British troops successfully tested a high-energy laser weapon to destroy drones, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence. Conducted at Radnor Range in Wales by the 16th Regiment Royal Artillery, the test involved a laser mounted on a Wolfhound armored vehicle engaging drones at various distances. Stephen Waller, from MoD’s Defence Equipment & Support team, emphasized the laser’s cost-effectiveness, quick engagement, and “virtually limitless” ammunition as critical advantages against drone threats. Developed with Raytheon UK under a £16.8 million contract, the weapon is part of the UK’s Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon Demonstrator program. This marks a significant step in […]
Category: UK
Norway, UK and USA test F-35 data-sharing during live-fire bombing drills
On December 3, Norway, the UK, and the USA conducted the APEX Buccaneer exercise in Norway, featuring live-fire air-to-ground training with Lockheed Martin F-35s. The exercise focused on the “find, fix, track, and target” (F2T2) sequence, with F-35 pilots from all three nations exchanging tactical information in real time to create a unified air picture. This capability highlights the F-35’s role as a force multiplier, a key justification for its development according to the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin. General James Hecker emphasized the importance of fifth-generation platforms like the F-35 for maintaining air superiority. Brigadier General Tron Strand of Norway […]
Saab steps up counter-drone training offer, with UK as first customer
Saab has introduced a new uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) training service, with the UK armed forces as its first customer. Unveiled at I/ITSEC on December 2, the system is designed for live exercises, functioning as either an asset or a simulated threat. The off-the-shelf UAV platform can be customized with sensors and simulated weapons to meet customer needs. It incorporates a laser target system that allows it to engage participants virtually or simulate being shot down by ground forces, enhancing tactical training. This innovation aims to improve soldier skills and tactical behavior evaluation in realistic scenarios. Original news
UK war-games major conflict to test durability of weapons stockpiles
The UK has launched a week-long war game at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire, to evaluate the resilience of its ammunition supplies during conflict. Defense companies including Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, MBDA, and Babcock are participating to “stress-test” supply chains for artillery and drones. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the need to “innovate at wartime speed” and mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities. The exercise reflects lessons learned from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and addresses concerns over the adequacy of British ammunition stockpiles. This initiative underscores the UK’s commitment to enhancing defense preparedness and industrial collaboration. Original news
UK makes defense cuts, doing away with several warships, helicopters and drones
The UK government announced major defense spending cuts, retiring 46 Watchkeeper drones, 31 helicopters, and five warships, as confirmed by Secretary of State for Defence John Healey. These cuts, aimed at saving £500 million over five years, include the removal of the British Army’s Watchkeeper drones due to persistent delays and cost overruns. A strategic defense review in mid-2025 will evaluate the future of the Royal Marines and the Navy’s ability to maintain escort capabilities. Additionally, 14 CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters and 17 Puma multirole rotorcraft will be retired, complicating plans to replace the Pumas under the £1 billion New […]
Norway puts France, Germany, UK and US in the frame for future frigate partnership
Norway has shortlisted France, Germany, the UK, and the US for a strategic partnership to support future frigate acquisitions, the Norwegian Ministry of Defence announced Wednesday. The partnership will encompass the joint acquisition, operation, and maintenance of the new frigates, with a partner selection expected by 2025. This initiative reflects Norway’s broader defense strategy, emphasizing joint procurement efforts, such as its submarine collaboration with Germany. Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram highlighted the importance of the investment, stating it will bolster both national and NATO maritime security. The move underscores Norway’s commitment to enhancing its naval capabilities in alignment with allied […]
UK Increases Defense Budget By $3.8 Billion
The UK announced a defense spending increase of £2.9 billion for 2024, raising the Ministry of Defence’s budget to exceed NATO commitments and provide ongoing support to Ukraine. Chancellor Rachel Reeves committed to meeting a 2.5% GDP defense target in the future, though no specific timeline was provided. UK defense expenditure in 2023-2024 was £54 billion, or roughly 2.33% of GDP, with substantial funds allocated for modernizing the armed forces. Challenges remain, with experts noting gaps in the British Army’s readiness and equipment shortfalls against NATO benchmarks. A Strategic Defence Review is set to publish in 2025 to address evolving […]
