Counter Terror Business - Europe

UK and Ukraine to agree defence partnership

Polly Jones — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:24:45 +0000

The UK and Ukraine are set to agree a new partnership to deliver global defensive capability against the the proliferation of low cost, high tech military hardware, including drones.

The prime minister is set to meet with President Zelenskyy in the UK today, where the pair are expected to agree an enhanced security and defence industrial declaration, capitalising on Ukraine’s expertise and the UK’s industrial base to manufacture and supply drones and innovative capabilities.

The two countries will look at opportunities for increased defence industrial and technological cooperation with third countries, boosting international security and ensuring the latest defence technology is in the hands of those who need it most.

The UK is also set to fund a new AI Centre of Excellence that will sit within the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. Experts will ensure AI is being utilised to its fullest to deliver a battlefield advantage.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "We must work in lockstep with our partners and allies to deliver security at home and abroad, and this new partnership with Ukraine will do just that.

"Drones, electronic warfare and rapid battlefield innovation are now central to national and economic security, and that has only been further magnified by the conflict in the Middle East.

"By deepening our defence partnerships, we are strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend itself from Russia’s brutal, ongoing attacks, while ensuring the UK and our allies are better prepared to meet the threats of the future."

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: "Ukraine’s military expertise is defending against Putin’s brutal attacks and boosting European security, and I am proud of how the UK is stepping up support to Ukraine to achieve peace on their terms.

"The axis of aggression between Russia and Iran makes it increasingly important that we build on Ukrainian expertise and innovation, supported by British industry, and ensure that Ukrainian fighters see benefits from that as they continue to push back Putin’s illegal invasion.

"I pay tribute to the huge courage and ingenuity of the Ukrainian people – military and civilians alike – and I am determined to make 2026 the year this war ends."

EU and UK hold Counter Terrorism Dialogue

Polly Jones — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:29:03 +0000

The EU and UK have held their third Counter Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels.

The Dialogue was established by the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

A range of counter-terrorism issues were discussed including assessments of the evolving terrorist threat landscape, and an exchange of best practice on the UK’s and EU’s responses to protect citizens.

The parties also discussed strategic approaches to countering terrorism and a range of topics related to the abuse of new technologies by terrorist groups, including preventing radicalisation online and AI.

The UK delegation was chaired by Jonathan Emmett, Director Counter-Terrorism in the �鶹�� Office, who was accompanied by officials from the �鶹�� Office, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The next Counter-Terrorism Dialogue is due to be held in London.

UK to send warships and helicopters to Eastern Mediterranean

Polly Jones — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 11:42:09 +0000

The UK will send HMS Dragon and three drone-busting Wildcat helicopters to the Eastern Mediterranean to boost British defences.

HMS Drago, a Type 45 destroyer will strengthen the UK's ability to detect, track and destroy aerial threats, including drones. It is fitted with the Sea Viper missile system, which can launch eight missiles in under ten seconds and guide up to 16 missiles simultaneously.

A Type 45 destroyer successfully intercepted a Houthi missile in 2024.

British armed forces has successfully shot down multiple drones across the region over the last week including RAF F-35B jets shooting down drones over Jordan and a British counter-drone unit neutralising drones in Iraqi airspace.

Two Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters armed with Martlet drone-busting missiles are heading to the region. They will hunt and shoot down aerial threats.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: "We are moving quickly to further reinforce our defensive presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.

"HMS Dragon brings world-class air defence capability, and our Wildcat helicopters are armed with Martlet missiles to counter the growing drone threat.

"I am deeply proud of the professionalism and bravery of our Armed Forces personnel who have in recent days, successfully taken action across the region to protect our allies and defend British interests."

New drone factory in Suffolk to support Ukraine's Armed Forces

Polly Jones — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:18:52 +0000

One of Ukraine's largest drone manufacturers has opened a new factory in Suffolk.

Ukrspecsystems chose sites in Mildenhall and Elmsett in Suffolk for their new drone factory and testing and training facility.

