The Defence Secretary John Healey this morning confirmed that a Russian spy ship – the Yantar – is on the edge of UK waters, north of Scotland, having entered the UK’s wider waters over the last few weeks. This is a vessel used for gathering intelligence and mapping

Welcome home UK Carrier Strike Group! Nearly 4,000 personnel have returned home after sailing more than 40,000 miles, flying more than 2,500 sorties and working with 30 countries along the way. A huge effort across the whole of UK Defence, showcasing the very best of our global commitment.

The importance of the defence partnership between the UK and Germany was reinforced by this week's state visit.  As key allies we will continue to work together to strengthen our shared security.  I'm proud of the role our Armed Forces played in this historic visit 🇬🇧🇩🇪

A great visit to Cyber & Specialist Operations Command hearing from the incredible specialists who are ‘Always On’ protecting the nation from threats across all domains. A great chance to ‘geek out’ with those delivering the SDR, with the Digital Targeting Web making the Integrated Force real and stronger.

A statement from the Ministry of Defence.

The thoughts of the entire Armed Forces community are with Lance Corporal George Hooley’s family and colleagues. He served our country with distinction. His tragic death is a reminder of the seriousness of the commitment all our Armed Forces personnel make. Utrinque Paratus

We’re pioneering a new era of maritime warfare. Atlantic Bastion will combine autonomous vessels, AI and world-class warships and aircraft to detect, track and counter the Russian underwater threat in the North Atlantic.

This week at the Defence Futures Forum, I set out how Defence will surge people and equipment to be ready to fight and win - today, tomorrow, together. This is a national effort: mobilise, adapt at pace and deter adversaries, alongside Allies.

Delivering on the SDR, the Military Intelligence Service will speed up how Defence gathers & shares intelligence. It brings together every intelligence unit & organisation within Defence, alongside the new Defence Counter Intelligence Unit, to keep Britain ahead of threats.

I pay tribute to Gen Jim Hockenhull for his outstanding leadership & immense contribution to defence. As the next Commander Cyber & Specialist Operations Command, Gen Rob Magowan will bring experience and expertise to help keep the UK secure at home & strong abroad.

The UK is subject to an onslaught of cyber-attacks from Russia. That’s part of why we need a national conversation on defence and security. I spoke to LBC about the threats facing the UK and how our Armed Forces are responding to keep us all safe.

We pause today to remember Lance Corporal George Hooley as he returned home to the UK. Before his passing, Lance Corporal Hooley wrote a letter to his family and friends to be opened in the event of his death. At their request, we now share his words with you. Our thoughts

A great privilege to be in Kyiv today, seeing the professionalism, courage and determination of Defense of Ukraine first hand, and remembering the many killed since Russia launched its illegal invasion. Our commitment to securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine remains ironclad.

I want to wish all members of our Armed Forces, and your families, both at home and abroad, a very Merry Christmas. Christmas is a reminder of the sacrifices you and your families make to keep the UK safe 24/7, 365 days a year. Thank you.

Merry Christmas to the entire Armed Forces community!