UK sees record-breaking arms exports as minister guarantees extra in 2026 | Politics | News | EUROtoday

Defence exports hit their highest degree on file this yr, due to monumental warship and fighter jet offers struck by the Government. UK business secured over £20 billion in gross sales to allies in 2025, greater than any yr in at the least 40 years.

The Ministry of Defence championed the figures as a lift for the financial system and jobs throughout Britain. Half of the £20 billion sum got here from Norway alone, who put in an order for at the least 5 Type 26 frigates in a significant snub to a rival bid from the French. The vessels might be used to observe Russian submarines and shield the North Atlantic, collectively touring with British ships.

Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, championed: “We are showing again how this government is delivering on our pledge to make defence an engine for economic growth across the country while boosting our security and that of our allies.”

“By winning the historic deal to build Type 26 frigates for Norway, we are driving growth in Scotland and across the UK while better equipping our combined navies to counter the threat from Russia in the North Atlantic. And by exporting Typhoon fighter jets to Türkiye, we are securing high-skilled jobs in Lancashire, Scotland and across the UK whilst helping strengthen NATO’s southern flank.

“We are committed to working with our allies and defence industries to make sure the UK is a leader in global defence exports, and there’s more to come in 2026.”

In whole round 20,000 jobs throughout the UK had been secured by a single jet fighter cope with Turkey, who positioned an order for 20 world-leading Typhoons at a price of £8 billion.

Looking forward into 2026, the federal government hopes that its AUKUS pact with the US and Australia will convey additional alternatives for defence gross sales, together with a give attention to the Boxer armoured combating car.

Rupert Pearce, National Armaments Director, mentioned: “These export successes reflect the NAD Group’s mission to strengthen international partnerships while driving economic growth at home.

“By working as one integrated organisation, we’re facilitating access to UK defence capability for our allies to access world-leading UK defence capability, creating jobs and prosperity across the country whilst building the collective deterrence we all need.”

Avril Jolliffe, Director General of International Collaboration and Exports (IC&E), mentioned: “Global security demands an always-on approach to international collaboration and exports.

“As announced in the Strategic Defence Review, we’re creating a single point of focus that connects UK industry directly with international opportunities.

“This isn’t just about selling equipment – it’s about building defence partnerships that support collective security and UK economic objectives.”