Luke Pollard

Japan, Italy, and the U.K. secured a £4.6 billion contract for the GCAP sixth-generation fighter jet, enabling its development phase after the U.K. resolved funding delays. The tri-nation consortium Edgewing, comprising BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd., will advance design and technology under the agreement.

Starmer faces backlash over the defense investment plan, which critics argue is underfunded and diverts resources from road projects. A defense minister defended the plan, stating it is common for governments to defer part of the funding explanation until the autumn budget.

The Royal Navy will receive all eight of its Type 26 frigates as planned, despite speculation that build slots might be offered to the Norwegian navy. Defense Minister Luke Pollard confirmed the decision.

The UK is advancing secure military communications through optical satellite links, with field trials conducted by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) using Archangel Lightworks' TERRA-M system. The portable system achieved high-speed data downloads from LEO satellites and is designed for rapid deployment, with potential future terabit-per-second capabilities. The US Space Force also awarded a $2.29 billion contract to SpaceX for a LEO satellite network.

The UK has deployed low-cost anti-drone rockets to the Middle East, which will be fitted to British Typhoon jets. The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) has already seen operational use in the Middle East with No. 9 Squadron RAF. The system is said to cost $30,000 to $40,000, making it much less expensive than a typical air-to-air missile.