Latest news with #Challenger3
The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Brit AI-drone gunships to fly alongside Apache helicopters in war of the future
BRITAIN'S new AI-drone gunships will fly alongside Apache helicopters in future battles. Apache pilots will command up to six drones, known as mules, carrying missiles, sensors and jamming kit. Advertisement 1 Britain's new AI-drone gunships will fly alongside Apache helicopters in future wars The mules will also be programmed to fight autonomously and control swarms of smaller drones on the ground. This triple-layer system will give the Army far greater firepower and aims to protect our fleet of Apache AH-64Es, Challenger 3 tanks plus soldiers on the ground. More integration of crewed and uncrewed aircraft had been hinted at in the Strategic Defence Review announced earlier this month. Advertisement READ MORE ON DRONES 'Our Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (the mules) will fly alongside the Apache attack helicopters and enhance the Army's ability to strike, survive and win on the battlefield. 'This will be a game-changer. It will be applying the lessons from Ukraine in a world- leading way. It will be putting the UK at the leading edge of innovation in Nato.' Chief of the General Staff Sir Roly Walker said 80 per cent of the Army's weapons in future wars would be drones — as it could take months to build Apaches and tanks and years to train their crews. He said drones were vital as the Ukraine war had 'shown how a £20million tank and four experienced crew can be lost to a £1,000 drone operated by a kid with a few days' training'. Advertisement Most read in Tech He added of the mule drones: 'You don't want to lose them but, if you do, it's not a tragedy because, although sophisticated, they are uncrewed.' Israeli drones obliterate Iranian F-14 fighter jets in explosive aerial assault
Scottish Sun
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Brit AI-drone gunships to fly alongside Apache helicopters in war of the future
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITAIN'S new AI-drone gunships will fly alongside Apache helicopters in future battles. Apache pilots will command up to six drones, known as mules, carrying missiles, sensors and jamming kit. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Britain's new AI-drone gunships will fly alongside Apache helicopters in future wars The mules will also be programmed to fight autonomously and control swarms of smaller drones on the ground. This triple-layer system will give the Army far greater firepower and aims to protect our fleet of Apache AH-64Es, Challenger 3 tanks plus soldiers on the ground. More integration of crewed and uncrewed aircraft had been hinted at in the Strategic Defence Review announced earlier this month. Defence Secretary John Healey told this week's RUSI land warfare conference in London: 'From this year, we will be investing more than £100million in new, initial funding to develop land drone swarms.' READ MORE ON DRONES GULF EXIT Brit & US spy planes quit Gulf amid fears of Iran reprisals over Israel's attack 'Our Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (the mules) will fly alongside the Apache attack helicopters and enhance the Army's ability to strike, survive and win on the battlefield. 'This will be a game-changer. It will be applying the lessons from Ukraine in a world- leading way. It will be putting the UK at the leading edge of innovation in Nato.' Chief of the General Staff Sir Roly Walker said 80 per cent of the Army's weapons in future wars would be drones — as it could take months to build Apaches and tanks and years to train their crews. He said drones were vital as the Ukraine war had 'shown how a £20million tank and four experienced crew can be lost to a £1,000 drone operated by a kid with a few days' training'. He added of the mule drones: 'You don't want to lose them but, if you do, it's not a tragedy because, although sophisticated, they are uncrewed.'
