Defence

HMS Duncan returned to Portsmouth on Friday, July 24, 2026, after completing phase one of Operation Firecrest.

'Chronic lack of sea time' hitting Royal Navy amid a lack of Captains

Chinooks of 27 Squadron, RAF Odiham, operating on HMS Queen Elizabeth from October 13th to October 26th, 2026, as part of Exercise Hathi Pol. The carrier recently visited Gibraltar.

'Unique challenge' faces air crew on HMS Queen Elizabeth on ops

Pictured: Ewan Baxter outside Bulford Military Court, Wiltshire, who was punished for a sexist tirade while deployed on HMS Prince of Wales.

Sexist Royal Marine punished after tirade of abuse towards women

Royal Navy sailors have been conducting war games in the South China Sea despite previously threats from Beijing. Pictured: Royal Navy and Royal New Zealand sailors stand to attention on HMS Tamar’s flight deck.

'War-fighting serials' conducted by Royal Navy despite China warnings

HMS Forth's new helicopter landing system in action

'Complex' and vital upgrades installed on Royal Navy ship HMS Forth

The Royal Navy's fleet is deployed across the globe conducting various missions. Here is the current status of all the ships that are based in Portsmouth.

Every Portsmouth ship - where they are and what they're doing

Teddy Young has appeared at the Old Bailey

Navy sailor faces new charges after 'classified information breach'

The 'hard truth' of the Royal Navy not having enough ships has distressed the chair of the defence select committee, who said that government needs to 'wake up' and respond to the issue.

MP distressed at 'hard truth' of Royal Navy not having enough ships

Cdr Steve May of HMS Collingwood lays a wreath at the Nelson monument. Service to commemorate Trafalgar Day and the life of Admiral Lord Nelson.

Poignant Trafalgar Day service honours Lord Nelson and fallen sailors

JJ Chalmers, presenter and former Royal Marine, trying out the rib inside the Royal Marines Experience at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard ahead of its public opening on Saturday. Veterans praised the new attraction.

'Shows our world': Ex-Marine JJ Chalmers and veterans praise museum

The launch of the Poppy Appeal in Havant Tesco.

(From left) Dave Barton, Andy Carter MBE, Alan Mak MP, Jacqui Hage, Chris Atkinson, Mayor of Havant Cllr Paul Tansom, Mayoress Dawn Tansom and Matt Rugman.

'It brings the country together' - The 2026 Poppy Appeal launches

(L-R) Owner of Seeded in Southsea Alexsis Seed with volunteers Maggie Crompton, Margaret Kelly, Sarah Dobie, Sarah Yetman and Lesley Callaway.

Picture: Sarah Standing

Crafters unite to knit 27,000 poppies for Southsea Castle tribute

Sneak Peek at the new Royal Marines Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard which is opening on October 24. The News was invited on a tour of the site on October 21.

Exclusive Sneak peek at new 'cutting-edge' Royal Marines Museum

‘Glaring’ gaps’ in the Royal Navy fleet will make the UK more vulnerable to attacks from Russia in the High North. Pictured: Admiral Levchenko with HMS Duncan (left) and HMS St Albans (right).

'Glaring gaps' in Royal Navy fleet leaves UK exposed to Russia attack

A letter written by Emma Hamilton sent to Lord Nelson which arrived after his death, part of the greatest collection of Admiral Horatio Nelson letters in private hands which have been unveiled at Sotheby's in central London, before they go up for auction, with an estimate of £4-6m.

'Greatest collection': Lord Nelson letters could fetch £6m at auction

The government has been pushed to accept the Airbus deal to build new Skynet satellites, and not to accept a 'lowball' American offer. From L: Defence secretary Wes Streeting and Liberal Democrat James MacCleary.

MPs pushed to back Airbus satellite jobs and not 'lowball' US offer
Defence secretary Wes Streeting faced questions over the Skynet deal as the deadline for the contract decision looms
Freddie Webb

Retired Type 23 frigate HMS Iron Duke being towed to HMNB Portsmouth ahead of the prospect of being scrapped.

Prince William's warship towed to base as she faces being scrapped

British RAF fighters have been deployed to Saudi Arabia to defend against Houthi attacks in Yemen.

RAF deployed to defend Saudi Arabia amid 'outrageous' Houthi attacks

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth insults UK veterans who served in Afghanistan.

Disgraceful Pete Hegseth insults UK veterans who fought in Afghanistan

HMS Iron Duke is being towed to Portsmouth after being retired from the Royal Navy fleet.

Retired Royal Navy ship to arrive in base amid uncertain future

Prime minister Andy Burnham is being pressured to award the Skynet 6 contract to Airbus, as alternative proposals risk losing hundreds of jobs.

MPs dispute as Airbus space satellite jobs hang in the balance

HMS Duncan returned to Portsmouth on Friday, July 24, 2026, after completing phase one of Operation Firecrest.

Destroyer HMS Duncan 'heads into refit' after HMS Prince of Wales op

HMS Prince of Wales leaving Portsmouth Harbour

HMS Prince of Wales leaves Portsmouth as families say fond farewells

HMS Prince of Wales returned home to HMNB Portsmouth on July 24, 2026, after completing the first phase of Operation Firecrest.

HMS Prince of Wales set to leave Portsmouth tomorrow

A computer generated image of Skynet 6A

Prime Minister told: Don't risk Portsmouth jobs with leap into unknown

Major renovation works are continuing at both Fort Purbrook and Fort Widley after a £2.1m grant was secured. It's a mixed picture in the Portsmouth area, with some landmarks being protected, and others left to rot.

'Remarkable' renovation taking shape at beloved forts - others at risk

Retired Royal Navy frigate HMS Richmond being towed to Portsmouth amid an uncertain future on October 15, 2026.

Retired HMS Richmond to 'undergo preparations for disposal'
The Type 23 frigate was towed to HMNB Portsmouth on a grotty October morning
Freddie Webb

HMS Richmond most recently joined the UK Carrier Strike Group with HMS Prince of Wales on a large-scale deployment to the Indo-Pacific.

Retired HMS Richmond to be towed to base amid uncertain future

Exercise Cape Upholder saw personnel conduct mock assaults, and live-firing drills with machine guns, snipers and mortars.

UK soldiers 'training to recapture Falklands' amid Argentina threats

HMS Protector is currently out of action after suffering a double engine fault.

'Catastrophic failure': Royal Navy ship suffers 'double engine defect'

A Titchfield defence firm is planning to convert the former ExxonMobil ethylene plant at Mossmorran near Fife into a weapons factory.

Defence firm submits plans to convert chemical plant into factory

Royal Navy Commander Anthony 'Tony' Wilkins, who taught King Charles III while he was a young naval officer, has died at the age of 91. Pictured is himself alongside his wife Julia.

'Caring' Royal Navy Commander who taught King Charles III dies aged 91

Defence secretary Wes Streeting was grilled about armed forces spending during his appearance before the defence select committee.

Streeting warns unfunded defence could create Liz Truss style crash

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting giving evidence to the Industry and Regulation Committee in the House of Lords, central London. He claimed a Royal Marine had to test an underwater drone in his garden pond due to regulatory red tape.

'Regulatory handcuffs' forces marine to test drone in his garden pond

Doubts have been cast over when the Type 31 frigates will enter the Royal Navy fleet. Pictured: HMS Venturer in the Babcock dry dock.

'Inflationary pressures' hitting Type 31 ships amid delay fears

The idea of the Royal Navy being used to block migrant boats crossing the English Channel has been debated in parliament. The policy was described as 'unserious' by prime minister Andy Burnham.

'Not serious': PM dismisses using Royal Navy to block migrant boats

D-Day Veteran Henry William Rice, Royal Navy Signalman, at the Standing With Giants display. He has passed away at the age of 100.

