Britain to pair F-35B fighters with jet-powered drones under Project VANQUISH in £240 million carrier aviation push
The UK will test jet-powered uncrewed combat air vehicles alongside F-35B Lightning fighters as part of Project VANQUISH, a nearly £240 million effort to build a mixed crewed and autonomous carrier strike capability. The Royal Navy aims to operate collaborative drones from HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales within the decade. Initial trials will assess runway-independent launch and recovery methods compatible with the ski-jump carriers.
Why it matters: Britain is betting its carrier future on loyal wingmen, a sensible hedge given F-35 unit costs and the finite deck space of a 65,000-tonne carrier — but only if the drones can match jet performance without arresting gear.
Norway outlines acquisition model for up to 20 P1118 standardized vessels across two parallel contracts
Norway has revealed the procurement strategy for Project P1118, which will acquire up to 20 ocean-going standardized vessels for Norway, the UK and Lithuania through two parallel contracts. Naval News reports the vessels will share a common design to reduce costs and speed delivery. The P1118 programme is intended to provide multi-role platforms for patrol, surveillance and logistics missions.
Why it matters: Three NATO navies just bet on plug-and-play hulls to scale faster than bespoke designs — if it works, expect more allies to join the production run.
UK startup Skyfly raises $10 million to develop Longbow hybrid-electric cargo drone with 400-mile range
British aircraft maker Skyfly Technologies raised $10 million to develop Longbow, a hybrid-electric cargo drone designed to carry 200 kg (440 pounds) over 640 km (400 miles) and operate from ships, fields or forward bases without a runway. The unmanned variant derives from Skyfly's two-seat electric vertical takeoff aircraft. Defence Blog reports the seed round closed on October 20.
UK Ministry of Defence publishes operational update on military support to Saudi Arabia
The UK Ministry of Defence published an operational update on British military support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. No details were provided in the public announcement.
UK and Germany strengthen defence ties in London talks
UK and German officials held defence talks in London, the UK Ministry of Defence announced 16 October. No details on topics or outcomes were disclosed.