A nation’s sea-going force for naval and amphibious warfare
The fight between the United States and Iran has intensified as strikes and counterstrikes continue. Officials report American casualties and ongoing military activity in the region, while energy prices react to the conflict.
The US Pentagon has announced the immediate departure of John Phelan, the Navy's top civilian official, amid ongoing military leadership purges. Phelan's exit follows recent dismissals of senior military figures, including Army and Navy leaders, as the US faces unresolved tensions with Iran and internal political pressures. Undersecretary Hung Cao is now acting secretary. The moves reflect a broader effort to reshape military leadership under President Trump, raising concerns about politicization and military cohesion.
North Korea has commissioned the 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon, marking a step in its naval modernization under Kim Jong Un. Officials describe the vessel as part of a broader push to equip the navy with nuclear-capable weapons, with plans for additional ships and the development of strategic, larger vessels in the coming years. Analysts warn the move could heighten regional tensions even as Pyongyang touts deterrence.
The Defence Investment Plan has been revised to prioritise frontline equipment, drones and rapid-reaction forces. Dan Jarvis has secured additional funding and the plan emphasizes high-speed boats, strike drones and uncrewed vessels, with a focus on the High North amid rising Russian activity. The plan aims to equip troops faster while addressing concerns about funding gaps and the pace of modern warfare.
The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) has been published, detailing a 2.7% of GDP defence spend by 2029 with a 3% target in the next Parliament. The plan shifts funding away from road and energy projects to weapons, drones, and naval capabilities, while promising efficiencies and a long-term upgrade in nuclear deterrence. Several ministers have resigned over the funding levels amid a controversial rollout that may be revisited by a new prime minister.
Tom Kean Jr. has explained that his four-month absence from Congress was due to inpatient treatment for depression. He says he is healthier and ready to resume his duties, while Republicans argue for transparency and Democrats scrutinize the absence in a closely watched New Jersey district ahead of the November election.
The Defence Investment Plan has been unveiled, allocating billions to naval upgrades at Clyde and Rosyth, nuclear deterrent readiness, and a radical drone transformation for the armed forces. The plan emphasizes British-anchored infrastructure and domestic shipbuilding in Scotland amid concerns over offshoring work.
The Navy has named the crew member lost after an MH-60S Sea Hawk crash in the Arabian Sea as the search continues for the remaining missing aircrew. Three crew members have been rescued and are in stable condition aboard the USS George H.W. Bush. The incident is under investigation and authorities say hostile action is not suspected.
Coastguard rescue officers have worker status, and the MCA plans to stop hourly pay in September to classify CROs as volunteers. MPs, unions, and coastguards are pushing for negotiations amid a growing political row.
A speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members overturned near Hon May Rut Ngoai island off Phu Quoc. Rescue operations are ongoing; 21 people have been rescued, while 15 have died. The captain is under investigation for safety violations. Survivors are returning to India as police and authorities investigate the crash.
Video shows a clash at Second Thomas Shoal as a Chinese coast guard vessel allegedly struck a Philippine sailor with a wooden baton; Manila maintains a constitutional right to resupply the outpost, while Beijing asserts its claim. The incident follows a long-running dispute in the West Philippine Sea and comes ahead of ASEAN talks in Manila.