Britain's military may have to scale back operations and exercises in the coming years if the Ministry of Defence doesn't receive additional funding. Chief of Defence Staff, Rich Knighton, expressed concern over day-to-day budgets, noting a shift from capital to resource spending over two decades.
The UK's long-delayed 10-year Defence Investment Plan (DIP) faces further scrutiny as unions and defense firms warn of threats to jobs, skills, and national security. The plan, initially expected in autumn 2025, is now slated for publication before the July NATO summit, though funding disagreements persist.
China and the UK have seen steady development in military relations, highlighted by Admiral Tony Radakin's historic visit to China in 2025, the first by a UK Chief of Defence Staff in a decade.
Revelation comes after report commissioned by department released in response to charity’s FoI requestThe Ministry of Defence has no system for examining whether UK military action has killed or injured civilians in war, a study commissioned by the department has revealed.The MoD also “does not maintain a central register of civilian harm incidents or allegations” and, despite mass casualties caused by other countries, has concluded there is no need to do so because its existing mitigation is considered effective. Continue reading...
Revelation comes after report commissioned by department released in response to charity’s FoI requestThe Ministry of Defence has no system for examining whether UK military action has killed or injured civilians in war, a study commissioned by the department has revealed.The MoD also “does not maintain a central register of civilian harm incidents or allegations” and, despite mass casualties caused by other countries, has concluded there is no need to do so because its existing mitigation is considered effective. Continue reading...
BBC gains rare access to an Iraqi military base where UK and US forces operate together amid the Iran-Israel conflict. Prior to the fragile ceasefire announcement, up to 28 drones were fired at the base daily. Despite political tensions between Washington and Westminster over the Iran war, British Armed Forces Minister Al Carns says cooperation remains strong: "We've helped move Americans out of harms way; we've helped protect us and they've helped protect us."
The BBC has been given access to a military base in Iraq where UK and US forces continue to work together during the Iran conflict. Prior to the US-announced ceasefire, up to 28 drones were fired at the base daily. An RAF air specialist described the experience as 'bloody difficult' with 'weapons of destruction going off around you.' Armed Forces Minister Al Carns said British forces have helped move Americans out of harm's way and vice versa, emphasising the relationship remains strong despite sharp differences over the Iran war that have strained transatlantic relations.
Around 200 protesters gathered at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire to demonstrate against the US Air Force's use of the base for operations against Iran. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament organized the demonstration, calling for an end to the war and for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to stop President Trump's use of British bases. The base has been used to deploy US bombers since the Middle East conflict began on 28 February. Residents have complained about aircraft noise causing their houses to shake.
Britain has offered to deploy a squadron of RAF Typhoon jets from Qatar to patrol the Strait of Hormuz as part of a multinational mission to keep the strategic waterway open after the Iran war ends. British military planners also offered mine-hunting drones and specialist divers to clear mines planted by Iran, though no decision has been made on deploying a Royal Navy warship. The proposal was presented at a 30-country meeting at the UK's Northwood headquarters, with representatives from Germany, Norway, South Korea and Australia attending. The UK and France said they would only participate if there is a peace deal or sustainable ceasefire, not in any military action against Iran.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre says two gunboats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard opened fire on a tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz after Iran said it had reimposed restrictions on the vital waterway.
