United Kingdom (UK)

A British startup is developing a tactical ballistic missile and containerized launcher.

The UK government has committed to spend the equivalent of 3% of GDP on defense by 2030 and meet NATO defense spending targets of 3.5% by 2035.

Rolls-Royce’s ambitions to re-enter the single-aisle propulsion business with a version of the UltraFan have received a major boost with confirmation of a jointly funded $3.3 billion R&D program with the UK government.

UK counterterror police have charged two men following the September incident near the U.S. bomber base at RAF Fairford.

Poland and the UK are furthering their defense relationship through a new three-year cooperation plan.

The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) could acquire more than one type of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) under its emerging Storm Fighter program.

The UK defense ministry is running an open competition with industry to explore how to fully exploit Ukrainian datasets to teach artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.

Hill Helicopters is gearing up for full-power tests of its in-house-developed GT50 turboshaft engine.

France is charting a national course, Germany is eyeing GCAP, and Spain is weighing its options as Europe’s next-gen fighter ambitions take new shape.

UK Explores Drone Satcom Options

The UK will deploy Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Saudi Arabia to counter surging Houthi attacks from Yemen.

Edgewing, the JV leading the development of the combat aircraft at the heart of GCAP, will be able to accommodate more industrial partners without undue delays to the project, CEO Marco Zoff has insisted.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says he has “expressed openness” to Germany in joining the GCAP fighter development effort already underway with Italy and Japan.

The opposition Conservative Party has proposed the development of an air and missile defense shield should it return to government.

UK uncrewed rotorcraft developer Certo Aerospace has raised £5 million ($6.6 million) to accelerate development of its Capstone co-axial autonomous helicopter.

A new maintenance and support deal with Airbus aims to grow the availability of the UK Royal Air Force’s A400M airlifter fleet by 30%.

Portuguese space component maker Omnidea says it has acquired what is left of British rocket startup Orbex, which folded this year.

UK authorities believe Iran was behind a suspected foiled plot to attack a base housing U.S. Air Force bombers in England last weekend.

British rocket startup Skyrora says it has completed a key hot-fire test for its future orbital launch system.

Rolls-Royce is investing £300 million ($400 million) in its UK manufacturing and engineering facilities, primarily to expand civil aerospace operations.

Vertical Aerospace, which just appointed former Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Fabrice Brégier as chair of its board, said it has initiated a review of strategic alternatives.

Since 1967, Britten-Norman has delivered 1,254 aircraft.

UK eyes sovereign HAPS network; airborne laser revival; contrail avoidance success.

Alloyed Turbojet Engine Readied For Flight With UK Defense Backing