Tag: Ministry of Defence

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 14 May 2026.

Funding of up to £1m available for existing veterans’ hubs across the UK to join VALOUR – the Ministry of Defence’s new support system.

An estimated 100,000 veterans in London and the East of England stand to benefit from VALOUR,  a new network of recognised centres that will coordinate access to support across health, housing, employment and more. 

The Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) in the Ministry of Defence has already provided £13m of funding to 14 organisations to join the UK-wide VALOUR system, with the OVA inviting organisations in London and the East of England in particular to apply for funding. 

Government ministers are calling on existing centres that support veterans, voluntary organisations and local councils to apply this spring for funding between £200k and £1m to join the system. 

Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones said: 

London has a rich military heritage as the strategic nerve centre of defence, home to the nation’s most famous veterans at the Tower of London and Royal Hospital Chelsea, countless ceremonial and reservist units, and the headquarters of numerous veteran charities.

The East of England also has a rich military heritage, with its airfields playing a crucial role in campaigns during the Second World War. Today, the region is the home of F-35 jets, key intelligence and surveillance facilities.

It is only right that veterans in these areas have a physical point of contact where they can be assisted to access the support that’s right for them.

Alongside VALOUR-recognised centres, the £50m VALOUR system will include a headquarters in the OVA, field officers to evolve local networks, increased capacity for MOD Veterans Services, and an online support platform. The system will work together to share data and form better connections between national government and councils, voluntary organisations, and service providers. 

The UK Government is investing record levels in support for our veterans, and is renewing the nation’s commitment to those who serve with a 10-year Veterans Strategy, which aims to celebrate and support veterans, and help them to contribute to their local communities and the economy.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 14 May 2026.

UK Defence Minister Lord Coaker visited Montenegro, Serbia, and Kosovo strengthening NATO partnerships and Euro-Atlantic security across the Western Balkans.

• UK-Türkiye industrial relationship strengthened following the landmark £8 billion Typhoon export agreement.
• Visit underscores importance of alliances and partnerships in this new era for defence.

Defence Minister Lord Coaker has completed a four-country tour reaffirming Britain’s commitment to Euro-Atlantic security, defence partnerships, and regional stability.

Earlier this week in Podgorica, Lord Coaker met with Prime Minister Spajić and Defence Minister Krapović. Discussions in Montenegro covered NATO, defence modernisation, and Ukraine support. 2026 is the 20th anniversary of Montenegro’s independence and the visit provided an opportunity to both expand our partnership and mark this important milestone for our NATO Ally.

Visiting Serbia, Lord Coaker laid a wreath at the Commonwealth War Cemetery, honouring the shared sacrifice that underpins the UK’s enduring commitment to the region. He met Assistant Minister for Defence, Nenad Miloradović, Assistant Minister for Defence Policy, Predrag Bandić, and Chief of General Staff General Mojsilović. 

In Kosovo, Lord Coaker visited UK personnel serving with NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) at Camp Novo Selo. KFOR is an international peacekeeping force focused on maintaing security and stability for all peoples of Kosovo.

The Minister also met Kosovo’s Minister for Defence to discuss support for the Kosovo Security Force’s and their alignmemt with NATO standards, underlining the UK’s long-term commitment to peace and security in the region.

The tour concluded in Istanbul at SAHA 2026, Türkiye’s premier defence and aerospace exhibition. Lord Coaker held senior meetings with Turkish political, military, and industry leaders.

Building on the recent landmark £8 billion Typhoon agreement, Lord Coaker’s visit is part of an enduring and strengthening UK-Türkiye defence partnership.

Defence Minister Lord Coaker said:

Our partnerships are our strategic strength and my meetings with friends and allies this week show the importance of deepening defence cooperation, and standing together as increasing threats challenge our security and stability.

That spirit of stronger cooperation extends to our defence industries, including our Typhoon exports to Turkey. Working with trusted allies boosts British businesses, drives innovation and supports highly skilled jobs at home.

