Ministry of Defence

Britain intercepted two Russian Bear F aircraft near the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier in the Norwegian Sea, as part of an expanded NATO Arctic mission. The UK used F-35 jets to escort the Russian planes, which had deployed sonobuoys to track submarines. This action follows the UK taking command of NATO's rapid deployment special forces unit.

Andy Burnham, expected to become UK prime minister, is set to remove Palantir from the NHS despite the company's £330m contract. Palantir faces criticism for its ties to the Israeli military and potential involvement in unlawful actions in Palestine. The firm also has defense contracts in the UK and is under investigation for its AI system's role in a deadly missile strike.

Palantir, a US data surveillance firm linked to Israeli military actions in Gaza, has secured over £670m in UK government contracts since 2020, including deals with the NHS and Ministry of Defence. The firm faces ethical and security concerns due to its alleged role in supporting Israel’s targeting of civilians and its controversial corporate rhetoric.

The Pakistani government approved supplying 175,000 tonnes of local wheat to the Pakistan Army starting from the 2026-27 crop, defined 'forced labour' in line with ILO 1930 standards, and allocated a Rs4.188bn severance package to Passco.

Singapore is set to acquire 24 additional AGM-114R Hellfire missiles from the US, approved under a US$22.3 million package, bringing the total to 67 missiles. The US State Department approved the sale, which includes related support services and equipment.

The Prime Minister announced a defense plan with a £5 billion funding gap and mandated £10 billion in cuts by the Ministry of Defence. The plan still lacks a timeline for defense spending to reach 3% of GDP.

Somalia's military, backed by Turkish forces, conducted airstrikes using F-16 fighter jets against al-Shabab positions in the Godey area of Lower Shabelle. The Ministry of Defence reported the strikes killed 35 al-Shabab fighters.

Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a 300 billion pound investment over four years to modernize the UK's military, including drones, uncrewed vehicles, and nuclear deterrent upgrades. The plan, part of a 10-year Defense Investment Plan, faces internal Labour party disagreements, with two defense ministers resigning over concerns it risks making Britain 'less safe'.

Britain's Defence Investment Plan includes developing at least six hybrid warships designed to operate with unmanned aerial and maritime systems. The focus is on integrating drones and hybrid naval capabilities.

Britain is overhauling its armed forces by adopting Ukraine's strategy of using affordable systems and rapid innovation. The Defence Investment Plan prioritizes unmanned combat vessels, drones, and AI-enabled technology over traditional large warships, reflecting lessons from the Ukraine war. Projects like Type 83 destroyers and Type 32 frigates are canceled in favor of autonomous systems.

The Ministry of Defence clarified that Rajnath Singh's remarks during Operation Sindoor were aimed at countering a false social media narrative claiming Indian Air Force pilots were killed in the operation.

Mistrust between the UK Treasury and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is hindering UK defence efforts. Resolving the impasse between the two departments is described as urgent.

MOD documents reveal that chemicals were disposed of down the drain at a military base, prompting renewed calls for an investigation into forever chemicals following the release of historical site documents.

Starmer's Ministry of Defence is accused of attempting to assign blame following a near-collision with a Russian warship in the English Channel. A yacht couple involved in the incident expressed fury, calling the MoD's claims 'rubbish.'

A Russian warship is accused of firing warning shots towards a yacht in the Channel. The Ministry of Defence states it is investigating reports of the incident.

The UK's Ministry of Defence and Treasury are in conflict over defense spending, with Keir Starmer attending the G7 summit to discuss international partnerships in conflicts involving Ukraine and the Middle East. Donald Trump announced the Strait of Hormuz will be 'completely open' as tensions rise, while a UNICEF report highlights climate risks affecting half of the world's children.

Al Carns, an ex-defence minister, criticizes the Ministry of Defence for 'unbelievable' waste and inefficiency, highlighting the unwillingness to address sunk costs in legacy programs. He suggests scrapping mismanaged programs like tanks in favor of new technology.

A soldier claims his hearing was damaged by machine gun noise during training in Northern Ireland and is suing the Ministry of Defence for £75,000. The case centers on alleged harm caused by military training conditions.

Three individuals, including Britain’s only serving female naval commando, died in a Royal Navy helicopter crash during a training exercise in Devon. The deceased were named as Lt Lily-Mae Fisher, Lt Cmdr Chris Grayson, and Petty Officer Owen Green by the Ministry of Defence.

Three Royal Navy members died in a Merlin Mk4 helicopter crash during a training exercise in Devon, England. The incident occurred near Sourton at 4 a.m., and an investigation is underway. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the families were informed, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the deaths 'utterly tragic.'

Peter Mandelson, UK former ambassador to the US, invited Prime Minister Kier Starmer to meet Palantir founder Peter Thiel. Palantir secured significant UK government contracts, including £60 million in NHS deals during the pandemic and a £330 million NHS Federated Data Platform contract. Mandelson co-founded Global Counsel, which lobbied for Palantir, and communications show coordination between Mandelson, Palantir executives, and UK officials.

A minister claims Labour is not committed to implementing a living wage for over-18s before the election, despite manifesto pledges. The Ministry of Defence faces criticism for inadequate fraud prevention, with a parliamentary committee urging cultural change to address £1.5bn annual losses. The MoD reports improved counter-fraud savings, while the government announces 300,000 youth job placements supported by major employers.

Parliament's spending watchdog has found that cancelled government projects wasted £6.6bn in taxpayer money last year. Notable examples include the Rwanda deportation scheme and a proposed road tunnel under Stonehenge. The Ministry of Defence was identified as the most wasteful department.

An Army officer is suing the Ministry of Defence for £200,000 after claiming he developed heightened sensitivity to cold weather due to not being provided with warm mittens during winter exercises. The officer alleges the lack of proper cold weather equipment caused him lasting physical harm.

The UK Government Commercial Agency is seeking input from smaller suppliers for a new £2.9B defense tech framework, aiming to increase participation of small and medium-sized enterprises. The framework, DIPS 2, will be open to more buyers and suppliers, including those outside the Ministry of Defence. It will have a total possible value of £2.88 billion including VAT.

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.

Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, a 24-year-old soldier, died after falling from her horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. She was part of the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery. The incident occurred on Friday around 7pm.

The UK's F-35 fighter fleet will use US-made glide bombs as an interim measure until delayed software updates support the SPEAR 3 mini-cruise missile. The delay in Block 4 software update from Lockheed Martin has pushed back the integration of SPEAR 3 to 2031. The Ministry of Defence has approved the procurement of Small Diameter Bomb (SDB II) to provide an interim stand-off capability.

An unknown British soldier who died during World War 2 has been identified 83 years later thanks to his great-grandnephew and the Ministry of Defence's 'War Detectives'. The identification was made possible through the efforts of the great-grandnephew and the MoD. The soldier's identity was previously unknown.

The families of victims of an RAF helicopter disaster have criticized the Ministry of Defence for releasing data related to the incident. The MoD's actions are described as 'callous' by the affected families. The released data has sparked controversy and outrage among those impacted by the tragedy.

The UK warship HMS Dragon is heading to the Middle East for a potential mission in the Strait of Hormuz. The ship will prepare to join an international mission to safeguard shipping once fighting in the region ends. The Ministry of Defence announced the deployment.

The UK warship HMS Dragon is heading to the Middle East for a potential mission to safeguard shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of Defence stated that the ship will prepare to join an international mission once fighting in the region ends. The mission aims to ensure safe shipping in the area.

Louis Mosley, UK and Europe boss of Palantir, has become a target for criticism due to the company's controversial dealings and right-wing rhetoric. Palantir has secured over £600m in deals with the NHS, Ministry of Defence, and police. The company's leadership and work with US and Israeli militaries have sparked concern.

The UK government will spend £20.5 million to develop a 'numberplate system for the skies' to track drones, and an additional £26.5 million on regulatory changes to support drone use in emergency responses and other areas. The system aims to identify and take action against unauthorized drones, following incidents at airports. The funding is part of a broader effort to integrate drones into UK airspace.

The Ministry of Defence has no system to detect civilian harm caused by UK military action, a study reveals. The MoD does not maintain a central register of civilian harm incidents or allegations. The department considers its existing mitigation effective despite mass casualties caused by other countries.

A Ministry of Defence report reveals that the £6.3 billion Ajax light tanks are emitting toxic fumes that may be poisoning troops. The issue highlights significant concerns over the safety and effectiveness of the costly military equipment.

Two soldiers won £132,000 in damages after suing the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) for hearing loss caused during their military careers. The case highlights the MoD's liability for health issues arising from service-related exposure.

Nick Pope, a former civil servant who investigated UFOs for the UK Ministry of Defence, died on April 6th at age 60. He became a celebrity after his work in the field.

An award-winning army Instagram influencer is suing the Ministry of Defence for £660,000, alleging a bullying campaign orchestrated by a quartermaster. The lawsuit highlights internal conflicts within the military and the impact of online influence on traditional institutions.

An Army nurse has filed a £1.2million lawsuit against the Ministry of Defence (MoD) following severe depression that led her to leave the military services. The claim stems from a colleague's 'blackface' gesture, which she alleges contributed to her mental health crisis. The case highlights allegations of racial insensitivity within the armed forces.