Salmond lays down principles of Scottish defence
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has outlined the SNP’s plans for Scottish defence during a recent keynote speech in Shetland as part of a summer tour.
European Commission launches defence and security plan
The European Commission has launched its ‘Communication on the European Defence and Security Sector’ in order to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of Europe’s defence and security sector.
MOD spends £500k on bullets which may never be used
The Ministry of Defence has bought twice as many bullets as it needs for troops in Afghanistan at a cost to the taxpayer of around £500,000.
Liberal Democrats unveil the ‘Alternatives to Trident’
Ahead of a final decision on the future of the UK’s nuclear deterrent, due in 2016, and amid controversial arguments from the MOD regarding the Scottish independence ‘Better Together’ campaign, Liberal Democrat Chief Executive to the Treasury Danny Alexander has outlined his party’s Trident Alternatives Review in a speech to parliament.
Defence Reform Bill: what you need to know
As part of the UK Government’s attempt to reduce defence spend and cut the size of the MOD without losing operational capability, new legislation has been introduced in the House of Commons.
UK and Japan sign groundbreaking defence and security agreements
The UK and Japan have signed an historic agreement which will allow them to share classified information in order to jointly develop and produce defence equipment.
MOD announce partnership with UK firms to tackle cyber threats
The Ministry of Defence has announced a new partnership with major UK contractors in the latest move to increase UK security against online threats and cyber warfare.
The Spending Round 2013: defence to get best deal
Chancellor George Osborne took centre stage today (Wednesday 26 June) to deliver the 2013 Spending Review, billed as the next stage in the government’s plan to move from rescue to recovery.
Report finds that leaving UK will weaken Scottish defence capability
A report on the defence capabilities of an independent Scotland has concluded that leaving the UK would be put the country at a “great practical disadvantage”.
Osborne agrees defence spending deal with Hammond
Chancellor George Osborne has said he has reached a deal with the Ministry of Defence in budget talks on 2015-16 military spending, saying that cuts are necessary but military capacity will not be affected.
Britain captures a fifth of global defence market
British defence exports increased by 62% in 2012 to £8.8 billion, the largest increase for five years, seeing Britain now securing 20% of the global defence market.
Obama calls for reduced nuclear weapon capabilities
Summary: US President Barack Obama has used his public speech in Berlin today (19 June) to propose cuts of one-third in American and Russian nuclear
Largest recruitment drive in MOD history launched
The Ministry of Defence is embarking on the largest recruitment of buyers in its history, aiming to bring in up to 180 staff in total.
Fresh concerns raised over future of defence after Scottish independence
Unionist UK politicians have reiterated their concerns regarding the future of the defence industry should Scotland vote to become independent.
New White Paper to allow more suppliers to enter defence competition
The MOD expects to save £200m a year under new contract rules that are designed to allow for greater competition and transparency in defence procurement.
Ministers meet to review NATO cyber defences
Defence ministers from NATO’s 28 member states met last week, with cyber-defence top of the agenda amid concerns about the threat posed by increasing cyber-attacks.
Hammond seeks ‘adult conversation’ with Osborne over UK defence cuts
UK Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has said that he wants an “adult conversation” with Chancellor George Osborne over further cuts to the MOD.
Obama outlines US defense future
President Barack Obama has announced new courts which would adjudicate the use of unmanned drones in the US, increased attempts to speed up the closure of Guantánamo Bay, and a renewed focus on ending the extensive war on terror.
Plans submitted for wind farm in MOD nuclear listening zone
A planning application has been submitted to South Lanarkshire Council for a 14-turbine wind farm to be built within a seismic listening zone run by the Ministry of Defence.
Obama set for defence and counterterrorism address
President Obama plans to reiterate his administration’s views on evolving counterterrorism policies, the controversial use of drones and his renewed plans to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.
