Tag: Ministry of Defence

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 26 January 2026.

Lucy Bogue, Director SJC GUARDIAN, has announced the appointment of Kier Pritchard as Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) Chief Constable following an open selection process.

Kier joined the MDP in September 2023 as Deputy Chief Constable, following an exemplary career with Wiltshire Police, and in September 2025 he stepped into the role of Interim Chief Constable. He has already made a significant impact, emphasising the critical importance of the MDP amid an increasingly unpredictable global landscape and is committed to ensuring the force is recognised as the vital national asset it truly is.

With the force continuing its programme of modernisation and improvement, it is vital to maintain continuity of force command and leadership and therefore several temporary promotions have been granted, until substantive selection processes are finalised: Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dobinson has stepped up to Interim Deputy Chief Constable, and Chief Superintendent Sarah Johnson has stepped up to Interim Assistant Chief Constable.  They will continue to support CC Pritchard and the MDP in the collective mission to protect the nation’s defences and national infrastructure. 

Commenting on the appointments, Lucy Bogue, Director SJC GUARDIAN, said:

I am delighted that Kier has been appointed to the position of Chief Constable. Kier is well placed to lead the Force, who provide unique specialist policing, and support Defence to mitigate the complex and evolving threats that we, and the UK face. I look forward to working with him as Chief Constable.

Kier Pritchard said: 

I am incredibly honoured to step into the role of Chief Constable. We are operating at a time of heightened global tension, from hostile acts and insider threats to protestor incursions and community unrest. The spotlight is on us. I have every confidence that MDP will continue to rise to these challenges with professionalism, courage, and unity. I look forward to working with, and leading, our dedicated officers and civilian colleagues through this vital next chapter, where together we will further modernise our force to protect Defence.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 13 January 2026.

The UK and Poland’s ability to shoot down air and missile threats will be strengthened by deepened cooperation between the two countries.

• UK and Poland to enhance joint training to improve both countries’ ability to shoot down air and missile threats.
• Polish helicopter pilots and instructors to begin training in the UK this summer as part of deepening cooperation.
• Agreement comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomes Polish President Karol Nawrocki to Downing Street.

The UK and Poland’s ability to shoot down air and missile threats will be strengthened by deepened cooperation between the two countries.

The allies have agreed to explore the development and procurement of new capabilities to counter a range of air threats, as well as how to encourage the establishment of new manufacturing capacity in Europe.

Under the agreement, the British and Polish militaries will train together in virtual environments to improve air defence coordination without the cost and danger of live exercises.

The enhanced training will boost Euro-Atlantic security and will be delivered as part of the UK-led NATO initiative known as Delivering Integrated Air and Missile Operational Networked Defences (DIAMOND).

The UK and Poland also agreed at today’s meeting in Downing Street between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish President Karol Nawrocki to enhance their helicopter training cooperation.

From this summer, the first of eight Polish military helicopter pilots will begin training in the UK under the NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE) programme. They will be joined by two experienced Polish helicopter instructors who will be permanently stationed in RAF Shawbury for a full rotational tour.  

The pilots will undertake world-class helicopter training at RAF Shawbury, including advanced training to prepare them for their future roles flying attack helicopters.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

The UK and Poland’s defence relationship has never been stronger. Standing strong on NATO’s eastern flank, Poland is a crucial ally for the UK in this era of rising threats.

This new cooperation we have announced today will see more joint training and integration between our two militaries.

It is another example of how the UK and Poland are stepping up to defend Europe and face down the threat from Putin.

It comes as the UK defence budget is rising to record levels, with the biggest boost to defence spending since the Cold War, totalling £270bn this parliament alone.

Poland is one of the UK’s strongest allies with over 350 British personnel currently deployed across Poland, and with British and Polish pilots flying together as part of NATO’s Eastern Sentry mission to protect Polish and NATO airspace.

UK-Polish defence industrial collaboration is deepening rapidly – worth around £8 billion to the UK over the past three years, showcasing how defence is an engine for growth.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 11 January 2026.

The UK will develop new tactical ballistic missiles that boost Ukraine’s firepower to defend itself from Putin’s war machine.

• New ballistic missile could carry a 200kg warhead over a range of more than 500 kilometres.
• Missile will provide Ukraine a long range-punch to counter Russian aggression
• Project aims to boost UK defence industry, supporting innovation and growth while stepping up support for Ukraine into 2026.

