Foundation College Harrogate and HMS Raleigh. We will then expand to our UK military personnel in Cyprus and RAF Halton in 2026 before wider rollout.

Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP said:

All those who choose to serve our country must be able to do so with dignity and respect. As a veteran myself, this mission is deeply personal to me.

By commissioning the UK’s first-ever comprehensive military sexual harassment survey, this Government is establishing, for the first time, a no holds barred baseline to fully confront and address the root causes of the issue and set new standards in transparency and accountability across our Armed Forces. We want our military to be best in class on this issue, and Ministers and Chiefs are working closely together to play our part in the Government’s central mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.

The Taskforce will include a multidisciplinary team of VAWG specialists and Armed Forces experts to identify key intervention points, trial a series of targeted initiatives, and scale up those that prove effective.

The Raising our Standards programme is driving the cultural change we need to ensure that everyone in Defence meets the highest standards of behaviour and professionalism. This work is the latest in a series of new initiatives to improve Service life, following the creation of the first Armed Forces Commissioner, a truly independent voice for Service personnel who will hold the Government and single Services to account and report directly to parliament, rather than ministers. Defence is also establishing a tri-Service complaints system, which – for the first time – takes the most serious complaints outside of the single Service chains of command.

Defence continues to invest and support the Victim Witness Care Unit, which provides comprehensive support for victims of serious crime, ensuring that those who come forward receive the care and advocacy they deserve.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 17 October 2025.

The remains of an unknown British and an unknown German soldier have been laid to rest together near Ypres on the Western Front.

The burial service, organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), took place at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Poelcapelle British Cemetery in Belgium.

The service was supported by serving soldiers from The Royal Regiment of Artillery and The King’s Troop Royal Regiment of Artillery. Also present were the British and German Defence Attachés to Belgium. The service was conducted by the Reverend Mark Nightingale CF, Chaplain to 9 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps and in the build up to Remembrance commemorations, reflected on the reconciliation between the 2 nations since the Second World War. 

The Rev. Mark Nightingale said: 

It is a privilege to participate in this burial. As we lay to rest two unknown soldiers, one British and one German, we begin to glimpse the peace and reconciliation that God offers us. By honouring their sacrifice in this service, we ultimately realise that in God’s eyes, there are no enemies, only people who are known to him by name. As I reflect, I see that this burial serves as a reminder that our highest calling is not victory in conflict, but harmony in love. We are encouraged to live as individuals who seek peace and speak truth, whilst honouring the commitment of those who have gone before us in this goal, like these two brave soldiers that we have honoured today.

The two men were found together in what appeared to have been a shell hole during the renovation of a cycle path near Ypres in Belgium. During the First World War the location had been astride the Ypres-Straden railway line. No artefacts were found with the remains which could assist in their identification although it was evident that one man was British and the other German. The location where the remains were found was fought over during the Third Battle of Ypres, better known as the Battle of Paschendaele, in October 1917. Owing the high number of casualties still missing in this location, neither man could be identified. 

Rosie Barron, JCCC Caseworker said: 

This was a very poignant ceremony reflecting on the importance of reconciliation and the search for peace between nations. We do not know who these men were or what their beliefs or opinions on the war were. However, both men died for their country and would have suffered the same hardships on the Western Front. May they now rest in peace together.

Earlier this week (15 October 25) a burial took place at Vendresse British Cemetery in the Aisne region of France of an unknown British soldier most likely killed during the First Battle of the Aisne in 1914. Again, no artefacts were found with the remains which would indicate which regiment he belonged to.  

The graves of all 3 men will now be cared for in perpetuity by CWGC. 

Director for the Central and Southern Europe Area of the CWGC, Xavier Puppinck, said:  

We are honoured to commemorate these three brave soldiers from the First World War at our cemeteries in France and Belgium. 

It has been a privilege to recover and work closely with the JCCC in trying to identify who they were. It is rare – and very emotional actually – to have both British and German soldiers buried together, highlighting the shared sacrifice of all those who fought and died. 

Though these men couldn’t be identified by name, we will care for their graves in perpetuity.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 17 October 2025.

