Thales will establish a third facility in Northern Ireland, as announced to Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed that Thales will supply 5,000 lightweight multirole missiles to Ukraine, in a deal worth up to £1.6 billion. Thales Managing Director Nigel MacVean confirmed a £100 million investment, including the new site and the recruitment of 200 staff over the next two years. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly highlighted the economic and defense benefits, emphasizing the impact on local jobs and Ukraine’s war effort. The expansion strengthens Northern Ireland’s role in the UK’s defense industry and bolsters […]
Category: UK
UK Pledges £1.6 Billion for 5,000 Air-Defense Missiles to Ukraine
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a £1.6 billion ($2 billion) agreement on Sunday to supply Ukraine with 5,000 air-defense missiles through export finance. The Thales-manufactured missiles, with a range of over 6 kilometers, can be launched from multiple platforms. Starmer stressed the deal’s importance in protecting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure and securing peace amid escalating attacks. The announcement follows Russia’s recent assault using over 200 drones, which Ukraine called the largest since the war began. The commitment reinforces Britain’s continued military support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. Original news
U.S. Prepares to Store Nuclear Weapons at RAF Lakenheath Amid Rising Tensions
The United States is preparing to house nuclear weapons at RAF Lakenheath in Britain for the first time in nearly two decades, according to satellite images and a report from the Federation of American Scientists (FAS). The report indicates that 22 previously deactivated bunkers have been upgraded, with the decision to reactivate Lakenheath’s nuclear capability made as early as 2021. This move is seen as a response to worsening U.S.-Russia relations following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The FAS states that the upgrades aim to enhance the survivability of Western nuclear reserves and complicate Russia’s targeting strategy, though no nuclear weapons […]
Ukraine Seeks European Air Defense Support Amid Uncertainty Over U.S. Aid
Following a contentious U.S. press conference, Ukraine is urgently seeking replacements for American-made air defense systems, particularly Patriot batteries. Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram stressed that air defense remains Ukraine’s most critical need, as the country turns to European allies for support. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged $2 billion for short-range Martlet missiles, while Norway plans to co-produce surface-to-air missiles with Ukraine. However, Ukraine still faces a pressing need for long-range systems, with SAMP/T missiles emerging as a possible alternative. The shift highlights Ukraine’s growing reliance on European partners to sustain its air defense capabilities. Original news
EU Pushes for UK Nuclear Umbrella Amid Fears of U.S. Security Shift
EU governments are urging Britain to extend its nuclear deterrence to Europe, fearing a reduced U.S. security commitment under Donald Trump. Friedrich Merz, expected to become Germany’s next chancellor, is negotiating a €200 billion emergency defense fund with the Social Democrats. A European diplomat stressed that Britain and France must lead European security discussions, as they are the continent’s only nuclear powers. Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski echoed the sentiment, stating that Europe’s defense is unimaginable without the UK. The push reflects growing European efforts to strengthen defense capabilities amid global uncertainty. Original news
BAE Systems Reports 14% Sales Growth in 2024 Amid Strong Backlog
BAE Systems announced a 14% rise in sales for 2024, reaching £28.335 billion, with its order backlog growing to £77.8 billion by year-end. All business segments contributed to the company’s revenue growth. The integration of Ball Aerospace into BAE’s Space and Mission Systems unit is progressing well, delivering cost synergies. BAE highlighted continued demand across defense and aerospace sectors as key drivers of its performance. The company remains focused on expansion and efficiency as it navigates a growing global defense market. Original news
AI-Driven Underwater Drones to Strengthen Critical Infrastructure Defense
Advancements in artificial intelligence are transforming the security of underwater infrastructure, especially after incidents like the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage. AI-powered underwater drones are being deployed to enhance surveillance and protection of critical undersea assets. Defense companies such as BAE Systems, Boeing, Anduril, and Northrop Grumman are leading efforts in developing these autonomous systems. The technology aims to improve real-time monitoring and threat detection in vulnerable maritime regions. As AI integration advances, underwater drones are expected to play a crucial role in securing global energy and communication networks. Original news
European Defense Start-Ups See 24% Surge in Investment Amid Rising Security Concerns
Investment in European defense and security start-ups jumped 24% in 2024 to $5.2 billion, outpacing AI venture capital growth on the continent over the past two years. A report by the NATO Innovation Fund and Dealroom highlighted growing investor confidence in companies like defense AI firm Helsing and drone maker Tekever, despite a broader downturn in European VC funding. Germany overtook the UK as the leading destination for defense tech investment, with Munich attracting nearly $1 billion in funding last year. The NATO fund, launched in 2022 with €1 billion, aims to bridge Europe’s funding gap in defense innovation, as […]
