The Defence industry briefing
The month in defence in news, views and numbers
In numbers
$208bn
China's defence budget for the coming year, an increase of 6.8% compared to the last budget
16 March
Publication of the UK’s long-awaited Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy
90
Reduction in the UK’s planned number of F-35 orders, according to reports from the Sunday Times
10,000
Rumoured reduction in the size of the British Army that could result from the Integrated Review by 2024
$476m
Contract won by Honeywell to supply T55 turboshaft engines for the US Army’s CH-47 Chinook helicopter fleet
From our sites
Royal Navy seeking information on cats and traps to launch drones
A request for information issued to the UK Ministry of Defence has revealed that the Royal Navy is seeking information on potential electromagnetic catapult and arrestor wire systems that could be used to launch and recover air vehicles from ‘a suitable ship’ by 2023.
Contract notice hints US could field a new fighter by 2029
A US Department of Defense (DoD) contract notification has offered a hint that the US could field a new fighter aircraft by FY 2029.
Survey ship HMS Magpie tests seabed mapping software
The British Royal Navy’s survey vessel HMS Magpie has tested an advanced software designed to map the seabed close to shore in hours.
In quotes
Credit: US Air Force
What does the F-35 give us? And is there a way to cut our losses? Is there a way to not keep spending that much money for such a low capability because, as you know, the sustainment costs are brutal.
US House Armed Services Committee Chairman Congressman Adam Smith on the F-35
It is a great honour to be asked to stay on as Chief of the Defence Staff. There is much to do. Last year’s substantial settlement of £24.1bn for defence, announced by the Prime Minister in November, gives us the stability and confidence to modernise the armed forces to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities that will be laid out in the Integrated Review.
Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter on the Integrated Review and being asked to stay on as the head of the UK’s Armed Forces until November
Credit: L3Harris
On TWitter
In Pictures
The Royal Navy's aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth emerges from behind the Round Tower in Portsmouth, sailing as the fleet flagship for the first time. Credit: MOD
US Army soldiers conduct sling-load operations with a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during a training exercise. Credit: US Army
Members of the First Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment carried out a full military funeral for Captain Sir Tom Moore in Bedford at the end of February. The British Army veteran’s fundraising efforts raised more than £32m for the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic. Credit: MOD
The Royal Air Force Sentinel R1 aircraft has carried out the last operational flight of the aircraft type from RAF Waddington after 14 years of service. The Sentinel’s role will now be carried out by other aircraft in RAF service including the newly introduced Poseidon and Protector. Credit: MOD
US Army soldiers conduct a simulated air assault from an Army CH-47 Chinook during training in Italy. Credit: US Army
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