The UK will develop new tactical ballistic missiles that boost Ukraine’s firepower to defend itself from Putin’s war machine.

Under Project Nightfall, the UK has launched a competition to rapidly develop ground-launched ballistic missiles with a range of more than 500 kilometres and designed to operate in high-threat battlefields with heavy electromagnetic interference.

Nightfall missiles will be capable of being launched from a range of vehicles, firing multiple missiles in quick succession and withdrawing within minutes – allowing Ukrainian forces to hit key military targets before Russian forces can respond.

With a 200kg conventional high explosive warhead, high precision production rate of 10 systems per month and a maximum price of £800,000 per missile, NIGHTFALL is intended to provide Ukraine with a powerful, cost-effective long-range strike option, with minimal foreign export controls.

The Nightfall project builds on the UK’s ironclad commitment to Ukraine, particularly to its long range capabilities, through the gifting of thousands of deep strike one-way attack drones.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

The attacks overnight on Thursday just go to show how Putin thinks he can act with impunity, targeting civilian areas with advanced weaponry.

Instead of seriously negotiating a peace, he’s seriously escalating his illegal war.

We were close enough to hear the air raid sirens around Lviv on our journey to Kyiv, it was a serious moment and a stark reminder of the barrage of drones and missiles hitting Ukrainians in sub-zero conditions.

We won’t stand for this, which is why we are determined to put leading edge weapons into the hands of Ukrainians as they fight back.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said:

A secure Europe needs a strong Ukraine. These new long-range British missiles will keep Ukraine in the fight and give Putin another thing to worry about.

In 2026, we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. Providing equipment to keep them in the fight today, whilst working to secure the peace tomorrow.

The project aims for three industry teams to each be awarded a £9 million development contract to design, develop and deliver their first three missiles within 12 months for test firings.

Nightfall is a project focused on rapid prototyping, spiral development, resilience to electronic warfare, and the ability to scale manufacturing quickly, particularly in the UK.

Whilst aimed at supporting Ukraine, Nightfall will also inform future UK Armed Forces’ long range strike projects.

The detailed Nightfall requirements were shared with Industry Partners on the 19 December 2025 that had signed the required confidentiality and security arrangements. The deadline to receive Nightfall development proposals is the 9th February 2026, with development contract(s) aimed to be awarded in March 2026.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 3 January 2026.

Royal Air Force aircraft have completed successful strikes against Daesh in a joint operation with France.

Royal Air Force aircraft have continued to conduct patrols over Syria to help prevent any attempted resurgence of the Daesh terrorist movement following its military defeat at Baghuz Fawqani in March 2019. Careful intelligence analysis identified an underground facility, in the mountains some miles north of the ancient site of Palmyra. This facility had been occupied by Daesh, most likely to store weapons and explosives. The area around the facility is devoid of any civilian habitation.

RAF Typhoon FGR4s, supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker, therefore joined French aircraft in a joint strike on the underground facility on the evening of Saturday 3 January.  Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of access tunnels down to the facility; whilst detailed assessment is now underway, initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully. There is no indication of any risk having been posed to civilians by the strike, and all our aircraft returned safely.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

This action shows our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East.

I want to thank all the members of our Armed Forces involved in this operation – for their professionalism and their courage.

They were among thousands of British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, shows how our Armed Forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 29 December 2025.

Armed Forces personnel and Civilians have been granted state honours, including operational awards, by His Majesty The King in the annual New Year Honours list.

The Military Division of the New Year Honours List 2026

Royal Navy Awards

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath

As Knight Commander

• Vice Admiral Michael Keith UTLEY, CB, OBE

As Companion

• Rear Admiral James Miles Benjamin PARKIN, CBE

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire

As Knight Grand Cross

• Admiral Sir Antony RADAKIN, KCB

As Commanders

• Commodore Sharon Louise MALKIN, ADC
• Brigadier Christopher Norman Maurice Patrick ORDWAY, Royal Marines
• Commodore Roger Brian READWIN

