🚨 Three of the UK’s four nuclear deterrent submarines are out at sea, it is understood. It is not clear why but at least one of the boats will be armed with nuclear warheads and on routine patrol. An expert said one of the other Vanguard-class submarines would likely be working up to take over the patrol, while the third could be undergoing sea trials. The Ministry of Defence declined to comment. @larisamlbrown first broke this story in @thetimes The unusual deployment of most of the fleet indicates improved availability, which has been a problem for the Royal Navy’s submarine service in recent years. It will doubtless be noticed by the UK’s enemies.

🚨 The production of vital gun barrels for tanks and artillery pieces has resumed in the UK for the first time in two decades, with a German defence company making the weapons.  Wes Streeting, the defence secretary, officially opened the Rheinmetall “gun hall” in Telford, Shropshire.  The sprawling facility has the capacity to produce up to 245 long, metal barrels a year and more than 50 breeches - the block of metal at the rear end of the barrel.  Such numbers would be woefully inadequate were the UK ever to face a major war - but the manufacturing rate could be significantly ramped up in a time of crisis. Ukraine says it has destroyed more than 12,000 Russian tanks and more than 5,000 artillery pieces since the start of Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion more than four and a half years ago.  “Britain is back in the business of making the weapons that our Armed Forces need to defend the nation against our adversaries,” the defence secretary said.  “From an empty site to full production in eight months, this is rapid reindustrialisation in action.” The new site - 11,500 square metres - has production lines for two different types of weapons system.  One is for the 120mm gun that will fit on the updated Challenger 3 tank, which has yet to enter service.  The other is a 155 mm weapons system that will be used for artillery pieces.  General Sir Roly Walker, the head of the British army, also attended the factory opening along with Armin Papperger, the German chief executive of Rheinmetall AG. Mr Papperger is thought to be on a Russian hit list. The Kremlin is accused of seeking to assassinate key defence industry figures in Europe as part of the a campaign of hostile action to undermine NATO’s push to rearm and to support Ukraine.  The Rheinmetall boss said: “We are committed to investing in the UK for the long term, expanding our industrial footprint and working together to deliver the capabilities needed for the future.  “By combining Rheinmetall’s expertise with British skills, innovation and manufacturing, we are strengthening the UK’s sovereign industrial capacity, supporting the Armed Forces and contributing to the security of NATO and Europe.”

🚨This is well worth downloading - it is a v useful guide about the kind of supplies you and your household might need to be self sufficient for 72 hours in the event of an emergency - from a flood or a power cut to war: beready.campaign.gov.uk/wp-c…