13 January - 18 January 2026
Armed Forces Bill introduces sweeping changes to reserve mobilisation
The Armed Forces Bill 2026, introduced to Parliament on 15 January, contains significant measures that will reshape how Defence draws on former service personnel. The Strategic Reserve recall age rises from 55 to 65, liability periods align across all three services (extending Royal Navy liability from 6 to 18 years), and the mobilisation threshold drops from "national danger" to "warlike preparations." An estimated 95,000 personnel currently hold Strategic Reserve liability. The Bill also establishes a new Defence Housing Service and extends Armed Forces Covenant duties across central government. Reforms are expected from spring 2027.
GOV.UK: Major boost to pool of skilled former military personnel
CONTRACTS & AWARDS
£279m contract signed for Army cyber regiment infrastructure
Bovis has been awarded a £279m contract by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation to build new facilities for 13 Signal Regiment at Duke of Gloucester Barracks in Gloucestershire. The regiment delivers defensive cyber operations and will relocate to house the Army's Cyber, Information and Security Operations Centre. Scope includes 248 single living accommodation rooms, 30 service family homes, plus specialist technical and training buildings. Construction starts Summer 2027, completion Spring 2030. 25% of spend goes to businesses within 50 miles; 25% to SMEs. Creates 92 jobs including 32 apprenticeships.
GOV.UK: £279 million investment to build new home for Army's cyber regiment
POLICY & GOVERNMENT
£1bn Integrated Air and Missile Defence allocation awaits Defence Investment Plan
Written parliamentary answers confirm the government has committed £1bn to Integrated Air and Missile Defence per the Strategic Defence Review, but allocation between effectors, sensors and command-and-control will only be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan. Minister Luke Pollard declined to give a firm publication date, stating he would not commit to "next week or by the end of the month."
UK Defence Journal: Billion Pound UK air defence plan awaiting detail
INDUSTRY MOVES
Leonardo Proteus completes maiden flight—UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter
On 16 January, Leonardo's Proteus made its first fully autonomous flight from Predannack airfield in Cornwall. Developed under a £60m contract supporting 100 UK jobs at Yeovil, Proteus is designed for anti-submarine warfare, ISR and logistics missions as part of the Royal Navy's hybrid air wing vision. With a one-tonne+ payload capacity, the platform is central to the Atlantic Bastion strategy for North Atlantic security. This is a technology demonstrator rather than production aircraft, but will inform future autonomous rotary-wing procurement.
Royal Navy: New Royal Navy autonomous helicopter makes history with first flight
Windracers ULTRA extends range to 2,000km with heavy-lift payload
British drone manufacturer Windracers announced on 15 January that its dual-use ULTRA unmanned aircraft can now fly up to 2,000km carrying a 200kg payload. Armed Forces Minister Al Carns endorsed the capability, calling it "a key British sovereign capability." Already operational in Ukraine, Alaska, Central Africa and polar regions, Windracers is scaling production to build hundreds of aircraft over the next two years. The company is targeting defence, humanitarian, research and civil cargo missions.
Windracers: ULTRA drone reaches 2,000km heavy-lift range
Lt Gen Eldon Millar appointed UK Military Representative to NATO and EU
Lieutenant General Eldon Millar CVO MBE takes up the role on 20 January, replacing Lt Gen Sir Ian Cave who retires after nearly 40 years. Millar previously served as Deputy Commander of NATO's Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy and the NATO Allied Reaction Force. His appointment signals continued UK emphasis on NATO-first posture.
UK Defence Journal: UK appoints new Military Representative to NATO and EU
COMING UP (20–26 January)
Mon 20 Jan – Lt Gen Eldon Millar takes up role as UK Military Representative to NATO/EU (Brussels). First major appointment since the SDR; worth watching for signals on UK-NATO priorities.
Mon 20 Jan – Defence Committee: Sir Ben Wallace gives evidence on Afghan Data Breach and Resettlement Schemes (10:15am, Palace of Westminster). Former Defence Secretary's testimony may touch on broader data handling and duty of care issues.
Mon 20–Wed 22 Jan – International Armoured Vehicles Conference 2026 (Farnborough). 500+ British Army and MOD personnel registered; key forum for armoured vehicle capability development and procurement. Major primes showcasing platform upgrades and protection systems.
Tue 21–Wed 22 Jan – NATO Military Committee meets at Chiefs of Defence level (Brussels). SACEUR General Grynkewich briefs on readiness posture; discussions with Ukraine, Georgia and Indo-Pacific partners. Watch for any UK commitments.
Tue 27 Jan – Defence Secretary John Healey appears before Defence Committee (2pm, Palace of Westminster). Likely to face questions on Defence Investment Plan delays and the reported £28bn funding gap flagged by CDS last week.
Ongoing – Project NYX Invitation to Tender now live. Bidders have until 27 February to submit proposals for the £100m Apache "loyal wingman" autonomous collaborative platform competition. Contract award to up to 4 suppliers expected Q1 2026.