D-Day veteran dies aged 100 as tributes paid to 'great character'

A service to commemorate Trafalgar Day and the life of Admiral Lord Nelson will take place on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Ceremony to honour Lord Nelson on Battle of Trafalgar anniversary

HMS Queen Elizabeth will be undergoing a period of intensive drills as she prepares to take duties of the Royal Navy flagship from HMS Prince of Wales. Pictured: The carrier arriving in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

'Complex workouts' for HMS Queen Elizabeth ahead of flagship role

Force protection team closed up onboard HMS Dauntless. The Type 45 destroyer will be joining HMS Prince of Wales on Operation Firecrest.

'Intensive training': HMS Dauntless gears up for carrier deployment

HMS Dragon returns home to Portsmouth on Friday, October 9, 2026, after leaving for an emergency deployment on March 10, 2026, due to the ongoing Iran war.

'Monumental effort': HMS Dragon sailors look back on 'rushed' Iran op

HMS Dragon homecoming on October 9, 2026. Pictured is: Leading Hand Charlie Gill from Littlehampton, West Sussex, with his cousin Finlay Ratan (2). Charlie donated part of his liver to Finlay when he was just four-months-old after needing a transplant.

Exclusive 'Hero' HMS Dragon sailor saves boy given days to live - reunited again

From L-R: Nick Evans (brother), Alan Evans, (father), Leading Seaman Harry Evans and Lesley Evans (mum) reunite after 214 days

Recap: HMS Dragon docks back home in Portsmouth after Iran operation

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Royal Navy sailor Teddy Young appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, London, where he was charged with engaging in conduct preparatory to the commission of an offence under the National Security Act 2023 and a second allegation of obtaining, accepting or retaining material benefit from a designated body. Picture date: Thursday October 8, 2026.

Royal Navy sailor in court charged with spying for Russia

HMS Queen Elizabeth has visited Belfast on a four day diplomatic visit. This is the first visit of its kind since 1965.

'Greatest defence asset' HMS Queen Elizabeth sails to Belfast

Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon is heading back home to Portsmouth after recently being seen in Gibraltar.

HMS Dragon to sail to base full of proud families - when, times

The Ministry of Defence has paid out nearly £2.5m in compensation. Picture: PA

Police name Royal Navy sailor charged with spying for a foreign power

The grave of Private (Pte) Sidney Allen, 7th Battalion Hampshire Regiment, was discovered 81 years after his death. Pictured: Corporal Wendy Robert, The Band of the Mercian Regiment sounds Last Post at the rededication service as Colonel (retired) Stephen Owen OBE, Royal British Legion, pays his respects.

Lost soldier killed in WWII identified 81 years after death

Lieutenant David Hardiman has been commended for his quick-thinking after stopping HMS Prince of Wales from crashing into a ferry. He received the Lady Swaythling Trophy by national maritime charity Shipwrecked Maritime Society.

'Exceptional' sailor stops HMS Prince of Wales ferry crash

HMS Prince of Wales is nearing the end of her maintenance period and will be starting the second phase of Nato deployment soon.

'Poised for action': HMS Prince of Wales maintenance nears end

Royal Marines Commandos aboard U-Boat off the North coast of Scotland during Strike Warrior 26.

'Largest test in 15 years' for Royal Marines as they ride German sub

Prime minister Andy Burnham is being pressured to award the Skynet 6 contract to Airbus, as alternative proposals risk losing hundreds of jobs.

'Minimise US blowback': PM under pressure as Airbus job decision looms

Catering personnel aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth are undergoing major changes by trialling systems to feed sailors outside of traditional meal times.

‘All-day dining’ on HMS Queen Elizabeth as ship undergoes trials

Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon is heading back home to Portsmouth after recently being seen in Gibraltar.

HMS Dragon leaves Gibraltar and heads closer to home after deployment

Cadets marched through Guildhall Square to mark the 125th anniversary of the Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC).

Devoted cadets parade in city with plaque unveiled honouring them

News you can trust since 1877

© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Terms and Conditions Privacy notice