November 2018 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News

Pax River F-35 ITF leaves HMS Queen Elizabeth after 'eclipsing aspirations' NNS 30 Nov 2018 -- F-35 Lightning jets from the Pax River Integrated Test Force left HMS Queen Elizabeth, Nov. 19, 2018, after eight weeks flying on and off the 65,000-tonne warship, helping to write the 'operator's manual' so the jets can fly from her deck on front-line operations.
India, UK Begin Anti-Submarine, Anti-Air Warfare Exercise in Arabian Sea Sputnik 29 Nov 2018 -- The British government has started to align more with the Asia Pacific countries in a bid to conclude new trading partnerships in the post-Brexit era. However, limited naval assets pose a major roadblock in this ambition.
Brexit will make UK economically poorer: Government report Press TV 28 Nov 2018 -- A new study by the UK government suggests that Britain will become poorer economically some 15 years after leaving the European Union.
British court rejects Turkey's extradition request for top Gulenists Press TV 28 Nov 2018 -- A court in the United Kingdom has turned down a request by Turkish officials to extradite two senior members of a movement led by US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the Ankara government accuses of having masterminded the July 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
UK government rejects Trump's criticism of Brexit deal Press TV 27 Nov 2018 -- The British government has furiously reacted to remarks by US President Donald Trump about a European Union withdrawal agreement, saying it was wrong to say that London will not be able to reach its own trade arrangement with Washington under the deal reached between Britain and the EU last week.
Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 26 Nov 2018 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Syria.
Brexit deal to cost Britain 100 billion pounds annually by 2030, research estimates People's Daily 26 Nov 2018 -- The British government's Brexit deal would cost the country 100 billion British pounds (about 128 billion U.S. dollars) per year by 2030, according to media reports on a research institute's latest estimates.
UK economy to shrink significantly under May's Brexit deal: Study Press TV 26 Nov 2018 -- A major study suggests a controversial deal on withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, negotiated and championed by Prime Minister Theresa May, would rob the country of a significant portion of its wealth over the next decade.
Theresa May's Brexit Deal May Cost UK Economy '£100bn' by 2030, Says New Report Sputnik 26 Nov 2018 -- With the parliamentary vote on Theresa May's Brexit agreement just around the corner, keen Remainers are keeping their eyes peeled for any and all evidence that throws the Brexit project further into question - they may have just been handed it.
UAE frees British spy jailed for life after London threatened diplomatic ties Press TV 26 Nov 2018 -- The United Arab Emirate has granted a pardon to a British academic whose life sentence a week ago had triggered a harsh response from London.
UAE Pardons UK National Who Allegedly Confessed to Being MI6 Agent Sputnik 26 Nov 2018 -- Last week, a 31-year-old British academic, who travelled to Dubai in early May, was accused of 'jeopardising the military, economy and political security' of the United Arab Emirates, and was given a life sentence for spying.
Corbyn reiterates Labour will reject UK Brexit deal with EU Press TV 25 Nov 2018 -- Britain's opposition Labour Party in the UK Parliament will reject the Brexit agreement reached with the European Union, its leader Jeremy Corbyn has reiterated, calling it a "bad deal" for the country.
Brexit agreement with EU 'only possible deal' available: UK PM May Press TV 25 Nov 2018 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May has reiterated that a European Union divorce deal endorsed by the bloc on Sunday was the "only possible deal" that would provide control of UK borders and budgets while maintaining close cooperation with EU regulations that was good for business and the security of the broader region.
EU leaders endorse Brexit deal, reject renegotiation with UK Press TV 25 Nov 2018 -- All 27 members of the European Union (EU) have approved a deal to end the UK's membership in the bloc, warning that renegotiation was not an option even if the British parliament rejects it.
May appeals to the public to support her Brexit deal Press TV 25 Nov 2018 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May has appealed to the public to support her Brexit deal, calling on Leavers and Remainers to end hostilities and unite.
