Five years after a landmark report warned of safety risks, women in the UK armed forces continue to report being issued ill-fitting kit, including body armour not designed for female bodies. The MoD plans new flat ballistic plates by 2028 and curved ones from 2029, while supplying curved armour to Ukraine.
Andy Burnham, poised to become UK Prime Minister, vows to strengthen armed forces and defence industry, emphasizing 'hard power' and domestic production. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis supports increased military spending towards NATO's 3.5% GDP target.
Sir Keir Starmer announced a £15bn increase in UK military spending, reaching £80bn annually by 2029, to be funded by cutting investment in road and energy projects. The plan, part of his final acts as PM, faces a £4.7bn funding gap for his successor, Andy Burnham.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a £15bn increase in UK military spending, raising the defence budget to £80bn annually by 2029. The funding will come from cutting other government investment budgets, including some road and energy projects, as part of the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled a £15bn increase in UK military spending, raising it to £80bn annually by 2029, to be funded by cutting other investment budgets, including some road and energy projects. The delayed plan aims to reverse the "hollowing out" of armed forces and has led to two ministerial resignations.
UK's Keir Starmer indicated no new funds for the armed forces, despite a defense secretary's resignation over inadequate settlement. Decisions like cutting overseas aid and seeking departmental cuts were made to fund the Defence Investment Plan, with the new defense secretary reviewing spending priorities.
UK's chief of defence staff warns armed forces must "dial back" training and operations without increased funding. Defence Secretary John Healey resigned over inadequate cash settlement, citing risks to personnel and readiness. Government plans to reach 3.5% defence spending by 2035 are under review.
British armed forces boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker, Smyrtos, in the English Channel on Sunday. The operation, involving Royal Marines and the NCA, aims to disrupt funding for Russia's war in Ukraine.
British armed forces intercepted and boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker, the Smyrtos, in the Channel on Sunday. The six-hour operation, led by the UK, involved Royal Marines and the National Crime Agency. The vessel, sailing under a Cameroonian flag, is being held off the Dorset coast.
British armed forces intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the Channel early Sunday in the first UK-led operation of its kind. The vessel, Smyrtos, will be monitored off the south coast of England.
