UK Armed Forces Weekly News Roundup (5–12 September 2025)

Welcome to this week’s British military news update. We cover the latest developments across the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force, and veterans’ affairs. This week’s stories centre on naval carrier operations, evolving special forces roles, force security, and surging interest in drone warfare. Here’s what’s happening in the UK Armed Forces now.

British Army: Special Operations Forces Expansion

The Strategic Defence Review continues to reshape Britain’s special forces landscape. Service‑designated Special Operations Forces (SOF) from the Army and Navy are now set to take on more of the missions historically reserved for UK Special Forces (UKSF). The Commando Force and 16 Air Assault Brigade are being equipped to operate at NATO Level 2, with specialist equipment, mobility, and networked communications. These changes aim to make UK special operations more resilient, versatile, and capable of contributing to both national and alliance tasks.

Royal Navy: Carrier Strike Group Advances and Global Reach

This week, the Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, advanced into Stage 5 of its deployment in the Indo‑Pacific. Elements of the group are operating in and around Japan and the Republic of Korea. Multiple ships are involved among them HMS Richmond, RFA Tidespring, and HMS Dauntless, alongside allied vessels including Norwegian frigates. There were joint air exercises involving F‑35Bs from the carrier and Japanese F‑15s and F‑35As, culminating in a flypast over HMS Prince of Wales.

Beyond that, the Royal Navy has increased readiness of its Maritime Medical Emergency Response Team onboard, with Merlin Mk4 helicopters acting as air ambulances in drills. These exercises test casualty evacuation capability at sea and in allied naval operations.

Royal Marines: Commando Force Strengthens Role

The Royal Marines are benefiting from the special operations expansion. As part of the SOF‑capable force enhancement, Commandos are receiving updated training and gear intended for highly mobile, expeditionary operations. Their upgraded role includes light tactical vehicles, improved communication systems, and greater interoperability with Navy and Army special operations elements. This growth in capability underlines the UK’s plan to field forces able to respond rapidly across different theatres and environments.

Royal Air Force: F‑35A Acquisition and Force Security

The RAF will proceed with acquiring nuclear‑capable F‑35A jets, despite ongoing debate about stealth and detection issues. This decision reinforces the UK’s deterrence posture and expands its operational flexibility in alliance settings.

Meanwhile, RAF Brize Norton has had its security significantly reinforced following a group breach earlier this year. The base now deploys a combination of drone monitoring, enhanced sensor systems, and improved perimeter security. This reflects a broader trend towards securing critical RAF infrastructure and recognition that internal threats can be as serious as external ones.

Veterans’ Affairs: Rising Interest in Drone Warfare and Industrial Investment

A surge in public and military interest in drone and autonomous systems was visible at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) and through recent government statements. The UK is placing greater emphasis on how drones can support reconnaissance, logistics, electronic warfare, and even combat roles. Defence industry investment is following, with small enterprises gaining contracts for modular payloads and agile production lines.

Veterans and serving personnel alike are watching this shift closely. Many see the introduction of autonomous systems as offering new post‑service career opportunities in tech and defence sectors. Improving access to these emerging fields is increasingly seen as part of modern veterans’ affairs.

Strategic Summary

This week’s developments show the UK Armed Forces pushing forward on several fronts. The expansion of special operations‑capable units enhances overall agility and resilience. Carrier Strike Group operations maintain a high global profile and show naval diplomacy in action. The Royal Marines are firmly part of future operational designs. RAF decisions on the F‑35A reinforce deterrence, and domestic security improvements reveal a recognition of emerging threats. All told, these trends signal growing capability, sharper readiness, and deeper integration across services.

Keep Following Our Weekly Updates

That concludes this week’s UK Armed Forces Weekly News Roundup. From SOF expansion and carrier strike activity to force security and the rise of drone warfare, there is plenty moving in British defence.

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Return next Friday for your next UK Armed Forces Weekly News Roundup.