Sky News launches paid Defence Insider app
September 10, 2026 12.48 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Sky News has launched Defence Insider, a new subscription app offering exclusive defence, security and global affairs reporting as part of its strategy to build premium specialist journalism.

Priced at Ł14.99 a month, the standalone app provides subscribers with exclusive video reports, analysis and commentary from Sky News’ defence team, led by Defence and Security Editor Deborah Haynes and military analyst Michael Clarke. Sky News itself maintains a free standalone app, while the channel remains free-to-air in many markets and through streaming platforms.

Defence Insider also gives subscribers the opportunity to interact directly with Sky News journalists and defence experts through live Q&As and community discussions, alongside interviews with military leaders, frontline reporting, explainers and early access to live events.

The launch follows the success of Sky News’ The Wargame podcast, which attracted 3.6 million cross-platform listens, and comes as growing geopolitical tensions increase public interest in defence and national security.

According to new Sky News and YouGov research, almost a third of Britons believe the UK is likely to face a military attack within the next decade.

Jonathan Levy, Executive Editor and Managing Director of Sky News, said the broadcaster has “real authority, expertise and distinctive journalism” in defence reporting and that the new app would give audiences direct access to in-depth analysis of an increasingly complex world.

Deborah Haynes said understanding defence, security and national resilience had “never been more important” as the UK and its European allies seek to strengthen their military capabilities in response to a more dangerous international environment.

The launch is part of Sky News’ 2030 strategy to develop deeper relationships with audiences around specialist content and premium video journalism.