AirBy Lisa West

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ukdefencejournal.org.uk

Articles

Block 4 delays not expected to impact UK F-35 timeline

1 week ago | ukdefencejournal.org.uk | AirBy Lisa West |Lisa West

The Ministry of Defence has stated that it does not anticipate production delays associated with Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Block 4 software upgrade will impact the UK Lightning Force’s Full Operating Capability (FOC), which remains scheduled for no later than the end of 2025. The reassurance came in a written response from Minister of State for Defence Maria Eagle to a parliamentary question submitted by Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty.
British tankers aid U.S. in Red Sea as allies face criticism

3 weeks ago | ukdefencejournal.org.uk | AirBy Lisa West |Lisa West

The UK Defence Journal observed one such Voyager aircraft deploying to and returning from the region, with flight data and military activity suggesting involvement in the ongoing U.S.-led campaign. Alluding to the deployment, we were told “Let’s just say there’s a reason you saw a Voyager in that part of the world,” by one RAF source familiar with deployment patterns.
Qatar to buy MQ-9B drones in $1.96bn U.S. deal

4 weeks ago | ukdefencejournal.org.uk | AirBy Lisa West |Lisa West

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the deal on 26 March 2025. The proposed package includes not only the MQ-9B drones—one of the most capable unmanned systems currently available—but also extensive associated equipment. These include 110 AGM-114R2 Hellfire II missiles, Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits, precision-guided bombs, advanced targeting radars, electronic warfare suites, secure communications systems, and spare parts.
Government responds to concerns over future of Hawk

4 weeks ago | ukdefencejournal.org.uk | AirBy Lisa West |Lisa West

This admission forms part of the Ministry of Defence’s response to the Defence Committee’s report on Future Aviation Capabilities, published on 21 March 2025. The Defence Committee had strongly criticised the failure to maintain sovereign production capability for the Hawk, once a mainstay of UK defence exports and fast jet pilot training.
What’s next for Red Arrows? Ministers weigh Hawk replacement

1 month ago | ukdefencejournal.org.uk | AirBy Lisa West |Lisa West

Speaking in the House of Commons, John Cooper MP (Con, Dumfries and Galloway) asked Defence Procurement Minister Maria Eagle about the Government’s plans to ensure a British-built replacement, maintaining sovereign capability for fast jet training and display flying. Eagle responded: “The hon. Gentleman is right to say that Hawk is due to be out of service in the early 2030s. We are taking steps to consider what the alternatives might be, and we will of course consider any UK options that exist.
Britain aiming to keep F-35 in service until 2069

1 month ago | ukdefencejournal.org.uk | AirBy Lisa West |Lisa West

Responding to a parliamentary question from Navendu Mishra MP (Labour – Stockport) regarding the impact of Typhoon Tranche 1 retirement on the UK aerospace sector, Minister of State Maria Eagle highlighted the UK’s long-term role in F-35 production and maintenance. “Through Lockheed Martin and the Joint Program Office, approximately 15% by value of the total global F-35 Lightning production is manufactured by UK companies,” Eagle stated.
UK assessing domestic launch options for Defence satellites

1 month ago | ukdefencejournal.org.uk | AirBy Lisa West |Lisa West

Responding to a parliamentary question from Damien Egan, MP for Bristol North East, Defence Minister Luke Pollard outlined the government’s approach, highlighting a £111 million investment in the UK’s space launch sector. “The Government is developing the UK’s emerging space launch industry, aiming to become a European leader in commercial small satellite launches.
Largest all-female RAF flypast undertaken

1 month ago | ukdefencejournal.org.uk | AirBy Lisa West |Lisa West

The formation, consisting of an A400M Atlas, a Prefect T1, and a Eurofighter Typhoon, represented the largest-ever RAF flypast conducted solely by female aircrew. The Women in War exhibition, hosted at the IBCC’s Memorial Spire, features ten steel silhouettes created by the Standing with Giants team—renowned for their D-Day display in Normandy in 2024.
B-52 bombers show ‘American lethality’ in Europe

1 month ago | ukdefencejournal.org.uk | AirBy Lisa West |Lisa West

Operating as the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from RAF Fairford, UK, the bombers carried out 13 operational missions across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, working alongside more than 20 allied and partner nations. “Bomber Task Force missions reinforce our ability to rapidly project combat power, demonstrating U.S. lethality and readiness in a dynamic security environment,” said Maj. Gen.
UK confirms operational independence of F-35 fleet

1 month ago | ukdefencejournal.org.uk | AirBy Lisa West |Lisa West

In response to a parliamentary question from Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick, Defence Minister Luke Pollard stated that “the UK maintains the freedom of action to operate the F-35 Lightning at a time and place of our choosing.”The assurance addresses long-standing concerns over the operational independence of the aircraft, which is developed by Lockheed Martin and integrates various US-made components and software.