On 2 June 2025, the UK Government published the long-awaited Strategic Defence Review. The 130-page document is the result of thousands of inputs, adopting a whole-of-society approach to the defence of the realm. During the review process, ADS led 17 workshops with the MOD, convening leading industry, officials and policymakers. Our Defence Director, Samira Braund, is named as a Review and Challenge Panel Participant.
The publication’s recognition of industry’s role at the heart of our defensive capability is hugely welcomed. Our flash reaction is below – members can read our full policy briefing by logging in here.
Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS:
Today’s publication shows that the MoD has a plan, and a good one at that. Industry welcomes the intent, commitment, and, ultimately, the security that this long-awaited policy statement will bring. Clearly, as with all such initiatives, what truly matters is the execution of this intent and the resources to fund it. The MoD has acknowledged the need to transform both its procurement processes and its relationship with industry. This focus on redefining our cross-cutting industrial partnership means that businesses large and small can fulfil their role in growth, prosperity and delivering our defence dividend.
With the commitment shown, both in reforming the defence enterprise and in providing clarity of the demand signal, industry has been recognised as just as important as the front-line commands in navigating an increasingly unstable geopolitical environment.
Within today’s announcement, there are encouraging signs of how the MoD intends to become not only a better customer but also to support a more effective industry in turn. Take shipbuilding as an example: we are looking at the construction of essentially one ship a year for the next couple of decades. That “always-on” approach – reflected in other parts of the strategy – is very welcome across the entire enterprise. Industry can plan, invest, and, critically, retain the skills needed to build these highly complex platforms.
We also applaud the Prime Minister, Secretary of State for Defence and our military leaders for being more transparent with the public about the threats we face.
This is a significant step forward, and we welcome it.
Read the Strategic Defence Review on gov.uk here.
Sector Reactions
The Strategic Defence Review sets out major commitments across the UK’s aerospace, defence, cyber, and space industries, reinforcing our national security across all operational domains.
Hear directly from our sector leads on what the SDR means for each ADS industry…
Balaji Srimoolanathan, ADS Director – Aerospace:
The aerospace sector plays a pivotal role in the UK’s defence and security, and the Strategic Defence Review makes it clear that this role will only expand. With commitments to procure new F-35s, upgrade Typhoons, advance the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), and develop autonomous air platforms, the government has outlined a bold vision for a “next-generation Royal Air Force”. The air domain remains central to the UK’s operational capability and warfighting ability – delivering on these ambitions will depend on sustained collaboration with industry. As the sector’s trade association, we will continue to facilitate this important industry and work alongside government as we see this bold endeavour come into fruition.
Samira Braund, ADS Director – Defence:
The release of the long-awaited Strategic Defence Review is a significant and welcome milestone for our defence industry. It’s hugely encouraging to see industry recognised throughout the entirety of the review process, and we’re proud that ADS consistently convened with industry to ensure that this Review reflects the concerns and interests of our vital sector. On a personal note, it was also a privilege to be involved in this process, ensuring our sectors receive the support needed from our government. We look forward to continuing our close work with government to guarantee the successful delivery of this vital endeavour, being the voice of our sectors and helping to safeguard our national security.
Alistair Leuchars, ADS Deputy Director – Cyber & Digital:
In this new era of warfare and shifting security priorities, we welcome the government’s growing recognition that future conflicts will be won by forces that are better connected, more equipped, and faster to innovate than their adversaries. The Strategic Defence Review’s focus on the Cyber domain is a vital step in strengthening our national security and our alliances aboard. The creation of a dedicated CyberEM Command as well as the announcement of a Defence AI Investment Fund are important milestones for our growing sector. Deeper integration of cyber and digital technologies across our armed forces will be essential in tackling tomorrow’s threats. We look forward to continuing our work with government and industry to help realise the full potential of these emerging capabilities.
Alun Williams, ADS Deputy Director – Space:
Space is a vital domain for the UK’s national security posture, and we welcome the Strategic Defence Review’s recognition of this. It’s particularly encouraging to see the space domain identified as a priority portfolio for the National Armaments Director (NAD), as well as the UK’s commitment to deepening NATO-led industrial cooperation and the formation of a Defence Exports Office. This commitment reflects the strong and consistent advocacy ADS has delivered on behalf of its members over a sustained period as a powerful voice in defence and space. The next step is for government to ensure that industry has an integral, immediate role to play in shaping and delivering the UK’s national capabilities – we do not have the luxury of time. ADS will continue to ensure that the UK is the international partner of choice in the global space sector, and work closely with government to ensure our nation’s security and our technological expertise are safeguarded.
ADS Policy Overview
Read our summary of the policy highlights below – grounded in these five principles:
- NATO First: to have a “NATO First” defence policy
- Warfighting Readiness: to move to “warfighting readiness”
- Engine for Growth: for UK defence to be an “engine for growth”
- Innovation from Conflict: for “UK innovation to be driven by lessons from Ukraine”
- Whole-of-Society Approach: for the UK to adopt a “whole-of-society approach” to defence