Daily Record
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
These uncommon Highway Code road signs will stump most drivers
Road signs play a vital role in directing, informing and controlling driver behaviour to make UK roads safe. There are over four million road signs in the UK, so it's no wonder the majority of drivers are unable to keep track of them all. Road signs, especially uncommon ones, can leave motorists confused, with 35 per cent of British drivers having previously admitted they're unsure if they could pass a theory driving test today. In the hope of improving road safety, new rules, signs and regulations are introduced each year. Often older, out of date, signs are swapped with newer symbols. For instance, the original 'private crossing' road sign - which has historically depicted a locomotive – has been refreshed to show a modern train. Cinch, the faff-free way to buy a car online, listed some of the most peculiar UK road signs. Some of the most unusual road signs in the UK Meaning: Slow-moving military A warning sign that portrays a military tank is a rare sight, and you're unlikely to spot it often as you cruise around the local roads of Scotland. Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at Cinch, said: "This unusual sign indicates exactly what it says on the tin – you might bump into a Challenger 3 tank! "Specifically, it's telling you that slow-moving military vehicles are likely to cross or be present on that stretch of road. "It's usually set temporarily in zones where the military is carrying out their operations, or permanently positioned near army barracks, and it warns motorists to take extra care as they navigate the area." Meaning: Beware of migratory toads If you're enjoying a road trip across the British countryside in early spring, there's a chance you might see this peculiar sign en route – especially if you're near a large pond or lake. What this sign warns drivers of is that there could be migratory toads crossing the road, hopping from one side to the other as they venture towards their breeding grounds. If you see this warning sign, reduce your speed and check the road in front of you as you pass. Amphibians are more active during the evening and at night, so be extra careful at dusk. Meaning: You are entering or exiting a quiet lane A green road sign featuring a car, cyclist, horse-rider, and a parent with their child indicates the start of a designated quiet lane. If it's crossed by a red stripe, it means you're leaving this zone. Quiet lanes aim to preserve the peace and well-being of rural streets where people can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. Designated quiet lanes welcome less than 1,000 vehicles per day and have a 35mph speed limit. So, abide by the rules to respect your surroundings and prevent a possible speeding fine. Meaning: Electrified overhead cable ahead Despite the menacing lightning bolt, this sign doesn't indicate the start of a storm. Instead, it warns drivers about potential overhead electrical hazards ahead, which means electric cables are running above the road. You will likely find this sign near tram or railway cables, paired with a plate informing about the maximum safe height for vehicles. The restriction won't affect car or motorbike drivers, but if you're at the wheel of a tall vehicle, such as a truck or lorry, you might have to steer away from the area to prevent damage to your roof and the cables. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Meaning: Vehicles may be parked on the verge If you're driving along rural lanes or narrow roads with limited off-street parking, you may spot this square-shaped sign. This tells motorists that parking is permitted on the verge – either the pavement or the grassy bit next to the road. If you don't need to park but are simply driving nearby, this sign will let you know that you're unlikely to have the entire width of the road to use. So, if traffic is incoming, reduce your speed and be prepared to stop. Meaning: Vehicles carrying explosives prohibited If you've never seen this sign before, you might get a bit panicky, but don't worry – you needn't watch out for exploding vehicles ahead. Instead, this circular traffic sign with a car topped with a fire warns you that no motors carrying explosives are allowed in the area. It only applies to drivers with a dangerous load in the back of the vehicle, so if you're carrying fireworks in your boot, you'll have to figure out an alternative route. So, did you recognise any of these unusual signs? From amphibians hopping in the street to designated quiet lanes and slow-moving military vehicles, always remember to drive carefully to keep everyone safe.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UK rushes naval laser weapon, as major tank upgrade hits snag