U.K. Repurposes Retired Tornado Parts for 3D-Printed Tempest Fighter Components
The U.K. has achieved a world first by recycling components from retired Eurofighter Tornado jets into 3D-printable materials for the upcoming sixth-generation Tempest fighter. As part of the Tornado 2 Tempest project, titanium, aluminum, and steel were ground into powdered metal for additive manufacturing. Rolls-Royce successfully 3D-printed new components, including a nose cone and compressor blades, from repurposed Tornado titanium for its Orpheus test engine. The nose cone passed safety and performance tests, proving the viability of this recycling approach for Tempest aircraft production. Led by Additive Manufacturing Solutions Limited, the initiative aims to cut costs, enhance sustainability, and reduce […]
Rolls-Royce Gets $11.1 Billion Contract to Supply Nuclear Reactors for U.K. Submarines
Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd has secured a £9 billion ($11.12 billion) contract from the UK Ministry of Defence to design, build, and support nuclear reactors for the Royal Navy’s next-generation submarines. The eight-year Unity contract will create over 1,000 jobs, primarily at Rolls-Royce’s manufacturing facility in Derby. By consolidating multiple projects into a single portfolio, the deal is expected to save £400 million through improved efficiency. UK Defense Secretary John Healey reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increased defense spending, citing the need to address rising global threats. This contract highlights the UK’s strategic focus on strengthening its naval capabilities and defense […]
NATO Strengthens Baltic Defense Amid Undersea Cable Sabotage
NATO has initiated Operation Baltic Sentry to address suspected Russian sabotage of underwater cables in the Baltic Sea. An international flotilla, supported by elite divers, submersible drones, and advanced aircraft such as F-35 fighter jets, has assembled near Tallinn, Estonia, to protect critical gas pipelines and internet cables. The UK has deployed P-8 Poseidon submarine-hunting aircraft and Rivet Joint spy planes, following the Royal Navy’s tracking of the Russian spy ship Yantar. Finnish authorities have accused the Eagle S tanker of damaging cables, adding to growing tensions in the region. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned of consequences for any threats […]
UK Advances Counter-Drone Soft-Kill Systems
The British Army and UK Royal Navy are nearing the fielding of new counter-drone soft-kill systems, incorporating lasers and RF electronic warfare technology. A technical demonstration highlights progress toward deploying counter-UAS (CUAS) capabilities as operational systems. Key developments include Thales’ RF Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) and the DragonFire laser, both of which have achieved significant milestones in the past year. These advancements showcase the UK’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies for counter-drone defense. The systems are poised to enhance the nation’s ability to neutralize emerging aerial threats effectively. Original news
Lockheed Martin UK CEO Defends F-35 Amid Criticism from Elon Musk
Lockheed Martin UK CEO Paul Livingston has defended the F-35 program against claims by Elon Musk that it is obsolete due to advancements in unmanned drones. Livingston highlighted the F-35’s unmatched capabilities, its central role in NATO’s defense, and its projected £45 billion contribution to the UK economy by 2046. He countered Musk’s critique by emphasizing the F-35’s ability to execute complex missions efficiently and integrate seamlessly with unmanned systems. Livingston stated that Musk lacks access to classified threat assessments and concluded, “On this subject, he’s wrong.” He added that by 2035, 650 F-35s will be operated by European nations, […]
Lockheed Martin UK CEO Defends F-35 Amid Criticism from Elon Musk
Lockheed Martin UK CEO Paul Livingston defended the F-35 program after Elon Musk claimed it was obsolete due to advancements in unmanned drones. Livingston highlighted the F-35’s unmatched capabilities, its critical role in NATO’s defense, and its economic impact, projecting £45 billion in contributions to the UK economy by 2046. He emphasized the aircraft’s ability to handle complex missions with fewer planes while integrating with unmanned systems, countering Musk’s remarks as lacking informed context. Livingston stated, “By 2035, there’ll be 650 of them flown by European nations,” adding that the F-35 continues to dominate European fighter competitions. His comments underscore […]
Ukraine unveils laser weapon ‘based on UK prototypes’
Ukraine has introduced a new laser weapon, Tryzub, inspired by UK prototypes and capable of shooting down Russian aircraft over 2 kilometers away. Col. Vadym Sukharevskyi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, announced the weapon at a defense industry conference in Kyiv, marking its first official acknowledgment. The Tryzub represents a significant step in Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities, with ongoing improvements planned. Col. Sukharevskyi also highlighted advancements in drone technology, including “queen drones” designed to lead FPV attack drones deep into enemy territory. These developments underscore Ukraine’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies in its defense strategy. Original […]