Tag: Ministry of Defence

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 5 February 2025.

Cutting-edge trial featured robotic canines defusing bombs. This new technology is set to reduce risk to personnel working on bomb disposals.

Robot dogs that can defuse explosives are set to revolutionise bomb disposal operations and significantly reduce the risk to military personnel, whether operating in the UK or overseas.

A new live trial led by Ministry of Defence scientists has seen advanced robotic systems, including robot dogs, successfully detecting, and defusing bomb threats.

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) trials took place over four days and included:

• Remote classification and identification of threats using sensors on robots;
• Defusing of bombs from a robot dog;
• Drones with AI autonomous threat and people detection;
• And robots conducting tasks such as opening doors and climbing stairs.

The trial supports key components of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, safeguarding national security whilst rapidly advancing new technologies – showing defence as an engine for growth.

Dstl worked alongside British and international industry, L3Harris, Marlborough Communications Ltd and AeroVironment (Tomahawk Robotics) on the trials which showed that they could enhance Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) capability by:

• Reducing the need to put a bomb disposal operator in harm’s way by increasing the number of tasks that robots can perform remotely;
• Improving the effectiveness of robots, reducing the burden to the operator, allowing delicate and precision movements to be completed reliably;
• Using drones equipped with AI to identify threats and monitor safety cordons, increasing the pace of operations and reducing disruption to the public.

The trials involved a series of scenarios, where the robot was asked to perform various tasks including opening and closing doors autonomously, navigating stairs, inspecting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and consequently firing disruptors at the IEDs to render them safe.

These innovations will transform EOD operations by minimising the human exposure to danger, improving operational efficiency and maintaining public safety.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, said:

This advanced technology demonstrates our commitment to protecting the military personnel who keep our nation safe, at home and abroad.

By working with industry and combining cutting-edge robotics with existing expertise, we’re ensuring our bomb disposal teams have the best possible tools to carry out their vital work safely and effectively.

These advancements help the government deliver our Plan for Change and ensure defence is an engine for growth – protecting our national security while supporting rapidly evolving technologies.

Bomb disposal operators praised the technology demonstrated in the trial and provided beneficial feedback to shape the next phase of Dstl investment in robotics for the bomb disposal community. Dstl will use this feedback to continue to develop and enhance technology that provides increased security for the nation.

Chief Science and Technology Officer, Dstl, Prof Andy Bell, said:

This is a great example of how Defence can achieve an advantage through the exploitation of technology, fusing together military and commercial systems to keep our people and country safe from deadly threats.

Working in partnership with industry and academia, Dstl is delivering mission success through science and technology advantage.

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

Defence ties between the UK and Nigeria have been strengthened following a visit from Lord Vernon Coaker this week.

The UK Defence Minister for the House of Lords, Lord Vernon Coaker, visited Abuja and Maiduguri this week to meet top defence and security leaders, reaffirm the UK’s commitment to our Security and Defence Partnership and discuss issues of mutual concern in the region.

The UK and Nigeria share a strong defence relationship, underpinned by over three decades of collaboration between our armed forces. Through our partnership we continue to enhance security, counter violent extremism and promote regional stability.

In Abuja, the Minister met the Honourable Minister of Defence and the Minister of State for Defence, the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, the National Security Adviser and the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). These meetings underscored Nigeria and ECOWAS’ continued leadership in promoting regional security and the UK’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria’s priority security objectives.

Lord Coaker also travelled to Maiduguri, Borno State, a primary focus of Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and violent extremism. The Minister visited a Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration camp (DDR) to understand the challenges of reconciliation and reintegration, and UK-led counter-improvised explosive device (C-ED) training, funded by the UK Integrated Security Fund.

This initiative is designed, at Nigeria’s request, to enhance capacity and improve response capabilities to address security threats and instability. Meeting with Nigerian military personnel who have benefitted from UK training programmes, the Minister gained firsthand insight into the impact of UK-Nigeria security cooperation.

Lord Vernon Coaker reaffirmed commitment to the UK-Nigeria defence relationship:

“This visit reflects the UK’s steadfast commitment to working with Nigeria to tackle shared security challenges. Witnessing the results of our training programmes and engaging directly with those on the frontlines reaffirms the importance of our partnership in building a safer and more stable region.”

