Tag: Ministry of Defence

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 April 2026.

AI-powered drone technology has been successfully trialled to identify landmines and explosive ordnance.

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) led a major trial on behalf of the British Army, which allowed bomb-disposal experts to conduct their mission faster through rapid detection.

The trial demonstrated that AI models can be rapidly retrained to recognise new threat types and adapt to different environments. And so UK military personnel could be better protected on the battlefield as a result of these trials.

More about the trial
Conducted with 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search) at their Essex base, the trial took place over several weeks and saw dozens of replica mines and ordnance placed across varied terrain and land environments.

Data captured by sensors onboard small uncrewed aerial systems was relayed to Army operators, who used AI tools to locate and identify the munitions.

The trial also successfully demonstrated the ability to rapidly retrain AI models to recognise emerging threat types and adapt to different environments – a capability that is critical in fast-evolving modern warfare. This has also been seen in Ukraine, where drones and explosive devices are reshaping the battlefield at pace.

Through the Strategic Defence Review this government is doubling investment in autonomous platforms, from £2bn to £4bn this parliament.

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

This trial is exactly the kind of innovation the Strategic Defence Review calls for – harnessing AI, drones and autonomous systems to boost deterrence and make our Armed Forces stronger.

We’re on a mission to exploit new technologies, removing our people from harm’s way while increasing the speed and effectiveness of their operations. This is defence innovation working at wartime pace, and it is delivering exciting results.

Dstl’s technical lead for the trial said:

The threat posed by explosive ordnance is constantly changing and so must the tools and techniques required to deal with it safely. Dstl brings a comprehensive understanding of the science and technology, as well as the specialist industry suppliers who provide the different elements.

We are testing, adapting and demonstrating this technology so that, working closely with the end user, we can develop concepts that let our forces compete on the modern battlefield.

Major Mark Fetters, British Army Future Counter-Explosive Ordnance Capability lead, said:

The modern battlefield is littered with explosive ordnance. The equipment being developed by Dstl will allow EOD operators to conduct their mission faster and will remove people from the explosive hazard.

We are also looking to understand how the capability will grow as other technologies mature. As different types of sensors become lighter, more power-efficient, and smaller, they will be able to fit on to smaller uncrewed aerial systems – constantly improving the capability available to our EOD and Search personnel.

What the trial demonstrates

The trial demonstrates how AI, human-machine teaming, robotic and autonomous systems, and advanced sensors can reduce risk to Armed Forces personnel. 

Next steps

Building on these results, further trials will take place this year to mature the technology and guide the procurement of a deployable capability that can be placed directly into soldiers’ hands. 

The government has committed to the British Army delivering a tenfold increase in lethality over the next decade by harnessing:

• firepower
• surveillance technology
• autonomy
• digital connectivity
• data

The trial is part of a broader transformation of UK defence capability, driven by lessons from the conflict in Ukraine and set out in the SDR. 

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

More than half a million pounds is being committed to expand the Victim Witness Care Unit to support around 100 additional cases each year and specialist Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) teams set to be deployed to Catterick Garrison and HM Naval Base Devonport.

Specialist teams are being established to prevent unacceptable behaviour and sexual violence in the Armed Forces, alongside a significant uplift to victim support.  

An investment of more than £500,000 will create five permanent new posts within the Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) at the Ministry of Defence, increasing its capacity to support around 100 additional cases each year.   

The VWCU provides independent, trauma-informed support to victims and witnesses of serious crime, operating independently from military chains of command.  

The new roles – including victim liaison officers – will enable the unit to provide sustained support for complex cases, and enhanced coordination with investigators and prosecutors throughout the Service Justice System.   

This expansion also ensures the unit can continue to deliver dedicated support to victim-survivors of serious crime as wider work aims to increase awareness of the support available and strengthen confidence in accessing it.  

Specialist VAWG Taskforce teams are deploying to Catterick Garrison and HM Naval Base Devonport, embedding expertise directly within military settings to identify and address the cultural and behavioural drivers of sexual violence at source.  

With reach also across Yorkshire and the Humber and the South West respectively, these 12-month deployments will see civilian experts working alongside service personnel, assessing root causes and organisational factors contributing to sexual violence.   

The teams will design targeted, evidence-led interventions – from training and scenario-based workshops to bystander-focused activity and unit-specific tools. This approach reflects a deliberate shift from reacting to incidents after they occur towards preventing harm before it starts. Expansion to further sites – including RAF Halton and the UK’s sovereign bases in Cyprus – is planned subject to evidence of impact.  

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

Those who serve deserve to work in an environment where they are safe, supported and valued. This investment strengthens the support available to victim-survivors of serious crime and puts specialist prevention teams in place to tackle unacceptable behaviour before it causes harm.  

With awareness increasing, more people having boosted confidence in reporting mechanisms, we’re taking practical, targeted action to ensure Defence is a place where people are proud to serve. 

The VWCU expansion and Taskforce deployments are the latest in Defence’s Raising our Standards interventions to embed consistently high standards, build trust in leadership and create a culture where personnel thrive, unacceptable behaviour is challenged, and every case is acted upon. 

This includes the forthcoming Independent Legal Advocacy pilot, which will provide free, independent legal advice to complainants of sexual offences within the Service Justice System.   

This complements newly-introduced measures in the Armed Forces Bill to deliver stronger support to victims of serious and sexual offences within the Service Justice System, from new protective orders to take action against those responsible for sexual harm and strengthened guidance to inform victims’ views to prosecutors on whether they want their case tried in civilian courts or the military system.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 24 March 2026.

Former Air Commodore Polly Perkins CBE has been chosen as the preferred candidate for Armed Forces Commissioner by the Defence Secretary John Healey MP – delivering on the government’s key manifesto commitment to give serving personnel and their families an independent voice to improve service life.

Former Air Commodore Polly Perkins CBE has been chosen as the preferred candidate for Armed Forces Commissioner by the Defence Secretary John Healey MP – delivering on the government’s key manifesto commitment to give serving personnel and their families an independent voice to improve service life.

The Armed Forces Commissioner is a new statutory office that will be an independent champion and direct point of contact for personnel and their families and have unprecedented powers to investigate welfare issues and raise concerns that impact service life, including equipment, housing, and unacceptable behaviours. The office will be up and running from 1 April 2026.

Polly’s appointment is subject to a pre-appointment hearing by the House of Commons Defence Select Committee (HCDC) on Wednesday 25th March 2026 in line with the public appointments process. HCDC will publish their views and recommendations after the session which the government will consider before finalising and agreeing the appointment.

Appointing an Armed Forces Commissioner was a lead defence manifesto commitment by this Government to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve.

Former RAF Air Commodore Polly Perkins served for over 30 years in the Royal Air Force, specialising in logistics and holding senior leadership roles including Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff, British Forces Cyprus. She deployed on operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan and worked with NATO partners to improve multinational logistics. She holds an MA in Defence Studies from King’s College London and was awarded a CBE for her service.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

Our Armed Forces are at the heart of our nation’s security. With demands on defence rising, from the conflict in the Middle East to growing Russian aggression, we are asking more of our military, and it is right that we continue to step up our support for them and their families.

I am proud that we legislated in our first year of government to create this new Commissioner role, with powers to challenge Ministers and military leaders and to report directly to Parliament. 

Polly brings deep experience of service life and exceptional leadership as this country’s first ever Armed Forces Commissioner, she will be the independent champion and direct point of contact that our Armed Forces and their families deserve. Our message to the Armed Forces community is clear: this government is on your side.

The Armed Forces Commissioner will be able to visit UK Defence sites unannounced, commission reports, and will report directly to Parliament to hold the Government to account. Personnel and their families will be able to contact the Commissioner about issues affecting them, with the Commissioner empowered to investigate these concerns, seek relevant information from the Ministry of Defence, and make recommendations for improvement.

The appointment builds on this Government’s commitment to improve all aspects of service life including a new defence housing strategy to make homes fit for heroes, the biggest pay rise for personnel in 20 years and putting the Armed Forces Covenant into law through the Armed Forces Bill introduced this year.

The move to appoint a commissioner has been inspired and modelled on the Commissioner for the Armed Forces in Germany, who has been received positively by German personnel.

The Commissioner will be able to investigate individual welfare concerns, undertake thematic reviews into systemic issues affecting service life, and report findings directly to Parliament – strengthening transparency and public understanding of welfare matters across Defence.

This appointment delivers on the Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve, ensuring that welfare, dignity and respect sit at the heart of Defence.

The Interim Commissioner will carry out all the functions of the Commissioner and a permanent appointment is due to be made in the coming months through an open competition. Further details about the role and how personnel and families can engage with the Interim Commissioner will be shared in due course.  

The Armed Forces Commissioner role came into law under the Armed Forces Commissioner Act on 3 September 2025. They will take responsibility for the existing Service Complaints Ombudsman and will ensure there is no break in that service.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 20 March 2026.

A new Defence scheme to transform support for forces families with young children will be rolled out across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from September 2026, the Defence Secretary has announced today.

This major boost for UK Armed Forces families will save forces families living in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland up to £6,000 per year for each child and will help with the cost of living as they serve to protect the nation. 

It will be delivered through the Ministry of Defence’s existing Early Years childcare reimbursement scheme and will ensure that eligible working UK Armed Forces families receive the same Government funded childcare support as forces families in England.

This government promised to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve, and this support is another major step to deliver on that pledge. Childcare is cited as one of several factors affecting Armed Forces retention and morale and this government is on a mission to fix the recruitment crisis. The announcement was made by Defence Secretary John Healey MP on a visit to meet families at Dreghorn Barracks, Edinburgh. 

The early years childcare offer currently differs in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to that available to UK Armed Forces families in England and overseas. Today the government is taking action to change that by providing a reimbursement of childcare costs for eligible working UK Armed Forces families with children aged 9 months until they reach 3 years old in Scotland and Wales, and from 9 months to 4 years in Northern Ireland. 

The scheme recognises the commitment and uniqueness of service life and the dedication of service families who can be assigned anywhere in the UK or overseas. This government is delivering on the commitment to support service families wherever they live and work. 

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

Our Armed Forces families are at the heart of our nation’s security. With demands on defence rising, from the conflict in the Middle East to growing Russian aggression, we are asking more of our military, and it is right that we continue to step up our support for them.

This transformative offer will ensure more military families get the childcare support they need, no matter where they are posted.

We are making good on our promise to Armed Forces families – supporting them as they support our dedicated military personnel defending the UK and our allies. Our message to the Armed Forces community is clear: this government is on your side.

This is part of the wider support that MOD has delivered to service families since July 2024, including a new housing strategy which will make homes fit for heroes, the biggest pay rise in 20 years and putting the Armed Forces Covenant into law through the Armed Forces Bill introduced this year.

Through the new scheme, MOD will reimburse the difference in early years childcare costs for eligible working families. Aimed at working families, where both parents are employed and meet the income thresholds required to access an active Tax-Free Childcare account, the scheme could save forces families thousands.

Hundreds of families in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to be eligible for the scheme, which follows feedback from forces families on the cost of childcare.

The scheme will be rolled out from September 2026, giving eligible families time to prepare and explore suitable childcare options.

MOD is committed to supporting forces families no matter where they live. Defence will continue to work closely with the devolved governments, and further details will be set out for eligible families in the coming months.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 20 March 2026.

British soldiers will use a new fleet of thousands of modern vehicles, following the start of the retirement of the iconic Land Rover fleet.  

The retirement, which begins today, marks the end of an era for the vehicle that has been a cornerstone of military operations for more than 70 years.  

As the Army looks to the future, plans are now underway to identify the next generation of light mobility vehicles, with the first new vehicles are expected to be in the hands of soldiers by 2030.   

