U K Defence Forum

28/01/2026

New Inquiry Launched: The UK Defence Committee officially launched a new inquiry on 28 January into Defence in the High North. The probe will examine emerging Russian and Chinese threats as melting ice caps increase regional accessibility.
Royal Marines Deployment: Personnel from the Royal Marines and the Commando Helicopter Force are currently testing rapid deployment capabilities deep in the Arctic Circle. This training is part of preparations for Exercise Cold Response 2026, NATO’s largest northern exercise this year.
Political Calls for Scottish Warships: On 28 January, Scottish First Minister John Swinney urged the UK to base warships in Scotland specifically to guard offshore energy infrastructure from northern threats.
Operational Incidents & Interdictions
RAF Mid-Air Emergencies: Multiple RAF Typhoon jets from RAF Lossiemouth were forced to declare mid-air emergencies during training flights over Scotland and Aberdeenshire on 28 January, with at least one aircraft making an emergency landing.
Russian Vessel Expelled: A Russian-flagged cargo vessel was ordered to leave British waters on 28 January after being observed operating within 3 kilometres of the coast near Minehead.
Surveillance Patrols: An RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint spy plane conducted an electronic surveillance patrol orbiting the Russian territory of Kaliningrad on 28 January.
Industry & Procurement
Defence "Unicorn" Fund: The government launched a new £20 million fund on 28 January to help small and medium businesses (SMEs) win Ministry of Defence (MoD) contracts, part of a wider £7.5 billion commitment to SME investment through 2028.
Challenger 3 Milestone: The British Army’s next-generation Challenger 3 tank passed a major development milestone this week with its first crewed live-firing trials on UK soil.
New Goshawk Interceptor: The MoD launched a competition on 27 January for the Goshawk project, a low-cost interceptor designed to counter swarms of drones and missiles at close range.
Strategic Leadership
MoD Committee Scrutiny: Defence Secretary John Healey faced the Defence Committee on 27 January to discuss the modernization of the Armed Forces and the delay in the Defence Investment Plan.

26/01/2026

Fears over prospect of war surge among British public — Ipsos poll shows defence rising sharply as a public concern alongside immigration and the economy amid global tensions including Venezuela and NATO rhetoric.
🔗 https://www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/article/fears-over-prospect-of-war-surge-among-british-public-vxprd86vq

• Concerns about UK reliance on US defence and satellite systems — UK government officials express unease over dependency on US partners for critical defence infrastructure such as the Skynet 6 satellite programme, with Airbus and Lockheed Martin in competition for contracts.
🔗 https://www.ft.com/content/55af024b-7c09-4610-89e9-366f3f504dda

UK Defence Capability & Investment

• UK to spend $608 million on radar upgrade for Typhoon fighter jets — Contract awarded to BAE Systems and Leonardo to upgrade radar systems to meet modern threats, expected to create jobs and support exports.
🔗 https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/uk-spend-608-million-radar-upgrade-typhoon-fighter-jet-2026-01-22/

Earlier Defence Policy & Capability Developments (Context Relevant to 26 Nov)

• UK and Norway sign undersea security defence agreement — New Lunna House Agreement to enhance collaboration on undersea warfare and protection of critical infrastructure, including interoperable Type 26 frigates as part of maritime defence cooperation.
🔗 (subscription Janes) https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/sea/update-uk-norway-sign-new-defence-agreement-on-undersea-security

Contextual UK Defence Trends (Relevant to 26 Nov)

(Not strictly headlines of that date, but associated with ongoing reporting and strategic conversation in late November 2025 — included for completeness while avoiding repetition in your future remembered format.)

UK defence exports and economic growth — ADS reports defence and security industry added £26.7 billion to UK economy with strong export performance over the last decade.

UK chiefs question defence funding and readiness — Coverage in UK political channels notes friction between military leadership and government over funding and delivery of defence reforms.

European defence cooperation funding proposal shifts — EU Commission reduced the proposed UK contribution to the Safe defence investment scheme, reflecting negotiations over British participation.

25/01/2026

Training for Norway’s largest military exercise this year is underway, and UK troops play an essential part. 🇬🇧🇳🇴

Together, they are strengthening northern Europe's defence. 💪

Personnel are training in the Arctic, demonstrating the UK’s ability to fight and lead in the most demanding environments. ❄️

They are led by the Royal Marines: NATO's cold weather and mountain warfare experts.

