UK Defense News

Recent industry report about UK Defense company news, including latest market trends and industry updates in 2024. This sector news is compiled by Mordor Intelligence™ UK Defense Market industry experts.

UK Defense News

  • In November 2021, the UK Ministry of Defense unveiled the Future Soldier program to modernize its army to meet the requirements of next-generation threats across the world. The country plans to invest an additional GBP 8.6 billion (USD 11.55 billion) in army equipment over the next decade. With the additional investment, the country's army investment increased to GBP 41.3 billion (USD 55.47 billion) over the next 10 years. The country plans to invest in new generation equipment like Ajax armored fighting vehicles, Boxer armored fighting vehicles, Challenger 3 main battle tank, AH-64E Apache helicopter, long-range precision fires, and un-crewed aerial systems.
  • In November 2021, Elbit Systems UK was selected by the British Army to deliver the Interim Combined Arms Virtual Simulation (Deployable) ICAVS(D), a pathfinder project for its Collective Training Transformation Programme (CTTP). The ICAVS(D) is expected to replace Unit-Based Virtual Trainer (UBVT) (current in-service system) by April 2022.
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  • November 2023: Northrop Grumman Corporation successfully completed Thermal Vacuum tests on the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM), a two-satellite constellation designed to deliver broadband communications to the Northern polar region for the US Space Force and Space Norway.
  • February 2023: The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency awarded Maxar Technologies a five-year contract worth USD 192 million to provide commercial satellite imagery to US allies. Maxar will also provide three-dimensional data services to the allies.
  • September 2022: BSF launched a tear gas shell-dropping drone system that will be useful for security forces to control protesters and rioters. It can be used for launching shells from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
  • June 2022: The Iranian police added nearly USD 10 million worth of anti-riot equipment to law enforcement agencies due to the growing wave of protests across the country. The deputy commander of the Iranian police stated that the new equipment would help security forces to better execute the mission and strengthen the security of the country.
  • June 2022: Excelitas Technologies® Corp., a leading industrial technology manufacturer focusing on innovative photonic solutions, showcased its latest thermal imaging and camera technologies for military applications at the Close Combat Symposium. The exhibited DRAGON-S12 Non-Cooled Thermal Attachment Sniper Sight featured a 60Hz uncooled thermal sensor coupled with a near-silent aperture, providing exceptional sensitivity and uniformity. The PHOENIX-S product, designed for demanding ground-based sniper missions, demonstrated field-proven capabilities for early detection, recognition, and identification of targets at longer ranges, even in extremely poor light conditions. Its attachment configuration enables easy integration into a variety of firearm systems and optical riflescopes with a magnification of up to 25x.
  • May 2022: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) secured a contract to supply its MiniPOP electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems for the Philippine Navy's patrol vessels. As per company specifications and Janes C4ISR & Mission Systems: Air, the MiniPOP is an EO/IR system that can integrate four sensors into a single optical payload. It features a gyrostabilized single line-replaceable unit (LRU) housing a medium-wave infrared (MWIR) thermal imager with an XBn detector, a high-definition complementary metal oxide semiconductor (HD-CMOS) day color camera with continuous zoom, a laser rangefinder, and an IR laser pointer.

August 2022: Lockheed Martin Australia partnered with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) to explore systems that leverage artificial intelligence to support rapid decision-making at tactical levels of command and control across various domains.

January 2022: Thales Group awarded a 10-year contract to provide logistics support to the French military's national air command and control system (SCCOA). Under the contract, the company will ensure that the main components of the air surveillance system are sustained to meet the needs of the French armed forces.

  • In April 2022, the Armed Forces of Senegal signed a contract with Nexter to supply 8 105 LG guns and 105 mm ammunition. The 105LG is a 105 mm towed artillery gun known for its reliability and unmatched lightness (1,650 kg) and can be used in extreme climates and difficult terrains.
  • In March 2022, the Hungarian Ministry of Defense contracted with Rheinmetall to supply an extensive package of ammunition worth several hundred million euros. The order includes 120 mm tank ammunition and 155 mm artillery shells, including propelling charges and fuses.

In July 2022, the United States Air Force (USAF) partnered with Northrop Grumman to build LGM-35A Sentinel, formerly called the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), an ICBM that will replace the existing LGM-35A Sentinel missiles that are much older.

In June 2022, General Dynamics Land Systems was awarded a contract worth USD 1.14 billion to build new Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) light tanks for the United States Army Infantry Brigade Combat Teams. This comes as part of updating the main battle tanks and inducting new light tanks to prepare for any potential conflict.

In April 2022, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Australia signed an agreement to cooperate on hypersonic weapons and electronic warfare capabilities. The pact follows the AUKUS defense alliance in September 2021, which aims to improve cooperation in military capabilities among these countries.

In March 2022, BAE Systems announced that it had launched new electronic warfare (EW) suite to provide platforms with offensive and defensive EW capabilities. The system, called Storm EW Modules, is customizable for US and allied fleets and can be integrated into fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, uncrewed air vehicles, and guided missiles.

In July 2021, Aselsan announced that the company had delivered Next-Generation Electronic Attack System SANCAK (MILKAR-4A2 high-frequency jamming system) to the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF). The electronic countermeasure system was developed for attack operations against the high-frequency band communication systems on different field platforms.

  • In December 2021, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) launched two new joint ventures with French companies.
  • The first joint venture was signed with Airbus (49% ownership) to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and service provision for military aircraft. The company will commence operations in 2022 and initially support Airbus C295W transport aircraft and Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).
  • The second joint venture, SAMI Figeac Aero Manufacturing, will be established with Figeac Aero and the Saudi Arabian Industrial Investments Company. The company will manufacture titanium and aluminum components for military and commercial aircraft and helicopters. It will begin manufacturing by 2024.
  • In February 2021, the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) signed an agreement with NIMR, a UAE military vehicles manufacturer, to locally manufacture the JAIS 4x4 MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicles in Saudi Arabia. The armored vehicles are planned to be manufactured in the United Arab Emirates by NIMR. Later, through the transfer of production and technology, SAMI may develop its supply chain capabilities to enable the two companies to manufacture all the JAIS vehicles in Saudi Arabia jointly.
  • In December 2021, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) received a contract from the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) to construct two new corvettes. The contract was awarded under the Navy's Corvette Acquisition Program (CAP) and was worth USD 554.8 million (PHP 28 billion).
  • In August 2021, the Ukrainian government announced a three-phase plan to build a new naval fleet by 2035. The first stage is expected to be completed by 2024, the second phase by 2030, and the final stage by 2035. The modernization plan includes the construction of the naval base in Berdyansk and the development, construction, and induction of indigenously manufactured corvettes, military boats, and small submarines
  • In November 2021, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding today launched the second MRRV for the Philippine Coast Guard during a ceremony at the Shimonoseki shipyard. The vessel will be utilized for severe-weather rescue missions and patrolling in offshore and coastal zones, enhancing rapid response capabilities for maritime accidents and crime.
  • November 2023: Northrop Grumman Corporation successfully completed Thermal Vacuum tests on the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM), a two-satellite constellation designed to deliver broadband communications to the Northern polar region for the US Space Force and Space Norway.
  • February 2023: The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency awarded Maxar Technologies a five-year contract worth USD 192 million to provide commercial satellite imagery to US allies. Maxar will also provide three-dimensional data services to the allies.

UK Defence Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)