The UK has recorded its most successful year for defence exports in history, securing over 20 billion in deals during 2025, surpassing all previous figures since data collection started in 1983.

Landmark Deals Driving Economic Growth

Key among these achievements is a 10 billion agreement with Norway for at least five Type 26 frigates, supporting 4,000 jobs across over 430 UK businesses and strengthening naval capabilities against Russian threats in the North Atlantic. This deal, formalised through the Lunna House agreement, aligns with the Royal Navy's Atlantic Bastion initiative for advanced submarine-hunting using uncrewed systems.

Additionally, the UK finalised an 8 billion sale of 20 Typhoon fighter jets to Trkiye, the largest such deal in a generation, alongside 12 C-130 aircraft worth over 550 million, safeguarding 1,400 jobs in Cambridge and further bolstering NATO's southern flank. Other contracts include Supacat's sale of 18 transporter vehicles to Czechia from its Devon base.

Job Creation and Long-Term Prosperity

These exports directly support over 25,000 skilled British jobs for decades, spanning regions from Scotland and Lancashire to Cambridge and Devon. The deals exemplify the government's Strategic Defence Review ambition to position defence as an engine for economic growth while deepening ties with NATO allies.

• 10bn Norway Type 26 frigates: 4,000 jobs, 430+ businesses
• 8bn Trkiye Typhoons: 20,000 jobs across UK
• 550m+ Trkiye C-130s: 1,400 Cambridge jobs
• Supacat vehicles to Czechia: Devon manufacturing boost

Prospects for 2026 remain strong, with plans to export advanced aircraft, maritime technology, and Boxer armoured vehicles, aided by the UK's new membership in the Agreement on Defence Export Controls alongside France, Germany, and Spain. The AUKUS treaty with Australia also holds potential for up to 20 billion more in exports and 21,000 jobs.

Government and Industry Praise

Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, highlighted the dual benefits: '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.'

Rupert Pearce, National Armaments Director, emphasised integrated efforts: 'These export successes reflect the NAD Groups mission to strengthen international partnerships while driving economic growth at home.' Avril Jolliffe, Director General of International Collaboration and Exports, added that this approach builds lasting defence partnerships supporting both security and UK economic goals.

This record performance comes amid the Ministry of Defence's largest reform programme in over 50 years, including the new National Armaments Director Group and its International Collaboration & Exports team.