Ukrspecsystems is a Ukrainian drone company, founded in 2014, which produces a wide variety of drones, including the PD-2 and SHARK-M surveillance drones which communicate autonomously with strike drones to identify, track and destroy Russian targets.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said: "Our resolve to support Ukraine is stronger than ever, and we are backing Ukraine’s defiant Armed Forces as they fight for peace.

"Ukrspecsystems’ new factory is a vote of confidence in UK support and underlines the deepening cooperation between our nations’ defence industries. This investment will create up to 500 new jobs in the East of England, drive defence as an engine for growth, and help Ukraine defend itself against Putin’s aggression."

Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK General Valerii Zaluzhnyi said: "This factory represents more than industrial cooperation – it is part of a new European security architecture built on shared responsibility and shared production. Ukraine brings battlefield experience and innovation, and together with the United Kingdom we are strengthening the capabilities needed to deter aggression.

"The UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy is making it easier for defence business to operate in the UK, driving economic growth and supporting the government’s support for Ukraine, in line with the Strategic Defence Review."

UK to work with European allies to develop air defence weapons

Polly Jones — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:15:59 +0000

The UK will work with European allies to develop new air defence weapons to protect European skies.

The European Group of Five meeting was hosted in Krakow on Friday 20 February, with France, Germany, Italy and Poland attending.

The group have launched the ‘Low-Cost Effectors & Autonomous Platforms’ initiative, known as LEAP.

The initiative will see the development of advanced low-cost air defence systems, such as autonomous drones or missiles. The first project is expected to be delivered by 2027.

The first focus will be on a new surface-to-air weapon – a lightweight, affordable weapon designed to counter the drone and missile threat.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said: "European security is at a pivotal moment. The UK and our E5 partners are stepping up – investing together in the next generation of air defence and autonomous systems to strengthen NATO’s shield and keep our people safe.

"From innovation in our defence industries to our ironclad commitment to Ukraine, we’re showing that European nations are ready to deter, defend and if necessary, fight, together. “I’m proud of UK leadership on European security – building partnerships, developing capability and standing with Ukraine to protect our shared security."

UK announces new air defence package for Ukraine

Polly Jones — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:32:38 +0000

The UK has announced a half a billion pound package of air defence for Ukraine.

The funding includes £150 million for NATO PURL, and additional 1,000 UK-manufactured missiles.

The PURL initiative sees NATO coordinating the purchase of world-class defence equipment from the United States for the defence of Ukraine.

The UK will also deliver an additional 1,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), manufactured in Belfast.

Over the coming months, the UK will also deliver an additional 1,200 air defence missiles and 200,000 rounds of artillery ammunition for Ukraine’s defenders through the Air Defence Consortium (ADC).

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: "As we approach the fifth year of Putin’s full scale invasion, the UK and our allies are more committed than ever to supporting Ukraine.

"I’m proud of the UK’s continued leadership and pleased to confirm a new half a billion pound package of air defence, including £150 million for PURL, to help Ukrainians defend against Putin’s relentless drone and missile attacks."

UK to boost defence of Arctic and High North

Polly Jones — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:17:03 +0000

The defence secretary has announced a boost to Arctic and High North security to counter rising Russian threats.

During a visit to meet Royal Marine Commandos at Camp Viking in the Arctic Circle in northern Norway, John Healy confirmed that the number of British troops deployed to Norway will double over three years from 1,000 to 2,000 personnel.

The UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) has confirmed major military activity in the High North this year. In September, Exercise Lion Protector will see air, land, and naval forces from JEF nations train to protect critical national infrastructure from attacks and sabotage and enhance their joint command and control capabilities. Hundreds of personnel are set to deploy across Iceland, the Danish Straits and Norway, as JEF steps up to enhance deterrence and defence in the Arctic, High North, and North Atlantic.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: "Demands on defence are rising, and Russia poses the greatest threat to Arctic and High North security that we have seen since the Cold War. We see Putin rapidly re-establishing military presence in the region, including reopening old Cold War bases.

"The UK is stepping up to protect the Arctic and High North – doubling the number of troops we have in Norway and scaling up joint exercises with NATO allies.

"Cold Response and Lion Protector will this year see thousands of troops deploy across the Arctic and North Atlantic – with the UK leading the way. We train together, we deter together, and if necessary, we will fight together."

