Market Trends of uk military aviation Industry
Rising geopolitical threats are the driving factor for rising defense expenditure
- As a member of NATO, the United Kingdom is committed to spending 2% of its GDP on defense each year. The country's military budget for 2022 was USD 68.5 billion, a rise of 3.7%. Out of the total government spending, the country has allocated 2.2% of its share to the military. At present, the United Kingdom spends more than 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on military expenses.
- According to the recently published Defense Equipment Plan for 2021-2031, the United Kingdom plans to modernize its armed forces to combat future threats. The nation plans to spend USD 321 billion (GBP 238 billion) on equipment procurement and support over the next 10 years, starting from 2021 to 2022. The Army Command allocated USD 55.7 billion (GBP 41.3 billion) to aircraft procurement, including an allocation for AH-64 Apache attack helicopters.
- For the purpose of expanding the naval fleet, the British Navy plans to spend USD 43.2 billion (EUR 38.1 billion). Fundings of USD 39.7 billion (EUR 35 billion), USD 58.8 billion (EUR 58.1 billion), and USD 24.4 billion (EUR 21.5 billion) were provided to the UK Strategic Command, the Defence Nuclear Organization, and the Strategic and Combat Air Program, respectively. The UK Ministry of Defence also announced its plans to procure additional F-35s and A400M aircraft in the coming years. The Air Command plans to retire equipment that is becoming increasingly obsolete in the digital and future operational environments.
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An increased defense budget is expected to help with the procurement of more aircraft and helicopters, thereby boosting the country’s active fleet size
- Eurofighter Typhoons, F-35, A400M, and C-130J aircraft form the backbone of the UK Royal Air Force. As of April 2022, the UK MoD was in negotiations with the F-35 Joint Project Office to purchase another tranche of F-35 jets. This second batch will consist of 26 aircraft apart from the 48 already under contract. The first batch of 48 aircraft deliveries are expected to be completed by 2025. The RAF plans to have three frontline F-35B squadrons, each with a strength of 12-16 aircraft.
- It also plans to retire Typhoon Tranche 1 and Hawk T1 by 2025 to enhance the efficiency of its fleet. Air Command also planned to retire the BAe146 as scheduled in 2022 and the C130 Hercules in 2023. The E7 Wedgetail, the next-generation airborne command and control aircraft, will replace the E-3D Sentry.
- The United Kingdom is planning to buy additional A400M transport aircraft. It placed an order for 22 A400M, of which 20 were delivered as of February 2022. The remaining two aircraft were expected to be delivered in the latter half of 2022. Earlier, in 2021, the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force also signed a deal for 14 new extended-range CH-47 Chinooks. Deliveries of AH-64E Apache Guardian are ongoing for the British Army as it aims to strengthen its aerial combat capabilities.
- Although UK defense plans to retire several aging aircraft, it will have to actively continue the procurement of replacement aircraft to avoid any gaps within the fleet. The country's continued support for Ukraine in its war with Russia may add pressure on its defense budget. This factor may threaten the country's usual place as Europe’s largest defense spender.
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OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Rising economic growth is expected to support the country's growth