By investing in these partnerships abroad, we strengthen our own capabilities and security at home.

Lord Coaker engaged with some of the UK’s defence businesses including BAE Systems, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce.

The visit supports the build up to the NATO Summit in Ankara in July.

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

British soldiers will be equipped with modern guns capable of firing eight rounds per minute at targets up to 70km away – delivering the long-term close support artillery solution for the British Army, a landmark moment in UK defence modernisation.

• Procurement of 72 Remote Controlled Howitzers (RCH 155) for the British Army will deliver a step change in artillery capability.
• The UK’s £1 billion investment delivers on the UK-Germany Trinity House Agreement, and supports at least 500 British jobs, including at Rheinmetall’s Telford facility and KNDS Stockport.
• Rheinmetall set to use British steel through Sheffield Forgemasters, strengthening the UK’s defence industrial base and supporting the UK Steel Strategy.  

72 Remote Controlled Howitzers (RCH 155) will be procured under a nearly £1 billion contract, which includes initial training and in-service support, awarded by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) on behalf of the British Army to ARTEC GmbH, a joint venture between KNDS and Rheinmetall.

The weapon systems – the barrel, breech, recoil system and trunnions – will be manufactured at Rheinmetall’s large-calibre production Telford facility. Rheinmetall is set to use British steel supplied by Sheffield Forgemasters, supporting the UK Steel Strategy which recognises steel is fundamental to the UK’s industry and national resilience. 

The BOXER drive module – chassis, engine, drive train – that the weapon system sits on will be manufactured by KNDS UK in Stockport, sustaining critical armoured steel welding in Britain as well as supporting 100 skilled jobs in Stockport. Together, the programme is expected to support the creation of 100 new skilled jobs at Rheinmetall’s Telford facility, support 100 jobs at KNDS Stockport and back 300 jobs in the wider UK supply chain.

The programme delivers on the Trinity House Agreement by strengthening UK-German collaboration and deepening interoperability between Allied forces.  

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

This major investment is defence delivering for the battlefield and for Britain’s economy. By securing next-generation artillery with Germany, not only are we rearming to strengthen NATO against growing Russian aggression but also creating highly skilled jobs here in Britain.  

This is what we mean when we say defence is an engine for growth – investment in our security that powers new jobs across the country.

German Federal Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius, said:

The RCH 155 will significantly enhance the artillery’s firepower, safety and flexibility. It is a vital element of modern artillery support. Together with the United Kingdom, we are demonstrating that we take interoperability within NATO seriously and are putting it into practice.

At the same time, we are underlining the close defence cooperation between Germany and the UK. My British counterpart John Healey and I are keeping our word and are implementing the Trinity House Arrangement step by step. Joint exercises and training will bring our armed forces even closer together. This will deepen military cooperation in the long term and improve our operational readiness – for greater security in Europe.

RCH 155 is mounted on a BOXER chassis and can redeploy at speeds of up to 100km/h, making it harder for adversaries to target. Advanced automation of the turret allows the platform to be operated at the push of a button from the crew compartment by just two soldiers. 

First deliveries of the RCH 155 vehicles are expected in 2028 to achieve a minimal deployable capability within this decade. This contract follows the £52 million Early Capability Demonstrator contract signed in December 2025 and a £53 million Long Lead Item procurement contract earlier this year, facilitating Rheinmetall’s large calibre gun manufacturing facility in Telford. 

Rheinmetall aims to use British steel supplied by Sheffield Forgemasters, which manufactures specialist steel parts used in critical defence programmes and employs 720 skilled staff. The government invested over £420 million of additional funding in Sheffield Forgemasters last year, bolstering sovereign steelmaking capability for defence, including gun barrels and nuclear submarines. 

The RCH 155 replaces the AS90 artillery systems granted in kind to Ukraine in 2023. The Archer artillery system currently serves as an interim capability and will continue to do so until the RCH 155 enters service.  

