DefenceTalkThe price tag for the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carriers is set to top more than £6 billion as the Government prepares to announce further cost overruns, according to reports. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond is expected to announce the projected cost of the two carriers – which will not enter service until the end of […]https://www.defencetalk.com/cost-of-uk-aircraft-carriers-passes-6-billion-49568/

DefenceTalkBritain may recruit convicted computer hackers to a new military unit dedicated to combating cyber-attacks, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said. Hammond announced plans last month to recruit hundreds of computer experts to work as military reservists for at least 19 days a year in a new Joint Cyber Reserve unit. “As a matter of policy […]https://www.defencetalk.com/britain-may-hire-hackers-for-cyber-defence-49458/

DefenceTalkThe Ministry of Defence is to buy 200 extra missiles as part of a multi-million-pound deal announced today by the Prime Minister. Starstreak, built by Thales at their plant in Belfast, forms part of the UK’s ground-based air defence capability, which was used to protect London during the Olympic Games in 2012. The contract with […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uk-mod-orders-more-starstreak-missiles-49379/

DefenceTalkThe Scotland analysis paper on Defence, published today, highlights the extent to which an independent Scotland benefits from the £34 billion annual UK defence budget, one of the largest in the world. The complex and integrated nature of the UK’s defence capabilities mean that an independent Scotland would have real difficulties trying to replicate a […]https://www.defencetalk.com/new-scotland-analysis-paper-on-uk-defence-49306/

DefenceTalkRAF Top Guns will team up with their French counterparts to spearhead a major military exercise which starts on Sunday. (6 October) The 11-day event will see aircraft from Britain, France, the United States, Canada and Germany being hosted at RAF stations for a UK wide tri-service training exercise for operations. And building on the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/raf-and-french-air-force-spearhead-major-military-exercise-49294/

DefenceTalkNorthrop Grumman has supplied the final batch of Platform Management System (PMS) hardware for the Royal Navy’s Astute-class series’ boat 5 submarine. Under a performance partnering arrangement, Northrop Grumman’s Sperry Marine business unit supplied the PMS to BAE Systems Maritime-Submarines for installation on Astute Boat 5, Anson, at its shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, U.K. The PMS […]https://www.defencetalk.com/northrop-delivers-platform-management-system-for-uk-royal-navys-astute-submarine-49048/

DefenceTalkBritish military officers will join the Prime Minister for talks later, to discuss the UK’s response to last week’s chemical weapons attack in Syria. The National Security Council, which also includes the Defence Secretary and intelligence chiefs, will meet at 12. David Cameron set out the options he is considering for action against Syria in […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uk-sets-out-options-for-syria-action-48893/

DefenceTalkBritain is considering legal action against Spain over the continued imposition of additional checks at the border with Gibraltar, Downing Street said today. A No 10 spokesman said it was looking at the “unprecedented step” after the Spanish government failed to lift the extra controls over the weekend. “Clearly the Prime Minister is disappointed by […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uk-considers-legal-action-over-gibraltar-48731/

DefenceTalkA review of Britain’s nuclear defences has concluded it needs four nuclear submarines to stay safe, but alternatives could be found in the future. The review, led by Treasury Chief Secretary Danny Alexander, said there are alternatives to the UK’s current nuclear stance which requires at least one nuclear-armed submarine always to be at a […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uk-needs-four-nuclear-subs-to-stay-safe-48499/

DefenceTalkDefence Secretary Philip Hammond has warned it would be “reckless” to downgrade the UK’s nuclear deterrent ahead of the release of a Liberal Democrat-led review of alternatives to replacing the Royal Navy’s fleet of Trident submarines. The Lib Dems have opposed the like-for-like replacement of the Trident system, and the review of alternatives led by […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uk-government-remains-committed-to-trident-48488/