UK sees record-breaking arms exports as minister promises more in 2026 | Politics | News
Defense exports reached a record level this year, thanks to the government’s massive warship and fighter jet deals. UK industry generated sales of over £20bn to allies in 2025; This was more than any year in at least 40 years.
The Ministry of Defense argued that these figures were a boost to the economy and employment across the UK. Half of the £20bn sum came from Norway alone; Norway reacted strongly to a rival French offer, ordering at least five Type 26 frigates. The ships will be used to monitor Russian submarines and protect the North Atlantic, operating jointly with British ships.
Minister for Defense Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard argued: “We are demonstrating once again how this government is delivering on our commitment to make defense the engine of economic growth across the country, while also improving our security and that of our allies.”
“By winning the historic deal to build Type 26 frigates for Norway, we are accelerating growth in Scotland and across the UK, while better equipping our combined navies to counter the threat from Russia in the North Atlantic. By exporting Typhoon fighter jets to Türkiye, we are helping strengthen NATO’s southern flank, while securing high-skilled jobs in Lancashire, Scotland and across the UK.
“We are committed to working with our allies and defense industries to ensure the UK is a leader in global defense exports, with more to come in 2026.”
In total, nearly 20,000 jobs across the UK have been secured by a single fighter jet deal with Türkiye, which has ordered a world-leading 20 Typhoons at a cost of £8bn.
Looking ahead to 2026, the government hopes the AUKUS agreement with the US and Australia will bring more opportunities for defense sales, as well as a focus on the Boxer armored fighting vehicle.
National Armaments Director Rupert Pearce said: “These export successes reflect NAD Group’s mission to strengthen international partnerships while supporting economic growth at home.
“Working as a single integrated organisation, we make it easier for our allies to access the UK’s world-leading defense capacity, creating jobs and prosperity across the country whilst building the collective deterrence we all need.”
Avril Jolliffe, Director General of International Cooperation and Export (IC&E), said: “Global security always requires an open approach to international cooperation and exports.
“As described in the Strategic Defense Review, we are creating a single focal point connecting UK industry directly to international opportunities.
“This isn’t just about selling equipment; it’s about building defense partnerships that support collective security and the UK’s economic objectives.”