The RCH 155 procurement between the UK and Germany builds on the Trinity House Agreement signed in October 2024. This commitment to improve and enhance bilateral defence cooperation between both nations will exploit the combined capabilities of each nation’s test and evaluation centres, to enable faster delivery at less cost. It will deepen interoperability between Allied forces and directly strengthen NATO’s collective defence on the eastern flank. It also anchors significant industrial benefit in Britain, supporting the skilled workers who will build and maintain them.  

The investment also supports the Strategic Defence Review’s ambition to make defence an engine for growth and the Army’s goal to deliver tenfold greater lethality within the next decade.   

Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Lt Gen Simon Hamilton CBE said:  

Britain answered the call for aid by providing artillery systems to Ukraine at the outbreak of the war. We knew the risk – the gap in our warfighting capability – that this would present. The success of bringing the RCH 155 onto contract to develop our 155mm Close Support Artillery requirement, in collaboration with Germany, marks the first significant milestone in replenishing this capability. We are grateful to the National Armaments Director, our industry partners and our own programme teams for the fantastic work which they have done to bring this to fruition and look forward to our continued work with our German allies.

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

UK Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel HMS Spey recently concluded a three-day port visit to Manila, marking a significant moment in the UK-Philippines relations.

UK Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel HMS Spey recently concluded a three-day port visit to Manila, marking a significant moment in the UK-Philippines relations as the two countries celebrate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

The visit, which ran from 6 to 9 May, formed part of HMS Spey’s continued deployment in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting the UK’s enduring and permanent maritime presence in the region. During its time in the country, HMS Spey’s Commanding Officer, Commander Daniel Briscoe paid courtesy calls with the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard. The ship also hosted a reception, bringing together diplomatic and defence guests to mark eight decades of UK-Philippines friendship.  The crew also visited communities in Tondo affected by a recent fire, demonstrating the people-to-people ties underpinning our bilateral relationship. 

The visit builds on the momentum of recent high-level engagement between the two countries. Last year, the UK Minister for Defence in the House of Lords, Lord Coaker, visited Manila, which saw the announcement that the two Governments would enter into discussions on the creation of a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA). This would enable practical defence cooperation between British and Philippine armed forces. 

British Ambassador to the Philippines Sarah Hulton OBE stated:

As the UK and the Philippines mark 80 years of diplomatic relations, HMS Spey’s visit to Manila is a timely reminder of the strength and breadth of our partnership. The UK’s permanent presence in the region demonstrates our long-term commitment to regional security, rules-based international order, and to working with likeminded partners like the Philippines.

She further added:

Through our growing cooperation, we are deepening a relationship that supports stability, economic resilience and respect for international law.

Commander Daniel Briscoe RN, Commanding Officer of HMS Spey said:

It is a privilege to visit Manila at such a significant moment of UK-Philippines relations. The warmth of our reception from the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard reflects deepening engagement and shared commitment to maritime cooperation.

The visit also comes at a time of heightened global focus on the importance of open sea lanes. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper recently highlighted how disruptions to critical maritime routes can have far-reaching consequences on global trade, economic stability and food and energy security. Against this backdrop, the UK continues to work with partners to uphold freedom of navigation, respect the law of the sea and reinforce a rules-based international order that supports open and resilient economies.

HMS Spey and her sister ship HMS Tamar maintain a persistent Royal Navy presence in the Indo-Pacific as part of a long-term deployment that began in 2021.

Working alongside regional partners, the ships support efforts to address security challenges, tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and assist countries in responding to the impacts of climate change.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 12 May 2026.

Defence Secretary announced UK contribution to Strait of Hormuz mission at virtual summit of Defence Ministers today.

Britain will deploy autonomous mine hunting equipment and cutting-edge counter drone systems, along with Typhoon jets and HMS Dragon as part of a future defensive mission to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. 