The Minister’s visit highlights the continued strength and importance of the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) ahead of our third SDP dialogue in 2025.

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

A £173 million Ministry of Defence training contract with British business Draken will boost Teesside International Airport and support jobs across Teesside, Bournemouth and the Midlands – delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change.

In addition to strengthening our national security, the deal will maintain vital infrastructure in the North East and support more than 200 UK jobs. The new contract will deliver Armed Forces training for responding to a range of threats – including air-to-air combat, electronic warfare and missile attacks.

Using a fleet of aircraft, Draken will simulate threats for UK personnel, including:

• Air-to-air combat.
• Missile attacks.
• Attacks on ships from aircraft.

Defence Minister Maria Eagle announced the deal today on a visit to Teesside International Airport. The Minister spoke with staff and apprentices, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to boosting national security and economic growth.

The project will help deliver the government’s Plan for Change by strengthening national security and supporting the mission to kickstart economic growth. It also follows the launch of the Defence Industrial Strategy, which will ensure the defence sector is an engine for growth in every region and nation of the UK.

Through live exercises with UK personnel over the North Sea, Draken private pilots will replicate the tactics and techniques of a range of adversaries.

Using the latest electronic warfare technology, Draken will also train Royal Naval personnel to protect Carrier Strike Group assets from air and missile attacks and train Army personnel to quickly receive reconnaissance and intelligence information on enemy forces from the air.

Altogether, this training will ensure that our Armed Forces receive demanding and realistic training, meeting NATO standards.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said:

This investment will deliver world-class training for our Armed Forces and boost British business, jobs and national security.

In line with our Plan for Change and upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy, this deal with Draken will support 200 UK jobs and ensure the future of Teesside International Airport.

We are showing defence can be an engine for growth, in every region and nation.

To deliver the training, Draken will use 14 Dassault Falcon 20, one Diamond DA42 and eight L-159E ‘Honey Badger’ fighter jets based at Teesside and Bournemouth. Draken will enrol a minimum of 12 apprentices at both sites.

Air Officer Commanding 1 Group, Air Vice Marshal Mark Flewin said:

Our partnership with Draken is of fundamental importance as we continue to train and prepare all of our front-line forces to meet emerging threats across the globe.

The training delivered to date, simulating adversary threats while also allowing us to train in a representative and contested electro-magnetic environment, has never been more important to ensure the Royal Air Force is ready and able to support NATO and meet the threats of tomorrow.

The contract will allow us to continue to evolve the high-end training available for all of our front-line forces, as we look to out-compete our potential adversaries.

Nic Anderson, CEO at Draken, said:

We are proud to continue serving the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy and the Army through the Interim Medium Speed Operational Readiness Training Services.

Our purpose is to provide leading edge operational training to help the warfighter to be ready to fight and win. Through this ground-breaking contract we will continually innovate to improve their training experience.

Thank you to the whole Draken team who work relentlessly to support our customers, it is the high performance that the Draken team delivers every day that has enabled this contract win.

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

Artefacts from a Celtic chariot found at RAF Valley have been officially declared treasure.

• 2,000-year-old Iron Age artefacts declared national treasure
• Historic finds discovered by military personnel and veterans
• Treasures from RAF Valley will now be gifted to the Museum of Wales

Long-lost Iron Age artefacts discovered by military personnel and veterans have been declared as treasure.

Parts of a Celtic chariot, thought to be around 2,000 years old, were discovered underneath the airfield at RAF Valley in Anglesey during an excavation by military personnel and veterans.

The Senior Coroner for North Wales (West) has now declared these discoveries as treasure. They will now be gifted to Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, which is home to several items from the initial Llyn Cerrig Bach hoard.

The archaeological excavations took place in April 2024 and were led by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). The investigation also included personnel and veterans from Operation Nightingale, a DIO initiative which supports the health and wellbeing of military personnel and veterans.

Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP said:

Operation Nightingale is an innovative and award-winning programme that consistently shows the benefits that archaeology can offer to military personnel and veterans.

Congratulations to those who carried out the excavation and made this exciting discovery.  Through their hard work, we are uncovering and preserving our history for future generations.

The scheme sees injured and sick personnel and veterans taking part in archaeological investigations across the defence estate, providing unique experiences within the field. The finds are believed to form part of the famed Llyn Cerrig Bach hoard, originally uncovered in the 1940s during work to extend the airfield at RAF Valley for American bombers during the Allied war effort. The hoard is one of the most important collections of Iron Age artefacts discovered in the UK, comprising over 150 bronze and iron objects deposited between 300BC and 100AD.

Among the new finds was a terret ring which would have been used to guide the reins of a Celtic chariot, featuring a red decorative inlay. The ring, found by retired RAF Squadron Leader David Ulke, is one of just 3 found with this particular decoration in Wales. A horse bridle-bit thought to date to c60AD was also found by serving RAF Flight Sergeant Graham Moore. Similar to those from the Polden Hill hoard found in Somerset, the bridle-bit would have been worn by horses pulling Iron Age chariots.

DIO’s Senior Archaeologist, Richard Osgood, said:

These finds at RAF Valley are extremely exciting for all involved; the Llyn Cerrig Bach hoard is of national importance for Wales, and the United Kingdom as a whole. These new discoveries have confirmed the suspicions of earlier archaeologists that there was more to be found from this particular hoard.

It’s great that the personnel and veterans who take part in Operation Nightingale continue to be rewarded with finds of such historical importance. I am proud that the initiative plays a part in supporting personnel and veterans in their recovery and it’s fantastic to see the wonderful impact of this project.

The Operation Nightingale team was given special permissions to carry out the excavation by RAF Valley ahead of refurbishment works on the site’s airfield. Construction for these improvements began in September 2024.

Sqn Ldr (Ret’d) David Ulke, finder of the terret ring, said:

We’d been briefed on the sort of things we could expect to find, so when I uncovered the piece, I was pretty sure it was an Iron Age terret ring. To say I was the over the moon is probably an understatement! I’ve been involved in archaeology for many years and this was by far the most significant recovery I have ever made.

The fact that Operation Nightingale can bring together service personnel through archaeological digs shows how healing and helpful archaeology can be. It’s by no means a silver bullet, but many have benefitted, and I for one am one of those grateful beneficiaries.

Flt Sgt Graham Moore, finder of the bridle-bit, said:

The search for the lost hoard was hard work and we had a huge area to cover. It wasn’t until the final day – with just 10 minutes to go – that I discovered the horse bridle-bit. At first the team thought I was joking, but quickly realised I’d found something special. Words could not explain how I felt in that moment, but it was a wonderful experience.

I’ve been involved in lots of Operation Nightingale digs now, and the experience truly is priceless for the veterans and service personnel taking part.

Station Commander at RAF Valley, Group Captain Gez Currie OBE, said:

It is incredible that we are again reminded of the significance of the site on the doorstep of RAF Valley and the importance it has in Welsh history. It was the preparation of RAF Valley in the 1940s to help prevent invasion, that brought to light the significance of this location and its links to an earlier invasion by the Romans.

The importance of RAF Valley to UK Defence today is beyond question, but this is a reminder that we are part of a continuum spanning over 2,000 years and we must be responsible stewards of this land. We are immensely proud to be part of efforts to discover and conserve these important artefacts from Welsh history and equally delighted that our own service personnel have been so intimately involved in these efforts.

Senior Curator of Prehistory at Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, Adam Gwilt, said:

It is amazing to think that these 2,000 year old artefacts have remained so complete and well-preserved within a shallow peat deposit, previously moved and dragged onto the airfield over 80 years ago from a nearby ancient lake! The bridle-bit and terret are both of styles which are not represented amongst the original collection. They add important new information on the religious gifting of prized objects into the lake at the end of the Iron Age, a little before, or at around the time when the Roman Army invaded Anglesey.

It is great that these artefacts will be made accessible for display and public benefit at Oriel Môn. I look forward to working collaboratively in coming years with the museum, the heritage centre at RAF Valley and the Operation Nightingale team, so this great story can be celebrated and shared by all.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 16 January 2025.

