Defence

The UK's defence sector is at the heart of national and economic security, with 2025 the biggest year for defence exports on record. The Defence Sector Industrial Strategy sets a 2035 ambition for the UK to be a defence industrial leader – the best place to grow a defence business, with Europe's leading defence exporters and radically reduced times to contract.

Key year-one highlights include:

• £298 billion Defence Investment Plan – a 10-year plan setting clear sector and capability priorities to drive growth, innovation, and a resilient UK industrial base.
• £50 billion UKEF Defence Export Fund – the largest expansion of UKEF capacity in its 100-year history, helping British defence companies win major international contracts.
• Five Defence Growth Deals worth £250 million across Plymouth, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and South Yorkshire.
• £20 million Defence Unicorn Fund, with 13 SME contracts already awarded through Commercial X.
• Defence Technical Excellence Colleges opened in Blackpool, Plymouth, Lincoln, Rotherham, and Yeovil, alongside up to 2,500 new student places in defence-focused university and college courses.

Rob Harper MBE, Founder & CEO Rowden

"The Industrial Strategy rightly recognises that the UK needs to be deliberate about where it builds industrial advantage. We have always taken a long-term view of growth in the UK because this country still builds things that matter, and remains one of the best places in the world to build them. We chose to partner with the National Wealth Fund because its mandate reflects that same conviction."

The Defence Sector Industrial Strategy

A targeted mix of support for the sector

Whether you are an established prime contractor or an SME looking to break into the supply chain, there is a range of support available to help you grow.

Defence Office for Small Business Growth
Dedicated support to help SMEs access and win defence contracts, guiding you through the procurement process step by step.

Visit the Defence Office for Small Business Growthopens www.digital.mod.uk in a new tab

UK Defence Innovation
Supporting firms to move from research and development through to procurement and export — through Defence Innovation Loans, Investor Partnerships and Growth Catalyst programmes. Closely linked to Innovate UK, NSSIF and NATO.

Visit UK Defence Innovationopens www.gov.uk in a new tab

National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF)
Investing in companies and technologies that strengthen UK national security, working alongside UK Defence Innovation to back the most promising firms in the sector.

Visit NSSIFopens www.nssif.gov.uk in a new tab

UK Export Finance (UKEF)
Helping UK defence businesses compete and win in global markets, supporting exporters to seize large-scale international opportunities.

Visit UK Export Financeopens www.ukexportfinance.gov.uk in a new tab

British Business Bank
Providing investment support to high-growth defence and dual-use technology firms through its £4 billion programme — helping businesses start, scale and secure private investment.

Visit British Business Bankopens www.british-business-bank.co.uk in a new tab

Commercial X

A dedicated MOD team that procures ground-breaking technologies and innovation at pace — signing contracts up to £50 million in an average of 31 days. With simplified terms and conditions, SME-friendly buying routes and specialist commercial expertise, Commercial X is designed to reduce barriers to entry and get promising solutions into Defence faster.

Visit Commercial Xopens www.gov.uk in a new tab