25/01/2026

News headlines 25 January 26

UK’s Starmer discusses need for enhanced Arctic security with US president
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump to emphasise strengthening security in the Arctic and continued international support for Ukraine.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/eSbScVDS

The Ministry of Defence confirmed details of plans for a proposed multinational force intended to support Ukrainian defence and long-term stability.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/epSMT_mm

‘Neighbourhood watch’: European defence and security cooperation needs new framework
An article in Novaya Gazeta Europe argues that NATO and the EU are unsuited to evolving European security needs and advocates formalising a new coalition of the willing.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/esKRq2qH

Coverage highlights how the UK Ministry of Defence’s expanding relationship with US firm Palantir may be reshaping aspects of British defence policy and procurement.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/eivUHvPW

A Parliament Matters Bulletin outlines forthcoming debates including the Armed Forces Bill, Finance Bill, and other priority legislation in the Commons this week.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/exEke6ny

Sky News reports on a shift in US defence priorities that has implications for UK and NATO allied planning, signalling changed strategic emphasis in Washington.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/eKA-WCKJ

The new US strategy calls on allied nations, including the UK, to assume a greater role in countering global threats while lowering prioritisation of China and defining regional focus areas.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/e-tpi3bb

Commentary in The Telegraph by the boss of Palantir responds to concerns about US influence and alleged executive control over UK defence systems.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/eyC-eRaq

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25/01/2026

For info

Royal Navy warships and aircraft were activated to shadow Russian vessels in the English Channel during a two-day operation in coordination with NATO allies.

24/01/2026

News headlines 22 - 24 January 2026

Starmer and Trump discuss enhanced Arctic security
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasising the need for enhanced security in the Arctic region and mutual support on Ukraine.
🔗 https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/uks-starmer-discusses-need-enhanced-security-arctic-call-with-trump-2026-01-24/

• UK Prime Minister criticises Trump over remarks on NATO troops
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments suggesting NATO troops saw limited frontline combat in Afghanistan as “insulting and appalling.”
🔗 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/23/trump-news-at-a-glance-starmer

• Analysis: Greenland and transatlantic relations
An FT article analysed how the Greenland debate reflects fractures in the transatlantic alliance and implications for Arctic geopolitics.
🔗 https://www.ft.com/content/5657be61-33f0-424d-b11e-431b3f74d5ce

• Ukrainian perspective on “Greenland crisis” and alliance focus
A Guardian article described Ukrainian views that the Greenland issue could distract from unified focus on Russia and weaken NATO/Ukrainian solidarity.
🔗 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/24/distraction-threat-how-ukrainians-view-greenland-crisis

• UK defence radar upgrade for Typhoon jets (£608m deal)
The UK government approved a £453m contract to upgrade radar systems on Typhoon fighter jets to modern ECRS Mk2 standards, aimed at bolstering defence capabilities.
🔗 https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/uk-spend-608-million-radar-upgrade-typhoon-fighter-jet-2026-01-22/

• RAF officer appointed Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe
Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer, a former RAF fighter pilot, was named Britain’s top NATO commander as Deputy SACEUR, underlining UK leadership within the alliance.
🔗 (Article published in The Times)

• Report on Arctic & NATO dialogue at Davos
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed Arctic security and Ukraine peace with world leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
🔗 https://www.brusselstimes.com/eu-affairs/1933982/arctic-security-ukraine-peace-dominate-nato-chiefs-talks-in-davos

At Davos, NATO highlighted the urgent need for European defence investments, stressing AI and drone innovations. Arctic stability and Ukraine peace were key topics in high-level talks.

17/01/2026

New at www.defenceviewpoints.co.uk - Part 1 - Lincoln's 1862 template for Indian dispossession

Defence Viewpoints from UK Defence Forum. Up-to-the-minute perspectives on defence, security and peace issues from and for policy makers and opinion leaders.

17/01/2026

Today's news headlines :
UK allocates £200 million for armed forces deployment to Ukraine — The UK government says funding will prepare British troops for possible deployment to Ukraine if a peace deal is reached, including vehicles, communications and counter-drone equipment.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/esAPdWue

UK Ministry of Defence launches new Military Intelligence Services — A unified organisation will bring all defence intelligence units together, including a new Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit, to enhance threat anticipation and response.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/eKUKminU

The UK Ministry of Defence has started Project Grayburn to find a successor to the SA80 assault r***e, with possible rounds including 6.8×51mm or 6.5 mm options for improved range and lethality.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/eA7-Z5y7

Defence Industrial Strategy skills boost announced — A major defence industrial strategy outlines training colleges, apprenticeships and a Defence Skills Passport to grow technical and STEM skills for defence capability.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/ebWCaaYc

Ukraine & UK successfully test OCTOPUS interceptor drones — Ukraine and the UK report successful interceptor drone tests that enhance air defence cooperation under their long-term partnership.

UK to ease recall of older reservists up to age 65 — Plans to broaden recall eligibility in the event of war reflect efforts to expand mobilisation capacity.
Reporting suggests UK’s armed forces not fully ready for full-scale conflict — Comments attributed to senior military leadership highlight capability and funding gaps.

Increased UK Army and Navy recruitment advertising noted by public — Observations from social platforms point to more frequent military recruitment adverts, suggesting a recruitment emphasis.

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20/09/2023

A DC3 which took part in the Berlin Airlift in 1948, now at the Luftwaffe Museum at former Gatow airfield

20/09/2023

Just published at https://www.academia.edu/106924856/DV16_Op_Avalanche_the_invasion_of_Italy_1943_at_Salerno

A letter from Private Hickman about his experiences during the landings and after

A December 1943 letter from Private Hickman Dear Mum, Dad You must by now be concerned, not having had a letter from me for such a long time. Well the news of the landings in Italy must by now be well known all over England, so I am able to tell you