Tag: Ministry of Defence

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.

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.