United Kingdom
Gold Standard NCTJ journalist and Website Reporter with an interest in politics, foreign affairs, culture and sport.
Gold Standard NCTJ from PA Media. Security Studies (MSc) from University College London (UCL), where dissertation focused on refugee treatment and refugee law in Kenya and South Africa. University of York graduate in Politics and International Relations (BA Hons) with a 2:1.
Experience in the local press, national press, industry press, radio stations, student newspaper, websites and blogs.
Published by MyLondon, Barking and Dagenham Post, Forth 1, Nouse,
Daily Express, and BFBS Forces News.
To connect with me and discuss further, I can be contacted at [email protected]
Private Jethro Watson-Pickering died after the gun turret of the Scimitar he was driving struck him on the head after hitting a tree
The exercise sees NHS teams move from their clinical environments to military-style scenarios created to test their resilience
The 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier has been exercising off the coast of Norway with the Norwegian navy during Operation Firecrest
The exercise involved around 225 UK military personnel as part of Nato's Strategic Reserve
The Norwegian frigate KNM Fridtjof Nansen is participating in Op Firecrest as part of the UK Carrier Strike Group
The 97-metre submarine will be armed with heavyweight Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk land-attack missiles
Volunteers will work across all areas of the events, with at least 25% of roles reserved for members of the Armed Forces community
London and Paris agreed in July last year to reinforce cooperation over their nuclear arsenals due to the increasing threats to Europe
The Chinook has already shown its capability to manage wildfires in Cyprus, as the aircraft practised during Exercise Ifestos in May
The bill is normally passed every five years and gives Parliament's consent for the UK to maintain a standing Armed Forces
Ex Agile Owl involved both RAF Coningsby and RAF Lossiemouth putting themselves through several realistic operational scenarios
The decommissioned Type 23 frigate is being scarpped as the Royal Navy looks to invest in becoming a hybrid navy
HMS Protector is an ice patrol vessel fitted with two cranes able to hold up to 60 tonnes of stores and equipment
General Alexus Grynkewich explained his three-pronged plan to defeat enemy forces on the battlefield and destroy their capabilty to wage war
BFBS Forces News understands that the incident took place whilst the serving person was on duty
The Global Combat Air Programme - GCAP - is a joint project currently involving the UK, Italy and Japan, but other nations may come on board
The facility, originally built during the Cold War, has been modernised with advanced technology and was recently used during a drill
Jonathan Moynihan delves into the side effects that he experienced after being placed on medication to manage his ADHD diagnosis
The 31-month extension to the contract will see Airbus continue its maintenance, repair and support for the RAF's A400M Atlas fleet
The Naval Strike Missile can travel near-supersonic speeds to hit targets more than 100 miles away, escaping detection by skimming the sea
Wes Streeting used his speech to say that the UK is living in an 'age of insecurity' fuelled by global volatility
The two pilots will train with 29 Squadron, the Royal Air Force's Typhoon Operational Conversion Unit, based in Lincolnshire
Jonny Ball said that a 'national conversation' has been started on defence as it has become part of the mainstream after the DIP's release
The ceremony raised more than £1.6m, and the money will fund Invictus's year-round recovery programmes for wounded personnel and veterans
One of the drones, the AR5, is a long-endurance surveillance drone that can hold up to 50kg of cameras and sensors
The exercise involved CHF's Aviation Combat Service Support Squadron finding, sending back, and locating spaces for helicopters to refuel
The group faced 25 days on the ice and in remote conditions, with temperatures reaching lows of -40°C
The warbirds flown by naval aviation charity Navy Wings share an historic bond with the aircraft carrier's fifth-gen F-35 Lightnings
The anniversary comes as HMS Tamar joined a major US Navy humanitarian deployment called Pacific Partnership in Malaysia
Stronger Polish air defences mean stronger Nato air defences, insists Defence Readiness & Industry Minister Luke Pollard
But Rand Europe warns veterans may find themselves underemployed in their roles during their move from the military into civilian life
The RFA's boss, Commodore Sam Shattock, also announced the names of her sister ships, RFA Reliant and RFA Resourceful, during the ceremony
The war in Ukraine has signalled the importance of drones in modern warfare - and the Army has been quick to learn the lesson
Defence expert Prof Michael Clarke says there are no winners in the Iran war - with Russia and Israel the only countries benefiting from it
The extra investment will be funded through more cuts to the welfare bill and scrapping the Chagos Islands deal
London Scottish and the Royal Navy announced a partnership in the summer, which led to Leading Seaman (Electronic Warfare) Tam Lindsay, Air Engineering Technician Jack Wright, and Lieutenant Declan Johnson joining the club. BFBS Forces News spoke to three Royal Navy men's rugby union players, who are plying their trade for the Champ Rugby club in London, about the partnership, what it is like playing for the historic club and the upcoming Inter Service Rugby Championship. Reporter:...
