Defence

Seductive spies aren’t simply James Bond fantasies – femmes fatales have been a key feature of espionage for centuries

The Big Question: can Scotland simply set up its own armed forces if it votes 'Yes'? Five reasons why creating armed forces for an independent Scotland might prove problematic

Voters in the small Scottish town of Helensburgh could see drastic changes if they vote Yes in the Scottish referendum

Horseplay at the Palace is evidence that Army standards are falling, says Andrew Critchlow

European Court of Human Rights says 'no evidence' British personnel responsible for Tarek Hassan's death, prompting questions about the legal action brought by Birmingham-based firm

Three suppliers of military trucks are battling it out for a £16.6 bn contract with the US army

Why do some risk their life in the world’s most hostile regions? Dominic Nutt explains

Tory rebels and Labour MPs who voted against air strikes in Syria are more sympathetic this time , argues Con Coughlin

Philip Hammond, the Foreign Secretary, attends a meeting of foreign office ministers in Paris amid warnings that air strikes in Syria may be illegal

UK must commit to the use of air power against Isil targets following the murder of David Haines, says former commanding officer in Afghanistan

Phil Bigley, whose brother was murdered by Islamist fanatics. says he cannot comprehend the 'inhumanity'

Prime Minister David Cameron to resist immediate recall of Parliament following murder of British aid worker as fears grow for second British hostage Alan Henning

A tiny minority has no right to decide the future of a nation, argues Lord Dannatt

Five former First Sea Lords warn defence plans for an independent Scotland are unachievable and will leave the new country badly defended

Tim Herlihy was partially paralysed in a parachute accident which killed another cadet, Harry Whitworth

President Obama’s bombing strategy will only encourage jihadis, not destroy them, says Con Coughlin

Britain's policy on Obama's air campaign unclear as Foreign Secretary says no Syria air strikes, only for Number 10 to later clarify his remarks

Designers say the Fortis exoskeleton will allow sailors and shipyard workers to wield heavy tools as if they are weightless

The first Invictus Games, set up by Prince Harry for wounded soldiers from around the world, begins in London tonight. Theo Merz hears the extraordinary stories of the men taking part

Putin won’t be thwarted by Nato or sanctions and his aim of a neutral Ukraine is acceptable, says Tony Brenton