As Officers

• Captain Alistair CLACK, Royal Auxiliary Fleet
• Commander Sean DUFOSEE, MBE
• Lieutenant Colonel David HARTLEY, Royal Marines
• Captain Simon HERBERT, Royal Fleet Auxiliary
• Captain Mohayed Mohamed Mustafa MAGZOUB
• Commander Mandy MCBAIN, MBE
• Commander Robert William MOORE
• Commodore Stephanie PEARMAIN

As Members

• Captain Richard Vernon ANGOVE, Royal Marines
• Chief Petty Officer (Diver) Philip BRIERLEY
• Lieutenant Commander Rachel Sarah CAMPBELL
• Chief Petty Officer (Photographer) Angela CHEAL
• Lieutenant Commander George Richard LUNN
• Sub Lieutenant Astha MCMILLAN
• Lieutenant Commander Caroline Frances OAKES
• Lieutenant Ryan SOOKOO
• Lieutenant Commander (Sea Cadet Corps) Fay Isadora Eleanor TAYLOR
• Warrant Officer 1 Engineering Technician (Marine Engineer) Mark THOMAS

King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

• Warrant Officer 2 John Campbell STEWART, Royal Marines Reserve

King’s Commendation for Valuable Service

• Commander Andrew BOARDMAN
• Colonel Roger John COOPER-SIMPSON, Royal Marines

Army Awards

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath

As Companions

• Lieutenant General Jeremy Matthew James BENNETT, CBE
• Major General Sarah Helen JOHANSEN, MBE
• Major General Gerald Mark STRICKLAND, DSO, MBE

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire

As Knight Commander

• Lieutenant General David James EASTMAN, MBE

As Commanders

• Brigadier David James BICKERS, MBE
• Major General Carl William BOSWELL
• Brigadier Mark Joffrie COMER
• Brigadier Shay Joseph James MARKS

As Officers

• Lieutenant Colonel Finlay BIBBY, The Royal Yorkshire Regiment
• Colonel Duncan Alan CHAMBERLAIN
• Colonel Geraint Martin DAVIES
• Lieutenant Colonel Johann Amrit JEEVARATNAM, Royal Army Medical Service
• Colonel Andrew James MASKELL
• Lieutenant Colonel Alistair James MORRIS, Army Cadet Force
• Colonel Ceri Myrline MORTON
• Lieutenant Colonel Paula Janet NICHOLAS, MBE, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
• Lieutenant Colonel Garrett James O’LEARY, Royal Regiment of Artillery
• Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Rhyen PATTINSON, The Royal Logistic Corps
• Colonel James Francis PEYCKE
• Lieutenant Colonel James Andrew SEDDON, Grenadier Guards
• Lieutenant Colonel Harry Guy SIMPSON, The Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeths’ Own)

As Members

• Major Martin James BENTLEY, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
• Lieutenant Colonel Christopher William BILLUPS, Royal Regiment of Artillery
• Warrant Officer Class 1 Casey Alan BROOKS, Small Arms School Corps
• Major Steven John Russell BURTON, The Rifles
• Lieutenant Colonel Mark CONNELLY, Intelligence Corps
• Major Jack COLLICOTT, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
• Warrant Officer Class 1 Adam Lee CULLIFORD, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
• Lieutenant Paul Clifford DEAKIN, Army Cadet Force
• Warrant Officer Class 2 Stella GALE, Royal Army Medical Service
• Major Johnathan GREEN, Royal Tank Regiment
• Corporal Shane Alan John GREEN, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)
• Captain Emma GRIMSHAW, VR, Royal Army Medical Service, Army Reserve
• Corporal Dayle Mark HARDAKER, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)
• Major Thomas Henry Raikes HARGREAVES, Grenadier Guards
• Captain Stuart Thomas HAWKINS, Royal Army Physical Training Corps
• Major William Patrick HEATHER-HAYES, The Parachute Regiment
• Major Amanda Claire HEWITT, Royal Army Veterinary Corps
• Lieutenant Colonel David Leslie HOBBS, Combined Cadet Force
• Warrant Officer Class 1 Derek Neil HODGSON, Royal Corps of Army Music
• Corporal Jessica Maites HOGGARTH, The Royal Logistic Corps
• Lance Corporal of Horse Lewis HOMEWOOD, The Life Guards
• Major James Robert HOOD, The Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeths’ Own)
• Colour Sergeant Scott William JAMIESON, The Royal Irish Regiment, Army Reserve
• Major Chakra Bahadur KHATRI, The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment
• Major Mark Richard Samuel LAMBERT, The King’s Royal Hussars
• Major Jonathan David LEIGH, Royal Corps of Signals
• Major Anthony Peter Campbell LEIGHTON, Army Air Corps, Army Reserve
• Major Christopher Robert MAWSON, Royal Army Medical Service
• Major Matthew Adrian McGARVEY-MILES, The Royal Logistic Corps
• Major Maxim Stuart ERSKINE-NAYLOR, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
• Colonel Edwin Peter OLDFIELD
• Captain David Alan PAYLOR, The Royal Yorkshire Regiment, Army Reserve
• Colonel Sarah RAITT
• Warrant Officer Class 2 Steven Paul SHARP, Corps of Royal Engineers
• Major Aaron Mark THOMPSON, The Royal Logistic Corps
• Warrant Officer Class 2 Ashley TIPPING, Intelligence Corps
• Lieutenant Colonel Darren WARD, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
• Staff Sergeant James Nathan WELLER, Royal Army Medical Service
• Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Christopher WILLIAMS, Army Air Corps
• Lieutenant Colonel Natasha Marketa CHATHAM-ZVELEBIL, Royal Army Medical Service