General (Ret'd) David Petraeus said that the UK has been providing exemplary support for Ukraine ever since the war began
Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, who has nearly 22 years of military service, plans to pursue a career in the private sector
Al Carns backs a report which argues that soldiers who faced the IRA are being judged using human rights standards developed years later
John Foreman and Professor Michael Clarke delve into the potential reasons why John Ratcliffe might have gone to the Russian capital
A Rusi report found that Russia is combining both old and new technology with precision strikes and traditional artillery
The vessel gathered data to create a detailed picture of the riverbed and any changes to it around the London Gateway port
Combined Task Force 151's main aim is to reduce the threat of piracy to merchant shipping over three million square miles of ocean
The missile system will be added to RAF Typhoons, Rafale and naval platforms, such as the Royal Navy's Type 26 frigate
Rear Admiral Rachel Singleton, attended the pass-out parade as the guest of honour, took the salute and inspected the personnel passing out
Tobias Ellwood told BFBS' Sitrep podcast that the incident underlines the UK's poor air defences
Wing Cdr (Ret'd) Andy Green set the record using a JCB Hydromax car, powered by two hydrogen combustion engines
The Centre for Military Justice's Lucy Baston said that the leaked report chimes with the experiences of some of her clients
They will not be appearing at Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week
Stockpiling weapons and ammunition with European allies would close the defence plan funding gap, a think tank has found
Find out about the specifications, capability, and notable incidents of the RAF's Voyager aircraft.
Submarines, surface warships and maritime patrol aircraft use the Spearfish and Sting Ray torpedoes to defend the UK
The figure is a life-sized bronze of a soldier in full parachute kit, ready to jump into action
The Valo is a piloted, four-passenger, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with no operating emissions
The Kenyan inquiry claimed that many victims of sexual violence reported that cases were dropped or mishandled by local authorities
In a wide-ranging interview, Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer spoke about defence spending, Ukraine and innovation
Lieutenant General (Ret'd) Ben Hodges told the committee that there is still no sense of urgency in preparing for future conflict
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled a £37bn ($50bn) commitment alongside a dozen European allies
Al Carns and John Healey say the Government needs to set a target date for reaching 3% of GDP on defence spending
The outgoing Commander British Forces (CBF) Gibraltar Commodore Tom Guy has handed over the reins to Commodore Tim Davey
Defence Secretary and former para Dan Jarvis was in Aldershot for an event that included flypasts, parachute displays and a military parade
Military personnel and veterans can present their MOD90 ID cards and veteran ID cards to get a range of food on offer
The Defence Secretary used his speech to say that the UK will win wars by blending soldiers' knowledge with high-end equipment and technology
General Sir Roly Walker outlined the most significant transformation of UK land power in a generation in a speech at Rusi
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis tells the House of Commons that the UK has so far sanctioned more than 550 Russian shadow fleet vessels
Since becoming Defence Secretary in July 2024, Mr Healey has focused his efforts on the war in Ukraine, housing and reforms for abuse victims
John Healey said that new technology for underwater drones will be developed in a meeting with his Aukus counterparts in Singapore
We compare the relative benefits of the Saab Gripen to the main Western jet currently flown by Ukraine, the F-16 Fighting Falcon
The battlefield has shifted from being dominated by Al-Qaeda and IEDs to a place where tanks need defences against UAVs in the last 15 years
The UK will send the RAF's Red Arrows, Royal Navy ships, and the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines across the pond this summer
BFBS' Sitrep podcast spoke to Commodore Steve Prest about how HMS Prince of Wales will be used in the High North
The Royal Navy sent three OPVs and flew daily Wildcat sorties to track Russia's Admiral Grigorovich through UK waters
BFBS Forces News has looked into the station that is the world's northernmost permanently inhabited place
The Royal Navy and the Royal Norwegian Navy will work side-by-side using a fleet of British-built Type 26 warships to track Russian vessels
Dr Jack Watling spoke to BFBS' Sitrep podcast about how Russia's war with Ukraine could impact the UK's preparedness for conflict
BFBS Forces has looked into how the Iran war has impacted shipping and sailors going through the Strait of Hormuz
Commodore (Ret'd) Steve Prest told BFBS Forces News that the King's speech in Washington underlined the strength and power of the monarchy
MPs have voted to move the bill over to the next parliament, to the dismay of veterans who fear persecution for their historic service
It warned that the scale and ambition of Aukus requires political leadership from the Prime Minister to counter the political drift
Craftsman Liam Ashworth committed the offence in December 2024, and was found guilty on 16 March
A Pentagon email was leaked with options for Washington to harm Nato allies it thinks have not sufficiently supported the Iran war
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins made the remarks ahead of a meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force's (JEF) naval chiefs in Whitehall
The survey found that young people with degrees are more likely to fight for the country compared to those without degrees
Sir Keir Starmer said that the mission would be made operational "as soon as conditions allow", after the Iran war is over
BFBS Forces News has looked into the RAF's deployments at home and abroad as it deals with an unstable world
A contract has been awarded to ARX Robotics by the Army to manufacture autonomous ground systems in the UK
The US has been sharing material combining real-life missile strikes with scenes from games like Call of Duty - and Iran is following suit
BFBS Forces News has analysed the key assets protecting UK personnel and the wider region in the Middle East
The MWD section at RAF Akrotiri helps protect the RAF assets that defend the airspace around the base
John Healey said that the UK will send Sky Sabre to Saudi Arabia and extend the UK Typhoons deployment in Qatar during his visit to the Middle East
Ministers announced 884 decisions, affecting ex-soldiers from two elite units known as the Triples, had been overturned
John Dockerty, whose son Major Dockerty died in the tragedy, was the oldest member of the long-running campaign for the truth about the disaster
BFBS Forces News has investigated the crash, the inquiries after the crash and what the families of the victims are doing now
Nearly a quarter of Brits believe that the Royal Air Force is the most important branch of the UK Armed Forces for national security
BFBS Forces News went to find out how a trio of Royal Navy men's rugby union players are finding playing for London Scottish in Champ Rugby