The defensive mission, which would become operational when conditions allow, is backed by £115m new funding for mine-hunting drones and counter-drone systems.  

During a virtual summit of Defence Ministers, with representation from over 40 nations involved in the Multinational Military Mission, the Defence Secretary also reaffirmed the UK’s leadership, including as part of a multinational HQ to coordinate efforts. 

The UK’s contribution to the multinational mission will include a cutting-edge autonomous kit, as part of the Royal Navy’s shift to a Hybrid Navy. Other nations also utilised the virtual summit to announce their respective capability contributions to the Multinational Military Mission.

The UK force package will include:  

• Advanced autonomous mine hunting equipment, including capabilities to detect and defeat mines. 
• The Royal Navy’s modular ‘Beehive’ system which can deliver high-speed, autonomous Kraken drone boats allowing the multinational force to sense, track, and identify potential threats and defeat them.  
• UK Typhoon jets, battle-proven in the region, ready to conduct air patrols over the Strait of Hormuz. 
• Advanced British military mine-clearance specialists, who have been preparing in the UK to conduct mine-clearing operations. 
• HMS Dragon deploying to the Middle East to be ready for any mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz. It’s counter drone systems include the cutting-edge Sea Viper system. 

These capabilities will enable the UK to make meaningful contributions to be should they be required. 

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: 

The UK is playing a leading role to secure the Strait of Hormuz, and we are demonstrating that today with new cutting-edge kit to protect our interests and secure the Strait.   

New funding for autonomous mine-hunting and counter-drone systems, our advanced Typhoon jets, and HMS Dragon are strong and clear commitments – commitments to strengthen the confidence of commercial shipping and reduce the burden of the conflict on people at home.   

With our allies, this multinational mission will be defensive, independent, and credible.

HMS Dragon is already on her way to the Middle East, having undergone additional training and preparation to ensure that her crew are ready, including further calibrating her advanced systems. This will ensure that the air defence ship is ready for potential future operations in the Strait.  

RFA Lyme Bay also continues to be upgraded by the Royal Navy to add new cutting-edge uncrewed equipment, allowing it to be used as a ‘mothership’ for autonomous systems, if required for operations in the Strait of Hormuz.  

These contributions complement the UK’s existing defensive operations in the region, with over 1000 UK personnel across the region, including counter-drone teams and fast jet squadrons, which have played an important role in protecting British nationals and our partners in the region.  

The multinational plan is strictly defensive in nature and is designed to restore confidence for commercial shipping along the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical trade routes through which a fifth of the world’s oil passes.

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

UK and France to host first meeting of Defence Ministers to advance the Strait of Hormuz multinational mission. This comes as HMS Dragon, one of the UK’s most capable warships, will forward deploy to the region.

• UK and France to host first meeting of Defence Ministers to advance the Strait of Hormuz multinational mission.

• HMS Dragon to deploy to the region, ensuring the UK has options to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz when conditions allow.

• The UK will outline its military contributions with further coordinated multinational commitments to be confirmed.

Under UK and French leadership, international partners are expected to use tomorrow’s meeting to discuss and outline their military contributions to the defensive mission to reopen and secure the Strait of Hormuz when conditions permit.

The Defence Secretary John Healey MP will co-chair a meeting of over 40 nations, alongside his French counterpart, Minister Catherine Vautrin, for the multinational mission’s first Defence Minister’s meeting.  

This comes as HMS Dragon, one of the UK’s most capable warships, will forward deploy to the region, ensuring that the UK can contribute to a future multinational mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz and safeguard freedom of navigation when conditions permit. 

Tomorrow’s meeting builds on the significant progress made in the last few weeks by military planners from 44 nations, spanning every continent. The UK has consistently led the way, including hosting a meeting of military planners at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters on the 22-23 April, which was critical in converging national perspectives into a multinational plan.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: 

The UK is leading this multinational, defensive mission because trade, energy, and economic security for working people here at home depend on it.