Simple, dependable and a workhorse of the British military, the Land Rover has been used for a range of duties, including patrol, command liaison and transportation of equipment and personnel. 

A special commemorative event was held today, Thursday 19 March, at Bovington, home to the Armoured Fighting Vehicle School, to honour the Land Rover’s legacy and outline the Army’s vision for its successor. The event brought together Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, military personnel, and industry, who showcased modern vehicles that could replace the Land Rover.  

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard said: 

The Land Rover and British Army share an incredible history and the image of a Landy in Army livery is truly iconic.  

As we look ahead to the future of light mobility vehicles, it is fitting to pay tribute to this extraordinary fleet that has served our Armed Forces so faithfully. 

I’m firing the starting gun on the replacement vehicle competition, seeking to put a modern vehicle in the hands of our personnel.

Land Rovers have been a trusted workhorse for the British Armed Forces since their widespread adoption in the 1950s. In 2025, more than 5,000 Land Rovers remained in service across the UK military, a testament to their durability and versatility. 

The retirement of the Land Rover marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the British Army’s mobility capabilities. While the Land Rover’s legacy will endure, the Army is now focused on ensuring its personnel are equipped with a modern, technologically advanced fleet to support future operations. 

The Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programme aims to identify an enduring successor to the Land Rover, ensuring the Army’s continued operational effectiveness, and the programme will formally launch in due course. LMV will offer opportunities to British-based businesses through vehicle support and maintenance, helping make defence an engine for growth.

Over the decades, several bespoke Land Rover models were developed exclusively for military use, including: 

• Series IIA Ambulance – Designed to carry four stretchers and a medic. 
• Series IIA Pink Panther – Designed for use in the desert by the SAS, it was used for special operation missions and long-distance reconnaissance. 
• Amphibious SIIA 109” – A prototype of a vehicle that could be used for sea landings. 
• V8 Centaur Multi-Role Half-Track – Created with a track taken from the Scorpion light tank, it represented an attempt to merge road vehicle with a tank.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 March 2026.

Leonardo UK selected for £1 billion contract for new medium helicopters (NMH) – which could work alongside uncrewed aircraft – to support defence operations around the globe.

• Leonardo UK selected for £1 billion contract for new medium helicopters (NMH) – which could work alongside uncrewed aircraft – to support defence operations around the globe. 
• Upgraded deal makes Yeovil the global centre for Leonardo’s military helicopter production and exports, and sets up the UK as a leader for uncrewed and autonomous systems, a key frontier technology in the government’s Defence Industrial Strategy.  
• International orders for Leonardo’s military helicopters built in Yeovil could see over £15 billion in exports over the next 10 years.

Thousands of skilled British jobs have been secured with a major helicopter deal that will boost the UK Armed Forces’ battlefield kit and makes Britain Leonardo’s global centre for military helicopter production and exports – worth a potential £15 billion over the next decade.   

The £1 billion deal will also make Yeovil the centre of excellence for military helicopter autonomy, as the Ministry of Defence invests further in Proteus – the UK’s first autonomous uncrewed air system which is built by Leonardo and recently undertook its first flight. The development of uncrewed and autonomous technology in the UK is at the heart of the government’s Defence Industrial Strategy and could offer the opportunity to make platforms such as NMH optionally-crewed. 

The new deal secured by the Government with Leonardo will provide the UK Armed Forces with 23 new medium-lift helicopters – which could work alongside uncrewed aircraft – and paves the path for future military international orders to be built in the UK, with an increased workshare for the UK above 40%. There are around 20 countries with requirements for new medium-lift helicopters. Together with Leonardo’s other helicopters, international orders for NMH could generate over £15 billion in exports over the next 10 years.  

The agreement secures the future of the UK’s sovereign helicopter production and Leonardo’s facility in Yeovil, Somerset, sustaining 3,300 jobs. This includes 650 people working directly on NMH and more involved with autonomous systems and providing ongoing support and manufacture of the Merlin and Wildcat helicopter fleets. With a UK supply chain of nearly 70 companies, the programme also secures sovereign defence skills and expertise for decades to come.    

