DefenceTalkThe UK and French Ministries of Defence have jointly announced they have contracted MBDA for the mid-life refurbishment of Storm Shadow / SCALP EG cruise missiles. This will prolong the operational superiority of the weapon against the anticipated evolving threat well into next decade This constitutes another major step in the Franco-British route map, continuing […]https://www.defencetalk.com/mbda-to-lead-the-mid-life-refurbishment-of-storm-shadow-scalp-missiles-69287/

DefenceTalkDefence Minister Harriett Baldwin announces £269M deal for Crowsnest system to protect new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. The deal with Lockheed Martin will see the start of manufacturing on the new Crowsnest system. It will act as the eyes and ears for the Royal Navy’s ships, providing long range air, maritime and land detection […]https://www.defencetalk.com/thales-wins-royal-navy-crowsnest-surveillance-helicopter-contract-68813/

DefenceTalkUK forces have taken command of NATO’s Response Force and its flagship Very High Readiness Joint Task Force. UK forces have taken command of NATO’s Response Force’s Land Component and its flagship Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), committing thousands of troops to be on standby and ready to deploy within days. Defence Minister […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uk-steps-up-to-take-command-of-nato-task-force-68795/

DefenceTalkThales, BAE Systems and their partner SAAB, ECA Group and ASV Global welcome the confirmation by the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) that the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) will continue their collaboration for the combined United Kingdom and France MMCM (maritime mine counter measures) program. Initiated in […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uk-and-france-to-develop-future-unmanned-mine-clearance-craft-68450/

DefenceTalkConstruction started in Barrow, Cumbria yesterday on the Royal Navy’s largest ever submarine. The nuclear sub will be over 150 meters long, weigh 17,500 tonnes, armed with Trident missiles and have accommodation for 130 male and female crew. The Successor project has now moved into the next stage, known as ‘Delivery Phase 1’, with manufacturing […]https://www.defencetalk.com/bae-begins-construction-on-new-british-nuclear-submarines-68315/

DefenceTalkA formal ceremony has taken place at the Amari Air Base in Estonia, as the Royal Air Force passes on responsibility for the policing of our NATO allies’ airspace to the German Air Force. UK Typhoon fighters have been deployed since April on their third four-month rotation in the Baltic Air Policing Mission, the mission […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uk-hands-over-responsibility-for-securing-baltic-skies-to-germany-68087/

DefenceTalkUK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has refused to guarantee military support to another NATO nation if it was attacked by Russia. He stressed the importance of building strong diplomatic relations with Moscow. NATO’s article five enshrines the principle of “collective defence” where an attack against one member is considered an attack against all. The UK, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uk-labour-leader-refuses-to-guarantee-support-for-nato-allies-68025/

DefenceTalkScanEagle drones have helped tackle drug gangs, people smugglers, and pirates for the past three years of operations. But now the Royal Navy drone program, described by the MoD as “crucial” and “game-changing” when it was launched, is set be retired next year. A contest called Unmanned Warrior, between underwater and air drones from different […]https://www.defencetalk.com/royal-navy-scaneagle-drone-program-axed-67874/

DefenceTalkThis year’s Farnborough air show was not a vintage year for aircraft orders, analysts say, a gloomy outlook clouded by Brexit and further darkening as European giant Airbus slashed output of its A380 superjumbo. Airbus’ announcement late Tuesday that the Franco-German planemaker would halve A380 production to one a month from 2018 caused some turbulence […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uk-airshow-wobbles-on-weak-demand-as-brexit-clouds-out-67827/

DefenceTalkThe Ministry of Defence (MOD) has confirmed the deal to purchase nine P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) for the Royal Air Force (RAF). The new aircraft, which will be based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, will play a vital role in protecting the UK’s nuclear deterrent and the UK’s two new aircraft carriers. They […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uk-orders-nine-boeing-p-8a-maritime-patrol-aircraft-67820/