The UK had previously announced plans to buy 12 F-35A fighters and rejoin NATO's dual-capable aircraft nuclear mission. However, Air Vice-Marshal Jim Beck, the RAF's Director Capability and Programmes, stated at the Global Air & Space Chiefs' Conference in London that the aircraft were acquired for training and conversion units, not for NATO's dual-capable aircraft nuclear mission. He clarified that the nuclear role and the training role are separate functions, and the RAF is still analyzing the size and posture of the force needed for the nuclear mission. Beck noted that the decision to rejoin NATO's nuclear sharing framework supplements the continuous at-sea deterrent, not replace it. This clarification raises questions about the UK's commitment to a nuclear-capable F-35A mission, with logistical and cost challenges complicating nuclear certification. The remarks correct widespread assumptions following the 2025 Strategic Defence Review that the F-35As would carry US B61-12 gravity bombs under NATO nuclear sharing.

The UK has delivered the first British-made 105mm and 155mm artillery barrels to Ukraine under a £61 million contract with Sheffield Forgemasters, the first domestic production of forged artillery barrels in nearly two decades. The 150 barrels support hundreds of jobs in Sheffield and over 60 UK supply chain businesses, with Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis framing the move as part of rearming Europe and reindustrialising South Yorkshire.

The Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales had previously deployed to Nordic waters for NATO exercises and operated F-35B fighters under NATO's Arctic Sentry mission. In a new development, the current deployment is demonstrating the navy's transition towards a 'hybrid' crewed/uncrewed operational force structure. The carrier's airwing now includes two Malloy T150B remotely piloted UAVs, with two more embarked on destroyer HMS Duncan, operating simultaneously with F-35Bs and helicopters from the flight deck. Commodore Richard Hewitt stated the navy will advance the 'hybrid navy' concept at pace, noting autonomous platforms will increase in ability and endurance. Captain Ben Power highlighted the flight deck's capacity to cope with accelerating technological revolution. Commander Air Group Captain Ed Philips emphasized the scalable versatility of the carrier's airwing and the need to adapt to uncrewed platforms to stay at the cutting edge, as demonstrated in conflicts like Ukraine. The deployment also supports NATO's Arctic Sentry operation, established in January 2026 to improve deterrence around the GIUK Gap and High North. As part of this mission, HMS Duncan conducted live gunnery training in the Arctic, firing its 4.5-inch main gun and 30mm small caliber guns at an inflatable target. The exercise highlighted the role of the ship's weapons engineers on the anniversary of the founding of the Royal Navy Engineering Branch. The destroyer's Sea Viper air defense system and close-in weapon systems were also exercised, underscoring the Royal Navy's continued operational readiness despite broader fleet challenges.

The Council on Geostrategy published a paper by Gabriel Elefteriu arguing that the UK must formally adopt 'orbital warfare' as a core military mission, shifting from passive space control to offensive in-orbit capabilities. The paper cites Russian harassment of allied satellites and Chinese simulations of anti-satellite attacks on Starlink as evidence that orbital warfare is already a reality. It recommends integrating the term into UK and allied doctrine and prioritizing funding for agile space assets.

The Royal Navy is using a virtual reality bridge simulator built by Metaverse VR under Project Selborne to train crews in scenarios like transiting the Strait of Hormuz and hunting submarines. The system has doubled navigation training capacity and allows repeated rehearsal of dangerous situations without deploying ships. Capita reports that AI tools have reduced some course lengths by up to 40%.