Defence Secretary John Healey has unveiled the Government’s new Defence Industrial Strategy, aimed at increasing UK defence sector jobs and securing long-term growth.
As part of this strategy, Healey announced a unique wargame initiative designed to test the resilience and speed of the UK’s supply chain in the face of ongoing global threats and instability.
The wargame will focus on how companies and the Ministry of Defence can maintain essential supplies for frontline personnel during periods of supply chain disruption and intense conflict.
Key supplies such as weapons, ammunition, health materials, drones, and armoured vehicles will be assessed for their ability to be rapidly mobilised wherever needed.
Healey highlighted that the strategy aims to embrace cutting-edge technology and prioritise UK companies for investment.
The strategy marks the first of its kind since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, reflecting the growing need for enhanced national security and an industrial base capable of adapting to wartime conditions.
At a London Defence Conference, Healey shared his vision to expand defence sector jobs across all regions of the UK, emphasising that a robust defence sector would provide the foundation for a “decade of national renewal”.
Investors, innovators, and trade unions will be invited to offer feedback on how to build a more integrated, innovative, and resilient defence sector that can meet evolving global threats.
In response to the strategy, UK defence companies are committing to major new investments. Helsing, Europe’s largest defence AI company, will invest £350 million over the next five years to mass-produce thousands of new AI-enabled drones.
BAE Systems is set to recruit thousands of new staff, investing heavily in skills development. Babcock is also adding almost 1,500 new early career roles through graduate and apprenticeship opportunities, while Rolls-Royce has opened a new office in Glasgow to support UK submarine programmes, creating skilled jobs and supporting regional growth.
The Defence Industrial Strategy will align with the upcoming Strategic Defence Review, expected to be published in the spring, further shaping the UK’s defence priorities.
However, former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace raised concerns on social media, suggesting that unless HM Treasury adjusts its “value for money” rules, the new strategy could face challenges in its implementation.
With the new strategy in place, the UK government hopes to fortify national security while fostering an innovative, self-reliant defence industry capable of responding to modern challenges.
