The Defence industry briefing
The month in defence in news, views and numbers
In numbers
40%
Increase to Sweden’s proposed defence budget for 2021-2025 - the largest percentage increase in its defence spending since the 1950s
€5.4bn
Budget approved by Germany for 38 Tranche 4 Eurofighter jets
$696bn
The US Senate's proposed defence spending bill for fiscal year 2021
$9.4bn
Contract for two US Navy Columbia-class submarines awarded to General Dynamics
$23bn
Value of the arms package of F-35s and MQ-9Bs the US approved for sale to the UAE
From our sites
Russia could defeat UK by 2025
IISS has warned that, if the current rate of progress continues, Russian forces could defeat the British Army in a conflict scenario in 2025.
US Navy shares next-gen vessel specs
The US Navy’s Chief of Naval Operations has outlined requirements for a next-generation destroyer inspired by the Arleigh Burke class and a future attack submarine.
Tempest worth £25bn to UK economy
The future fightern project could add £25.3bn to the UK economy in its first 30 years, according to PwC research conducted on behalf of Team Tempest.
US, UK navies to sign ‘interchangeability’ agreement
The chiefs of the US Navy and Royal Navy are set to sign a 'future integrated warfighting statement of intent that will set a cooperative vision for interchangeability'.
In quotes
Shipbuilding has historically been a British success story, and I am determined to revitalise this amazing industry as part of this government’s commitment to build back better. The Fleet Solid Support warships competition will be the gendiesis of a great UK shipbuilding industry, and allow us to develop the skills and expertise for the shipyards of tomorrow.
UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace comments on plans to have UK-led teams build new Fleet Solid Support Ships.
“Dismissing politically appointed national security leaders during a transition is a destabilising move that will only embolden our adversaries and put our country at greater risk. President Trump’s decision to fire Secretary Esper out of spite is not just childish, it’s also reckless."
Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Representative Adam Smith criticises President Trump's decision to fire Secretary of Defense Mark Esper.
On TWitter
In Pictures
Ships from serveral nations sail in formation during a live-fire gunnery exercise as part of Malabar 2020, an Indian-led multinational exercise designed to enhance cooperation between India, Australia, Japan and the US. Credit: US Navy
The US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, conduct the final flight on the F/A-18 A/B/C/D 'legacy' Hornets marking the squadron's official transition to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet platform. Credit: US Navy
The Royal Navy's Littoral Response Group has tested a range of new technologies, such as supply delivery drones, during an experiment in Cyprus. Credit: Crown Copyright / MOD
An RAF F-35B takes part in air-air refuelling as part of Exercise Crimson Warrior in preparatoin for Carrier Strike Group deployment next year. Credit: Crown Copyright / MOD
Royal Marines conduct and dry exercise rehearsals prior to tactically inserting into Exercise Olympus Warrior. Credit: Crown Copyright / MOD
The British Army has sent almost 2,000 troops to Liverpool to help with the mass testing of residents for Covid-19. Image: Crown Copyright / MOD