Endorsed Brexit Deal 'Only Possible' Way to Lead UK to 'Bright Future' - May Sputnik 25 Nov 2018 -- UK Prime Minister Theresa May has held a national briefing on Brexit, hours after the EU leaders held a special meeting on the issue, endorsed the Brexit withdrawal agreement and the political declaration regulating post-Brexit relations with the United Kingdom.
British Lawmakers Warn They Will Vote Against Brexit Deal VOA 25 Nov 2018 -- It took Britain's Theresa May and 27 other European Union leaders just 40 minutes to sign the Brexit deal after two years of tortuous negotiations, but the trials and tribulations of Britain's withdrawal agreement approved Sunday in Brussels are far from over.
Spain forces UK into deal on Gibraltar before Brexit summit Press TV 24 Nov 2018 -- Spain has managed to force Britain into signing an agreement on how the two countries should deal with the British territory of Gibraltar, which lies to the southern coast of Spain, once Britain leaves the European Union in March next year.
Spain Lifts Threats, Clearing Way For EU Summit To Approve Brexit Deal RFE/RL 24 Nov 2018 -- A last-minute deal to meet Madrid's demands on possible talks about the future of Gibraltar has been reached between the U.K. and Spanish governments, clearing the way for a European Union summit on a proposed Brexit deal to go forward on November 25.
Spain Gets Guarantees on Gibraltar Before Endorsing Brexit Deal VOA 24 Nov 2018 -- European Council President Donald Tusk and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez agreed to a deal Saturday on the future of Gibraltar, removing a key obstacle one day before a European Union meeting intended to endorse the Brexit deal.
Britain's head of army calls Russia more threatening than Daesh Press TV 24 Nov 2018 -- The head of the British army has said that Russia poses more threats to the UK than the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group.
British Army Chief Says Russia Poses 'Far Greater Threat' Than IS RFE/RL 24 Nov 2018 -- Russia is a "far greater threat" to Britain's national security than Islamic terrorist groups such as the Islamic State (IS), the new head of the British Army has warned.
British Police Release More Video Of Skripal Poisoning Suspects RFE/RL 23 Nov 2018 -- Police in Britain have released more video of the two suspects they believe poisoned former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury in March.
Spain warns of no EU summit on Brexit without deal on Gibraltar Press TV 23 Nov 2018 -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned on Friday there would "very probably" be no European Council summit to approve Britain's exit from the EU on Sunday if the issue of Gibraltar is not first resolved.
Spain Stands Firm on Gibraltar Status as Brexit Vote Nears VOA 23 Nov 2018 -- A centuries old quarrel between Britain and Spain over the British colony Gibraltar threatens to throw a wrench into the works of the much-anticipated Brexit deal with the European Union that will be voted on at a meeting of the European Commission Sunday.
Defence Secretary secures ships to protect home waters UK MOD 22 Nov 2018 -- Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has secured the protection of British home waters by announcing he will retain three of the Royal Navy's patrol ships.
HMS Sheffield revealed as new warship UK MOD 22 Nov 2018 -- Defence Minister Stuart Andrew has today announced the name of a future world-beating British warship as HMS Sheffield.
UK spy chiefs pushing against Trump leaks of secrets on Russia Press TV 22 Nov 2018 -- British intelligence chiefs are trying to stop US President Donald Trump from leaking secret information on Russia's alleged meddling in foreign elections, a new report suggests.
FBI Declines to Comment on UK Hybrid Warfare Project Sputnik 23 Nov 2018 -- The FBI is referring questions to British authorities regarding the alleged spy network and hybrid warfare initiative the UK has reportedly established across Europe and North America, a bureau spokesperson told Sputnik on Friday.
UK Spy Agency Wants to Prevent Trump From Publishing Russia Probe Files - Report Sputnik 22 Nov 2018 -- The row pertains to an FBI request to wiretap a former Trump campaign foreign policy adviser, which was made a month ahead of the 2016 US presidential elections. Earlier this month, President Trump said that he was "very seriously" considering declassifying the documents related to Russia's alleged interference in the US elections.