The deal represents a major investment into the UK’s industrial base – a key pillar of delivery for the Defence Industrial Strategy and other growth driving sectors like Advanced Manufacturing and Digital and Technology.   

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

This defence investment works for Britain on every level. It strengthens our Armed Forces, secures thousands of skilled British jobs, and sets up big export opportunities. It is a major vote of confidence in British industry, British workers and British innovation.    

This Government’s broad deal makes Yeovil the proud home of Leonardo’s global military helicopter production, building world-class helicopters for our forces and allies around the world for many years to come.  It backs British jobs and security today and makes the UK a pace-setter in uncrewed, technology and innovation for tomorrow. 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said:

In an uncertain world we are backing Britain’s world‑class defence sector to both keep Britain safe and drive economic growth.

This historic partnership not only supports British jobs and security today, but positions the UK and its allies at the forefront of the next generation of defence and autonomous systems tomorrow.

The upgraded deal is the result of the government’s commitment to a new partnership and new ways of working with industry as set out in the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy – and makes the MOD’s relationship with Leonardo even stronger.   

In a major backing for Britain, the partnership will see the UK lead the world in helicopter innovation and autonomy, with Leonardo setting up Yeovil as a future centre of excellence for autonomous helicopters. Proteus, which undertook its first flight at the end of January, is being developed to conduct a range of missions, including aspects of anti-submarine warfare.   

The agreement paves the path for future export orders of the AW149 helicopter to be built in the UK, significantly expanding the UK’s workshare for the aircraft and growing the local workforce in the South West, with a potential to sustain 3,900 jobs – a 20% increase.  

Nigel Colman, Managing Director of Helicopters UK, Leonardo said:

We welcome the decision to award the New Medium Helicopter contract to supply medium lift helicopters to the Ministry of Defence, as well as the continued investment in Proteus – our autonomous rotary wing uncrewed air system in development with the Royal Navy. 

Leonardo is committed to providing the UK Armed Forces with a world-class medium lift helicopter based on our leading AW149 platform that will serve our military personnel for many years to come.   

The Government’s procurement of the AW149, as well as the continued investment in autonomy, will support more than 3,300 jobs in Yeovil, the Home of British Helicopters, as well as 12,000 across the UK supply chain.

As the nature of warfare changes, the war in Ukraine has highlighted the continued importance of helicopters on the battlefield – transporting forces, kit and capabilities in complex environments. The NMH is capable of operating in all environments in support of defence operations around the globe, from warfighting to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.   

The AW149 NMH will deliver multiple rotary wing requirements using a single aircraft-type. This means that the platform will be able to undertake defence tasks that were previously delivered by three different aircraft types, streamlining our capabilities – improving efficiency and operational flexibility now and in the future.   

The new deal delivers on the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy – improving warfighting readiness, strengthening the UK’s defence industrial base, and making defence as an engine for growth. The Ministry of Defence spends nearly £7 billion with the defence industry in the South-West, which supports more than 37,000 jobs.    

The procurement is backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War – hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027 with £270 billion this Parliament.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 16 February 2026.

UK hands over final modernised medical rehabilitation wards to Ukraine’s Armed Forces under Project Renovator, following two-year Defence collaboration.

The UK has handed over the last of five modernised medical rehabilitation wards to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as part of Project Renovator. Defence Equipment and Support and the Defence Medical Services have been working together for two years on this project, and representatives were on site to sign the formal handover documents.

Renovator is a NATO funded project to expand Ukraine’s military medical rehabilitation services and help troops who suffered life-changing injuries to return to the frontline and help them readjust to civilian life. The UK was the first nation to join the project, responsible for refurbishing, equipping and providing training to one site, and providing urgent support to the other sites as they awaited NATO partners. Norway, Sweden, Lithuania and Latvia have now joined the project and the UK is working alongside them to deliver a fully integrated rehabilitation capability for Ukraine.

Nearly all core work for the project has now been delivered, including; two heating and hot water systems to enhance resilience at two sites; five modernised wards with accommodation, treatment spaces and staff facilities; a range of physical training kit, clinical equipment and diagnostics capabilities to support rehabilitation and training; and four deployed training teams providing specialist clinical shoulder-to-shoulder mentoring and training.  The project has increased bed capacity by 250, and delivered over 21,000 items of equipment.  The final element before achievement of Full Operating Capability will be the installation of a modern CT scanner to enhance diagnostics for complex trauma injuries.

Colonel Simon Doyle, the Renovator Project Director said:

This has been an enormous team effort from our Ukrainian hosts and colleagues, industry, and the UK. Standing here now it is difficult to believe that the full scale invasion had put this facility totally out of action, and now it is helping return Defenders to the fight with the brand-new high-quality facilities they deserve. We look forward to helping you on the next stage of developing this amazing facility.

Colonel Victor Korchenok, the Site Deputy Commander said:

It is a great honour to mark the handover of the last ward. The UK was the first nation to support Renovator, providing infrastructure development, modern rehabilitation, surgical and diagnostic equipment, and training for our professionals. Each component has greatly enhanced our rehabilitation capabilities and improved the quality of care for our defenders who protect our sovereignty.

Rickie Nixon, the Defence Equipment and Support Operations Team Leader said: 

We started this project two years ago, and have come a long way. Our small team has achieved so much here on the Renovator sites, and we are hugely grateful for the opportunity to support our friends in Ukraine on such an important project.

Andriy Dyshuk, director of Ukrainian construction company Fragola Government Services, said:

This project demonstrates how proper cooperation between two countries, even in the most difficult conditions, can deliver massive results. It is not just words but the physical outcome that matters. This success was only possible through stakeholder collaboration, and I thank Prevail and the United Kingdom for their efforts.

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

UK will bolster regional security by deploying a Carrier Strike Group to the North Atlantic and High North.

• UK to deploy Carrier Strike Group to the North Atlantic and High North in 2026 in a major boost for regional security.
• Powerful show of force with Royal Navy warships, F-35 jets and helicopters to deter Russian aggression and protect vital undersea infrastructure.
• Deployment will include major exercises alongside US, Canadian, and Northern European allies.

Britain will send its Carrier Strike Group back to sea in 2026 in a major show of force across the Euro-Atlantic and High North, reinforcing NATO’s deterrence at a time of rising Russian threats in the region.

Known as ‘Operation Firecrest’ and led by HMS Prince of Wales – the largest warship in the Royal Navy – the UK will deploy the strike group across the North Atlantic and Arctic. It will include world-class Royal Navy warships and RAF fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets to bolster defence and security. 

It comes as Russia’s military activity in the North Atlantic continues to increase. Over the past two years, there has been a 30% increase in Russian navy vessels threatening UK waters. 

The deployment will see the UK and US working side-by-side on Euro-Atlantic security around the North American East Coast, boosting the historic alliance between the two nations. The Carrier Strike Group will sail across the Atlantic to visit a US port, with US jets also expected to operate from the flight deck of HMS Prince of Wales.  

The deployment will include activity under NATO’s Arctic Sentry mission, launched this week, strengthening the Alliance’s security in a region where melting sea ice is opening new routes and increasing threat from hostile state activity. 

With growing concern over Russian operations in the Greenland-Iceland-UK gap and the increased risk to critical undersea cables and pipelines, the deployment will send a clear message that the UK will always defend its waters, protect critical infrastructure, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its Allies.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

I’m proud that we’re stepping up UK leadership on High North and Atlantic security.

This deployment will help make Britain warfighting ready, boost our contribution to NATO, and strengthen our operations with key allies, keeping the UK secure at home and strong abroad.