Defence Secretary meets Japanese counterpart, setting out UK commitment to Indo-Pacific security.

• Exercise Vigilant Isles begins today with more than 100 UK troops deployed to Japan.
• Defence Secretary meets Japanese counterpart, setting out UK commitment to Indo-Pacific security.
• Ministers confirm that next-generation fighter jet programme headquarters will be in Reading, supporting jobs and growth mission.

British and Japanese troops have kicked off military drills in Japan, as the Defence Secretary met his Japanese counterpart today (15 January) in London for talks on strengthening defence ties between the two countries.

In the meeting, Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that the headquarters for the joint UK, Japan and Italian future fighter jet programme will be established in Reading, supporting UK jobs and the government’s growth mission.

Exercise Vigilant Isles will see more than 100 UK soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade, the British Army’s global response force, train with Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces on the island of Kyushu. The annual exercise, now in its third year, will increase interoperability between both countries’ forces. The UK is the only European nation to conduct bilateral military training on Japanese soil.

The Defence Secretary welcomed the exercise and stressed the indivisibility between Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security in talks with Defence Minister Gen Nakatani. The two ministers also discussed progress on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) – a joint initiative between the UK, Japan, and Italy to develop a next-generation combat aircraft – as well as the UK Carrier Strike Group’s visit to Japan later this year.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

With increasing instability across the world, it is more important than ever that we strengthen cooperation with our international partners like Japan.

Today, Minister Nakatani and I have highlighted the positive progress being made on our important next-generation fighter jet programme, to strengthen our security cooperation.

There are many miles between our two nations, but the UK and Japan stand closer together than ever in support of peace and security across the globe.

With the recently ratified GCAP Treaty entering into force, Reading will host the new GCAP headquarters, supporting the delivery of the cutting-edge stealth fighter jet. The headquarters, known as the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) and led by its first Chief Executive Mr Oka Masami from Japan, will strengthen each country’s combat air industrial capability while achieving value for money.

There are currently more than 3,500 people, including engineers and programmers, working on GCAP across the UK. In December, BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd (JAIEC) signed a Joint Venture Agreement to create a new company to lead GCAP delivery. The Joint Venture will also be headquartered in the UK, alongside the GIGO, and together they will support hundreds of UK jobs. This supports delivery of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, safeguarding national security while raising living standards across the UK with skilled jobs which foster economic growth.

Later this year, the UK’s Carrier Strike Group will visit Japan as part of the flagship 2025 Indo-Pacific deployment. The group, comprised of Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, her escorts and her aircraft, will work alongside the Japanese Self Defence Forces and other partners to help defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. They will conduct a series of operations and exercises, including a port visit in Japan.

This follows the successful deployment of HMS Queen Elizabeth to the region in 2021, and the Royal Navy boasts persistently-deployed Offshore Patrol Vessels HMS Tamar and HMS Spey operating closely with Japan and regional partners to promote maritime security.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 14 January 2025.

A new memorial for the LGBT+ armed forces community will be constructed in the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

• Memorial to be constructed in National Memorial Arboretum to honour LGBT+ veterans and serving personnel
• Artist collective Abraxas Academy’s metal structure, a crumpled letter with words from impacted LGBT+ veterans, to be unveiled later in the year
• Builds on government’s response to Lord Etherton Review, including Financial Recognition Scheme announced in December

A new memorial for the LGBT+ armed forces community will be constructed in the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The design and construction, overseen by LGBT military charity Fighting with Pride, is being funded by a £350,000 grant from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs in the Ministry of Defence.

Abraxas Academy’s design – entitled “Crumpled Letter” – was selected by a judging panel on Friday 10 January at an event onboard HMS Wellington, moored on the River Thames in London. The event was attended by LGBT+ veterans and serving personnel, service charities and the shortlisted artists.

The Abraxas Academy is a group of individual artists working together as a collective. Artists Charlotte Howarth, Nina Bilbey, Sue Aperghis, James Spedding and Kate Homes are behind the LGBT+ armed forces community memorial design. Their winning idea is a crumpled, free-standing letter made from forged bronze. The letter is a combination of words taken from evidence that was collected from former personnel who were impacted by the LGBT ban. The letter symbolises swearing the oath of allegiance, evidence of mistreatment of LGBT personnel that was discarded and the comfort of letters from home while away on operation.

Nina Bilbey, lead artist at Abraxas Academy said:

This is extremely personal for some of our members, some of whom have been affected by the armed forces exclusion of LGBTQ+ identities, and some simply affected by lived queer experience. All our members make a living in the arts by designing and delivering beautiful sculpture, making and inspired by the act of collaboration.

We hope this memorial will help ease some of the distrust and pain suffered by individuals, past and present, and be of inspiration to future generations who will witness this work and be reminded of the healing power of reconciliation and the public acknowledgement of historic discrimination.

The memorial represents three of the 49 recommendations made in Lord Etherton’s independent review into the service and experience of LGBT+ veterans who served prior to 2000.

Fighting With Pride consulted the LGBT+ veterans, serving personnel and their families to make sure the winning design would reflect their needs.

Ed Hall, Chair of Fighting With Pride, said:

The trustees are delighted that we have such a strong winner for the LGBT+ armed forces community memorial. It’s been incredibly important to all of us at Fighting With Pride that we held a rigorous creative process to find the right design that will provide a place of peace and reflection for the LGBT+ armed forces family. I’d like to thank everyone who submitted designs, and the LGBT+ serving and veterans’ community who have helped shape the selection.

It’s a mark of how far we’ve come as a society that the competition for this prestigious commission has been so fiercely contested by some amazing creative minds. We received 38 exceptionally high standard designs for the panel of judges to choose from and we now have an outstanding design as the worthy winner.

Last month, the Ministry of Defence opened applications to the Financial Recognition Scheme. This will enable those impacted by the ban while serving between 27 July 1967 and 11 January 2000 to apply for recognition payments. The government also announced the rollout of the two final restorative measures – qualification of administrative discharge and restoration of rank.

Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP said:

When I joined the Royal Marines in 1999, this abhorrent ban on homosexuality in the armed forces was still in place. A quarter of a century later, we turn a page on that shameful chapter in our national story.

This government is committed to renewing the contract with those who serve and have served, and we will continue to drive this forward until every recommendation of Lord Etherton’s review is completed.

I thank the LGBT+ community and the charities that supported it, particularly Fighting With Pride, for their courage and continued efforts to bring this to a resolution, and urge everyone affected to visit the LGBT veterans page for support.

Those affected by the ban are still encouraged to register for restorative measures at LGBT veterans: support and next steps.

Veteran Dame Kelly Holmes (MBE mil) OLY said:

Veterans are courageously rebuilding their lives after enduring trauma, the loss of their careers and livelihoods. While the injustices of the past remain unchangeable, I am pleased to see the government’s commitment to support LGBT+ veterans going forward.

The memorial’s design is a powerful way of showing how damaging, words are, but how healing words can be. Twenty-five years ago, LGBT+ veterans were met with condemnation; today, they are embraced with honour and respect.

I see this memorial as a celebration of our community, a space for veterans to reflect on our journey, and a testament to the progress we’ve achieved together. Let’s remember that every step forward is a victory for dignity, inclusion, and unity.

Under this government, further support has been secured for UK armed forces veterans. This includes £3.7 million of funding for social housing, a local connection exemption for veterans seeking social housing, the upcoming rollout of digital HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards and Birmingham’s successful bid to host the Invictus Games in 2027.

Notes to editors

• Images of the artist and their winning design are available on request – please contact ova-comms-engagement@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
• For more information on the government’s restorative measures for those impacted by the pre-2000 ban on LGBT personnel in the UK armed forces, including the Financial Recognition Scheme, visit: LGBT veterans: support and next steps

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

Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, joined Defence Ministers in Helenów, Poland, from the Group of Five nations: France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the UK.

Support Ukraine as long as it takes by fostering defence industrial cooperation

We reiterate our unwavering support to Ukraine in its right of self-defence in order to counter Russia’s aggression and in achieving a just and lasting peace, in line with the international law, for as long as it takes.