Britain Threatens UAE Over Jailing of British Student Accused of Spying VOA 22 Nov 2018 -- British authorities reacted with anger and threatened the United Arab Emirates with serious diplomatic repercussions after a court in the Gulf state sentenced a British student to life in prison for spying. The jailing of 31-year-old Matthew Hedges visibly shocked British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who believed he'd been given assurances 10 days ago on a visit to the UAE the student would be freed.
UK to Send Marines, Warship to Ukraine for Sake of 'Democracy' - Reports Sputnik 21 Nov 2018 -- Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson will reaffirm Britain's commitment to Ukraine during a visit to Kiev.
Maritime training deployments to deepen UK-Ukraine defence partnership UK MOD 21 Nov 2018 -- Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson meets Minister of Defence of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak in London
New Chinook simulators ready for training UK MOD 21 Nov 2018 -- A new, purpose built facility replicating real-life operations for Chinook helicopter crews with the very latest technology has been officially opened today.
UK's May Heads to Brussels as Spain Threatens to Veto Brexit Deal VOA 21 Nov 2018 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May appears to have held off a bid to oust her by rebels in her Conservative party who oppose a Brexit deal she is finalizing with the European Union. But her exit plan faces further threats as a group of EU nations demand further concessions from Britain.
'Unacceptable': Spanish Prime Minister Rejects Brexit Plan Over Gibraltar Sputnik 22 Nov 2018 -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Wednesday his country would veto the Brexit draft over the disputed Gibraltar peninsula.
Britain slams Germany, France for proposing EU army Press TV 20 Nov 2018 -- UK Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson has lashed out at leaders of France and Germany for their proposal for creating a European army that could rival the NATO military alliance.
UK warns Russia about military operations at Azov Sea Press TV 20 Nov 2018 -- The UK has warned Russia against using its growing military presence in the Sea of Azov to "destabilize" regional economy, amid allegations that Ukrainian ships are being denied access to the waters.
RAF Announces US Spy Planes Moving Due to Shutdown of Mildenhall Air Base Sputnik 19 Nov 2018 -- The US Air Force is proceeding with the shutdown of a key air base in Britain as part of a cost-saving effort and redistributing its forces elsewhere in Europe. The Royal Air Force has now announced that hundreds of servicemen will be moved to a base in Gloucestershire, along with some of the USAF's best spy planes.
Spain warns it could reject Brexit deal over Gibraltar Press TV 19 Nov 2018 -- Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell has threatened that his country could torpedo Britain's agreement for withdrawing from the European Union because it still fails to mention that Madrid would have the right to independently discuss the future of Gibraltar with London after Brexit.
Spain Needs More 'Clarity' on Gibraltar Before Endorsing Brexit Deal – Officials Sputnik 19 Nov 2018 -- 27 European Union member states have examined UK prime minister Theresa May's Brexit draft agreement regarding Britain's withdrawal from the European Union, with Spanish officials stating that it cannot endorse the plan due to a lack of understanding over the contentious position of Gibraltar.
More Than 500 Safety Scares Recorded at UK's Trident Nuclear Base Since 2006 Sputnik 19 Nov 2018 -- There have long been concerns about the security of the UK's Trident submarine fleet based in Scotland. Accusations that the government has covered up safety scares have long been in circulation. Now, it appears that such concerns were well founded.
MOD awards £160m contract to prepare RAF Lakenheath for US F-35s UK MOD 19 Nov 2018 -- The MOD has awarded a contract worth £160m to Kier VolkerFitzpatrick to deliver infrastructure to ready RAF Lakenheath for two squadrons of US F-35s.
Armed Forces Minister reaffirms importance of Gibraltar to UK defence UK MOD 19 Nov 2018 -- Armed Forces Minister Mark Lancaster reaffirmed the strategic importance of Gibraltar for UK defence at the signing ceremony for the Armed Forces (Gibraltar) Act onboard HMS Diamond.
British troops preparing plans to respond to no-deal Brexit Press TV 18 Nov 2018 -- The British military is drawing up emergency measures for deploying troops to respond to any chaos caused by Britain crashing out of the European Union without a deal.
