NATO diplomacy tested by Iran war fallout
Summit preparations and senior officials' remarks place defence spending, Middle East instability and transatlantic cohesion under the same spotlight.
Marcus Reeve 4 min read
Defence
Defence stories on this page track a rearming world and the politics that come with it. At Westminster, coverage follows John Healey's resignation as Defence Secretary in protest at the military spending settlement, Dan Jarvis's rapid appointment, and multi-year spending plans that put billions into defence. Internationally, the page spans France and Germany scrapping the FCAS fighter jet, Australia and Canada's $1.75 billion Arctic radar deal, China blocking dual-use exports to US defence companies, Taiwan's combat-readiness drills and Britain switching on the Borealis space-defence system.
Taiwan launches combat-readiness drills amid sustained regional pressure
The island has begun a new round of exercises designed to test military readiness, civil coordination and rapid response, as tension in the Taiwan Strait keeps deterrence at the centre of regional security debate.
Marcus Reeve 5 min read
Australia and Canada Sign $1.75 Billion Arctic Radar Deal
The agreement brings Australian-designed over-the-horizon radar technology to Canada, marking Australia's largest defence export deal as both Five Eyes partners deepen co-operation.
Marcus Reeve 4 min read
China Blocks Dual-Use Exports to US Defence Companies
Beijing has announced new restrictions on exports to American defence-linked firms in retaliation for expanded US sanctions on Chinese technology companies, escalating the two powers' security dispute.
Marcus Reeve 4 min read
France and Germany scrap flagship FCAS fighter jet after industrial deadlock
Europe's most ambitious defence programme, the sixth-generation Future Combat Air System, has been abandoned for its core jet after Airbus and Dassault failed to agree on who would lead the work.
Marcus Reeve 7 min read
Seoul keeps brakes on closer defence ties with Japan despite regional pressure
President Lee Jae-myung has ruled out a rapid expansion of military cooperation with Tokyo, insisting historical grievances be addressed first, even as North Korea, China and Russia draw closer together.
Marcus Reeve 7 min read
Healey quits as Defence Secretary in protest at military spending settlement
John Healey accused the Prime Minister and Treasury of failing to fund the armed forces adequately, in a resignation that deepened Labour's crisis.
Eleanor Whitfield 7 min read
Starmer names Dan Jarvis Defence Secretary in rapid reshuffle after revolt
The former Parachute Regiment officer takes over a department engulfed in a funding row as the Prime Minister moves to steady his government.
Eleanor Whitfield 7 min read
Reeves sets out multi-year spending plans with billions for NHS and defence
The chancellor unveiled her first multi-year settlement, boosting health, defence and nuclear power, but warned that some departments would lose out.
Eleanor Whitfield 7 min read
Britain switches on 'Borealis' space defence system to guard its satellites
The UK has unveiled a new system to track satellites, debris and potentially hostile objects in orbit, alongside the first images from a powerful military telescope, as ministers warn space is becoming a contested frontier.
Eleanor Whitfield 7 min read
Defence Secretary John Healey quits over military funding, deepening Starmer's crisis
John Healey resigned as Defence Secretary on 11 June, warning that the government's spending plan would leave Britain less safe, with armed forces minister Al Carns walking out hours later.
Eleanor Whitfield 8 min read
France pushes through 2026 budget with defence boost as pension reform is shelved
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu used special constitutional powers to adopt a delayed budget that lifts military spending sharply, while suspending the contested rise in the retirement age.
Marcus Reeve 7 min read