Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Defence

Global Combat Air Programme update

Defence Secretary John Healey attended the G7 Defence Ministers summit in Naples where he discussed progress on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).


MOD Crown Copyright

Defence Secretary John Healey today attended the G7 Defence Ministers summit in Naples, where he met with Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and Japan’s Defence Minister Gen Nakatani to discuss the latest progress on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).  

Mr Healey congratulated Gen Nakatani on his recent appointment, and all three ministers spoke of the importance of protecting regional peace and stability in an increasingly more dangerous world.  

Advertisement
ODU RT

They welcomed the excellent progress being made by the GCAP industry partners and discussed the latest on preparations for the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO), now that the UK has successfully ratified the international treaty.  

Once ratified in all three Parliaments, the treaty will enter into force and the GIGO can be established. This will be the next major milestone for the programme, and is due to take place before the end of this year.  

UK Defence Secretary, John Healey said:  

Advertisement
ODU RT

This meeting of G7 allies takes place amid huge global uncertainty and growing Russian aggression. In these serious times, serious international partnerships are vital.

It was a pleasure to meet my Japanese and Italian counterparts to discuss progress on our GCAP programme, including treaty ratification and other upcoming milestones.

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Norwegian Armed Forces upgrade simulation capabilities with OneArc’s VBS4

Defence

Norwegian Armed Forces upgrade simulation capabilities with OneArc’s VBS4

14 April 2026

Norwegian Armed Forces have selected an enterprise license upgrade to VBS 4, BAE Systems OneArc’s flagship virtual training and mission rehearsal environment.

Dstl trials AI-powered drones for rapid explosives detection

Defence

Dstl trials AI-powered drones for rapid explosives detection

13 April 2026

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has led a major trial on behalf of the British Army, using AI-powered drone technology to identify landmines and explosive ordnance, which allowed bomb-disposal experts to conduct their mission faster through rapid detection.

Maritime Multi Link programme reaches Phase 2c milestone

Defence

Maritime Multi Link programme reaches Phase 2c milestone

13 April 2026

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), part of the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) National Armaments Director (NAD) Group has reached a key milestone in the Maritime Multi Link (MML) programme, achieving the Equipment Delivery Date for Phase 2c, a significant step forward in how Royal Navy ships share critical battlefield information.

NAD fully established as Andy Start retires

Defence

NAD fully established as Andy Start retires

13 April 2026

The National Armaments Director (NAD) Group is marking a year since interim (Deputy) NAD Andy Start established it in March 2025 and who is now retiring after 37 years in defence.

Advertisement
ODU RT
NAD contract secures future of Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft

Defence Events

NAD contract secures future of Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft

13 April 2026

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's (BBMF) five Spitfires and two Hurricanes will remain airworthy until at least December 2035 through a new contract awarded by the National Armaments Director Group (NAD Group).

Babcock secures FMSP contract extension with MoD

Defence

Babcock secures FMSP contract extension with MoD

13 April 2026

Babcock has agreed a two‑year extension of its Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP) contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), ensuring the continued delivery of vital fleet and infrastructure support for the Royal Navy’s surface ships, to sustain capability that remains critical to the UK’s operational readiness.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner