Defence exports hit their highest level on record this year, thanks to enormous warship and fighter jet deals struck by the Government. UK industry secured over £20 billion in sales to allies in 2025, more than any year in at least 40 years.
The Ministry of Defence championed the figures as a boost for the economy and jobs across Britain. Half of the £20 billion sum came from Norway alone, who put in an order for at least five Type 26 frigates in a major snub to a rival bid from the French. The vessels will be used to monitor Russian submarines and protect the North Atlantic, jointly 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 total around 20,000 jobs across the UK were secured by a single jet fighter deal with Turkey, who placed an order for 20 world-leading Typhoons at a cost of £8 billion.
Looking ahead into 2026, the government hopes that its AUKUS pact with the US and Australia will bring further opportunities for defence sales, along with a focus on the Boxer armoured fighting vehicle.
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 (IC&E), said: “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.”