Veterans can now apply for and download a secure digital version of the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card via the GOV.UK One Login app.

• Veterans can now apply for and download a digital version of the Veteran Card on their smartphone.
• From registering with GPs to housing support and discounted entry to museums, the card will ensure veterans can access services quickly and easily online.
• Part of the blueprint for modern digital government, as government makes public services simpler and more accessible so they work around people’s lives as part of the Plan for Change.

Nearly 2 million veterans can now get and benefit from a digital version of the Veteran Card, which will make it easier and quicker to access key services and discounts via their smartphones.

From today, Friday 17 October, it will give veterans a seamless way to confirm their status in person and will include information already featured on their physical card – displaying their name, photo, latest service, and date of birth with the security features that protect their personal information.

By downloading the optional card on their smartphones, former Service Personnel can show their veteran status to access everything from housing and mental health support to reduced entry at museums and money off their shopping – all at the touch of a button. The move forms part of government plans to deliver national renewal by transforming public services so they work around people’s lives and not the other way round.

Once application is approved, downloading the card takes minutes – far quicker than waiting for a physical card to arrive by post. Just like a digital bank card or rail card, it puts convenient proof of service directly in veterans’ pockets, highlighting which service of the Armed Forces they last served in to unlock service-specific support and ending the need to carry a physical copy whilst maintaining the highest security standards.

Veterans can download it via the GOV.UK One Login app, which, like banking apps, uses passcodes, Face ID, or Touch ID, providing the security veterans deserve whilst creating new opportunities to access services more conveniently. Once set up, veterans simply open the app and show their digital card.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, said:

Our veterans have given everything by serving for their country and it is only right that we give them all the support they need.

As we deliver national renewal we are modernising our public services so they work around people’s lives and keep pace with the digital world we live in.

The digital Veterans Card will help remove barriers, reduce red-tape and make it easier for people to access the public services they need.

Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones said:

Our veterans have given so much in service to our country, and we must ensure they can easily access the support and recognition they are entitled to and deserve.  

This digital Veteran Card removes barriers and puts convenience back in their hands – whether they’re registering with a new GP, seeking housing support, or simply getting a discount at their local museum.  

With 1.8 million veterans across the UK now able to benefit from this innovation, we’re making good on our commitment to modernise services for our veteran community.

Veterans will be able to use the digital card to:

• Register their service background with their GP to access the healthcare opportunities they deserve with security and respect. This can give them access to services in England such as Op RESTORE for physical health support and Op COURAGE for mental health and wellbeing.
• Confirm their military background to access supported housing through Op FORTITUDE, the government’s secure referral system and support service for ex-Service Personnel who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
• Get support into high value careers with Op ASCEND – a free government-backed service linking them up with career advisors and veteran-friendly employers.
• Access discounts and services offered by participating businesses with the security and convenience they deserve – in time for Remembrance Sunday.

The digital card is optional and will initially be available for in-person use, with functionality set to expand over the coming months to enable online use, further increasing convenience whilst maintaining security and creating new opportunities for veterans to access services.

Angela Kitching, Director of Campaigns, Policy and Research at the Royal British Legion, said:

We welcome the introduction of the digital HM Armed Forces Veteran Card as we do any initiative that helps to improve access to services and benefits for the Armed Forces community.

The fact that the digital Veteran Card will enable veterans to access and use their card more quickly is a positive development.

The digital Veteran Card works alongside the existing physical HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, giving veterans greater flexibility and choice.  It is the UK government’s first digital document to be stored in the GOV.UK One Login app, which provides the security and functionality for storing digital credentials as part of our national renewal agenda to create opportunity and make lives easier through better digital services. As we add more credentials over time – like the digital driving licence – and bring this capability to a bigger group of users, we will transition to talking about it as the GOV.UK Wallet.

Today’s launch builds on the government’s blueprint for modern digital government – making public services simpler, faster and more accessible through trusted technology that puts people first. Earlier this year, the UK government launched the GOV.UK App providing a single, secure place for citizens to access multiple government services laying the groundwork for innovations like the digital Veteran Card.