General Sir Roly Walker said that the UK Armed Forces are not based in the country by right and that personnel must earn the right to use the base
The Ukrainian president met Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the King before his address to MPs and peers in Parliament
BFBS Forces News has taken a deeper look into the three personnel who have been promoted to their new positions and how it impacts the dynamic with Nato
The Defence Secretary has also been speaking to military planners about what else could be sent to the region amid the ongoing war with Iran
The Coastal Forces Squadron and 47 Commando Royal Marines will use the fleet for operations, training, and development activities
BFBS Forces News spoke to Vice Admiral (Ret'd) Duncan Potts, director of Universal Defence and Security Solutions, about HMS Prince of Wales and sustaining the aircraft carrier
It's 109 metres long with a payload capacity roughly 12 times that of a Boeing 747, meaning its military capabilities could be game-changing
Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty floated the idea due to the size of the British Army, which currently stands at around 74,000
In the latest episode of BFBS Forces News' Battle Talk podcast, Andrew Fox explains why camouflage and concealment is critical in Ukraine
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on this day four years ago ushered in a new era of drone warfare and whole-society defence
General Sir Roly Walker said that it takes nations to win wars as he summarised his analysis on the nearly four-year-long war between Ukraine and Russia
Inocea Group, a British marine, defence and industrial group, has bought RFA Wave Knight and RFA Wave Ruler
An open letter questioned the level of spending, while the Government said the PM had committed to spend 3.5% of GDP on the military
Mr Trump said that the deal to hand sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius was a 'big mistake' due to the presence of the Diego Garcia military base
The Chief of the Air Staff said the RAF is good at operating in +35°C temperatures, but suggested it could be harder in the Arctic
Antti Häkkänen said Rovaniemi offers the best conditions for the new headquarters
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton and General Carsten Breuer wrote that Europe must confront uncomfortable truths about its security
Speaking to BFBS' Sitrep podcast at the Munich Security Conference, the experts agreed that diplomatic spats rarely affect the alliance's working military relationships
The collection includes Dame Vera's copy of her contract with the BBC for her radio show, Sincerely Yours, which linked troops with their relatives
The Ukraine war, High North security and Donald Trump's threats to annex Greenland are expected to be high on the agenda
Professor Michael Clarke tells BFBS Forces News' Sitrep podcast that changes to the Nato command structure are sensible
Alongside the anti-air systems, the UK is set to deliver an additional 1,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles
BFBS Forces News explores the area between war and peace, and what occupies it
The New START treaty had capped the number of strategic nuclear warheads the United States and Russia can deploy, but has not been renewed
Measures in the bill are designed to enable quicker action against perpetrators, reducing the risk of further harm to victims
The vessel that was boarded is under UK and European sanctions for its role in facilitating trade in sanctioned oil, BFBS Forces News understands
General Sir Roly Walker said that an investigation is currently ongoing after soldiers were injured during Exercise Titan Storm
The MOD has said that the "UK will never compromise on our national security" in light of Mr Trump's comments on the UK-Chagos deal
Alongside the housing, brand-new technical and training buildings for personnel will be constructed for the regiment
BFBS Forces News has summarised the key developments in the High North as Trump continues to try to obtain Greenland
RAF P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft and the Navy's RFA Tideforce were deployed to support an American operation to detain the oil tanker
In an interview with the Kyiv Independent, John Healey said he would take the Russian president into custody for his alleged war crimes
The investment, funded from the core defence budget, will be used to upgrade vehicles and communication systems
BFBS Radio's Sitrep podcast spoke to Lord Peter Ricketts about the possibility of the US taking military action to annex Greenland
The former National Security Advisor spoke to BFBS Radio's Sitrep podcast about the possibility of British troops being deployed
BFBS Forces News has looked into Denmark's capabilities in the region, its responsibilities, and the current reinforcement efforts underway
Bern revealed that the consultation will look at defence through several strategic objectives, including strengthening resilience
Luke Pollard had previously told BFBS Forces News that the plan would be released by Christmas, but the deadline to present it to Parliament was missed
The programme, known as Raising the Minimum Standards, has also been extended to cover a further 250 military properties
Public Accounts Committee chair Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown spoke to BFBS Forces News after the publication of a new report into the Afghan data breach
BFBS Forces News has analysed the Conservative Party's defence spending plans to work out where the money will end up
BFBS Forces News has paired 12 countries' vessels to compare and contrast their relative capabilities
Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Rich Knighton will urge the whole nation to step up to ensure Britain can continue to function in a crisis
It is hoped that these changes will speed up how information is gathered, analysed and shared across the Armed Forces
During the training, Crown Princess Victoria flew in a Jas 39 Gripen over northern Sweden
Operation Kenova, created in 2016 to look into the activities of Stakeknife within the Provisional IRA's internal security unit, has published its final report
During the season, the British Army brand will be emblazoned on match officials' shirts at all PWR fixtures
Richard Iles' spectacular display is thought to be one of the largest domestic Christmas light displays across the country
The claims were made at the public inquiry examining allegations of unlawful killings by the SAS in Afghanistan
Concern around cyber-attacks has increased sharply from 11% in 2015 to 23% this year due to the growing number affecting household brands
The Polish government revealed that it is going to boost its defence spending this year from 4.1% to 4.7% of GDP
The new partnership programme will see vessels being built in Indonesia using British shipbuilding expertise
BFBS Forces News spoke to a defence analyst about Russian influence in the region and the British ties to the Balkans
BFBS Forces News has examined the 28-point peace plan drafted by Washington and analysed what the key leaders have said in response
BFBS Forces News has looked at the strength and size of the UK and Australian militaries to coincide with the Ashes starting in Oz
The Princess of Wales led a Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum, and the Defence Secretary laid a wreath at the Cenotaph
BFBS Forces News spoke to five veterans about their views on Remembrance in the context of their service in post-Second World War conflicts
