On June 20th, Palestine Action claimed responsibility for an intrusion at RAF Brize Norton, alleging they had disabled two air-to-air refuelling tankers using paint and crowbars. While Downing Street stated the incident did not disrupt operations, the Ministry of Defence confirmed damage to the aircraft. Following the break-in, Defence Secretary John Healey ordered a security review of all UK military bases, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the act as vandalism. RAF Brize Norton is a vital hub for UK air transport and refuelling, including flights to Cyprus, which has been the subject of scrutiny due to its involvement in reconnaissance flights over Gaza.
Read More
Responding to Russia’s escalating military buildup near its border with NATO member Finland, the UK is deploying military liaison officers to support Finland’s development of NATO’s Forward Land Forces. This action follows reports of Russia stationing an additional 50,000 troops near the Finnish border, along with the construction of new military infrastructure. The UK’s deployment reflects growing concerns about potential Russian provocation and underscores its commitment to bolstering NATO’s deterrence posture on its eastern flank. This move is part of a broader UK strategy to increase its military lethality and technological capabilities within NATO.
Read More
The U.K. unveiled a Strategic Defense Review, significantly increasing defense spending—the largest since the Cold War’s end—to counter escalating Russian threats. This includes a £15 billion investment in the nuclear warhead program and the construction of twelve new nuclear submarines through the AUKUS partnership. Furthermore, the plan boosts weapons production, adding 7,000 long-range weapons and six new munitions factories, with a £1.5 billion increase in weapons spending. The review cites the current threat as “more serious, more immediate, and more unpredictable than at any time since the Cold War.”
Read More
US Vice President JD Vance sparked a transatlantic controversy by appearing to dismiss Britain’s military contributions, prompting widespread outrage from British veterans and officials. His comments, made during a Fox News interview, suggested that a minerals deal with the US offered better security for Ukraine than military support from nations with limited recent combat experience. Vance later attempted to clarify his remarks, claiming he hadn’t specifically targeted Britain or France, but his explanation failed to quell the criticism. The incident highlighted growing transatlantic tensions amid President Trump’s decision to halt military aid to Ukraine.
Read More
This page uses Google AMP technology, meaning consent settings apply only here and may differ on non-AMP BBC sites. Essential data is stored on your device to enable page functionality; however, optional data collection allows for personalized ads outside the UK. Rejecting data collection prevents personalized ads but not all advertising. Settings can be adjusted at any time via the page footer.
Read More
The UK Ministry of Defence successfully tested a new laser weapon system, mounted on a Wolfhound vehicle, that successfully destroyed a drone at the Radnor Range in Wales. The system uses advanced sensors and tracking for precise targeting, offering a cost-effective and virtually unlimited-ammunition alternative to traditional weaponry. This achievement showcases British military innovation and engineering prowess, a significant advancement in the nation’s defense capabilities. The laser weapon was developed through a collaboration between UK and US defense organizations and industry partners, including Raytheon UK. This follows recent successful tests of other advanced military technologies in the UK.
Read More
British public will be called up to fight if UK goes to war because ‘military is too small’, Army chief warns
As I sit here and read the headline, I can’t help but feel a mix of concern, frustration, and disappointment. It is concerning to hear that the British public may be called up to fight if the UK goes to war because the military is too small. It indicates that the possibility of a conflict is not only likely but imminent. On top of that, the fact that the Army chief himself is issuing this warning suggests that the situation is even more serious than we may realize.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker