Opinion Section
In dire straits – the RFA in crisis
The Royal Fleet Auxilliary is overworked, underpaid, and undervalued argues @TheSubHunter1.
Putin’s approval bump offers little reassurance on strategy
A bump in domestic approval offers little reassurance for Putin’s military strategy.
Two recent studies by Western academics have concluded that public support for Vladimir...
NAVAL NEWS
Babcock, Veolia in first dismantling of UK nuclear submarine
Swiftsure is expected to be fully dismantled by 2026, paving the way for the eventual recycling of the entire decommissioned UK submarine fleet.
Report argues UK must prioritise naval power for growth
A recent report, The Strategic Defence Review, Britain and Sea Power, published by the Council on Geostrategy, argues for a renewed focus on British sea power as a cornerstone of both national security and economic stability.
Two Type 45 Destroyers currently operational, confirms MOD
As of 31st October 2024, two Type 45 destroyers were immediately available, or deployed.
AVIATION NEWS
America to test nuclear missile launch system tonight
The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command will tonight conduct a long-planned operational test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
MoD reiterates focus of RAF surveillance near Gaza
The Ministry of Defence has clarified the scope of its surveillance operations over Gaza, affirming that the primary objective remains the safe release of hostages, including British nationals.
U.S. strategic bombers deploying to Europe ‘imminently’
The United States is preparing to deploy strategic bombers to Europe, making clear its commitment to defending shared interests of NATO and maintaining stability throughout the region.
LAND NEWS
INTERPOL operation rescues 3,200 Human trafficking victims
Operation Liberterra II led by @INTERPOL_HQ and supported by @NCA_UK in the UK, has rescued 3,200 trafficking victims, identified 17,800 irregular migrants, and resulted in over 2,500 arrests globally, including nine in the UK.
UK reaffirms plan to ‘double lethality’ of British Army
Key questions remain around the feasibility and specific steps required to achieve such a target.
Lords highlight Scotland’s role in UK defence
Lord Stirrup raised the strategic value of Scotland within the UK, pointing to the presence of major military bases, including an RAF base on the Moray Firth and the Royal Navy’s Faslane facility.
International News
Fact Checks
A Russian submarine, Scotland, and an odd conspiracy
A recent BBC Scotland news story about the sighting of a Russian submarine off the west coast of Scotland has sparked a flurry of odd reactions on social media.
The myth that nukes are in Scotland to keep England safe
Misconceptions can often take root and spread quickly, one incorrect claim is that the UK stores all of its nukes in Scotland because they're too dangerous to keep in England.