Speaking to veterans from conflicts from the Falklands to Afghanistan revealed the normality of the post-service lives of these heroes
The west London club launched the t-shirt to honour those who lost their lives in conflict across the world
The committee report highlighted that the MOD's decision-making affected the F-35's capability, flight availability, and value for money
President Putin says the cruise missile is unique after it reportedly flew 14,000km - but analysts have cast doubt on its actual usefulness
Around 900 migrants will be moved into Cameron Barracks in Inverness and the Crowborough Training Camp in East Sussex
The investigation is currently looking at allegations between the 1970s and 2016 at several British Army locations in the UK
BFBS Forces News spoke to Keir Giles, Chatham House's Russian military expert, about UK and US missile defences and Trump's Golden Dome
Before you watch Kathryn Bigelow's new film, you could watch her other notable films, including The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty
It is understood that the cost would cover the initial deployment of troops and aircraft, and is a separate cost to the £4.5bn in military aid
The American star attended a dinner in the officers' mess at Victoria Barracks in Ballater, where he was presented with a Glengarry hat and a kilt
A RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic intelligence surveillance aircraft and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft flew almost 10,000 miles
The Defence Secretary made the announcement ahead of a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which is being co-hosted with Germany
The Kilo-class submarine Novorossiyk had to come up to the surface off France to comply with navigation rules, Moscow claimed
Rupert Pearce will be expected to reshape UK defence procurement and industrial partnerships during his five-year fixed-term in the position
Washington is deploying up to 200 troops based in the Middle East to Israel, US officials have said, after a ceasefire was agreed
The Tory leader's remarks come after her shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge vowed to protect veterans who served in Northern Ireland from prosecution
BFBS Forces News has analysed Kemi Badenoch's defence policies as shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge speaks at the party conference
BFBS Forces News looks at what Labour has unveiled for the military over the past few days during its annual conference
BFBS Forces News has looked into what Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer might discuss at Chequers while the US leader visits the UK
It is the first time a Nato country has directly engaged Russian assets in its airspace since the Ukraine war began in 2022
Reports suggest new Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood could launch a new system of using former military bases to hold asylum seekers "within weeks"
BFBS Forces News has analysed Reform UK's defence policies to see what the party would do if they were to seize power
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin's remarks coincided with the meeting where leaders discussed possible security guarantees for Ukraine if there's a ceasefire
The announcement came ahead of Coalition of the Willing talks in Paris to go through the security guarantees for Ukraine if there is a truce
Mr Healey saw the destruction caused by Russian strikes on a building during the trip to Kyiv, and he will meet Ukraine's defence minister
The Avengers Assemble star was filming My Mother's Wedding when she was photographed on the Royal Navy's flagship
China is becoming increasingly assertive in their activities toward vessels transiting the South China Sea, an expert on China policy told BFBS Forces News
Professor Justin Bronk said the over-reliance on drones will play into Moscow's strategy, as he highlighted four problems with it
BFBS Forces News has taken a closer look at what the project is and answered the key questions on the Army's hunt for its next assault rifle
The Exiles have also brought in Army player Lance Corporal Solodrau Radianirova, who played for Fiji in the World 7s circuit
The project, named after the home of the Norse gods, will also use AI and communications to help personnel target their adversaries
These RAF personnel work in a variety of roles from logistics to air traffic control - and without them operations simply wouldn't happen
Defence Secretary John Healey visited Australia to sign the treaty which will deepen the two countries' defence partnership
The bill, which will become law after it receives royal assent, will establish an independent Armed Forces Commissioner
99 Squadron, based at RAF Brize Norton, has completed a strategic airlift to aid Carrier Strike Group 25
Colonel Richard Hall is in charge of the team that is tasked with giving the public a better understanding of the Army's role
London and Paris commit to launching the next phase of their joint project for both deep strike and anti-ship missiles
European leaders have insisted the arrangement would be dependent upon an American 'security guarantee', likely in the form of air support
Investigation found Sir Ben Key's behaviour had 'fallen far short of values and standards expected of service personnel'
The jet has been stuck in India since the middle of June after it had to make an emergency landing due to bad weather
The race involves running 1km and doing functional workout tasks, all repeated eight times
Two Merlin Mk2 helicopters went from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall to the spectacular Haakonsvern Helikopter Base for Exercise Green Eel
Ahead of the key summit in the Netherlands, BFBS Forces News has analysed what states in the alliance need to gain from the meeting
Washington attacked Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz, all linked to Iran's nuclear programme
HMS Oardacious' fundraising leader, Lieutenant Commander Hugo Mitchell-Heggs, was also honoured - for services to mental health
The Indian Air Force said it would give any support required and help return the aircraft to the Royal Navy's flagship
The Ministry of Defence's latest intelligence update said that Russian forces may have sustained more than 250,000 casualties this year
Mark Rutte, the ex-Prime Minister of the Netherlands, has urged the military bloc to spend more on armoured vehicles and artillery shells
Large areas of Cologne, including the town hall, the Deutz railway station, and more than 50 hotels, have been cleared
The Type 23 frigate tracked the vessel before a team of Royal Marines boarded the ship, where they found the stash of drugs
Consultant Dmitry Grozoubinski says despite the war in Ukraine, European leaders do not think a Russian invasion of a wider Europe is likely
Speaking at the London Defence Conference, John Healey said that VE Day 80 has demonstrated the importance of the Nato alliance
The Government has launched the £1.8m training programme to ensure veterans get targeted healthcare suitable for their needs
A F/A-18 Super Hornet has been lost overboard from the USS Harry S Truman, mirroring a similar incident last week
Admiral Sir Ben Key has relinquished control of the Royal Navy, the Ministry of Defence has said
It also revealed that despite making up only 12% of the Armed Forces, women made up 23% of the complaints
A F/A-18E Super Hornet has gone overboard off a US Navy aircraft carrier in the Red Sea.