The Ukraine Defence Contact Group and Associated National Armaments Directors (NADs) group will continue to be an important forum for us to announce and deliver military equipment for Ukraine. Through the International Capability Coalitions working with the newly installed NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) in close coordination with EU Military Assistance Mission Ukraine (EUMAM), we can focus on the delivery of capabilities to Ukraine that not only meets their current needs, but also enhances interoperability.

Similarly, as far as supporting Ukraine is concerned, we pledge to a growing coordination between dedicated NATO (NSATU, Joint Analysis Training and Education Centre), EU (EUMAM) and UDCG structures (capability coalitions), in order to create a fruitful synergy in terms of delivery, training and doctrine.

We underline that a strong European defence industry and supply chains will form a crucial component of deterrence. We encourage our domestic industrial sector to cooperate, engage and collaborate with the Ukrainian defence industry in order to create synergies and to improve the standards and production, which are instrumental to enable their self-defence and contribute to peace and stability in Europe. We envisage measures such as industrial information exchanges and joint ventures aimed to enhance the Ukrainian defence industry, to foster standardisation, interoperability and to avoid duplication. This process will be inclusive and open for partners to join with their own defence industries or with financial support. We will seek deeper defence cooperation in order to draw lessons learned from Ukraine’s fight for self-defence against Russia.

Strengthening our capabilities to deter and defend against Russia

We reiterate the utmost importance of the transatlantic bond. Given the deteriorated security environment, we consider it to be of paramount importance to focus on our collective efforts to keep the Alliance and Member States safe. We will achieve this through a stronger collective defence, in line with the NATO Concept for Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic Area (DDA), while maintaining NATO’s commitment to a 360° approach.

We see the upcoming 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague as an opportunity to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence posture, including through the full implementation of decisions from the Madrid, Vilnius and Washington Summits, a new NATO strategic approach to Russia and counter-hybrid measures.

We welcome the apportionment of NATO capability targets to be endorsed at the NATO Defence Ministerial Meeting in June 2025. We are committed to enhancing our military capabilities to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence posture in line with NATO requirements and fair burden sharing, in support of SACEUR’s regional plans, recognising that it requires increased defence spending and having in mind that leveraging defence effort is a prerequisite for it.

We recognise the importance of multinational initiatives, taking into account possible synergies between capability development and European defence industrial programmes (including European Defence Industry Programme – EDIP – the Ukraine Support instruments and NATO’s Defence Production Plan). We also underline the importance of activating mechanisms for European enhanced defence efforts including making use of financial incentives and instruments that will be financially bold.

Europe urgently needs strong capabilities to ensure its Security and Defence in the spirit of fair transatlantic burden sharing. To this end we aim to maximise EU-NATO cooperation to allow for a close and synergetic cooperation, including the crucial area of information exchange. It is vital to further align both the NATO Defence Planning Process and the EU’s Headline Goal Process. The basis for the development of capabilities should be NATO capability targets in keeping with NATO’s military specifications and standards. This will maximize our interoperability and overall warfighting capacity.

To this end, we have decided that our next meeting in Paris will focus on scoping options for streamlining procurement standards and procedures and will invite the Secretary General of NATO, the High Representative of the EU, and the EU Commissioner for Defence and Space.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 9 January 2025.

Eligible Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) employees will receive a substantial pay rise in 2024/25, with agreement including key reforms and modernisation.

• Eligible Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) employees will receive a substantial pay rise in 2024/25.
• Pay award includes key reforms and modernisation.
• Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard visits RFA Proteus today (Thursday 9 January) to thank seafarers for supporting Royal Navy operations.

Staff supporting critical Royal Navy operations around the world will receive a pay boost, ending the long-running pay dispute.

The pay deal, which has been agreed by the RMT and Nautilus Union, recognises the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s unique contribution to Royal Navy operations, and is accompanied by wider reforms to the organisation, including working terms and conditions.

This agreement between the government and unions is a significant step in a plan to reform the RFA. These reforms will improve the wider employee offer for those serving in the RFA and ensure that it can continue to perform its vital role supporting the Royal Navy and our allies.

