The UK government has unveiled its vision for the Defence Industrial Strategy, which aims to reinforce national security while bolstering economic growth through innovation and resilience.
Answering a question from James Cartlidge, Conservative MP for South Suffolk, about the scope of the strategy, Defence Minister Maria Eagle highlighted its dual focus on enhancing the UK’s defence capabilities and integrating lessons from the nation’s support to Ukraine.
Cartlidge’s question specifically asked: “What is the scope of the defence industrial strategy?” Eagle responded, explaining that the strategy is designed to address multiple priorities, including rebuilding UK defence stockpiles and increasing the UK’s deterrent capabilities.
“The scope of the Defence Industrial Strategy is being set to explore how to establish a better, more innovative and more resilient defence sector, enabling the UK to innovate at speed to help Ukraine defeat Russia and restock its armed forces; deter its adversaries; seize opportunities presented by the technologies of the future; as well as creating new partnerships and promoting defence exports,” Eagle stated.
Also recently, in response to a written question from Labour MP Paula Barker regarding the government’s support for UK defence manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence outlined its commitment to strengthening the sector. Barker asked what steps the government is taking to support UK defence manufacturing through procurement processes.
In her written response, Minister of State for Defence Maria Eagle highlighted the crucial role the UK’s defence manufacturing industry plays, not only in national security but also in economic growth. Eagle described the government’s dedication to bolstering the UK’s defence industrial base.
“The UK’s defence manufacturing industry is vital not only to our national security but to our prosperity and economic growth,” said Eagle, adding that the government will introduce a new Defence Industrial Strategy. “This Government is committed to developing a UK defence industrial base that is able to better support our own and allies’ security.”
The new Defence Industrial Strategy aims to “ensure a strong defence sector and resilient supply chains, across the whole of the UK.”
The previous iteration of the strategy, introduced in 2005, was designed to ensure that the UK Armed Forces received necessary equipment on time and at the best value for money, while maintaining key sovereign capabilities within UK defence companies.
The previous strategy was structured into three parts: it outlined the strategy, reviewed the UK defence industry, and described its implementation. This policy built upon earlier initiatives like the 2002 Defence Industrial Policy and the Strategic Defence Review of 1998.
Notably, it departed from the earlier competitive tendering models introduced during the Thatcher government, which had prioritised an open market. Instead, the 2005 DIS reintroduced the concept of “national champions” in key areas, ensuring that UK companies would retain the capability to produce vital defence equipment.