Vertical Aerospace could become the UK's next major global exporter, according to a new Frontier Economics report. The eVTOL aircraft developer is projected to generate £3 billion annually in UK economic value by 2035, create over 2,000 jobs, and produce nearly £9 billion in annual revenue.
Vertical Aerospace has completed its third and final full-scale prototype aircraft, which will start piloted flight testing in January 2026. The aircraft is an exact duplicate of Vertical's current full-scale prototype, undergoing transition flight testing at the UK Flight Test Centre.
The British Army's Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank has completed crewed live firing at an undisclosed UK Ministry of Defence training center, marking a key milestone in the £800 million ($1.08 billion) program. Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) produces the upgraded tank, which includes integration of advanced systems such as a 120mm smoothbore gun and active protection system.
The United Kingdom has issued a new warning to Russia after a Russian intelligence-gathering vessel, the Yantar, allegedly directed light lasers at Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots during surveillance operations off the coast of Scotland. According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the incident occurred as UK aircraft and vessels were tracking Yantar's movements.
The UK Ministry of Defence has announced that it has selected seven companies to develop prototypes for its AH-64 Apache 'loyal wingman' program, Project NYX. The initiative aims to create Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) capable of operating alongside the UK's Apache attack helicopters.
The UK Ministry of Defence has launched an accelerated competition to develop a ground-launched deep-strike ballistic missile for Ukraine, with detailed requirements issued to industry partners in December 2025. Development proposals are due by February 9, 2026, with development contracts targeted for award in March 2026.
The UK government has announced an investment of up to $3.5 billion in Dubai's new flagship airport, Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), Breaking AeroTime reports. The project aims to accommodate up to 150 million passengers annually and expand capacity to 260 million by the early 2030s.
Sweden has initiated discussions with France and the United Kingdom about potential nuclear weapons cooperation, according to Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The talks are in early stages and no concrete proposals or timelines have been outlined.
Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed talks with France and the UK on nuclear deterrence amid growing US uncertainty in Europe. The initiative draws on lessons from the Ukraine conflict and comes as Stockholm defines its NATO membership.
Russian state news has reported that the Federal Security Service (FSB) has thwarted plans by Ukrainian military intelligence to hijack a Kinzhal-armed MiG-31 fighter jet. According to TASS, the Ukrainians were offering Russian pilots $3 million to fly the aircraft to NATO's largest airbase in Constanta, Romania.
René Armas Maes argues that premium airline first and business class seat capacity can serve as a proxy for UAE-UK business jet charter demand. The data shows that the UK absorbed between 24.
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has expanded its Portchester, England site to support UK and European customers. The new facility will increase capacity for REMUS 620 and Odyssey autonomy support, as well as enable training capabilities for allied navies.
The US Army has signed an agreement with the UK establishing ground rules for sharing intelligence on drone and counter-drone operations. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll plans to expand this partnership to a couple of other countries, aiming to build and buy similar tools as its partners.
The British Ministry of Defence has invited seven firms to pitch their ideas for 'futuristic' drone helicopters to fly alongside Apaches into combat. Project NYX, announced on Saturday, aims to create Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) with AI-powered capabilities.
The British Army has partnered with the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering to launch a new drone degree, starting in September 2026. The three-year course will train 15 civilian students and up to five soldiers each year as drone technology specialists.
Saab, Boeing, and BAE Systems have signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate on the UK's next fast-jet trainer, proposing the T-7 Red Hawk as the core of a new training system for the Royal Air Force. The partnership aims to meet the UK Ministry of Defence's Advanced Jet Trainer requirement, with BAE Systems leading industrial activity as prime contractor.
Archer Aviation has launched a new UK subsidiary and recruited Vertical Aerospace's Director of Engineering Limhi Somerville. The move aims to build a team in South West England and support the development of eVTOL aircraft.