Germany, UK strike ‘first-of-its-kind’ defense deal prioritizing deep strike weapons and drones
Germany and the UK have signed a new bilateral defense agreement to jointly develop deep-strike weapons, naval uncrewed aerial systems, and drones that may fly alongside fighter jets. The Trinity House Agreement, described as a “first-of-its-kind” defense pact, was signed in London by German defense minister Boris Pistorius and UK defense secretary John Healey. This deal builds on a joint declaration from July and marks a significant shift in UK-Germany defense relations, aimed at bolstering European security amid growing threats from Russia. The two countries will collaborate on developing maritime UAS capabilities and drone platforms, similar to the US Air […]
UK RAF tests laser self-protection system in live firing trials
The UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) successfully completed live-fire trials of a new laser self-protection system designed for aircraft like the Shadow R2 and A400M transporter. This system was developed by a collaboration between Leonardo UK, Thales UK, and the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) under the Team Pellonia partnership. The system demonstrated 100% success in detecting and neutralizing infrared missile threats during trials at the Vidsel Test Range in Sweden. Thales’s Elix-IR threat warning system distinguishes genuine threats using advanced algorithms, while Leonardo’s Miysis countermeasure system engages threats with a jamming laser. The trials confirmed […]
UK, Sweden Join European Ground-Launched Cruise Missile Effort
Sweden has officially joined the European Long Range Strike Approach (ELSA) initiative, formalizing its participation with a letter of intent signed by Defense Minister Pål Jonson. The decision was announced after a NATO defense ministers’ meeting, with Jonson emphasizing the importance of long-range strike capabilities highlighted by the war in Ukraine. The ELSA initiative, launched in June 2024 by France, Germany, and Poland, aims to develop a ground-launched cruise missile with a range of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers. European defense company MBDA is expected to lead the missile’s development if the project moves forward. The United Kingdom also recently joined […]
European next-generation rotorcraft programme moves closer to reality through new MoU
Launched in 2020, the NATO-managed Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) program aims to replace medium multi-role helicopters reaching the end of their life cycle by 2035. Five European nations—France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK—signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the program, with concept design work expected to start in 2026. The countries aim to select a single replacement solution by 2027, targeting development by 2030. In 2024, NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) awarded contracts to Airbus, Leonardo, and Sikorsky for integrated platform concept studies, with final reports due in October 2025. The NGRC will replace […]
Japan, UK and Italy to expedite next-generation fighter jet to replace F-2s and Eurofighter Typhoons
The defense ministers of Japan, the U.K., and Italy have agreed to accelerate the development of a next-generation stealth fighter jet under the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), aiming for deployment by 2035. A trilateral organization, GCAP International Government Organization (GIGO), will be established by the end of the year to oversee the aircraft’s development, with involvement from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. The fighter jet will replace Japan’s F-2s and Eurofighter Typhoons, enhancing defense capabilities amid growing threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. GIGO will be based in the U.K. and will be led by a […]
UK defence release ITTs as part of the Drone Capability Coalition
The British government has issued tenders for specific drone capabilities as part of the international Drone Capability Coalition (DCC) to support Ukraine’s continued use of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). The first phase focuses on procuring Large First-Person View (FPV) drones and Operational Drone Interceptors, with a goal to establish a reliable Western-based supply chain and ensure Ukraine outpaces Russian drone capabilities. The FPV tender aims to deliver 300 drones for initial testing, while the interceptor tender targets systems to counter opposing UAS threats. This initiative forms part of the broader global sustainment program, launched by the UK and Latvia, and […]
DefendTex attack UAV operational in Ukraine after UK-Latvia Drone Coalition selection
Australian company DefendTex has launched its first-person-view (FPV) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) called the Vengeance FPV, with some units already shipped to Ukraine for evaluation. The quadrotor UAV is designed for mass production and was showcased in a recent fly-off event in Latvia, part of the UK-led Drone Coalition supporting Ukraine. Following the event, 20 unarmed Vengeance FPV UAVs were delivered to the Ukrainian armed forces for testing. DefendTex is now awaiting feedback on the UAV’s performance in the field. The Drone Coalition focuses on supplying Ukraine with drones and components from Ukraine Defense Contact Group countries. Original news