Operation Firecrest will involve thousands of personnel from all three services of the Armed Forces, demonstrating Britain’s ability to project force wherever it is needed and operate seamlessly within NATO. The Carrier Strike Group will exercise alongside NATO’s Standing Naval Maritime Group 1, itself being led by the UK, with HMS Dragon acting as the command ship of the NATO maritime group throughout 2026.

Parts of the deployment will fall under NATO command, including close cooperation with operational headquarters Joint Force Command Norfolk, which is set to be under the command of a British officer for the first time. 

The deployment will be carried out alongside key allies including the United States, Canada, and Joint Expeditionary Force nations, building on the UK’s growing defence cooperation in the High North and reaffirming the strength of the historic UK–US defence relationship. 

This reinforces the UK’s commitment to High North security and builds on the Defence Secretary’s commitment to double the number of UK troops deployed to Norway, from 1,000 to 2,000.  

It also reaffirms the Government’s commitment to stepping up on defence. The UK has committed to the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War – hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027 – to ensure that Britain and our allies are safe.

The deployment follows the success of the UK’s 2025 Carrier Strike Group mission to the Indo-Pacific, which saw over 1,000 F-35 sorties and activity with over 30 nations, and resulted in the UK’s Carrier Strike Group being certified fully ‘mission ready’ and committed to NATO.

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

New acoustic weapon detection system will help keep soldier safe on the battlefield by helping to locate and target positions of enemy gunfire, mortars and explosions.

• 250 jobs across the country sustained after new contract signed with Leonardo UK.
• System to be in soldiers’ hands five years ahead of schedule, with rollout to frontline troops within 12 months.
• 29 UK SMEs to benefit as part of the supply chain, helping to make UK defence an engine for growth.

British soldiers will be able to more aggressively hunt, detect, and locate hostile gunfire, as well as receive a further layer of protection on the battlefield, with the early delivery of new technology.

Through SONUS – a new system to detect enemy weapons – UK forces will now have access to a capability that weighs 70% less than its predecessor, making it easier to transport and able to deploy in under three minutes.

SONUS works by detecting acoustic pressure waves from gunfire, mortars and explosions.

This form of detection means the system can operate covertly, without emitting an electronic signature, helping troops to avoid enemy fire. It will also enable soldiers to identify targets faster and more accurately, meaning they can take evasive or offensive action more effectively.

Defence supplier Leonardo UK have been awarded the £18.3 million contract by the Army five-years earlier than originally planned. The works sustains 250 jobs across the UK, notably at Leonardo’s Basildon site, as well as through 29 small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

The procurement is happening as part of the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War – hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027.

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

We’ve accelerated our procurement of this equipment by five years to provide additional layers of safety for our personnel through more durable, lightweight systems in a new era of threat.

Making defence an engine for growth is a key priority for this government and this deal sustains jobs across the UK, benefits multiple SMEs and boosts our Armed Forces.

The SONUS platforms will be delivered to 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, the British Army’s dedicated Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment, over the next 12 months.

Brigadier M Birch, Senior Responsible Owner for the Land ISTAR Programme, said:

This investment in Leonardo’s SONUS Acoustic Weapon Locating System demonstrates the Army’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to the front line.

It will significantly enhance our ability to protect our people and respond to emerging threats, ensuring the Army remains ready to meet the challenges of the future.

Olly Manning, Vice President Mission Systems at Leonardo, said:

Leonardo has over 40 years of experience in passive acoustic weapon-locating technology, with battle-proven systems that have seen operational use with over 13 armed forces – many of whom are NATO members.

We are looking forward to working in partnership with the British Army to ensure SONUS provides them with an accurate, robust and reliable passive detection system that will keep our Armed Forces safe – now and into the future.

The investment helps deliver on the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) and Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) – improving warfighting readiness, strengthening the UK’s defence industrial base, and making defence as an engine for growth.

Through procurement reforms, the Army prioritised fast tracking important weapon-locating systems as part of the Army’s initiative to modernise and double their lethality by 2027. Its accelerated delivery was achieved by the LAND ISTAR Team, working with Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and Task Force RAPSTONE.