Royal Red Cross

As an Ordinary Member of the Royal Red Cross, First Class

• Lieutenant Colonel Susan Elizabeth HINES, Royal Army Medical Service
• Lieutenant Colonel Heather Dawn SAUNDERS, VR, Royal Army Medical Service, Army Reserve

As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class

• Captain Rhian Francesca Lynne JONES, Royal Army Medical Service
• Major Jane Alexandra KEENAN, Royal Army Medical Service

King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

• Lieutenant Colonel Robert Michael FRIEL, VR, Royal Regiment of Artillery, Army Reserve
• Lance Corporal Angela MORROW, VR, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
• Major John RICHARDS, VR, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Army Reserve
• Major Neeraj SHAH, VR, Royal Army Medical Service, Army Reserve
• Warrant Officer Class 1 Robert Alan WHELAN, VR, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve

King’s Commendation for Valuable Service

• Captain Paul FRANKS, The Royal Logistic Corps
• Major Mark Stephen GIBBS, Royal Army Veterinary Corps
• Captain David John HAWKSWORTH, The Corps of Royal Engineers
• Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Manwaring HOPE-HAWKINS, The King’s Royal Hussars
• Major James Edward LANDERS, Royal Regiment of Artillery
• Lieutenant Colonel Stewart James MCKENZIE, Intelligence Corps
• Staff Sergeant Martyn Sidney Derek STANLEY, The Corps of Royal Engineers
• Lieutenant Colonel William John Lewis TULLOCH, The Scots Guards

Non-operational Gallantry

King’s Commendation for Bravery

• Staff Sergeant Daniel Austin HOWEL, The Royal Logistic Corps

Royal Air Force Awards

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath

As Knight Commander

• Air Chief Marshal Harvey SMYTH, CB, OBE, DFC

As Companions

• Air Vice-Marshal David Scott ARTHURTON, OBE
• Air Vice-Marshal Timothy David NEAL-HOPES, OBE

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire

As Commanders

• Air Vice-Marshal Adrian Stewart BURNS
• Air Commodore Peter Nigel CRACROFT
• Air Vice-Marshal Philip Thomas Giles LESTER
• Air Commodore Nicholas Michael WORRALL

As Officers

• Wing Commander Frederic Yves GAGNON
• Group Captain Paul Anthony HANSON
• Group Captain Andrew Peter MARCH
• Squadron Leader Alison Faith MCDOWELL
• Wing Commander Richard PODMORE
• Group Captain James Peter RADLEY

As Members

• Flight Lieutenant Jack James BENTLEY
• Wing Commander Christopher Wyndham BERRYMAN
• Squadron Leader Christopher BOWEN
• Squadron Leader Robert Geoffrey CAUSER
• Squadron Leader Mark Robert DENNETT
• Wing Commander Laura Kate FROWEN
• Corporal David JAMESON
• Flight Lieutenant Richard Geoffrey MICKLETHWAITE
• Sergeant Gareth Anthony ROBERTS
• Squadron Leader Carl John STRACHAN
• Warrant Officer Mark WILLIS

