UK defence exports hit £20bn record in 2025

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The United Kingdom has secured over £20 billion in defence exports in 2025, marking the highest value since records began more than 40 years ago, the Ministry of Defence announced on Friday.

This was detailed in a statement titled, “2025 sees highest British defence exports since records began in huge boost to workers and companies.”

According to the release, the historic deals are set to reinforce the country’s strategic alliances, boost NATO capabilities, and support thousands of high-skilled British jobs.

From the UK’s largest-ever warship export to the biggest fighter jet sale in a generation, these agreements demonstrate the rapid delivery of the Strategic Defence Review’s ambition to make defence both a national security priority and a driver of economic growth.

The UK signed a £10 billion deal with Norway to export at least five Type 26 frigates, supporting 4,000 jobs across over 430 businesses.

Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said: “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.”

The UK and Norway also signed the Lunna House agreement this month, committing the Royal Navy and Royal Norwegian Navy to operate together in countering Russian naval threats in the North Atlantic.

Meanwhile, the Atlantic Bastion transformation of the Royal Navy’s submarine-hunting capabilities, including uncrewed systems, underscores the UK’s commitment to maintaining maritime superiority.

In addition to the frigate deal, the UK exported 20 Typhoon fighter jets to Türkiye in an £8 billion contract, securing 20,000 jobs across the country and strengthening NATO’s collective security.

Further sales included 12 C-130 aircraft to Türkiye, worth over £550 million and safeguarding 1,400 skilled jobs in Cambridge, alongside 18 transporter vehicles for Czechia produced by Devon-based company Supacat.

Rupert Pearce, National Armaments Director, said: “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, added: “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.”

Looking ahead, the UK aims to build on 2025’s record performance in 2026, pursuing further export deals for advanced aircraft, maritime technology, and armoured transport vehicles.

Recent reforms, including the establishment of the National Armaments Director Group and the International Collaboration & Exports team, are designed to cement the UK’s position as a leading defence exporter, the release noted.

With strategic partnerships across NATO and AUKUS allies, 2025’s record defence exports have not only boosted the UK economy but also reinforced the country’s role as a key player in global security.

Tosin, with over six years' experience, conducts incisive interviews, pens engaging features, subedits and delivers impactful stories for the digital sphere.

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