PARIS — The United Kingdom is accelerating work on the DragonFire laser weapon, with a goal of equipping four Royal Navy destroyers with the system starting in 2027, Minister for Defence Procurement Maria Eagle said in a written response to parliamentary questions. Meanwhile, plans to upgrade the U.K.'s Challenger main battle tank have been impacted by some delays in the supply chain, with additional resources being channeled into the program to resolve the issues, Eagle said in a response on April 1. The British government in its Spring Statement in March announced plans to spend at least 10% of the Ministry of Defence equipment budget on new technologies such as drones and AI-enabled capabilities, and create a ring-fenced budget of £400 million ($516 million) for a defense-innovation fund. 'We are bringing laser technology to the Navy around five years faster than previously planned, which will protect our Armed Forces, and let us learn by doing,' Eagle said. 'As announced in the Spring Statement, additional funding for Defence will be directed toward advancing technology including guaranteeing the in service date for DragonFire.' Turning DragonFire into an operational capability more quickly will allow the armed forces to make continual improvements in areas like integration, software and overall lethality, the minister said. That will help develop the system itself, as well as inform the choices the MoD makes on future directed-energy weapons, according to Eagle. DragonFire in January 2024 for the first time destroyed an aerial target with a high-powered test shot, in what the MoD called a major step forward in bringing the laser technology into service. The industry team developing the laser weapon is led by pan-European missile maker MBDA, with partners Leonardo UK and Qinetic. The U.K. government plans to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP in 2027. That would translate into £14.2 billion additional spending in the 2027-2028 fiscal year compared with 2024-2025, based on the latest data from the Office for Budget Responsibility, more than the £13.4 billion announced in February, according to Eagle. The U.K. spent an estimated £64.6 billion on defense in 2024, up from £61.9 billion a year earlier. The ongoing plan to upgrade Britain's main battle tank to the Challenger 3 version ran into some supply-chain hiccups, Eagle said. The upgraded tank's initial operating capability is forecast for 2027, with all of the U.K.'s 138 Challenger 3 tanks planned to be in service by the end of 2030. 'Additional resources have been directed towards resolving these issues and the next phase of trials will start in quarter two 2025,' Eagle said. 'Progress will be monitored carefully and any impact on the delivery of initial operating capability will be continually assessed.' The upgrade is being led by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land, with enhancements including a turret wit a 120mm smooth-bore gun, new armor and an active protection system. The approved budget for the upgrade is £1.9 billion, which includes the contract with RBSL, and there have been no increases to the total budget due to technical challenges or inflation, Eagle said. 'We are confident that Challenger 3 will continue to match potential threats throughout its lifecycle, but we will continually review the performance of its specification to ensure that it remains world-leading,' Eagle said.
Telegraph
22-02-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
These are the threats our hollow armed forces face. A stark choice is before us
For many years now, under several different governments, retired officers like me have been pointing out the steady decline in the war-fighting power of our armed forces. And this decline has indeed been severe. As an example, from 1996 to 1998 I had the honour to command the 4th Armoured Brigade based in Germany. The brigade had two armoured regiments with 120 tanks and two armoured infantry battalions equipped with the tracked, armoured Warrior fighting vehicle. I had a regiment of artillery with 24 tracked, armoured self-propelled 155mm guns. There were several more regiment-sized units providing engineering, repairs, signals, medical and logistic support. We trained hard and were genuinely at a high state of readiness. At the end of the Cold War some years previously the Army had eight such brigades in Germany. Today the Army is in the process of procuring its next tank, the Challenger 3. When this process is complete, there will be just two tank regiments left in the British order of battle. They will be accompanied by infantrymen equipped with the wheeled Boxer vehicle. There are at the moment only two regiments in the artillery equipped with 155mm guns, many of them wheeled Archers obtained as replacements for tracked guns donated to Ukraine. It's sad to say it, but my old brigade on its own had more firepower and lethality than the whole of today's Army. Similar processes have taken place in the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. There may soon be just seven frigates and six destroyers in the fleet, meaning just two of each typically available for operations. Key capabilities have disappeared: the Royal Fleet Auxiliary has no functional solid stores support ship, meaning that one will have to be borrowed from Norway to support this year's deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group to the Far East. Meanwhile here at home the RAF currently has no airborne radar aircraft at all. It is not to be alarmist to describe today's British armed forces as 'hollowed out': it is, sadly, merely to be realistic. British soldiers, sailors and airmen are, I am certain, still the equals of any in the world, but there are too few of them and they are not properly equipped and supported. The gradual decline of our armed forces has largely resulted