A procession of military personnel, a flypast and a service will all take place to commemorate VE Day's 80th anniversary.
New statistics have found that nearly 102,000 Russian soldiers have been 'killed in Ukraine', according to a media investigation.
The new robotic mine plough was created and trialled by Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and Pearson Engineering in Newcastle.
The Ukrainian leader said in a post on his X account the pair were caught in the Donetsk region on Ukrainian territory.
Surplus MOD land will be released to build thousands of new homes, while a new taskforce attempts to develop the land quickly.
Sir Ben Wallace argues the restrictions curbed Britain's ability to help Ukraine after the full-scale Russian invasion.
The RAF's aerobatic display team will perform a flypast during the VE Day 80 celebrations in May as they start their flying season in 2025.
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland have announced they have recommended their countries withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty.
The Defence Secretary and his counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and Poland are discussing ways to strengthen deterrence through Nato.
The Royal Air Force denies claims that it doesn't have enough pilots, insisting all current operations are going ahead as planned.
The Ukrainians are being taught how to become combat mental resilience practitioners when they head to the frontline.
A group of veterans accompanied by their friends and family have hiked around London in their silkies to raise awareness for veteran's mental health and suicide.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation posted the word 'peace' on Instagram, using the BRAT generator.
Forces News spoke to three women who lifted the lid on what life is like during the Inter Service rugby union championships and beyond.
Forces News spoke to a woman who was on her way to work and stepped in to help after the regiment's horses charged through central London.
Captain Cameron Wise is representing the Australian Army in the competition in the French Alps.
Superstitions of athletes at the Inter Services Snowsports Championships
HMS Mersey gets a refurbishment ahead of going out to sea in a few weeks
How do you train to cross a ‘river’ in the middle of a dry and arid desert? Soldiers during Exercise Diamondback in the Mojave Desert in California tested the complex task of moving troops from one side to the other while under fire
These young military horses are enjoying a well-deserved Christmas break Many of the young horses are new to training and ceremonial duties
Watch as Soldiers from the 1st Dragoon Guards, also known as the Welsh Cavalry, give their views on what it’s like to operate in the Valley of Death
A team of Air Traffic Controllers keep the skies above the RAF’s busiest base, RAF Brize Norton, clear and safe What does it take to be one of the 75 people in this important role?
Omid Scobie appeared on BBC Newsnight TV interview amid the 'race row' storm caused by publication of royal names in the Dutch version of his Endgame book.
Watch as Sian Grzeszczyk, a Forces News Reporter, checks out the inflatable vehicles used to deceive the enemy into thinking they’ve got more assets than they actually have. The inflatable and cardboard vehicles are used by the US Army’s ‘Blackhorse’ Regiment to keep the units it helps train sharp and alert at all times.
Vitali Klitschko, the current Mayor of Kyiv, has given a message to members of the British military that are assisting Ukraine during an exclusive interview with Forces News.
Watch as WO2 Daniel Lewis, Senior Bugle Major, the Rifles Regiment, explains the history and reasons behind his magnificent mutton chops. It dates back to the Pennisular War because Bugle Majors had to send messages to the dispersed forces, so they had to be easily identifiable on the battlefield.