Hard Brexit: UK Prepares to Deploy Troops on Streets Amid 'No-Deal' Chaos Fears Sputnik 18 Nov 2018 -- A report by The Sunday Times, which cited an unnamed source in the UK's armed forces, came as a draft Brexit deal proposed by UK Prime Minister Theresa May faces significant backlash and opposition even within her Cabinet, having already led to several resignations.
Brexit poses 'particular risk' to British people in poverty: UN independent expert UN News 16 Nov 2018 -- Brexit – the United Kingdom's impending exit from the European Union – will drive more UK citizens into poverty unless the Government takes action to shield the most vulnerable, warned Philip Alston, the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, in a damning statement released on Friday.
Britain's May Sticks to Brexit Deal as Rebellion Grows VOA 16 Nov 2018 -- Embattled British Prime Minister Theresa May came out fighting Friday in defense of her contentious draft Brexit deal, calling on the British public to back her. But critics within her party, who complain the proposed agreement would turn Britain into a "vassal state," mounted a formal bid to oust her.
UK to Double F-35 Fleet 'Building Game-Changing Capability' - Defence Secretary Sputnik 15 Nov 2018 -- The UK will double its fleet of F-35 fighters by placing a massive order to obtain 17 more jets to conduct its defense initiatives, Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson said.
UK, EU Agree on British Military Bases in Cyprus, Gibraltar Sputnik 15 Nov 2018 -- Earlier this week, EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier revealed the contents of the draft Brexit deal agreed upon by the United Kingdom and the European Union. The document includes three protocols related to Cyprus, Gibraltar and the Irish border.
'Falling Apart': Turmoil as UK Ministers Quit Gov't Protesting May's Brexit Deal Sputnik 15 Nov 2018 -- A number of UK ministers has left the government amid disagreements over the controversial draft Brexit deal with Prime Minister Theresa May after she managed to secure the cabinet's support of the agreement.
UK to double F-35 fleet with 17-jet order, Defence Secretary announces UK MOD 15 Nov 2018 -- The multi-million-pound contract signed will see the UK own 35 stealth jets by end of 2022 with Britain manufacturing 15% of the overall global order for 255 aircraft.
British PM May: Rejection of Brexit Deal Would Create Grave Uncertainty VOA 15 Nov 2018 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May is promising to fight for approval of the draft agreement for Britain to withdraw from the European Union, saying a rejection would put Britain on "a path of deep and grave uncertainty."
Contentious Brexit Divorce Agreement Triggers Ministerial Resignations VOA 15 Nov 2018 -- "There will be difficult days ahead," Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May said on the steps of Downing Street when announcing she had secured the backing of her Cabinet for a contentious Brexit divorce agreement after an impassioned and at times angry five-hour meeting.
Joint Statement on U.S.-UK Strategic Dialogue US Dept. of State 14 Nov 2018
May wins support among ministers for her Brexit deal Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May has won support among British ministers for her Brexit deal with the European Union.
UK Labour to 'vote against' Brexit deal if it fails to meet tests: Corbyn Press TV 14 Nov 2018 -- Britain's main opposition party has denounced as "shambolic" the Prime Minister Theresa May's handling of Brexit negotiations, saying it will vote against any agreement regarding the country's separation from the European Union (EU) unless the deal meets the party's standards and criteria.
UK Prime Minister May Secures Cabinet Support for Brexit Deal Sputnik 14 Nov 2018 -- UK Prime Minister Theresa May has secured a cabinet support for her Brexit deal and the agreement would be submitted to the parliament for review.
British Cabinet Backs Brexit Deal After Marathon Meeting VOA 14 Nov 2018 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May scrambled Wednesday to sell to her Cabinet a draft Brexit divorce agreement British negotiators concluded after months of wrangling with their European Union counterparts. After a five-hour Cabinet meeting, Britain's beleaguered leader got the backing of her ministers.
British Army Shortfall Opens Door for Commonwealth Citizens VOA 14 Nov 2018 -- Britain is to allow citizens from all Commonwealth countries to join its armed forces – even if they have never lived in Britain. The new rules are aimed at tackling a recruitment crisis. But campaigners want clarity over the citizenship rights of the new recruits after they leave the services.
Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve Press Briefing by U.K. Army Maj. Gen. Christopher Ghika via Teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq DoD 13 Nov 2018 -- U.K. Army Maj. Gen. Christopher Ghika, Deputy Commander for Strategy and Information, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve; Commander Sean Robertson, Pentagon Spokesman
'Autonomous Warrior': UK Army Conducts its Largest Test of Battlefield Robots Sputnik 12 Nov 2018 -- The exercises are but the latest in a series of noticeable efforts by the British military establishment to increase know-how in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic weapons technologies.
Army start biggest military robot exercise in British history, Defence Secretary announces UK MOD 12 Nov 2018 -- British troops will today begin testing out over 70 examples of futuristic technology including enhanced surveillance drones and unmanned vehicles on the fields of Salisbury Plain, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced.
UK Forces return home after successful NATO exercise UK MOD 12 Nov 2018 -- NATO's biggest exercise in a decade comes to a close
Millions awarded to defence firms leading fight for modern battlefield UK MOD 12 Nov 2018 -- Defence firms with cutting-edge ideas ranging from laser radars to Artificial Intelligence have been awarded over £10 million after being named winners of the MOD and Defence Growth Partnership (DGP) Innovation Challenge by Defence Minister Stuart Andrew.
UK military could be used in the event of a 'no-deal' Brexit Press TV 11 Nov 2018 -- Britain's armed forces are preparing for contingency plans to prevent a crisis if the country leaves the European Union in March without a deal that could guarantee a smooth withdrawal.
Britain's Armed Forces Making Plans for 'No Deal' Brexit - Defence Official Sputnik 11 Nov 2018 -- Addressing the issue, chief of Britain's defence staff General Sir Nicholas Carter noted earlier that the British Armed Forces were making "sensible" contingency plans for Brexit and other matters.
UK refusing Venezuela's request to return $550mn in gold Press TV 08 Nov 2018 -- Britain is reportedly refusing to repatriate some 14 tonnes of gold to Venezuela worth around $550 million over fears that the move could violate US sanctions against the Latin American country.
MOD sets out vision to diversify supply base UK MOD 08 Nov 2018 -- The Ministry of Defence has today announced plans for modernising its estate and establishing a broader and more diverse supply base.
Britain to open military training base in Oman Press TV 06 Nov 2018 -- UK Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced that a joint military training base will be opened in Oman in March 2019, in a bid to shore up Britain's trading relationships in the run up to its withdrawal from the European Union next year.
UK defense could face £15bn budget shortfall in 10 years Press TV 05 Nov 2018 -- A new report has projected that Britain's Ministry of Defense (MoD) could face a gap of £15 billion (less than $20 billion) in a matter of a decade if it fails to prioritize its programs for production of modern military equipment.
UK cements position in Gulf with new joint base in Oman UK MOD 05 Nov 2018 -- The UK is cementing its deep and special relationship with Oman for generations to come with the opening of a new Omani-British Joint Training Base.
Armed Forces to step up Commonwealth recruitment UK MOD 05 Nov 2018 -- Britain's Armed Forces are to step up their long-held global links, by increasing the number of recruits from Commonwealth countries.
UK Armed Forces Can't Afford Own $242 Billion Defense Equipment Plan Sputnik 05 Nov 2018 -- British National Audit Office (NAO) has identified a gaping $9 billion hole in the Defense Ministry's budget.
UK Set to Open Major Permanent Base in Middle East – Reports Sputnik 05 Nov 2018 -- British Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson made the announcement after joining over 5,500 British troops in Oman in their largest war games exercise in nearly two decades.
Secret Report Accuses UK Defense Ministry of Five Nuclear Safety Breaches Sputnik 04 Nov 2018 -- The UK Defense Ministry has received a reprimand from its internal watchdog for five nuclear safety breaches, Scotland-based investigative journalism platform The Ferret reported on Sunday.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

November 2018 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News