UK to develop new missile for Ukraine

Polly Jones — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 11:26:03 +0000

The UK is to develop new tactical ballistic missiles for Ukraine.

The UK has launched a competition under Project Nightfall to rapidly develop ground-launched ballistic missiles with a range of more than 500 kilometres and designed to operate in high-threat battlefields with heavy electromagnetic interference.

The missiles will be capable of being launched from a range of vehicles, firing multiple missiles in quick succession and withdrawing within minutes.

The project aims for three industry teams to each be awarded a £9 million development contract to design, develop and deliver their first three missiles within 12 months for test firings.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: "The attacks overnight on Thursday just go to show how Putin thinks he can act with impunity, targeting civilian areas with advanced weaponry.

"Instead of seriously negotiating a peace, he’s seriously escalating his illegal war.

"We were close enough to hear the air raid sirens around Lviv on our journey to Kyiv, it was a serious moment and a stark reminder of the barrage of drones and missiles hitting Ukrainians in sub-zero conditions.

"We won’t stand for this, which is why we are determined to put leading edge weapons into the hands of Ukrainians as they fight back."

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said: "A secure Europe needs a strong Ukraine. These new long-range British missiles will keep Ukraine in the fight and give Putin another thing to worry about.

"In 2026, we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. Providing equipment to keep them in the fight today, whilst working to secure the peace tomorrow."

UK fighter jets to join NATO operation in Poland

Polly Jones — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 09:22:28 +0000

UK fighter jets will join NATO air defence missions over Poland to counter aerial threats from Russia, including drones.

Royal Air Force Typhoons will join allied forces, including from Denmark, France, and Germany as part of NATO’s Eastern Sentry mission.

The announcement comes after Russian drones were intercepted in Polish airspace and later in Romanian airspace as well.

The Typhoons will operate out of RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and are expected to start flying missions over Poland in the coming days. They will be supported by RAF Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft from RAF Brize Norton.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "Russia’s reckless behaviour is a direct threat to European security and a violation of international law, which is why the UK will support NATO’s efforts to bolster its eastern flank through Eastern Sentry.

"These aircraft are not just a show of strength, they are vital in deterring aggression, securing NATO airspace, and protecting our national security and that of our allies.

"We will continue to stand firm in our support for Ukraine and ramp up the pressure on Putin until there is a just and lasting peace."

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said: "Russia’s actions are reckless, dangerous, and unprecedented. They only serve to strengthen the unity of NATO. Just as we stand with Ukraine, we will stand with our Polish NATO allies in the face of Russian aggression.

"The UK is fully committed to playing its part in Eastern Sentry, increasing our military presence on NATO’s eastern flank even further.

"Our advanced Typhoon fighter jets will help deter Russian aggression and, where needed, defend NATO’s airspace, making Britain secure at home and strong abroad, the foundation of our Plan for Change."

UK police help to thwart attack on Ukrainian school

Polly Jones — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 10:08:52 +0000

Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command (CTC) have helped to prevent a potentially lethal attack at a school in Ukraine.

The Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit received a public referral concerned about an online post, which suggested an imminent attack was being planned by an individual in Ukraine.

After urgent review, the information was passed through CTP International Operations to a Counter Terrorism Police Liaison Officer. Europol was then used to help alert authorities in Ukraine.

It has been reported that a 15-year-old boy was arrested in Ukraine and weapons and knives were seized. This has been confirmed by the Ukrainian Ministry of the Interior.

Commander Dominic Murphy, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “This was a truly remarkable piece of work by all those involved – both here in the UK as well as counterparts in Ukraine. The swift actions by our officers alerting Ukrainian counterparts has helped to avert what could have been a potentially devastating attack at a school in Ukraine. It’s all the more remarkable when you consider the incredible difficulties those in Ukraine are facing while fighting a war, but thanks to our collective efforts, lives have almost certainly been saved.

“Our close ties with international partners are a key part of our work in Counter Terrorism Policing and this case shows why that work is so important to tackling threats, wherever they might appear in the world. It also highlights the important role the public play and we would continue to encourage the public to flag any concerning material to us – as we’ve seen here, it could help save lives.”