Today (Thursday 9 January), Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard visited RFA Proteus and her crew, to get a first-hand account of the UK’s first underwater infrastructure surveillance vessel and how its work contributes to maritime security. The minister will also present Command Pins to Captain RFA, Martin Jones and Commodore RFA, Sam Shattock during his visit.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard said:

We welcome the agreement on this pay award. The RFA makes a vital contribution to keeping the UK secure at home and strong abroad, not least our colleagues on the RFA Proteus who I had the privilege of visiting today.

They excel at supporting our armed forces around the world and it’s only right that they are recognised for their work.

The pay award represents the first step towards a wider Recovery Programme to ensure current and future seafarers are best supported. This is yet more evidence that our new Government is delivering for defence.

Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns said:

Through their crucial work with the Royal Navy and our allies, The Royal Fleet Auxiliary are vital to our national security, keeping us all safe.

We thank the Maritime Trade Unions for their support in reaching a resolution with RFA members which recognises their unique contribution to Defence.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary provides vital logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines and is made up of a civilian maritime workforce that benefit from specialist training as part of the Ministry of Defence.

Proteus is the first of a new generation of survey and surveillance ships that helps to ensure the security of our critical underwater infrastructure.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 9 January 2025.

Telford’s skilled manufacturing base is helping equip soldiers with high-tech equipment and drive the government’s growth mission, Defence Minister Maria Eagle has said.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 9 January 2025.

Taxpayers and military families will benefit from a deal to bring more than 36,000 military houses back into public ownership, which has formally completed today.

• Landmark deal for more than 36,000 houses formally completed.
• Significant housing redevelopment and improvements now possible.
• £600,000 of taxpayers’ money already being saved each day.

Contracts were exchanged between MOD and Annington in December and today’s formal completion sees taxpayers regaining ownership of 36,347 houses. This landmark deal has ended the £600,000 daily rental bill – totalling more than £230 million a year – and makes major housing redevelopment and improvements possible.

The estate is now valued at £10.1 billion when not subject to leases and is being purchased for just under £6 billion – providing excellent value for money to the taxpayer and representing one of the largest value commercial housing deals in UK history. The impact on net financial debt is confined to £1.7 billion.

The agreement frees up our ability to build on the Service Family Accommodation estate with more modern houses, helping reduce maintenance costs and, as part of work facilitated by the deal, programmes to build new houses are being accelerated.

Planning applications will be submitted in the coming days for 265 new houses and apartments at RAF Brize Norton, and further plans will be submitted in the Spring for around 300 new houses at Catterick Garrison.

National security is foundational to the Government’s Plan for Change. This deal will help to deliver on the Government’s milestones on kickstarting economic growth and boosting housebuilding across the country, and on our commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

By reversing one of the worst Tory privatisations of the 1990s, we have opened up a once in a generation chance to improve homes for our armed forces and their families, who sacrifice so much to keep us safe.

This deal is already saving the taxpayer £600,000 a day – and will put us back in the driving seat as we renew and rebuild family accommodation. Our forthcoming military housing strategy will draw on leading independent experts to capitalise on these savings.

This Government is unrelenting in our commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve.

Work on the new military housing strategy has begun, with plans for its publication later this year. Key principles of the strategy will include: a generational renewal of Armed Forces accommodation; new opportunities for forces homeownership; and better use of MOD land to support the delivery of affordable homes for families across Britain.

The first steps in the strategy will include the rapid development of an action plan to deliver on the “once in a generation” opportunities unlocked by this deal. This work will involve independent experts, forces families and cross-government input.

The original sale in 1996 did not strike an appropriate balance of risk and reward, and it is estimated the taxpayer is nearly £8 billion worse off as a result. Money which should have been better spent on maintaining and improving our service family homes.

Background

Eliminating the liabilities associated with the leases creates budgetary headroom to partially fund this purchase, meaning that the public expenditure impact of this measure, and the impact on net financial debt, is confined to £1.7 billion.

Taxpayers being £8 billion worse off as a result of the deal:

• £4.3 billion spent in rent.
• 18,000 properties handed back to Annington – with an estimated current market value of £5.2 billion.
• £1.7 billion income generated in 1996 for the taxpayer as part of the original deal.
• Total – £7.8 billion worse off.