from the so-called 'peace dividend'. Following the end of the Cold War the world was seen as being in general a safe place. British defence spending, which had run at 4 or even 5 per cent of GDP, is barely above 2 per cent at the moment: and even that figure has only been achieved by including military pensions in the total. It has been evident for some time, however, that the world is not a safe place any more, if indeed it ever was. Vladimir Putin has mobilised Russia onto a war economy footing, and according to the latest figures from the International Institute for Strategic Studies he has now managed to exceed the combined military spending of all Europe on a purchasing power parity basis. The war going on in Ukraine illustrates the scale of the threat presented by Russia, and the scale of the defences needed to meet it. It's difficult to state exactly how many combat brigades Russia has deployed to the warzone, but we can say with confidence that it is considerably more than a hundred. Ukraine, on the defensive, has a hundred brigades in the fight. The British army today has just seven combat brigades, and at the moment it can realistically deploy just one of them fully equipped for war. This figure will not increase to more than three under current plans. Then, Putin's Russia is by no means the greatest threat out there. Even Russia's huge military expenditure is dwarfed by that of China. We may think of China as far away, but it is now by far the world's largest shipbuilder. Xi Jinping is building a powerful blue-water navy which will soon be able to deploy massive strength anywhere in the world, much as US Navy carrier groups do today. Already, growing Chinese power menaces our friends and business partners in the Pacific: Australia, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea. We have forged the Aukus alliance with the US and Australia, and this was an excellent strategic decision: but it must be resourced. As part of the pact the Royal Navy plans to base a nuclear-powered attack submarine in Australia before the end of the decade, but without extra funds for our run-down nuclear and submarine infrastructure it is doubtful if this can be achieved. Certainly there is plenty of pressure on the Royal Navy in home waters, with crucial undersea cables and pipelines vulnerable to Russian attack. I would argue that all this would mean that a substantial increase in Defence spending is essential, to at least the level stated as an aspiration by this government and the last: 2.5 per cent of GDP. I know that this is the figure that Lord Robertson and his team, currently conducting a Strategic Defence Review, are working towards and the Review could not be in better hands. But such an increase, though welcome, would not achieve the sort of transformation that is needed. On top of all that I have said, we now have the recent announcements from the new Trump administration, making it very clear that the US will no longer take primary responsibility for the security of Europe. Exactly what this will mean in terms of deployed US forces and commitments is not yet clear. However it is evident that we must be prepared not merely to restore our forces so that they are no longer 'hollow': we must do a great deal more than that. It's not widely realised that only around 1.7 per cent of GDP is spent on conventional defence as 0.5 per cent of the total is devoted to the nuclear enterprise. To have a credible war-fighting conventional capability, uprated to include AI and drone warfare etc, will require us to spend a minimum of 3 per cent on defence as a whole. Alongside this we must make Nato much more efficient by returning it to the Cold War model. General Cavoli, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, is a top-drawer general. We should give him the command and operational freedoms and authorities his Cold War predecessors had, and put a stop to all the duplication of effort and waste amongst Nato nations. This would allow much more Nato military bang for our collective buck and achieve what is required at a much lower overall cost. This, I believe, would permit the UK to achieve its strategic goals without having to spend the 4 to 5 per cent of GDP on Defence that President Trump has proposed. Nato is much more powerful than Western politicians and conservative generals permit it to be. I must state at this point that I completely understand the fiscal predicament that the new Government is in, and I fully support its growth agenda in principle. In an ideal world we would grow the economy first and increase Defence expenditure second. But this is very far from being an ideal world and it has just become much worse. There is a genuine risk that war will come, and that risk is made greater the longer we fail to act. As a nation we must lift up our eyes from domestic politics and think in terms of grand strategy. We must start reinvigorating Defence and the armed forces now, regaining our claim to leadership and influence in the process. The consequences of not being sufficiently strong to deter our adversaries could be catastrophic to our way of life. General The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL is a former British Army officer. He served as Chief of the Defence Staff – the professional head of the British Armed Forces – from 2009 to 2013