We are turning diplomatic agreement into practical military plans to restore confidence for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. When I co-chair this meeting of nations from around the world, our job will be to make sure we are not just talking, we are ready to act.

That is why I have directed HMS Dragon to the Middle East, so Britain is in position to support this mission the moment it is needed. This government will not stand by when instability drives up costs for British families and businesses. We will give people hope for the future by securing Britain and our national interests.

Tomorrow’s discussions follow the international summit convened by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Emmanuel Macron, as well as military planning sessions which brought together national perspectives and potential contributions into a coherent, multinational approach. The plan is strictly defensive and, once conditions allow, will focus on restoring confidence for commercial shipping along this critical trade route. 

HMS Dragon could play a key role in this mission. Equipped with the advanced Sea Viper air defence system, HMS Dragon will provide a credible contribution to a defensive, multinational mission. The ship’s forward presence will help strengthen confidence among commercial shippers, support mine-clearance efforts, and protect vessels once hostilities have ceased.

The deployment follows HMS Dragon’s completion of rigorous weapons and sensor testing at a NATO facility off Crete, where the ship’s company honed their skills, including live firing, in realistic, high threat conditions to ensure readiness for operations in the region. 

The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, disrupting international shipping including to around a fifth of the world’s oil supply. This has driven up global energy prices, disrupted supply chains, and increased costs for households and businesses in the UK and around the world.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 10 May 2026.

An Army specialist team has parachuted onto Tristan da Cunha to deliver critical medical support after it was confirmed that one British national on the island was suspected of contracting Hantavirus.

• Specialist Army team parachute from an RAF A400M onto remote island, with medical personnel in-tandem and oxygen supplies and medical equipment.
• Tristan da Cunha – Britian’s most remote overseas territory – is located deep in the South Atlantic, has no airstrip, and is normally only accessible by boat. 
• Drop comes after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on Friday confirmed one suspected case of Hantavirus of a British national on Tristan da Cunha.

An Army specialist team has parachuted onto Tristan da Cunha to deliver critical medical support after it was confirmed that one British national on the island was suspected of contracting Hantavirus.

The team of six paratroopers and two military clinicians, all from 16 Air Assault Brigade, parachuted from an RAF A400M transport aircraft. Meanwhile, vital oxygen supplies and other medical aid were air dropped almost simultaneously onto the remote island. 

This operation is the first time the UK military has inserted medical personnel to provide humanitarian support via a parachute jump, demonstrating how the military can deploy at very short notice across the world on a range of tasks.

Tristan da Cunha, a group of volcanic islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, is Britian’s most remote inhabited overseas territory. It is accessible only by boat, has no airstrip, and has a population of 221 inhabitants. 

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

“I am deeply grateful to the personnel across the Armed Forces and the RAF who acted at pace to get urgent medical support to Tristan da Cunha. This extraordinary operation reflects our unwavering commitment to the people of our Overseas Territories and to British nationals, wherever they are. The safety and well-being of all members of the British family is our number one priority.

“We will continue to work closely with international authorities and the Tristan da Cunha administration, keeping those affected informed and ensuring the right support is in place in the UK and across the Overseas Territories.”

With oxygen supplies on the island at a critical level, an airdrop with medical personnel was the only method of getting vital care to the patient in time. The operation will also ensure the resilience of wider healthcare on the island by supporting Tristan da Cunha’s two-person medical team.

The military team flew 6,788 km from RAF Brize Norton to Ascension Island. The aircraft then proceed to fly over 3,000 km to Tristan da Cunha, where the personnel parachuted onto the island. They were supported by an RAF Voyager aircraft to refuel the A400M mid-air.

Weather conditions at Tristan da Cunha can be exceptionally challenging, with average wind speeds often exceeding 25mph, presenting difficult conditions for the paratroopers. 

Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns said:

“This was an extraordinary operation in incredibly challenging circumstances to get vital help to our citizens on Tristan da Cunha.

“I want to pay a huge tribute to our brave personnel for carrying out their task with the utmost professionalism and composure under pressure. 

“This is a real cross-government effort showing our determination to support our overseas territories and British nationals affected by the Hantavirus outbreak.”

Brig Ed Cartwright, Officer Commanding 16 Air Assault Brigade said:

“This was a joint effort with the Royal Air Force and highlights the speed, reach and utility of parachuting.

“The arrival of paratroopers, medical personnel and medical supplies from the sky has hopefully reassured the people of Tristan da Cunha.”

The mission comes as the UK government continues to work with international authorities to respond to the outbreak of Hantavirus from the MV Hondius cruise ship.

British nationals are being repatriated from the MV Hondius to the UK via a special chartered flight. None of the British citizens who are being repatriated have reported symptoms but are being closely monitored.

All British passengers and crew on board the MV Hondius are being isolated for 45 days upon returning to the UK and UKHSA is closely monitoring these individuals, with testing as required. 

Follow up is underway for individuals who may have been in contact with cases and have since returned to the UK or are in in UK Overseas Territories. The UK government will ensure those self-isolating are given appropriate support. 

The Ministry of Defence has worked with UKHSA to provide vital diagnostic supplies, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, which were delivered to Ascension Island via a military plane on 7 May.

The risk to the general public remains very low.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 8 May 2026.

The Ministry of Defence will pay for Second World War veterans to attend commemorations in Europe this summer in partnership with the Royal British Legion.

Second World War veterans will travel overseas for commemorations of the Normandy Landings and the Battle of Arnhem, paid for by the Government.  

This commitment ensures that those who served can attend remembrance ceremonies in Europe, returning to sites of profound historical and personal importance. 

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) will provide the funding to the Royal British Legion, which offers lifelong support and expert advice to the Armed Forces community including serving personnel, veterans, their families and the bereaved.

The Royal British Legion will give the funding to charities such as The Spirit of Normandy Trust and The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans to make the visits to commemorative events possible. 

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

VE Day reminds the nation of the importance of coming together to honour those who secured our freedom more than eight decades ago.

Standing at Utah Beach during previous D-Day commemorations, I was struck by the extraordinary courage of those who came ashore in 1944 – young men facing unimaginable danger to secure the freedoms we endure today.

While we can never repay the depth of their service, I am determined to ensure we honour our Second World War veterans and their extraordinary contribution to our freedom.

The funding follows the 2025 publication of a 10-year Veterans Strategy and the Strategic Defence Review, which commit to use a whole-of-society approach to defence and celebrate the contribution of veterans to the community and national security. The government is investing record levels in veterans, with Office for Veterans’ Affairs in the MOD rolling out a new £50m support system called VALOUR across the UK.  

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

We are delivering on our promise in our Veterans Strategy, providing visible support to the devoted veterans who have served in our Armed Forces.

This government is renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve, and our actions are guided by the change that veterans want to see. 

I have seen firsthand how important these commemorations are to our veterans and am committed to supporting their continued attendance.

With the number of living Second World War veterans declining, the government recognises the importance of supporting them to pass on their legacy to future generations.  

The enduring relationship between the UK and its Armed Forces remains invaluable and must be protected. 

This essential defence funding enables veterans to return to the places where they served, honour those who did not come home, and reconnect with their shared history.  

From the beaches of Normandy to battlefields in Europe, these journeys are a vital act of remembrance. 

Richard Palusinski, Chairman, Spirit of Normandy Trust said: 

Over the many years that I have been taking veterans to Normandy for the annual D-Day commemorations I have come to understand that they make the trip each year not out of any sense of bravado, but to remember those who paid the ultimate price.   

