Key facts
- UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated that increased military spending must drive industrial reform, exports, and skills.
- The UK has committed £70 million over three years to a new Defence Industrial Strategy.
- The strategy includes reforms to procurement, five-year acquisition pipelines, and a National Armaments Director.
- A £10 billion frigate deal with Norway is expected to secure 4,000 UK jobs.
- An Office for Defence Exports will be established to support UK firms.
- £182 billion is committed to a new Defence Skills Strategy.
Defence Secretary John Healey outlined a vision for Britain's increased military spending to fuel industrial reform, boost exports, and enhance skills during his speech at the Defence Investment Summit. Healey emphasized that national security is underpinned by a strong industrial base, referencing a recent Russian drone incursion into Poland as a catalyst for strengthening NATO air defenses.
The government's newly published Defence Industrial Strategy, backed by £70 million over three years, aims to reform procurement through segmented approaches and five-year acquisition pipelines, with the creation of a National Armaments Director. Healey highlighted the economic benefits of defense spending, citing a £10 billion frigate deal with Norway that is expected to support 4,000 UK jobs across 430 businesses.
To further bolster the sector, an Office for Defence Exports will be established to provide government-to-government backing for UK firms. A consultation on a new offset policy is also planned to ensure economic benefits from international defense purchases. Investment in the workforce is a key component, with £182 billion committed to a new Defence Skills Strategy.
Healey welcomed foreign investment, noting Tekever's £400 million expansion in Swindon, which is projected to create 1,000 jobs and produce advanced unmanned aerial systems. The summit also saw the launch of the Technology and Growth Alliance, a collaboration between major defense companies like BAE Systems, Leonardo, Thales, and QinetiQ, alongside academics and investors, to leverage defense innovation for broader national benefit.