The Klepper, which was based on a German folding boat design, was used heroically in WW2 by the Cockleshell Heroes 🇬🇧 Saul David, a military historian, describes the benefits to using the Klepper in operations and its past history * * * * * * #army #britisharmy #soldiers #troops #UK #Germany #WorldWarII #ww2 #WWII #militaryhistory #history #klepper #canoe #canoeing
The Prince of Wales has taken a ride inside a Warrior during an attack exercise on Salisbury Plain 👑 🇬🇧 We spoke to Sergeant Alain Hoyt from 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment, about what it meant to meet the Prince of Wales * * * * * * #army #britisharmy #soldiers #troops #UK #Salisbury #PrinceofWales #princeofwales #william #MercianRegiment #Warrior #driving #offroad #royalty #royalfamily #buckinghampalace
The Prince of Wales got inside a Warrior and was taken out Salisbury Plain to join a simulated attack exercise 👑 🇬🇧 The Prince of Wales was visiting the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment in his capacity as Colonel-in-Chief * * * * * * #army #britisharmy #soldiers #troops #UK #Salisbury #PrinceofWales #princeofwales #william #MercianRegiment #Warrior #Driving #offroad #royalty #royalfamily #buckinghampalace
Watch as we find out what capabilities and features the Army's new Ajax vehicle has? 🇬🇧 Lieutenant James Bird from the Household Cavalry gives Forces News a unique close-up look around the vehicle * * * * * * #army #britisharmy #soldiers #troops #UK #Ajax #battlefieldsrmouredvehicle #householdcavalry #driving #offroad #forcesnews
Forces News were granted a rare look inside the factory constructing all six variants of the Army's long-awaited Ajax armoured vehicle 🇬🇧 The Ajax are being built at The General Dynamics factory near Merthyr Tydfil in the heart of the Welsh Valleys * * * * * * * #army #britisharmy #soldiers #troops #UK #Wales #merthyrtydfil #Ajax #battlefieldarmouredvehicle #building #vehicle #factory #insidethefactory #welshvalleys #generaldynamics
Forces News were granted rare access to see the Ajax, the British Army's new battlefield armoured vehicle, put through its paces on Salisbury Plain 🇬🇧 Some 589 of the advanced, more lethal vehicles, will be key to the Army's armoured fleet for years to come * * * * * * #army #britisharmy #soldiers #troops #UK #Salisbury #Ajax #battlefieldarmouredvehicle #householdcavalry #driving #offroad
Watch as soldiers based in Cyprus raced against the clock for charity in the first ever Doko race to happen at RAF Akrotiri The participants ran 5km whilst carrying a Doko, a Nepalese basket, weighing 10kg * * * * * * #army #britisharmy #soldiers #troops #Gurkha #Nepal #UK #Cyprus #Doko #race #fitnesschallenge #running #run #gym #gymtok
Watch as Major Arthur Purbrick describes his scary and terrifying experience encountering a tarantula during Exercise Diamondback, while out in the Mojave Desert in the USA 🕷️ * * * * * * #army #britisharmy #soldiers #troops #UK #USA #America #dragoonguard #mojavedesert #spider #tarantulasoftiktok #tarantula #arachnid #animal
How do you force yourself through a door? Watch as the Manoeuvre Support Rangers practise the art of breaching in a disused quarry in Somerset. The soldiers are able to combine items that are readily available, like hosepipe, with det cord in order to blow off some doors.
Watch as Briohny Williams, our Forces News reporter, gets an exclusive look at the Royal Marines practising close quarters combat with the new Knight's Stoner 1 assault rifle, or the KS-1 for short. The Royal Marines training at Barry Buddon in Scotland saw them spend time on the range shooting with the brand new rifle.
Watch as the Gazelle does a flypast to mark the completion of its service with the Army Air Corps at the end of the month. For 49 years, the iconic aircraft has soared through the skies, serving all branches of the UK Armed Forces.
Check out the latest #ForcesNews daily Download:🔵 The first of 16 RAF Protectors arrives at @RAFWaddington for trials ⚪ The UK Armed Forces need to be prepared for conflict in the Indo-Pacific, MPs say🟡 The British Gurkhas celebrate the Dashain festival in Brunei pic.twitter.com/4uCVeGdHFX
TikTok video from Forces News (@forcesnews). Tersesat di Jalan Darat (Demo) - Floyd.
How much explosive do you need to bring down a railway track? Watch as the Rangers practise their explosive demolition skills to find out. If the Manoevre Support Rangers need to get into a compound, the training means the soldiers understand how much explosive is needed to break down the barrier to get access.
All you need to know about the US military's formal statements of belief and how they came to be.
Watch as Navy powerlifter, Wesley McGuinness, performs barbell squats at the North Pole in freezing temperatures. The workout took place at the northernmost location ever achieved by a British submarine. The submariner started lifting in 2011 and wants to improve the visibility of powerlifting and Royal Navy sport.
Watch as The Queen's Gurkha Engineers show off their incredible skill and power with the Kukri. The regiment has been celebrating its 75th anniversary alongside military families and veterans at Invicta Barracks in Maidstone. They combine Gurkha warrior ethos with Proud Sapper excellence and are stationed across the globe.
Watch a record 32 nations take part in Nato's toughest patrolling test - Exercise Cambrian Patrol. Taking place in the Brecon Beacons in Wales each year, it is a gruelling test of basic soldiering for the militaries of the world.
239 Likes, TikTok video from Forces News (@forcesnews): "Find out more about the British forces taking part in Ex Titan Shield in #Latvia #soldier #military #latvia #uk #unitedkingdom #armedforces #troops #forcesnews #news". Nightmare - BLVKSHP.
In this week's newsletter, I delve into what it has been like having ADHD for the past year, Amazon Prime's new show, Gen V, and the SNP's problems in Holyrood.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps was speaking at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester.
The aim of the appeal is to see whether there have been changes since a damning report in 2021.
Short-term let companies such as Airbnb have created a lack of housing and increased anti-social behaviour, says the council.
Shameless thieves have been captured on CCTV prowling around an Edinburgh hotel while the night porter was in the next room.
The Home Secretary has called out celebs who have condemned her stance on immigration.
The so-called "Beast from the East" last hit the UK in February 2018, bringing Arctic conditions and heavy snow
The relaunched fund will provide grants and equipment for veterans with mobility needs linked to their service.
Amazing images of the helicopters in action have been posted on the aircraft carrier's social media account.
If you served in the Armed Forces before 2018 then you are now entitled to a Veteran ID card - here's how to get yours
A CV-22 Osprey has been practising its landing and take-off drills on the Royal Navy aircraft carrier.
The unit started to go into Ukraine in August, even though 25 CAA was not due to see combat until December, according to recruitment adverts.
Breathtaking images from the Ministry of Defence show the crew of 617 Squadron take part in night flying
More than 300 sailors, Royal Marines, and the Royal Marines band from Plymouth marched through Torpoint.