As a small charity we have limited ability to raise the necessary funds to ensure a safe and meaningful pilgrimage for the veterans, particularly as they have reached a great age and their needs are more complex. The funding from the Office for Veterans Affairs is vital, enabling us to embark or the pilgrimages with confidence and give the veterans the opportunity to honour their friends.

Steve Baynes, the Royal British Legion’s Head of Grants, said:

The freedoms we enjoy today would not have been possible without the courage and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, and as the nation’s champion of Remembrance, the RBL is dedicated to ensuring their legacy is always remembered.

We’re proud to be working with the Office for Veterans’ Affairs to ensure those who served can attend commemorative events across Europe, and delighted to be collaborating with the Spirit of Normandy Trust and the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, whose long-standing experience in organising these deeply meaningful visits is invaluable.

This government remains committed to supporting veterans emotionally and financially as they continue to pay their respects through these annual pilgrimages.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 5 May 2026.

Victims of serious and sexual crimes to receive improved guidance and support in the Service Justice System.

Military personnel and civilians who experience sexual assault, domestic abuse or stalking at the hands of serving members of the Armed Forces will receive stronger protections under the new Armed Forces Bill.

The Bill, which is being debated in Parliament today for its Second Reading, introduces a suite of measures to protect victims of serious and sexual offences within the Service Justice System. These include: 

• New protective orders to enable swifter action against perpetrators, reducing the risk of further harm to victims of inappropriate sexualised behaviours, domestic abuse, stalking and harassment. 
• Stronger guidance and support to help victims provide an informed view to prosecutors on whether they want their case tried in civilian courts or the military system. 
• The Bill will also give service police increased powers for investigations, including introducing new powers for Service police to authorise pre-charge custody. Currently only commanding officers can authorise pre-charge detention after arrest. This can create delays in the investigation process, prevention the preservation of evidence or risk further harm to victims and witnesses or to the suspect themselves. 

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

Having served in the Army, I recognise the challenges victims can face when coming forward to report offences.

We will ensure there is nowhere to hide for those who commit sexual violence. This Bill will strengthen protections for victims of serious and sexual crime, ensuring they receive the support they need and have a choice in how their case is handled.

Unacceptable and criminal behaviour has no place in our Armed Forces. Defence will play our part in delivering on this Government’s commitment to halve violence against women and girls, while recognising that abuse can affect anyone.

The new measures build on Defence’s efforts to ensure the Service Justice System champion a victim-centred approach.  

This includes a pioneering prevention programme introduced by the Government in November 2025 to tackle the issue of unacceptable sexual behaviour and harassment in our Armed Forces. New prevention teams will operate from military sites in North Yorkshire and Plymouth, delivering training interventions to tackle the cultural and behavioural root causes of unacceptable sexual behaviour.

The measure supports the Government’s mission to halve Violence Against Women and Girls within a decade, while recognising that abuse can happen to anyone regardless of gender.

It also follows the creation of the Victim Witness Care Unit (VCWU) in 2023, which provides independent, trauma-informed, end to end support to victims and witnesses of serious crime, ensuring they receive the care and assistance they deserve.

In the Service Justice System, adult rape-flagged investigations are dealt with in quicker time, as highlighted in figures from 2024. That year, investigations in the civilian system took 338 days, with 59% of victims withdrawing, but 148 days with a further 72 days until a charge is directed, in the Service Justice System with 24% of victims withdrawing.

Whilst conviction rates cannot be reliably compared, published data casts doubt on claims that the conviction rate is higher in the Crown Court.  The conviction rate in the Court Martial for adult rape-flagged cases (excluding guilty pleas), is 51% from 2022 to 2024 compared to 36% in the Crown Court in the financial years 2022/23 to 2025.

These data points – in combination with the strengthened measures introduced through the Bill – demonstrate that the Service Justice System delivers swifter justice for victims, helping more cases to reach quicker conclusion and ensuring victims’ confidence that this is a system that will support and protect them.