Royal Red Cross

As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class

• Warrant Officer Laura Louise GARDNER
• Squadron Leader Sally Jane TIPPETT

King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

• Warrant Officer Grantley Lloyd CHURCHWARD
• Squadron Leader Glen Campbell HYMERS
• Wing Commander Robert Benjamin WILLIAMS

King’s Commendation for Valuable Service

• Flying Officer Jonathan Michael Gillingham LANHAM

The Civilian Division of the New Year Honours 2026

Commander, Order of the British Empire (CBE)

• Samantha Louise des FORGES

Director, Conduct Equity and Justice, Ministry of Defence. For services to Equity and Justice in Defence

• James Alexander FOGG

Programme Director, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence

• Edward George HOLDER

Team Leader, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence

Officers, Order of the British Empire (OBE)

• Joe William HOMSHAW                                    

Team Leader, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence

• Helen JACKLIN

Team Leader, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence

• John Kingsley MAIDEN

Deputy Head, Operational Spending, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence

• Samantha MOLYNEUX                                        

Team Leader, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence

• James Anthony NICHOLS                               

Deputy Head of Centre, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence

• Richard NIXON                                                    

Team Leader, Operations Directorate, Defence Equipment & Support. For services to Defence

• Michael ROBBINS

Team Leader, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence

• Andrew Iain SCRAGGS                                    

Navy Logistics Commodities Team Leader, Royal Navy. For services to Defence

• Thomas WOODCOCK

Team Leader, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence

Members, Order of the British Empire (MBE)

• Aimee Louise ANDERSON

Project Leader, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. For services to Defence

• Fiona BLOOR                                                      

Technical Lead, Geographical Aspects of Law of the Sea, UK Hydrographic Office. For services to the law of the sea

• Paul BLUNDELL

Team Leader, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence

• Peter Charles Phillimore BOARDMAN         

Effects Analyst, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence

• Nicholas CAWTHRA

Policy Advisor, Security Policy and Operations, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence

• Hassan CHAABANE

Team Leader, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence

• Dean Mark DAVIES

Team Leader, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence

• Nichola Claire DUGMORE                                

Unit Welfare Officer, Defence Serious Crime Command. For services to Service Police Personnel

• Iain Andrew HAGGIS                                         

Lately Senior Scientist, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence

• Paul HENNESSY

Team Leader, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence

• Patricia MOSS                                                        

Team Leader, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence

• Bhishma Raj NIRAULA                                     

Pandit, Royal Gurkha Rifles, Brunei. For services to British Forces Brunei

• Terry David THATCHER                                   

Geospatial Specialist, Submarine Operations & Support, UK Hydrographic Office. For services to Defence

• Megan Jane Ellis THORPE                              

Faculty Development Adviser, NATO Mission Iraq. For services to Defence

Medallists, Order of the British Empire (BEM)

• Jordyn Aidan BOND                                          

Senior Scientist, Defence Science & Technology Laboratory. For services to Defence

• Elaine SMITH       

Chief of Staff, Royal Navy Develop Directorate, For services to Defence and for charitable fundraising

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 28 December 2025.

The UK has signed a £52 million contract with Germany for state-of-the-art military artillery.

• State-of-the-art military artillery that can move at speeds of up to 100km/h secured under £52 million contract.
• Joint deal speeds up delivery of military kit to both the UK and Germany – demonstrating deepening defence cooperation.
• Partnership strengthens NATO capabilities of collective defence – strengthening interoperability.

Military artillery that can fire on the move and hit targets 70km away has been secured under a major £52 million contract between the UK and Germany.

The deal means the UK will receive a cutting-edge Early Capability Demonstrator (ECD) platform of the RCH 155, with two more going to Germany for joint testing.

This joint procurement demonstrates deepening defence cooperation between the UK and Germany under the Trinity House agreement signed in October 2024 – a landmark defence agreement that committed both nations to military collaboration.

RCH 155 is a long-term solution for the British Army’s Mobile Fires Platform requirement. Soldiers currently operate the 14 Archer artillery systems, which are the short-term replacement for the AS90 guns gifted to Ukraine.