British soldiers have been giving their Ukrainian counterparts Explosive Ordnance Disposal training before they return to the frontline
Writer Jonathan Moynihan went from hitting the ball into the net to hitting winners in an hour in the growing sport that is a mix between tennis and squash
One of the former Royal Marine Commandos was shot and injured in the incident as they were paddling down the Amazon in a canoe
A planned march to commemorate the Freedom of the City has to be moved indoors amid heavy rain and high winds
The Liberal Democrats' defence spokesperson says it's "shameful" that military families have to live in homes plagued with sewage issues
Violent extremists, climate change and hostile states all countered in strategic rethink of Army's Land Operating Concept.
A poster of Cdr Davidson was used in several recruitment campaigns by the Senior Service in the 1950s and 60s
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin also hails the success of Ukraine's counter-offensive so far
The head of the British Army talks about struggling with his mental health due to dark memories of combat operations and grief over the loss of friends.
The couple were caught in the compromising position on board the Ibiza flight after taking off from Luton Airport.
The men jump out of their car and are seen carrying a hatchet, axe, and a sledgehammer and go towards the vehicle, whose crew seem unaware of what is happening.
A Ukrainian crewman applauds the Challenger 2 over the Soviet-era tanks being fielded by both sides in the conflict
HMS Prince of Wales is the UK's biggest warship and is set to take part in training with F-35s.
Veterans who are not in associations can now take part.
Find out about the specifications, capability, and notable incidents of the RAF's Voyager aircraft.
Nato jets flew over the smoking and bubbling volcanoes of Iceland in the "Rapid Viking" exercise.
Ahead of the anniversary of the late Queen's death, the King has assumed eight of Queen Elizabeth II's military roles.
More than 20,000 Ukrainian military personnel have been trained in the UK since the start of 2022.
More than 3,000 sailors travelled to the Middle East to help stop tanker sieges by Iran, the Pentagon said.
HMS Trent has been deployed to help deliver training to countries and combat maritime crime.
The French weapon also featured a picture of the Ukraine trident with the Eiffel Tower placed in the middle.
In Skyfall, the new young and spotless Q meets Bond for the first time in front of a painting of a ship. In the ensuing scene, Bond (Daniel Craig looking noticeably haggard) questions Q's expertise considering his youthful complexion, where they debate whether being young hinders doing the job as a spy.
I imagine you are sitting reading this on a sun lounger beside a pool on holiday, which has been safely chosen during the lounger race with a host of Europeans including the spirited Germans, having only just finished a glass of rosé wine at a lunch of bread, ham, olive oil, cheese, and vegetables that actually taste of something.
With the Six Nations fast approaching and concussion injuries on the rise, Jonathan Moynihan explores whether rugby union is safe.
When I started writing The Musings of Edward, it was back in April 2020 when the first lockdown had only recently begun. I was looking for things to do in my parents’ house in Edinburgh as the jobs market had crashed.
Having been ill for over a month, I have learned certain things about being unwell for an extended period, writes Jonathan Moynihan.
As both Labour and the Conservatives unveil their strategies to crackdown on anti-social behaviour, it harks back to Tony Blair and ASBO culture, argues Jonathan Moynihan.
Having multiple conditions means I owe a lot to the NHS, doctors, and Big Pharma around the UK, writes Jonathan Moynihan.
With Wales coming off their unconvincing victory over a resurgent Italy, Warren Gatland’s team are facing the daunting prospect of a springtime trip to the outskirts of Paris on the final day of the Six Nations.
With Steve Borthwick having to pick between George Ford, Owen Farrell, and Marcus Smith at number ten, it is a choice between pragmatism and spontaneity and adventure, writes Jonathan Moynihan.
Having once grown up in Edinburgh, I now feel like a stranger in my city and house, describes Jonathan Moynihan.
Ahead of a big summer of holidays and travel, there is widespread disruption caused by strikes, poor planning, and labour shortages, says Jonathan Moynihan
Practice days are underrated and highly enjoyable, argues Jonathan Moynihan, ahead of the commencement of the 150th Open at the Old Course in St Andrews
As Britain swelters in the latest heatwave to hit our island, it is time to enjoy a typical British summer, argues Jonathan Moynihan
Modern dating is messy and complicated, with a host of apps taking over the usual routes to relationships – friends of friends, work colleagues, and club members – for Gen Z, says Jonathan Moynihan.
Jamie Oliver’s latest campaign to ban buy-one-get-one-free (BOGOF) deals in supermarkets by going to protest at no.10 Downing Street with Eton mess is out of touch and ridiculous, says Jonathan Moynihan
As Boris Johnson’s challenges mount – the Ukraine conflict, partygate, and the cost-of-living crisis – ahead of the local elections on 5th May, he must deal with several backlogs affecting people’s lives around the UK. Some of them are well known, such as the NHS backlog, while others are reported on less, like the mountain of cases that still need to go through the courts.
We all miss coming home from school with our Pokémon cards stashed away in our bags in the noughties to the impressive list of shows available from Prank Patrol to Raven. Here, I will show you ten shows that must simply rebooted for Gen Z soon.
From the bar to the beach, these brands offer great choice.
With testing, quarantine, and the ever-changing traffic light system hampering foreign travel – only the rich can afford the hassle.
I found out I had a nut allergy at a young age. I have had to live with it ever since, describes Jonathan Moynihan.
With allergies increasing and high street brands on red alert after the deaths of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse and Celia Marsh, Jonathan Moynihan examines what it is like to have allergies in the UK in 2022.