These measures sit alongside wider Armed Forces Bill provisions including the creation of a new Defence Housing Service and extending the Armed Forces Covenant across all areas of government. There are also new powers to deter, detect and defeat drone incursions over military sites.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 1 May 2026.

The UK military and Gulf partners will be better protected against drone attacks following the successful testing of new British-built Skyhammer interceptor missiles and launchers in Jordan.

• New Skyhammer interceptor missiles and launchers, produced by UK start-up Cambridge Aerospace, successfully tested in Jordan.
• Designed to counter Shahed-style attack drones, Skyhammer will be supplied to the UK Armed Forces.
• Trial comes as Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard visits Kuwait and Jordan, meeting leaders and thanking UK Armed Forces who have supported partners in defending their skies from Iranian attacks prior to the ceasefire.

The UK military and Gulf partners will be better protected against drone attacks following the successful testing of new British-built Skyhammer interceptor missiles and launchers in Jordan. 

The trial comes less than two weeks since the Ministry of Defence signed a multi-million-pound contract with UK veteran-led start-up Cambridge Aerospace to buy Skyhammer interceptor missiles for the UK Armed Forces. They have a range of 30km and a maximum speed of 700km/h and are designed to counter Shahed-style attack drones.

The interceptor missile was tested in Jordan in demanding desert conditions at one of Deep Element’s defence development facilities. Witnessing the trial, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP praised the new capability which demonstrates how the UK defence industry can deliver at pace, learning lessons from the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.  

The trial came as the Minister visited Kuwait and Jordan for detailed discussions on regional security, the Strait of Hormuz and further defence cooperation. The Defence Minister recognised partners’ exceptional professionalism and resolve in the face of previous Iranian attacks, and their tireless work to protect civilian life and to safeguard foreign – including British – nationals.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said:

We are stepping up alongside UK industry to offer rapid support to our partners in the Middle East. 

This week’s successful trial of Cambridge Aerospace’s Skyhammer interceptor missiles in Jordan is a perfect example of a UK start up innovating, with the backing of this government, to deliver cutting edge technology.

My visit to Kuwait and Jordan shows that the UK is standing by our long-term partners and delivering on our promise to provide support.

The multi-million-pound contract with Cambridge Aerospace is boosting British business by creating over 50 new jobs and supporting 125 current jobs, making defence an engine for growth. The UK is delivering the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027.

Steven Barrett, CEO of Cambridge Aerospace, said:

We have proven that our interceptors are not only cost-effective but also highly capable and will be able to counter the rising threat posed by aerial attacks.

We welcome the support of the UK Ministry of Defence as Cambridge Aerospace looks to protect the UK and its partners with high-performance, rapidly deployable air defence systems.

During the Minister’s visit, he met with Kuwait’s Minister of Defence, HE Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, and other senior officials. He paid tribute to the efforts of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces and UK personnel to protect civilians and critical national infrastructure in the region during Iran’s missile and drone campaign prior to the current ceasefire. The UK’s Rapid Sentry – a ground-based air defence missile system – and ORCUS system is operated by UK personnel in Kuwait, allowing them to detect drones early and take action.

Ahead of the Skyhammer trial in Jordan, the Minister met with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Major General Yousef Alhnaity. They discussed the strength of the UK-Jordan defence relationship, based on mutual respect and a common commitment to shared security in the region. Prior to the ceasefire, UK jets have flown defensive missions in the region, including over Jordan, to protect British interests and partners.

The first tranche of Skyhammer interceptor missiles and launchers will be delivered to the UK Armed Forces in May, with more missiles and associated launchers set to be supplied within the first six months of the agreement. 

The Ministry of Defence, through the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group, is working to speed up financing and licensing for exports to Gulf partners. As part of this, a new Task Force has been created within the NAD Group to collaborate across government to support partners across the Middle East working with UK industry. It will also manage the impact of the conflict on the UK defence supply chain and gather requirements for stock replenishment.