The RCH 155 is mounted on to a BOXER armoured vehicle and it can:

• Fire 8 rounds per minute while moving at speeds up to 100km/h.
• Hit targets in any direction without repositioning.
• Travel 700km without refuelling – similar to the driving distance from Cornwall to Newcastle.
• Operate with only 2 crew members thanks to cutting-edge automation.

Unlike traditional artillery that needs to stop and set up before firing, this system shoots while on the move, making it faster and harder for adversaries to target.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said:

The British Army will soon have new artillery that can fire on the move. This builds on lessons from Ukraine enabling our Army to hit targets 70km away and move fast away from returning fire so they can fire again.

The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of being able to fire rapidly and move, and it is such lessons that are informing our procurement decisions and helping us deliver on the Strategic Defence Review.

As part of the contract, the UK and Germany will share test data and facilities, ensuring both nations get world-class equipment. This means both nations are accelerating procurement timelines whilst reducing costs – delivering better value for taxpayers and enhanced capability for both Armed Forces.

Edward Cutts, Senior Responsible Owner of Mobile Fires in the Army, said:

This joint demonstrator programme exemplifies the strength and ambition of the Trinity House Agreement. By working hand-in-hand with Germany, we’re not only accelerating the delivery of world-class artillery capability for the British Army, but doing so more efficiently and cost-effectively than either nation could achieve alone.

The RCH 155 represents a step-change in mobile artillery – combining devastating firepower with the ability to rapidly reposition. This collaboration ensures our soldiers will be equipped with cutting-edge technology whilst strengthening the interoperability between UK and German forces that is vital to NATO’s collective defence.

The contract agreement supports the Strategic Defence Review – ensuring defence is an engine for growth in this parliament and supporting skilled jobs across the UK defence industry.

The deal strengthens military ties between the UK and Germany – vital for NATO’s collective defence as global threats on the world stage evolve.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 27 December 2025.

Armed Forces to launch “gap year” Foundation Scheme in 2026 to give under-25s experience of armed forces.

Britain’s young people will be given new opportunities to experience military service through a ‘gap year’ Foundation Scheme set to launch in 2026. 

A first wave of around 150 participants will open for recruitment from early 2026, offering young people a year of paid experience and training in the Armed Forces: across the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.  Ministers have an ambition to eventually grow the scheme to over 1,000 young people subject to interest.

The scheme, which will launch in March, will offer young people bespoke training courses aimed at giving them the skills and attributes to set them up for success in either military or civilian life, bolstering their employability or providing a route into an exciting career in the Armed Forces.  

The scheme will equip those who may be unsure on their career direction with problem solving, teamwork and leadership skills, as well as offering unique opportunities including undergoing basic training, or experiencing life at sea.  

It forms part of the Government’s drive towards a “whole of society” approach to defence – a key theme of this year’s Strategic Defence Review – reconnecting the public with those who serve, strengthening awareness of the role the Armed Forces play, and giving the next generation the skills and experience to unlock their potential.  

The scheme is informed by the success of the Australian Defence Force’s ‘ADF Gap Year’ scheme, which was cited in the UK Government’s Strategic Defence Review as an “exciting model from which to learn” and has been running for over a decade.  

The announcement follows a “rallying cry” from the head of the Armed Forces, Sir Richard Knighton, who has set out the need for a whole-nation response to an increasingly volatile and uncertain world.  

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

This is a new era for Defence, and that means opening up new opportunities for young people to experience and learn from our Armed Forces.

This gap year scheme will give Britain’s young people a taste of the incredible skills and training on offer across the Army, Royal Navy and RAF. It’s part of our determination to reconnect society with our forces, and drive a whole of society approach to our nation’s defence.

As families come together at this time of year, and young people think about their futures, I want the outstanding opportunities on offer in our Armed Forces to be part of that conversation in homes across the UK.

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

As a veteran, I know how invaluable the skills and experience gained by serving in the Armed Forces are not only in a military career, but in civilian life.  

This scheme will provide a fantastic opportunity for school leavers and young adults to develop their potential, learn new skills, and contribute to our nation’s security, all while building resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills that will serve them for life. 