Liveblog as it happened on the day
As the Mayor continues his push for a more environmentally friendly London, Wandsworth is following in the Mayor's footsteps by placing more electric vehicle charge points in the borough.
After graduating university in recent weeks, there is a feeling of being a bit lost in your mid-twenties with all the crises around the world.
With the power of influencers increasing, Jonathan Moynihan explores KSI and Logan Paul's latest venture, PRIME.
Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar livestreamed on Twitch and garnered hundreds of thousands of viewers before the US election in a sign of how political campaigning in the age of the coronavirus pandemic has been altered.
In my first blog, I delve into the problems faced by British farms in getting fruit pickers and staff to help due to the coronavirus crisis.
Care homes have become the centre of the pandemic as deaths have begun to outstrip deaths in hospitals in the social care sector beset by issues.
The freedom of the press is under threat as journalists are being attacked and thrown out of countries just for doing their job.
As the report released by the Labour Together has shown the disastrous election campaign ran by Jeremy Corbyn, one hopes the new opposition leader can improve Labour’s situation in the polls and around the country.
The prime minister has launched a whole new swathe of investment in his speech in Dudley into infrastructure projects in a myriad of different sectors, which goes against the traditional conservative policies of financial prudency and a small state.
The confused advice on wearing face masks in public in England and the backlash from some quarters has meant that the UK is way behind other nations in wearing face coverings. The government needs to find ways of encouraging people to wear them where possible.
People in many countries in the midst of lockdowns have been increasingly protesting against governments, even though it may be seen as dangerous to do when the virus can spread through large gatherings.
Generation Z are renting everything: sofas, flats, clothes, bikes and music. But we do want to own something in the future.
Lockdown saw an increase in running as an activity to do with the gyms and sports clubs closed. So, I joined the throng of people jogging along the pavements and have never felt better.
Mark Agnew, 32, along with his three American team members will start from Bylot Island, Nunavut, Canada next month and aim to reach Tuktoyaktuk, an Inuit hamlet following the historic route linking the Atlantic with the Pacific.
Through a traineeship programme, young adults aged between 18 to 25 years old with learning disabilities and autism work in the café
With past scandals, lacklustre ratings, and predictable casts in recent series, is the time up for ITV's behemoth reality tv show?
With temperatures rising, the Scottish SPCA has issued a plea to the public to avoid leaving dogs in vehicles on hot days.
The 40th Edinburgh International Book Festival has launched its 2023 programme, with a glittering list of Scottish writers set to appear, like literary heavyweights such as Trainspotting author, Irvine Welsh.
Jonathan Moynihan reports from Balham, London, to find out the effect of inflation - caused by the Ukraine war and other factors - on pubs and broader businesses. In the package, the reporter interviews a local pub general manager to analyse the impact of inflation on pubs; an official from the British Beer and Pub Association to find out the views of the trade association; and an official from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry to understand the wider impact of inflation on...
Jonathan Moynihan reports from Balham, London, to find out the effect of inflation - caused by the Ukraine war and other factors - on pubs and broader businesses. In the package, the reporter interviews a local pub general manager to analyse the impact of inflation on pubs; an official from the British Beer and Pub Association to find out the views of the trade association; and an official from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry to understand the wider impact of inflation on...
With the power of influencers increasing, Jonathan Moynihan explores KSI and Logan Paul’s latest venture, Prime. The university stated is Birmingham City University.
Residents in Outer London boroughs could be given the choice to say "yes or no" to Sadiq Khan's controversial expansion of the Ultra-low emission zone (Ulez). The pledge was made by a Tory politician as the race formally commences to choose the Conservative candidate for the 2024 Mayor of London election.
As young people grow tired of traditional dating apps like Hinge, Tinder, and Bumble, London's young people are heading to singles events to find their partners. Young singletons dressed in clothes they would wear on a first date chat amongst themselves with dance music being played by two swaying DJs in the right-hand corner of the room.
By Jonathan Moynihan Everyone loves a whodunnit complete with a grizzly detective and society's various rungs portrayed in the cast. Well, that is certainly true of Hollywood at the moment after the release of Glass Onion: A Knives Mystery, See How They Run, and the remakes of the old Agatha Christie films such as Death on the Nile.
Londoners guzzle espressos as they saunter into the offices around the capital. Parents chatter over flat whites with babies sleeping in their prams in the background on the weekend. Friends catch up after a night out in Soho over brunch, still feeling hungover from the night before.
Everyone has bad date stories. From the guy who turned out to be massively into crypto, to the one where they wanted to leave early but didn't - just out of politeness. It is inevitable. Hinge, the app 'designed to be deleted', and now Thursday too, has cornered the market for dating apps for people aged 18 to 25.
With London's dating scene fraught with the perils of ghosting, wokefishing, and breadcrumbing, there has been a return to finding the one by going on blind dates set up by a matchmaker.
When I was in school, I would look outside through the windows in the classroom onto the rugby pitch directly below the building and let my mind wander for what seemed like hours when I really should have been concentrating on whatever I was being taught at the time.
The boss of a Dagenham cafe who has family in Turkey has began a fundraiser to support those impacted by the earthquake disaster. Sibel Kussan, director of The Snack Bar, in Heathway, has been working with organisations to coordinate donations.
An art gallery based in Barking has created a life-sized sculpture of 'Noah's Ark' from 3,000 bottles found in parks and rivers. The sculpture was the brainchild of Laura Iosifescu, director of Laura I. Art Gallery CIC, who believed that building the sculpture would highlight the impact that plastic waste has on the environment and, specifically, climate change.
