UK 2025 Defence Review: War Readiness and Industrial Boost
The UK has released its 2025 Strategic Defence Review, outlining a major shift to warfighting readiness in response to rising global threats. Backed by increased defence spending—rising to 2.5% of GDP by 2027—the plan prioritises NATO leadership, modernised forces, and defence-led industrial growth.
Key highlights include:
- Building up to 12 SSN-AUKUS submarines
- Strengthening cyber, AI, and drone capabilities
- Overhauling procurement to support UK industry and SMEs
- Investing in skills, defence housing, and military readiness
Defence Secretary John Healey called the SDR a “Plan for Change” to rebuild Armed Forces strength and drive economic opportunity. Industry leaders welcomed the strategy but urged fast execution and skills investment.
UK to Boost Submarine Fleet and Nuclear Investment
The UK will build up to 12 new SSN-AUKUS submarines and invest £15B in its nuclear warhead programme, as part of a major Strategic Defence Review. Sub construction will scale up from the late 2030s, supporting 30,000 jobs and forming a core part of the AUKUS pact.
Other measures include:
- Shift to warfighting readiness
- Expanded munitions and missile stockpiles
- New CyberEM Command
- £1.5B for military housing
- 30,000 apprenticeships and 14,000 graduate roles
Defence spending will rise to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.
Babcock Wins £114M Contract to Defuel Retired Submarines
Babcock has secured a £114 million contract from the UK Ministry of Defence to begin defueling four decommissioned Trafalgar-class submarines at Devonport, starting in 2026—the first such operation in over 20 years.
The work, part of the Submarine Dismantling Project, will run alongside infrastructure upgrades and create 150+ new jobs, with over 300 supported in the supply chain.
Defueling is a key step before full dismantling, ensuring safe, environmentally responsible disposal. A pilot dismantling of HMS Swift sure at Rosyth is already underway, aiming to recycle 90% of materials.
UK Invests £1.5bn in New Munitions Factories
The UK will invest £1.5bn to build six new munitions factories and procure up to 7,000 long-range weapons, as part of its Strategic Defence Review. The move aims to establish a continuous weapons production pipeline and enhance readiness amid rising global threats.
The initiative will support 1,800 jobs and increase total munitions spending to £6bn this Parliament. Additional plans include expanding Armed Forces cadets by 30%, creating a UK Strategic Reserve by 2030, and allocating £1.5bn to improve military housing.
Ministers say the investment will strengthen national security and drive economic growth through skilled defence jobs.
Rolls-Royce Powers Canadian River-Class Destroyers
Rolls-Royce will supply MT30 gas turbines, Mission Bay Handling Systems, and mtu Series 4000 diesel generators for Canada’s new River-class destroyers. Part of the country’s largest-ever naval programme, up to 15 ships are planned under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Contracts for the first three ships (Batch One) have been signed with prime contractor Irving Shipbuilding. The design is based on the UK’s Type 26 frigate and shares key Rolls-Royce components with British and Australian variants.
NP Aerospace Secures NatWest Funding for Global Expansion
NP Aerospace has secured a multimillion-pound funding package from NatWest and Lombard to expand its global exports and operations. The deal, backed by UK Export Finance, is expected to create new jobs and follows the company’s acquisition of assets from Jankel Armouring Ltd.
The Coventry-based defence firm, which employs 380 staff globally, supports over 18,000 military vehicles worldwide and plays a key role in the UK’s defence supply chain.
MoD Plans £2.9bn Thales Deal for Naval Sensor Support
The UK MoD intends to award Thales UK a £2.9bn, 15-year contract to support Royal Navy sensors on ships and submarines. The deal includes maintenance, spares, and upgrades for sonar, masts, periscopes, and electronic systems.
Covering equipment like Sonar 2076, UAT, and T&V Class periscopes, the contract replaces the previous SSOP framework and ensures system availability through 2038. Formal award is pending.
Skyral Secures $20M to Scale Strategic Simulation Tech
UK simulation firm Skyral has raised $20M in Series A funding led by NOIA Capital to expand its AI-powered digital twin platform globally. The company, used by UK and NATO defence, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors, enables virtual modelling of complex real-world systems.
Backed by $100M in prior R&D, Skyral has supported UK Army training and COVID-19 response modelling. The new funding will drive team growth, product development, and global market expansion.
Surrey Teams Up to Cut Satellite Light Pollution
Surrey NanoSystems and the University of Surrey are trialling a new ultra-black coating, Vantablack 310, to reduce satellite reflectivity and protect astronomical observations. The coating will be tested on the Jovian 1 CubeSat in 2026 as part of the JUPITER programme.
The project addresses rising concerns over satellite brightness from mega-constellations and aims to support space sustainability while preserving dark skies for astronomy.
Blighter Unveils 15km Long-Range Border Radar
Blighter has unveiled the B422LR, its longest-range radar system, capable of detecting a person at 15km using just 4 watts of power. Covering up to 707km², the low-power, solid-state system is ideal for remote, solar-powered border surveillance.
The radar uses advanced FMCW and micro-Doppler tech for reliable detection in all conditions, with minimal bandwidth needs. Integrated with Blighter Nexus AI software, it simplifies setup and reduces operational costs.
ITAR-free and export-friendly, the B422LR offers a scalable, low-maintenance solution for global border security.