As well as broad leadership skills, the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme will be designed to deliver transferrable skills to careers outside of the Armed Forces which will bolster national resilience. For example, working alongside supply chain specialist in the Army, or engineers on Royal Navy ships will provide the skills needed for success in logistics and engineering roles.  

Initially operating as a pilot, the scheme is expected to scale and increase capacity, offering the experience of life in the Armed Forces without a commitment beyond the course.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 26 December 2025.

The UK has seen the highest value of defence exports in 2025 since records began.

• UK secures over £20 billion in defence exports to allies in 2025, expected to be the highest since records began over 40 years ago
• Deals include UK’s largest ever warship export agreement and largest fighter jet sale for a generation
• Over 25,000 British jobs directly supported by these deals for decades to come

2025 is set to be the best year for UK defence exports since records began more than 40 years ago after the Government secured over £20 billion worth of defence deals in a single year, backing thousands of skilled British jobs and companies across the UK. 

From the UK’s biggest ever warship deal to the largest fighter jet exports agreement in a generation, the Government has ensured the UK is a leading defence partner for our allies across the world.

It demonstrates strong and rapid delivery of the Strategic Defence Review’s ambition to make defence an engine for growth through increasing exports, while strengthening the UK’s commitment to working closely with NATO allies.

The UK’s 2025 growth-boosting exports include a £10 billion deal with Norway to export at least five Type 26 frigates, supporting 4,000 jobs across the UK across over 430 businesses of all sizes.

Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said:

We are showing again how this government is delivering on our pledge to make defence an engine for economic growth across the country while boosting our security and that of our allies.

By winning the historic deal to build Type 26 frigates for Norway, we are driving growth in Scotland and across the UK while better equipping our combined navies to counter the threat from Russia in the North Atlantic. And by exporting Typhoon fighter jets to Türkiye, we are securing high-skilled jobs in Lancashire, Scotland and across the UK whilst helping strengthen NATO’s southern flank.

We are committed to working with our allies and defence industries to make sure the UK is a leader in global defence exports, and there’s more to come in 2026.

This month the UK and Norway signed the Lunna House agreement, which will see the Royal Navy and Royal Norwegian Navy operate together to counter the threat from Putin’s fleet in the North Atlantic. The UK recently announced the Atlantic Bastion transformation of the Royal Navy’s submarine-hunting capabilities, using uncrewed systems to develop a hybrid navy.

A further 20,000 jobs across the UK were secured through the largest fighter jet deal in a generation, selling 20 world-leading Typhoons to Türkiye in an £8 billion boost to the economy and strengthening NATO’s collective security.

These deals are also complemented by the export and sale of 12 C-130 aircraft to Türkiye at a combined value to UK defence and Marshall Aerospace Group of over £550M – safeguarding 1,400 skilled jobs in Cambridge – as well as the sale by Devon-based company Supacat of 18 transporter vehicles for Czechia’s armed forces.

Earlier this year the UK signed a new AUKUS treaty with Australia to better protect our seas, which has potential to drive up to £20 billion in potential exports and support over 21,000 UK jobs.

The UK is looking to build on this year’s success in 2026 by delivering further deals with allies, actively seeking to export systems such as advanced aircraft, the latest maritime technology and systems, and armoured transport vehicles such as Boxer.

To strengthen the UK’s position as a leading defence exporter, the UK recently joined the Agreement on Defence Export Controls, alongside France, Germany and Spain, which will make it easier for British business to export to partner nations.

These successes come as the Ministry of Defence implements the largest programme of reform in over 50 years, including the establishment of the National Armaments Director Group and its new International Collaboration & Exports team.

UK Defence and Security Exports defence exports statistics go back to 1983, more than 40 years ago.

Rupert Pearce, National Armaments Director, said:

These export successes reflect the NAD Group’s mission to strengthen international partnerships while driving economic growth at home.

By working as one integrated organisation, we’re facilitating access to UK defence capability for our allies to access world-leading UK defence capability, creating jobs and prosperity across the country whilst building the collective deterrence we all need.

Avril Jolliffe, Director General of International Collaboration and Exports (IC&E), said:

Global security demands an always-on approach to international collaboration and exports.

As announced in the Strategic Defence Review, we’re creating a single point of focus that connects UK industry directly with international opportunities.

This isn’t just about selling equipment – it’s about building defence partnerships that support collective security and UK economic objectives.

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.